Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF) kicks off its 42nd season with its annual fundraiser, debut, at HOMES Campus. Guests will enjoy a vibrant lineup of live musical performances, mesmerizing fire dancing, and captivating moments of illusion.
Each ticket includes two complimentary drinks and a curated selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres. This is an 18+ event. Tickets are priced at $100 and are available here.
Event details:
Friday, May 16 • 7-9:30PM
HOMES Campus
Honorary Hosts for the Evening:
Jackie & John Farah • Stephanie & Tim Freeth • Anuja Rajendra & Vijay Sankaran • Kathy Legatski • Rishi & Alison Narayan • Bill & Sally Martin
Learn more at A2SF.ORG/debut
The Annex Series
This season, the Annex comes alive with a jam-packed lineup of performances and community fun. AADL fan favorites World Famous Trivia and Nerd Nite are back to challenge your brain and pique your curiosity. Want to LOL IRL? We’ve got live stand-up comedy! Or swing by for an inspiring spoken word night. Plus, our friends at A2ZERO join in with hands-on, family-friendly activities that make sustainability and environmental action exciting and accessible.
Located right by the iconic Triton fountain, the Annex is your go-to spot for engaging events, creative energy, and fun for all ages. Don’t miss out—come see what all the buzz is about!
AADL World Famous Trivia
Friday, June 13 at 5:30PM | The Annex
Think you’ve got what it takes to be the trivia champ? Join AADL under the Annex tent for a high-energy, adults-only trivia showdown! Compete in two thrilling rounds packed with brain-busting questions, laughs, and friendly rivalry. Whether you’re flying solo or rolling deep with your smartest friends, you’ll have the chance to win awesome prizes, exclusive AADL swag, and, of course, ultimate bragging rights. It’s free, it’s fierce, and it’s all for the glory—don’t miss your shot at trivia greatness. Come for the challenge, stay for the fun!
Join AADL for this adult-oriented trivia event at the Annex tent. Compete in two rounds of exciting trivia action for big prizes, AADL swag, and glory!
A2ZERO
Saturday, June 14 at 5:00PM | The Annex
Get ready to build a brighter, greener future—one fun activity at a time! Join the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations at the Annex and KidZone for an interactive experience designed to boost your personal, household, and community resilience. From emergency planning and nature-based landscaping to creative reuse projects, neighborhood connection ideas, and energy-smart solutions, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
With hands-on activities, engaging stations, and family-friendly fun for all ages, you’ll walk away informed, inspired, and ready to make a difference. Come learn, play, and power up for a more resilient tomorrow!
Bike Pavillion by Common Cycle
Sunday, June 15th at 5PM | The Annex
Calling all two-wheeled adventurers! From 5–8PM, the Annex transforms into the ultimate Bike Pavilion—your one-stop spot for all things pedal-powered!
Get hands-on with the awesome folks from Common Cycle, Ann Arbor’s community bike co-op, who’ll be on-site with tools and volunteer mechanics to help you tune up your ride.
Test your skills at interactive stations:
🔧 Fix a flat like a pro
🔗 Lube your chain in 30 seconds
🛠️ Check your brakes and shifting like a champ
Get crafty with Wolverines-on-Wheels by making your own reflective decals—perfect for adding safety and style to your frame and wheels.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just bike-curious, come chat with friendly bike nerds about gear, city riding tips, Ann Arbor’s bikeways, or how to protect your bike from the elements.
So grab your helmet, give a hoot, and roll over for an evening of fun, learning, and bike love. Let’s ride into summer right! Learn more
Spoken Word Night hosted by Madeline October
Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00PM | The Annex
Join local performers for an intimate and gripping night of poetry. A true variety show, this set features slam-champions, distinguished literary artists, and zine fever-dream virtuosi. Hosted by Madeline October, with local and regional poets.
Please note that this spoken word show may contain mature content and is recommended for audiences 13 and up. Learn more
U-M Library
Wednesday, June 18 at 5:00PM | The Annex
Come take a break with U-M Library by exploring their Seed Library! Create seed dumplings to take and plant in your own gardens, take turns crafting paper planter pots or learn about their Seed Vending machine in the Shapiro Library. For anyone that doesn’t want to get dirty, U-M Library will also have coloring pages and blank paper, crayons and markers for anyone that wants to do their own alternative activity. U-M Library Outreach team members will be on hand to share information about their many resources for the community, including about some of their coolest collections.Learn more
Nerd Nite with AADL
Thursday, June 19 at 7:00PM | The Annex
Gather ‘round for an evening of informed and informal talks from a friendly neighborhood expert! We’ll have three speakers, each presenting on a different topic and sharing interesting facts that you never knew you never knew! Past Nerd Nite speakers have led deep dives into topics from the legacy of Louis Pasteur, to the origin of elements, to how a trumpet works, to a dissection of romance novel tropes. So bring a friend, grab a drink, and enjoy an evening among fellow nerds. Be there and be square! Learn more
Stand-Up Comedy hosted by Julianna Loera-Wiggins
Friday, June 20 at 7:00PM | The Annex
Stand-Up is coming to the Annex! Join some of the Midwest’s funniest comics for a night of uproarious entertainment. Local and regional comics bring their unique perspectives and razor-sharp wit to the forefront. Whether their riffing on the absurdities of everyday life, poking fun at Midwestern quirks, or delving into the hilarity relationships, these comedians fearlessly tackle topics with irreverence and hilarity.
Please note that this stand-up comedy show may contain mature content and is recommended for audiences 13 and up.
