Ann Arbor Art Fair organizers preview July events, kids programs and logistics

Organizers for Ann Arbor’s three connected Art Fairs outlined dates, family programming and logistics during a CTN FYI special, saying the citywide event will run July 16–18 with expanded activities aimed at visitors and local families.

Dana Denha, host of FYI, opened the segment and introduced the fair directors. Angela Klein, executive director of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair (the original), Nick Lamer, executive director of the State Street District Art Fair, and Karen Bauer, executive director of the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, described coordinated plans across the three fairs.

“The Dart for Art is an amazing event. It’s our 12th year and it’s a 1-mile run,” Klein said, describing the Tuesday kickoff that leads into the City Party with family-friendly activations including a fire-truck spray park. Bauer said the Paint the Town Party will run Tuesday, July 14, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., featuring touch-a-truck demonstrations, chalk drawing and hands-on activities for children.

Organizers confirmed the Art Fair itself will run July 16–18: Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. “Don’t worry about the construction,” one director said, noting that downtown work is paused during the fair so streets will be open for visitors.

Transportation options include multiple shuttle routes and park-and-ride lots. Lamer outlined a $9 round-trip park-and-ride at Huron (Huron High School) and service from Briarwood Mall; he said riders must return to their original park-and-ride stop. Organizers pointed to a new lot at Thompson and William and emphasized shuttle stops serving East Washington, South University and Main Street.

Organizers also listed on-site activities and programs: the Stamps student gallery and an art activity zone featuring fiber arts and robotics demonstrations; a Youth Art Fair and an emerging-artist program; and bubble-painting and clay activities. Bauer described the Kids Collectors program, which returns this year: “Kids 17 and under can come purchase pieces for $10 each,” she said, with docents helping young buyers and artists receiving thank-you notes.

Music and food offerings were expanded, organizers said. Zingerman’s will present eight businesses under one tent; the fountain stage will host daytime bands and nightly headliners, including Delta 88, Misty Lyn and the Big Beautiful, and Annie Bacon and the Ocean. A new food court will be on East William with local trucks; Bauer named participating restaurants on Main Street and food-truck vendors on State Street including Slows BBQ.

Featured poster artists were also announced: Aaron Hannigan Sweeney (poster with geese, on site at booth 301) for one fair; Matthew Cornell for a Zingerman’s Deli poster; and Jonah Ballard, described for his live-painting booth and distinctive palette. Longrunning participants such as the Potters Guild (67th year) and a vendor identified as “Mr. B” (47th year) were also noted.

Organizers emphasized the fair’s economic and educational role. Lamer said the event supports year-round businesses and encourages audiences to collect art; Klein described school outreach and art-pack deliveries as part of efforts to cultivate young creatives.

For more information, organizers directed viewers to a2gov.org/ctn and CTN’s YouTube channel for schedules, maps and updates. The special closed with reminders of the Paint the Town kickoff and the Art Fair’s July 16–18 schedule.