Sure, spring may officially begin in March but April is when the season kicks into full gear in Ann Arbor. Now we can fully embrace the elements of spring, from warmer temperatures to blooming flowers, and longer days to soak it all in.
This April, there are plenty of spring events in the Ann Arbor area, from Earth Day celebrations to wacky art festivals, and bike races to wine walks. Add a few of these events to your calendar to make this an amazing April!
Jump Ahead:
Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports | Food + Drink
Arts + Culture
Novi Home & Garden Show | Novi
Where: Suburban Collection Showplace
When: April 5–7, 2024
The Novi Home & Garden Show is one of the largest of its kind in the region, bringing together a variety of home-related resources, including exhibits, booths and seminars. Discover new home improvement products and services for every type of project imaginable, from interior decorating to landscaping. Plus, talk to experienced, established area businesses available for consulting or hire. Exhibitors include landscapers, deck and patio professionals, homebuilders, kitchen and bathroom remodelers, waterproofing experts, cabinet and countertop installers, basement refinishers, roofing and siding companies, and much more. Admission to the Novi Home & Garden Show is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and free for children 12 and under!
Beethoven Fest 2024 | Ann Arbor
Where: Michigan Theater
When: April 6, 2024
Don’t miss Beethoven Fest 2024, featuring two concerts in two months showcasing two of the most pivotal works ever composed for orchestra. On April 6, Earl Lee will conduct soloists and the UMS Choral Union in performing the Coriolan Overture, Beethoven Symphony No. 2, and Beethoven Symphony No. 5. There will be a special pre-concert talk at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 8 p.m. Purchase your tickets here!
Sunday Artisan Market Opening Day | Ann Arbor
Where: Ann Arbor Farmers Market
When: April 7, 2024
Starting on April 7, the Sunday Artisan Market will be popping up in Kerrytown each Sunday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Come out and celebrate the start of their 33rd season on their opening day! This open-air market showcases some of the area’s best artists selling their original handmade work in a range of media, from traditional to cutting-edge. Admission and parking are free!
Annual Fairy Festival | Jackson
Where: Jackson School of the Arts
When: April 20, 2024
Photo Courtesy of Jackson School of the Arts
Jackson School of the Arts invites you to their 17th Annual Fairy Festival, an all-day event filled with activities, crafts and snacks inspired by child-like imagination. Your little ones will experience wonderment and joy — and their grown-up companions just might rediscover the child inside themselves! Walk through the Fairy Kingdom, Mermaid Cove, and the dark mountain, and meet a Fairy Princess and Captain Hook himself. And don’t forget to dress up!
Tickets are $20 per child and $5 per adult, and each person attending must have their own ticket. Ticketed time slots start at 10 a.m., with 15-minute intervals available until 2 p.m.
Spring Fiber Expo | Saline
Where: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
When: April 20 + 21, 2024
Once during the spring and again during the fall, the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds are filled with fiber products of all kinds at the Spring Fiber Expo. Come by to shop, learn and meet makers of wool, linen and cotton crafts, see real alpacas and more! The expo extends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Children ages 12 years and under are admitted for free, while adults pay just $4 cash for one day or $6 for two.
Ballet Chelsea’s Cinderella | Chelsea
Where: Chelsea High School
When: April 20 + 21, 2024
Ballet Chelsea is performing their premiere production of Cinderella, with new Artistic Director Michelle Quenon at the helm, directing the exceptional talent of theater students and professional artists. Join Cinderella on her enchanting journey filled with breathtaking music, exquisite dancing, and of course, plenty of magic! This timeless classic is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Purchase tickets for the 7 p.m. performance on Saturday or the 2 p.m. performance on Sunday!
MSU Science Festival | East Lansing
Where: Michigan State University
When: April 1–30, 2024
Michigan State University is hosting the MSU Science Festival live and in person this year! This free annual celebration of science offers more than 200 events for the whole family to enjoy all month long, ranging in topics from the ordinary to the extraordinary. From astronomy to music, and chemistry to microbiology, science and educators across the state will share the wonder of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Click here for the full schedule!
Community Celebrations
FoolMoon | Ann Arbor
Where: Ann Arbor Farmers Market
When: April 5, 2024
Photo Courtesy of Myra Klarman via FestiFools Studio
FoolMoon is the nighttime kick-off event to foolishness! Gather at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market in Kerrytown to celebrate the arrival of spring and shake off the winter blues. This year’s event, which is themed FoolBloom, will bring spring to life with snapDRAGONS, EYErises, TIGER lilies, and other fantastical flowers. This year’s festivities will take place between Grizzly Peak, Frita Batidos, and Sweetwaters on Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a returning one, you will enjoy the event’s fun-filled activities and community spirit. Join the FoolMoon CommUNITY Facebook group to keep up with the latest news and connect with fellow luminarians and illuminauts.
