Things to Do in Ann Arbor
A local, hand-curated list of what to actually do in Ann Arbor. Start with parks and the river, spend an afternoon on Main Street, catch a show at the Michigan Theater, and find dinner somewhere you would not have found on a national travel list. Everything here is cross-linked to our business directory so you can plan a day without opening another tab.
Arts, museums and theaters
Ann Arbor Arms
Ann Arbor Arms serves the Ann Arbor community as a local resource for firearms, accessories, and training. Located on Me…
Ann Arbor Golf and Outing Club
The Ann Arbor Golf and Outing Club offers a dedicated space for golf enthusiasts and those seeking social engagements in…
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum provides an engaging and educational experience for children and families seeking interact…
Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest
Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest is a hotel and conference center located on S. Huron Street in Ypsilanti, se…
Ann Arbor Summer Festival
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival brings a diverse array of arts and entertainment to the community each year, serving resid…
Ann Arbor YMCA
The Ann Arbor YMCA, located at 400 West Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor, serves the community with a variety of …
Ann Arbor Youth Chorale
The Ann Arbor Youth Chorale provides musical education and performance opportunities for young singers in the Ann Arbor …
Barton Hills Country Club
Barton Hills Country Club offers a private recreational and social experience for members and their guests in Ann Arbor.…
Parks, trails and the outdoors
Alpine Events
Alpine Events provides comprehensive event rental services for individuals, businesses, and community organizations acro…
Dawn Farm Community Barn
Dawn Farm Community Barn offers recreational opportunities and a unique community space located on Stony Creek Road in Y…
Gallup Park
Gallup Park is a popular outdoor destination for Ann Arbor residents and visitors seeking recreation and relaxation. Loc…
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Matthaei Botanical Gardens offers a diverse natural escape in North East Ann Arbor for all ages. This University of Mich…
Nichols Arboretum
Nichols Arboretum, often called "The Arb," offers a serene natural escape in the heart of Ann Arbor, adjacent to the Uni…
Sports and watching the game
Crisler Center
Crisler Center is a prominent multi-purpose arena on the University of Michigan's South Campus in Ann Arbor, serving as …
Michigan Stadium
Michigan Stadium, located in Ann Arbor's South Campus, is a premier sports venue serving fans of University of Michigan …
Yost Ice Arena
Yost Ice Arena is a historic sports venue in Ann Arbor, primarily serving the University of Michigan's athletic programs…
An Ann Arbor weekend, roughly
A Friday night on Main Street is the easiest introduction to the town. Start at Grizzly Peak or Jolly Pumpkin, move to dinner at Aventura or Frita Batidos, end with a cocktail at The Last Word or a late show at the Michigan Theater. Saturday belongs to Kerrytown: the Farmers Market in the morning, Zingerman\'s Deli for lunch, the Arb in the afternoon. Sunday, brunch at Afternoon Delight or Frita Batidos, then a walk along the Huron River at Gallup Park. That is three days, barely half the town, and you will want to come back.
Frequently asked
What is Ann Arbor known for?
Ann Arbor is known as the home of the University of Michigan, a nationally ranked food scene anchored by Zingerman's Deli, Michigan Stadium (the Big House), a dense network of parks and riverfront trails, and a thriving arts scene led by venues like the Michigan Theater and UMS.
What can you do in Ann Arbor for free?
The Nichols Arboretum (the Arb), Gallup Park, the U-M Museum of Art, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens trails, and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market are all free to visit. Art Fair in July and Top of the Park in summer are also free.
Is Ann Arbor worth visiting in the winter?
Yes. Winter is the quietest time to explore campus, browse the Kerrytown shops, catch a Michigan Theater film, or find a warm dive bar on Main Street. Happy hour crowds are thinner and restaurants are easier to walk into.
What is there to do in Ann Arbor tonight?
Our tonight page surfaces deals, happy hours, and events active in the current time window. It updates based on verified business hours and event times, so it shows you what is actually open right now.
Where should first-time visitors to Ann Arbor go?
Walk Main Street for dinner and drinks, spend a morning at Kerrytown and the Farmers Market, visit the Nichols Arboretum, catch a show at the Michigan Theater, and if football is in season, walk the Big House. Three days is enough to see the core of the town.