The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. That means it’s time to celebrate spring in the Ann Arbor area! Here are six ways to experience the season.
Get your geek on.
Plan your next visit to coincide with Free Comic Book Day, hosted by Vault of Midnight. A retail event like no other, hundreds of costumed fans of all ages will line up around the block to participate in what feels like a mini-comic con in the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor. While waiting in line may seem like a drag, Vault staff entertains everyone with games, prizes, and general shenanigans. Many other downtown Ann Arbor retailers will be participating in the event.
Score in Ann Arbor
AFC Ann Arbor kicks off its first season in the National Premier Soccer League this year, joining the ranks of some incredibly competitive teams throughout the Midwest Region. The Mighty Oaks host games all through out the Summer. Incorporate a soccer match into your weekend!
Photograph an heirloom peony garden.
Nichols Arboretum, located on the University of Michigan campus, features a stunning spring display of historic peony varieties. When filled to capacity the garden holds nearly 800 peonies and up to 10,000 flowers at peak bloom! The best time to visit is usually Memorial Day – mid-June. Follow Ann Arbor on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for bloom updates.
Tackle the Argo Cascades.
Did you know that Ann Arbor features kayaking along the Huron River? Suitable for novices but enjoyable for those more experienced, the Argo Cascades is a series of nine small rapids, rock chutes and pools. Continue down the river to Gallup Park — about a 90-minute journey — for some of the most scenic views of the area! Equipment rentals are available starting at 10am in May and 9am starting Memorial Day Weekend.
Take in Avant-Garde Films.
The annual Ann Arbor Film Festival is the longest-running independent and experimental film series in North America. The festival celebrates film as art, with screenings of all lengths and genres over six days in March. In addition to the films, you won't want to miss the artist panels, workshops, multimedia installations, and after-parties!
Bacon! Bacon! Bacon!
Join Zingerman’s in this epic tribute to cured pork. Camp Bacon® features a week’s worth of bacon-based events, from a film festival to The Main Event — a day filled with meaty speakers, lots of learning, and, of course, all the bacon you can eat! The festivities conclude on Sunday with the Camp Bacon Street Fair at Kerrytown. As always, this year’s Camp Bacon is a fundraiser for two amazing non-profit organizations: The Southern Foodways Alliance and the 4H Club of Washtenaw County.
Explore AnnArbor.org for more information about all these events and more in the greater Ann Arbor area. See you soon!