Arbor Annie’s Events for Kids This Weekend Near Ann Arbor

Find the best events for families this weekend in Ann Arbor with Arbor Annie’s Weekend Highlights for July 17-19. This article is updated each week with all the best things to this weekend near Ann Arbor. Are you looking for the best events during the week? Find them here.

It’s Art Fair Weekend, but the big story going into the weekend is the air quality that became really bad on Thursday and will continue to be bad through Friday. Hopefully, it improves for the weekend.

Find The Best Things to Do Near You This Weekend

Be sure to check our list of closures, operational changes, and more for this week due to the Air Quality. Some events and places are closed, adjusted hours, or moved indoors.

Hazardous Air Quality Alert – What’s Affected in Ann Arbor

The Ann Arbor Air Quality was at a Hazardous level throughout Thursday into Friday morning. As of Friday afternoon, it had droped ino the Very Unhealthy range. It is forecast to be elevated through Saturday.We always joke about Art Fair weather being hot and stormy. While the temperatures aren’t horrible this year, the air quality is. I briefly…

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Art Fair started Thursday and runs through Saturday. If the air quality gets better, plan a family trip later this weekend.

Master the Ann Arbor Art Fair: Get Our Insider Tips

The 2026 Ann Arbor Art Fair runs from Thursday, July 16 to Saturday, July 18.Are you attending the Ann Arbor Art Fair with Kids? Check out our Ann Arbor Art Fair with Kids Guide. Don’t miss our Printable Art Fair Scavenger Hunt.Ann Arbor Art Fair 2026 DatesThe 2026 Ann Arbor Art Fair runs from Thursday, July 16 to Saturday, July 18. The…

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Make your own art with events like Make a Tile and More on Saturday with Motawi. Tie Dye with Dawn Henry on Friday was cancelled due to air quality and will be rescheduled at a later date.

Saturday is Ypsi Pride. Family Fun starts from noon-2p and fun for all ages continues after that. However, after 7p the Freighthouse stage is listed as Adults only.

Thunder Over Michigan Air Show is also this weekend – hopefully the air quality improves for spectators -and to provide clear flying conditions..

Take in some theater with Center Stage Productions: Pandemonium on Friday and Saturday night.

Encore, Encore! Live Theater & Concerts for Ann Arbor Families

The Ann Arbor theatre scene is lively. Several groups produce Ann Arbor theater shows for kids and families – or starring them.I love taking my daughter to see live theater and concerts. The local productions are so much less expensive than the touring productions so we can see more performances. There are lots of options for family-friendly af…

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Saturday night enjoy a family Movies on the Green in Dixboro. They’re showing An American Tail: Fievel Goes West – a definite throwback. Sunday Micigan Theater has Family-Friendly Film Series – The Great Muppet Caper showing for FREE!

Enjoy a date night this weekend with Cats and Kids on Friday or Parent’s Night Out at Hide and Seek.

It’s a weekend for animal lovers!. Saturday night is Fireflies of July at Kensington Metro Park. Sunday join the ACA Fun on the Farm Day at Happy Hooves Equine. The 4-H Youth Show starts on Sunday and runs through the following week.

From Alligators To Zebras: Ultimate Guide To Animal Encounters Near Ann Arbor In 2026

Kids love animals. Did you know there are lots of opportunities to see animals near Ann Arbor? While there are two great zoos within an hour, they are both day trips. There are several closer options that don’t require the all day commitment. These places to see Animals Near Ann Arbor include several nature centers, farms, and more.Where to…

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Or head to AAHOM for Engineering Day on Saturday.

It’s an active time on local farms. There are several Lavender Festivals – Lavender Bloom Festival at Jacob’s Fresh Farm in Dexter on Saturday & Sunday and the Lavender Kids Festival at Lavender Lane in Milan on Saturday.

The temperatures continue to be warm through Saturday (upper-80s) before dropping into the low 80s for Sunday and into next week. Hopefully the air quality will be safe for the pools and waterparks to reopen on Saturday.

And be sure to check out Arbor Annie’s Flight Plan for July. Here you’ll find themes for the month and activity ideas beyond events.

Burst into July with Arbor Annie’s Flight Plan

From the top of the treetops, Arbor Annie has scouted out the must-do themes for July. Burst into 4th of July celebrations, than keep cool as you splash through the monthArbor Annie’s Flight Plan is a new feature for 2026. Each month, it will give an overview of the full month. It will generally have less of a focus on events, and more on genera…

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Now Playing

The Odyssey opened this weekend – but is rated R (we originally had it listed as coming soon before the rating was announced).

• Moana – PG
• Minions & Monsters – PG
• Supergirl – PG-13
• Toy Story 5 – PG
• Disclosure Day – PG-13
• Young Washington – PG-13

Emagine’s summer movie isThe Bad Guys 2 through Thursday, July 23 then switches to How to Train Your Dragon (2025). The Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse has How to Train Your Dragon (2025) this week (Wednesday & Thursday, July 22 & 23)

Upcoming Movies

Check out the list of movies coming soon for kids, teens, and families.