The Lineup:
Jacqui Marpa (Grand Rapids)
Pat Sievert (Lansing)
Brad Wenzel (Detroit)
Deanna Ortiz (Chicago)
Esteban Touma (Ann Arbor)
Hosted by: Julianna Loera-Wiggins
Telescopes with Detroit Observatory
Saturday, June 21 at 5:00PM | The Annex
The Detroit Observatory and the Bentley Historical Library return to the Annex at A2SF’s Top of the Park on June 21. This year, we are excited to offer programs across the day, with hands-on activities from the archive, astrophotography, and more! They’ll also provide a guided telescope observing the sun and nighttime sky. Solar observing is safely provided through special techniques and specialized equipment. Telescope observing is weather dependent. Learn more
Let’s Talk About It: A Community Event on Youth Mental Health with Prechter Bipolar Program and the Department of Psychiatry
Tuesday, June 24 at 7:30PM | The Annex
Our kids are struggling—and it’s time we show up for them. Anxiety, depression, OCD, suicidal thoughts, and more are affecting children at record levels. The youth mental health crisis is real, and it’s happening right here in our community.
Join us for a powerful and uplifting event featuring child psychiatry experts from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. You’ll learn how to recognize warning signs, support kids at home, and navigate the complex mental health care system.
Plus, connect with local mental health non-profits offering vital resources for families and youth. This is more than a discussion—it’s a movement to ensure every child has the chance to thrive.
Let’s come together to build a stronger, healthier future for our kids. Your voice matters. Don’t miss it! Learn more
Neutral Zone
Wednesday, June 25 at 5:00PM | The Annex
Neutral Zone is happy to join the A2SF for a dynamic Annex Takeover in 2025! For one vibrant day, the Neutral Zone transforms the Annex into a creative playground where music and art collide. Festival-goers can dive into hands-on experiences at our Songwriting Station, where aspiring lyricists can craft verses and hooks with guidance from teen mentors. At the Art Station, unleash your inner artist with collaborative murals, mixed media, and interactive visual art projects.
As the sun sets, the stage heats up with a powerhouse lineup of local teen talent. Catch live performances from rising stars including Margot Solomon, the genre-bending energy of Holy Cannoli, the raw intensity of Mass Dispute, the indie vibes of Broken Compass, and even more youth-driven acts throughout the evening.
Whether you’re jamming out, creating art, or just soaking in the atmosphere, the Neutral Zone Annex Takeover is your space to connect, create, and celebrate the next generation of artists. Come be part of the movement—where the youth voice leads and creativity knows no limits. Learn more
Printmaking with AADL
Thursday, June 26 at 5:30PM | The Annex
Get ready to get crafty! Drop in for a fun, hands-on printmaking session where you’ll create your very own Ann Arbor-themed masterpiece. Whether you’re repping your love for the city or just looking to make something cool, you’ll get to print your design on a tote bag or bandana—perfect for showing off your local pride in style. No experience needed and all supplies are provided. Bring your creativity, bring your friends, and leave with something totally unique. It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s all about A2! See you there! Learn more
Matt Sandbank • Still Life
June 27-29 • 7:00PM, 8:00PM, & 9:00PM
Friday, June 27 at 7:00PM, 8:00PM, & 9:00PM
Saturday, June 28 at 7:00PM, 8:00PM, & 9:00PM
Sunday, June 29 at 7:00PM, 8:00PM, & 9:00PM
What do we do when the world refuses to behave as we expect it to? Matt Sandbank takes on this question in his charming collection of nonverbal shadow puppetry stories, Still Life. Using lighthearted humor and intricately expressive puppets, Still Life delights audiences of all shapes and sizes! A2SF is pleased to have Matt return after an amazing engagement in 2022.
A nationally-touring shadow puppeteer based in Durham, NC, Matt Sandbank’s work has awakened a sense of wit and wonder at schools, libraries, museums, and festivals for the past fourteen years. Matt has performed with his shadows at the Nashville International Puppetry Festival in 2013, the San Antonio International Children’s Puppetry Festival in 2015 and 2017, the Puppeteers of America National Festival in 2019, and at DLECTRICITY: Detroit’s Nighttime Exhibition of Light and Art in 2021. His show, “Still Life,” uses shadow theater as a vehicle for nonverbal storytelling and, in a variety of comic and absurd ways, poses the question: what do we do when the world refuses to behave the way we expect it to? “Still Life” was named “Best of Fest” at the 2020 Frontera Fringe Festival in Austin, TX and has received funding from the Puppeteers of America Rose Endowment Grant.
Still Life is co-presented with the Ann Arbor District Library. Still Life is sponsored by Launch Trampoline Park.
Run time is approximately 30 minutes. More more
A2SF events are supported by a generous community of individuals, foundations, and businesses. The 2025 Title Sponsors are the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Ann Arbor District Library, City of Ann Arbor, Destination Ann Arbor, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Muth Law, O&W, and the University of Michigan.
Events at Top of the Park will take place between June 13 – 29, 2025.
A2SF champions performing arts, outdoor entertainment, and community spirit. In addition to a nearly four-week festival each June that attracts a diverse audience of over 80,000 people and offers over 200 concerts, art exhibitions, kids activities, spectacle, and film screenings, A2SF presents compelling experiences throughout the year on the campus of the University of Michigan and throughout Washtenaw County.
The mission of A2SF is to present a world-class celebration of arts and entertainment that enriches the cultural, economic, and social vitality of the region. A2SF was founded as a partnership between the University of Michigan and the City of Ann Arbor and produced its first season in 1984. For more information on all events, please visit A2SF.ORG.
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