As April arrives, the Ann Arbor area comes alive with the energy of spring, bringing a vibrant calendar of events across Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Milan, and surrounding communities. From colorful street parades and thought-provoking speaker series to live music, charity runs, art-filled festivals, and unique local experiences, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy this month. Whether you’re looking to explore downtown celebrations, support meaningful causes, experience world-class performances, or simply get outside and connect with the community, April offers countless ways to make the most of the season. With longer days, milder weather, and a packed lineup of cultural, family-friendly, and can’t-miss annual traditions, it’s the perfect time to get out, explore, and experience everything happening around Ann Arbor and beyond.

📷 Featured image of FestiFools Studio by Holly Burkhart

Arts + Culture

Brooklyn Meets Ann Arbor: New Music & Improvisation

Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor
April 1st, 7:30–9 p.m.

Kick off the month with an adventurous evening of contemporary music as Brooklyn’s acclaimed improviser-composer collective Tropos returns to the Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor for a dynamic double bill alongside Kenji Lee’s Fortune Teller Trio. Known for their “boundless energy” and instrumental fluidity, Tropos blends the improvisational spirit of jazz with the precision and timbral exploration of contemporary concert music, creating performances that feel both daring and thoughtfully composed. The program will feature new works and selections from Switches, developed through a workshop process with mentor Darius Jones, highlighting the ensemble’s balance of structure and spontaneity. Opening the night, Fortune Teller Trio, featuring Kenji Lee on winds, Andy Peck on bass, and Jonathan Barahal Taylor on drums, delivers a modern sound infused with the joyful essence of classic hard bop, setting the stage for a richly layered musical experience. With two distinct yet complementary sets and tiered ticket pricing (Red Dot Tier 1: $35; Blue Dot Tier 2: $30; Green Dot Tier 3: $25, with student/youth discounts available), this concert is a must for jazz lovers, experimental music fans, and anyone looking to experience a bold performance in Ann Arbor.

Penny Stamps Speaker Series Presents Lisa Hanawalt: Creating in the Age of Everything

Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor
April 9th, 5:30 p.m.

Art and animation fans won’t want to miss this engaging installment of the Penny Stamps Speaker Series at the historic Michigan Theater, featuring acclaimed artist, writer, and producer Lisa Hanawalt. Best known as the production designer and producer of BoJack Horseman and the creator of Tuca & Bertie, Hanawalt has built a celebrated career spanning animation, comics, illustration, and publishing, with work appearing in major outlets like The New Yorker and The New York Times. During this free, public talk presented in partnership with the Ann Arbor District Library, she will explore creativity in today’s fast-moving media landscape, sharing insights into her multidisciplinary projects, distinctive storytelling style, and the evolution of her artistic voice. With her signature blend of humor, surrealism, and emotional honesty, this in-person event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of animation’s most innovative creative voices.

Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings

First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, 1432 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
April 17th, 8:45–10 p.m.

Experience a fresh take on iconic hits at Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings, a unique, multi-sensory concert held inside the beautiful First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor. Performed by the Listeso String Quartet and illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight, this 60-minute performance reimagines legendary tracks by artists such as Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, Nas, Outkast, Missy Elliott, 2Pac, and The Notorious B.I.G. through elegant string arrangements. The atmospheric setting and genre-blending program create an unforgettable evening that bridges classical music and hip-hop, offering both nostalgia and artistic reinterpretation in an awe-inspiring venue. Doors open 45 minutes before the show, seating is assigned by zone on a first-come basis, and the concert is open to guests ages 8 and older (with adult accompaniment required for those under 16), making it a memorable night out for music lovers looking for something truly different in Ann Arbor this spring.

Community Celebrations

FoolMoon and FestiFools

E Washington St, Ann Arbor & S Main St, Ann Arbor
April 10th & April 12th, 4–5 p.m.

One of Ann Arbor’s most beloved and whimsical spring traditions, FoolMoon and FestiFools transform downtown into a vibrant celebration of community art, creativity, and playful spectacle. Hosted on Washington Street in Ann Arbor, FoolMoon (April 10th) is a free magical nighttime street party filled with illuminated, community-made luminary sculptures, live music, and joyful participation, where attendees are encouraged to wear homemade light-up costumes and even drum on pots and pans in true Foolish fashion. Just two days later, on Main Street in Ann Arbor, FestiFools (April 12th from 4–5 p.m.) brings the fun into daylight with a free, family-friendly parade of giant, imaginative puppets created and animated by students and local artists through FestiFools Studio. Founded in 2007 as a public arts initiative, this quirky spectacle celebrates creativity of all kinds, with oversized puppets, colorful costumes, and interactive street performances, making it a can’t-miss, free event that perfectly captures the artistic spirit of Ann Arbor in the spring.

Out of Darkness Walk at the University of Michigan

Ferry Field, 1150 S State St, Ann Arbor
April 12th, 12–3 p.m.

Join students, faculty, staff, and community members at Ferry Field on April 12th for the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk, a meaningful event dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Part of a nationwide initiative led by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, this annual walk helps fund lifesaving research, education, advocacy, and support for those impacted by suicide. Check-in begins at 12 p.m., with the walk starting at 2 p.m., offering participants an opportunity to walk, volunteer, donate, or sponsor as the community comes together to promote hope, connection, and visibility around mental health. Held at the historic Ferry Field, the event welcomes all who wish to support an important cause and help foster a culture of compassion and awareness across the University of Michigan campus and beyond. Register for the event here.

