University of Michigan adds so much to the experience of living in Ann Arbor! But, campus area can be overwhelming while students are in town. It definitely takes on a quieter atmosphere when the students aren’t in town. Parking becomes easier, restaurants are less crowded, and it becomes about townies instead of college students including some great local events..
Unfortunately, UM summer break also tends to mean construction season kicks into high gear. 2026 is no exception with a major construction project that includes the closure of the Blake Transit Center kicking off on Sunday, May 3 – the day after graduation.
Visit Campus
There are so many fun places around campus that are just more crowded when UM is in session.
Check out the campus museums.
- Natural History Museum
- Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
- University of Michigan Museum of Art
The University of Michigan Video Game Archive is also a great option to visit. Be sure to check their hours. They are more restrictive when UM is not in session.
When the students are away from campus, there are often great deals or fun promotions at UM sporting events. Baseball and Softball typically still have a couple of games after graduation. During the semester break in December/January there are also typically winter sports like Basketball and Volleyball.
Check out the School of Music, Theatre, & Dance for performances. They offer many free performances year round – but they are especially easy to attend when students are gone.
You can also explore campus art beyond the art museum. Check out North Campus which features the Wave Field and the Lurie Bell Tower which doesn’t have any right angles, Check out the various sculptures on campus – both central and north and be sure to spin the Cube behind the Michigan Union.
Visit Student Areas of Town
During the semester parts of Ann Arbor near campus are dominated by students – particularly the State St and South University area.
Pinball Pete’s recently re-opened on Liberty. With students gone, they will be less busy.
It’s also a good time to visit some of the eateries in this area. Have your kids been wanting to try Raising Cane’s which opened on South University this fall? While the students are gone is a great time to try it out. Or maybe you want to plan a trip to Pizza House. Or Ondo Bakery on State St. They will all be less crowded with the students gone.
Events on Campus
During the summer when students are gone, there are so many fun events for the community that are held on campus. The two biggest are Top of the Park and the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Top of the Park kicks off as AAPS breaks for the summer. For 2026 Top of the Park runs from June 12-28.
Ann Arbor Art Fair is centered around campus. For 2026 Ann Arbor Art Fair is July 16-18.
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Tips for Navigating Campus During UMich Breaks
Driving Around Campus
Commuting to UM becomes easier when students aren’t in town. Less students are driving to campus. Some employees may be able to work from home more. And, there are less students crossing the street disrupting traffic flow.
Just as the roads are less crowded, The Ride buses are also less crowded with less students in town riding for free.
Parking on Campus
While the students aren’t in town, campus parking lots are still permit only during weekdays (some require permits at night and on the weekend as well). But, street parking is marginally easier. And visitor parking is available.