• July 31 – Spider-Man: Brand New Day
• August 14 – PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie

Find Best Family Events This Weekend Near Ann Arbor

Check out all these events near you this weekend!

Friday Highlights

Saturday Highlights

Sunday Highlights

Looking Forward to Next Week

The 4H Youth Show runs through this week. A perfect place for kids interested in animals.

Sonic Lunch returns from its Art Fair break – and prepares to be back at Liberty Plaza. The Summer Carillon Series starts on Monday night. Thursday is A Night with the Stars – Washtenaw Community Concert Band. Plus regular weekly concerts like Ann Arbor Civic Band Concert and shows outside town like Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights in Chelsea,

Harmony in the Park: Ann Arbor’s 2026 Free Summer Concerts

Are you looking for free, outdoor summer concerts near me? We’ve got the details on the Ann Arbor Free Summer Concert Series 2026.Free Summer Concerts Near YouAre you looking for a list of Free Summer Concerts Near Me? If you’re in the Ann Arbor area, we’ve got you covered.Ann Arbor Concerts 2026Most of the series listed below are…

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The local libraries are hopping all summer long! Between the AADL Summer Game and lots of activities, YDL’s activities (and free lunches twice a week), and fun at Dexter and Saline, there’s almost too much to list (check the lists below). A few big highlights include the The Mad Hatter’s Totally Pretend Tea Party at AADL-Downtown on Wednesday, Family Maker Night: Gelli Plate Printing on Monday at YDL-Michigan Ave, Explore the Art of Dinosaurs at Saline on Tuesday, or make Ocean Animal Crafts at AADL-Malletts Creek on Thursday.

Enjoy the cooler week – and hopefuly better air quality with a trip to the pool or water park.

Monday Highlights

Tuesday Highlights

Wednesday Highlights

Thursday Highlights

Looking Forward to Next Weekend

Next weekend we start to move into the summer lull of events after Art Fair before the late summer return to a regular schedule.

Friday join Starbright Entertainment at Hide & Seek for Daniel Tiger Storytime – their last special event before closing for good on Sunday,

Saturday Pittsfield Township Parks is celebrating Parks & Rec Month at Montibeller Park or join the July German Park Picnic.

Michigan Theater has several screenings from the New York International Children’s Film Festival on Sunday.

Enjoy a date night this weekend with Pets & Pajamas Movie Night.

Friday, July 24

Saturday, July 25

Sunday, July 26

All Weekend Family Events Near Me

All of the family-friendly events near Ann Arbor this weekend are included below:

Friday, July 17

Saturday, July 18

	Date/Time	Event
	July 18 All Day	Kids Eat Free
🎟	July 18 6:30am-10:00am	Escape to Belle Isle at Belle Isle, Detroit Michigan
🆓	July 18 7:00am-3:00pm	Ann Arbor Farmers Market at Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Ann Arbor MI
🆓	July 18 8:00am-1:00pm	Chelsea Farmers Market at Palmer Commons, Chelsea Michigan
🆓	July 18 8:00am-1:00pm	Dexter Farmers Market - CANCELED at Dexter Farmers Market, Dexter Michigan
🆓	July 18 8:00am-9:30am	Lillie parkrun at Lillie Park, Ann Arbor MI
🆓	July 18 8:00am-12:00pm	Saline Famers Market at Downtown Saline, Saline Michigan
💙	July 18 9:00am-6:00pm	Lavender Bloom Festival at Jacob’s Fresh Farm, Dexter Michigan
	July 18 9:00am-10:00am	Toddler Time at Launch Trampoline at Launch Trampoline, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓	July 18 9:00am-1:00pm	White Lotus Farms Farmers Market - CANCELED at White Lotus Farms, Ann Arbor MI
🆓	July 18 9:00am-1:00pm	Ypsilanti Farmers Market at Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers Market, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓	July 18 10:00am-8:00pm	Ann Arbor Art Fair at Ingalls Mall, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙	July 18 10:00am-4:00pm	Lavender Kids Festival at Lavender Lane, Milan Michigan
💙	July 18 10:00am-3:00pm	Make a Tile and More at Motawi Tileworks, Ann Arbor Michigan
	July 18 10:00am-12:00pm	Summer of Discovery at Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Ann Arbor MI
💙🎟$	July 18 10:30am-11:30am	Little Paws Storytime at Humane Society of Huron Valley, Ann Arbor Michigan
🆓	July 18 10:30am-11:00am	Play the Kerrytown Chime at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	July 18 11:00am-12:00pm	Bluey Party! at Westgate Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	July 18 11:00am-12:00pm	Drop-In Preschool Makerspace at Dexter District Library, Dexter Michigan
💙	July 18 11:00am-1:00pm	Engineering Day at Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Ann Arbor MI
💙🎟	July 18 11:30am	The Bad Guys 2 - Sumer Kids Series at Emagine Saline, Saline Michigan
💙	July 18 12:00pm-3:00pm	Critter House Open Hours at Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor MI
💙🆓	July 18 12:00pm-1:00pm	Fairy Garden Terrariums at Ypsilanti District Library – Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓	July 18 12:00pm-4:00pm	U-M Medical History Exhibit at Museum on Main Street, Ann Arbor Michigan This free exhibit celebrates the Medical School's 175th anniversary, and the 100th anniversary of the "Old Main" hospital that was U-M's flagship for more than 60 years. It runs on weekends through August 30. Kids and grownups can explore artifacts including 1800s surgical kits, a 1910s wheelchair, early scientific equipment...Read More
🆓🎟	July 18 12:00pm-1:00pm	Wee-Write at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓	July 18 12:00pm-10:00pm	Ypsi Pride at Riverside Park, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓	July 18 1:00pm-2:00pm	Fabulous Fingerprint Necklaces at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	July 18 1:00pm-2:00pm	Jukebox Bingo: Taylor Swift Edition at Malletts Creek Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	July 18 1:00pm-3:00pm	Splatoon 3: Salmon Run Summit at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	July 18 2:00pm-4:00pm	Candy Sushi for Kids at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🎟	July 18 2:00pm	Center Stage Productions: Pandemonium at Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti MI
💙🆓	July 18 2:00pm-3:30pm	DJ Workshop at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟$	July 18 2:00pm-4:00pm	Fabric Collage: Sewing Kit at SCRAP Creative Reuse, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙	July 18 3:00pm-10:00pm	Thunder Over Michigan Air Show at Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓	July 18 4:00pm-5:30pm	Punk Embroidery at Westgate Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟	July 18 5:00pm-8:00pm	Parent's Night Out at Hide and Seek Play Boutique, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	July 18 6:00pm-9:00pm	YCS Jazz in the Parking Lot at Ypsilanti Community High School, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🎟	July 18 7:00pm	Center Stage Productions: Pandemonium at Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti MI
💙🆓	July 18 8:00pm-10:00pm	CANCELED - Movies on the Green at Dixboro Farmers Market, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟	July 18 8:30pm-9:30pm	Fireflies of July at Kensington Metropark, Milford Michigan

Sunday, July 19

	Date/Time	Event
	July 19 All Day	Kids Eat Free
💙🆓	July 19 9:00am-8:00pm	4-H Youth Show at Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙	July 19 9:00am-4:00pm	Lavender Bloom Festival at Jacob’s Fresh Farm, Dexter Michigan
	July 19 9:00am-1:00pm	Tot Splash at Buhr Park Pool, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟	July 19 10:00am-1:00pm	Mindful Mornings — Family Practice in Community Parks at Hunt Park, Ann Arbor Mcihigan A summer series of morning gatherings for families to slow down, practice mindfulness, and enjoy some unhurried time in the park. The intention is equal parts mindfulness and community — a chance to connect with other parents and kids in a relaxed outdoor setting, waking up our awareness powers while...Read More
	July 19 10:00am-12:00pm	Summer of Discovery at Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Ann Arbor MI
🆓	July 19 10:00am-2:00pm	Whitmore Lake Farmers Market at Northfield Community Park, Whitmore Lake Michigan
💙🆓	July 19 11:00am	Family-Friendly Film Series - The Great Muppet Caper at Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor MI
💙🎟	July 19 11:30am	The Bad Guys 2 - Sumer Kids Series at Emagine Saline, Saline Michigan
💙	July 19 12:00pm-3:00pm	Critter House Open Hours at Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor MI
💙🆓	July 19 12:00pm-4:00pm	U-M Medical History Exhibit at Museum on Main Street, Ann Arbor Michigan This free exhibit celebrates the Medical School's 175th anniversary, and the 100th anniversary of the "Old Main" hospital that was U-M's flagship for more than 60 years. It runs on weekends through August 30. Kids and grownups can explore artifacts including 1800s surgical kits, a 1910s wheelchair, early scientific equipment...Read More
💙🎟	July 19 1:00pm-4:00pm	ACA Fun on the Farm Day at Happy Hooves Equine, Dexter Michigan
💙🆓	July 19 1:00pm-2:00pm	Family Friendly Drum Circle with Drummunity at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	July 19 2:00pm-3:00pm	Drag Bingo with Baddie Brooks at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	July 19 2:00pm-3:00pm	Storytelling with Sculptures and Puppets at Malletts Creek Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟	July 19 3:00pm-5:00pm	Fairy Doors (July Edition) at SCRAP Creative Reuse, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	July 19 3:00pm-5:00pm	Natural Dye Resist Print Bandanas and Totes at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓	July 19 3:00pm-4:30pm	Nature Play PopUp - Snake Week! Snake Clay Play at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙	July 19 3:00pm-10:00pm	Thunder Over Michigan Air Show at Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti Michigan

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