Midwest Literary Walk

Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St, Chelsea
April 18th, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hosted as part of the Chelsea District Library’s annual programming, the Midwest Literary Walk is a beloved celebration of reading, storytelling, and the arts that draws visitors to downtown Chelsea for a full day of engaging literary events. Programming includes talks and presentations from nationally recognized authors, giving guests the chance to learn about the writing process, character development, and the differences between writing for children, tweens, and adults, as well as opportunities to ask questions and purchase signed books courtesy of Serendipity Books. Select events take place at the iconic Purple Rose Theatre Company, where attendees can also experience play readings and interact with actors and playwrights. Designed to remove barriers between the community and the literary arts, this free, public event also offers a special perk for early arrivals: the first 20 families receive a coupon for a free book, making it an inspiring and family-friendly outing for readers of all ages.

Earth Day 2026: AI, Data Centers, and the Hidden Environmental Costs

Michigan Friends Center, 7748 Clark Lake Rd, Chelsea
April 25th, 2–4 p.m.

In honor of Earth Day, this thoughtful and timely program at the Michigan Friends Center explores the often-overlooked environmental impact of artificial intelligence and the data centers that power it. Led by University of Michigan doctoral candidate Keanu Heydari, the discussion offers a clear, accessible primer on how AI relies on large-scale physical infrastructure and why the rapid expansion of data centers raises important local concerns, including electricity demand, water use for cooling, land use, and emissions. Drawing on his research into the environmental footprint of digital services, Heydari will help attendees better understand the material realities behind the “cloud” and the key questions communities can ask when new facilities are proposed. The free, public event concludes with a community conversation and Q&A, making it an engaging and educational way to reflect on sustainability and technology this Earth Day. If you’re interested in attending, register here.

Sports

2026 Big House 5K

This run/walk courses through the University of Michigan campus.
April 12th, 8–10:30 a.m.

Lace up your running shoes for the 13th annual Big House 5K, a spirited run/walk that winds through the scenic University of Michigan campus before culminating in an unforgettable finish on the 50-yard line at Michigan Stadium. This high-energy community event not only offers a memorable race-day experience but also supports six local nonprofit organizations, with a guaranteed portion of each registration fee and all race proceeds benefiting causes that address critical needs in Washtenaw County. In past years, the race has drawn more than 12,000 participants and raised significant funds for local charities, making it one of the region’s most impactful spring events. Open to runners and walkers of all ages (registration required for all participants), the event includes chip timing, a race bib, commemorative medal, race photos, and a soft-blend T-shirt, creating a fun, meaningful way to get active while giving back.

USA Diving 2026 Region 5 Championships

Eastern Michigan University Recreation Center, 500 E Circle Dr, Ypsilanti
April 17th–19th

The USA Diving 2026 Region 5 Championships make a splash in Ypsilanti this April, bringing together hundreds of talented athletes from across the region for a thrilling three-day competition at the Eastern Michigan University Recreation Center. This amateur, co-ed championship event showcases divers of all ages competing for regional titles in a professionally organized meet environment featuring certified judges, high-quality equipment, and a supportive atmosphere. With an estimated 600 participants and around 2,000 spectators expected, attendees can look forward to an exciting weekend filled with impressive athletic performances, strong team spirit, and high-energy competition. Whether you’re supporting a diver or simply enjoy watching elite-level youth sports, this regional championship is a dynamic event that highlights dedication, skill, and sportsmanship in the heart of the Ypsilanti community.

Food + Drink

Wings and Whiskey

Michigan Flight Museum, 47884 D St, Belleville
April 11th, 5–8 p.m.

For a unique adults-only evening just outside of Ann Arbor, Wings and Whiskey at the Michigan Flight Museum offers a lively after-hours experience that blends aviation history with local flavor. This 21+ event invites guests to enjoy a curated tasting of Michigan-made whiskeys, live music, after-hours museum access, and a relaxed, social atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends. Each general admission ticket ($52) includes three full pours of whiskey and chicken wings, while designated drivers receive free admission. With educational tasting elements and a setting surrounded by historic aircraft, this event is ideal for both seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and beginner tasters looking to try something new in a memorable venue.

Downtown Milan Wine Walk

Downtown Milan, Wabash St & Main St, Milan
April 25th, 3 p.m.

Celebrate spring with a relaxed afternoon of sipping and strolling at the 10th-anniversary Downtown Milan Wine Walk, a festive event showcasing the charm of local shops and businesses throughout downtown. This free community event features 10 tasting stops, 12 wine samples, snacks, live music, and a few fun surprises along the way. Guests can enjoy a leisurely walk between participating locations while sampling a variety of wines and soaking in the welcoming small-town atmosphere. Each ticket includes a commemorative Wine Walk glass and bag, making it a perfect keepsake from an enjoyable day spent exploring downtown Milan with friends, neighbors, and fellow wine lovers.

Happy April!

April is a wonderful time to get out and experience the energy, creativity, and community spirit that make Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and the surrounding areas so special. From inspiring cultural talks and live performances to family-friendly festivals, charity walks, and unique local traditions, this month’s events offer something for every interest and age group. As spring settles in and the days grow longer, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore new neighborhoods, support local organizations, and make lasting memories with friends and family. Whether you’re strolling through downtown celebrations, attending a meaningful community event, or discovering a new favorite tradition, April is full of reasons to get involved and enjoy everything our vibrant region has to offer.

📷 Featured image of FestiFools Studio by Holly Burkhart