FestiFools 2024: FestiFables! | Ann Arbor
Where: Main Street Ann Arbor
When: April 7, 2024
Put on your crazy homemade costume, bring some pans to bang together, or simply come as you are to the annual FestiFools event on Main Street. This unique public art tradition features bizarre oversized “puppets” created and worn by U-M students and community members alike. The event starts at 4 p.m. sharp — you don’t want to miss it!
Growing Hope Earth Day Fest | Ypsilanti
Where: Ypsilanti Farmers Marketplace
When: April 20, 2024
Growing Hope is hosting Earth Day Fest: One Community | One Planet, inviting the community to join the environmental movement. This free, family-friendly event will feature a variety of fun activities, educational workshops, and proactive ways we can all work together to protect our shared home. Earth Day Fest will take place at Ypsilanti Farmers’ Marketplace from 1 to 5 p.m.
Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival | Ann Arbor
Where: Leslie Science & Nature Center
When: April 21, 2024
The Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival is a free, family-friendly event coordinated by a coalition of local environmental nonprofits and agencies. Head to Leslie Science & Nature Center for displays, hands-on activities, live entertainment, green building and commuting technologies, energy topics, water awareness, sustainable agriculture, and more. This is a zero-waste event, so make sure you bring your reusable water bottle and put your waste in the correct receptacles! This event is free thanks to generous local donors and sponsors.
Earth Day 2024 | Ann Arbor
Where: Ann Arbor Community Commons
When: April 22, 2024
On Earth Day, the Ann Arbor Community Commons is hosting their own Earth Day program — as they have been for 10 years! Cultivated by the community, this event is free, open to the public, and family-friendly. Hear from a range of climate-oriented organizations working throughout Washtenaw County, and enjoy live music, dancing, and public art displays.
Sports
Big House 5K | Ann Arbor
Where: University of Michigan
When: April 21, 2024
Don’t miss the Big House 5K — a beloved community tradition since 2014! This exciting race takes place on the University of Michigan campus, where participants can run or walk the course before crossing the finish line on the 50-yard line of Michigan Stadium. The event’s main goal is to raise awareness and funds for six local non-profit organizations, which are carefully selected based on their work to address the community’s immediate needs. The organizers partner with colleagues on campus and the Athletic Department service pillars to choose the beneficiaries. Since 2014, this event has raised $125,000 for local organizations; click here to donate to these incredible causes. This popular event is sold out for 2024, but you can join the waitlist here!
Waterloo G&G Gravel Bike Race | Chelsea
Where: Robin Hills Farm
When: April 27, 2024
Photo Courtesy of stellafly via Waterloo G&G Gravel Bike Race
The Waterloo G&G Gravel Bike Race is an epic bike ride and a popular event for bike riders throughout Southwest Michigan. In fact, it is so popular that they maxed out their old venue with 805 riders last year. Their new venue at Robin Hills Farm in Chelsea is a beautiful backdrop for the 100K, 50K or 10-mile non-competitive and untimed ride. Register now to be a part of this epic adventure. There are a few spots open but they might sell out soon — so don’t wait!
15th Annual Ride for Recovery by Dawn Farm | Ypsilanti
Where: Dawn Farm
When: April 28, 2024
This family-oriented fitness event is an annual fundraiser for Dawn Farm, raising funds for their services helping addicts and alcoholics achieve long-term recovery. Community members at any fitness level are invited to register for one of five bike rides: a 10K “willingness” ride, a 25-mile “openness” ride, a 40-mile “honesty” ride, and a 58-mile “serenity” ride. There will also be a Farm Fun 5K and 10K Run/Walk, and a celebratory buffet-style lunch will be provided after the races. You can also choose to participate in any of the above-mentioned distances virtually, if you’d rather complete your race or run by yourself (while still donating to an amazing cause!). Family members not participating are asked to register for the lunch-only option so there is enough food for everyone. In 2023, Dawn Farm was able to raise more than $20,000 for their programs and services! Register to support this amazing cause this year.
Food + Drink
Milan Wine Walk 2024 | Milan
Where: Milan Main Street
When: April 27, 2024
Explore Milan’s historic downtown while sipping wine at the Milan Wine Walk, presented by Milan Main Street/DDA. During the event, participants can visit 14 tasting venues, each featuring two wines and complimentary refreshments. The event is exclusive to those aged 21 and older, who must present a valid ID to participate. Your $65 ticket includes 12 tasting tickets, food and snacks at each venue, and a souvenir Wine Walk gift. Before the event, registrants will receive an email with important details such as venue locations and check-in/registration information.
Happy April!
What events are you most excited about this month? Let us know in the comments!
