A2SF’s debut Annual Fundraiser Next Month & Annex Series Announcement
debut ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
Join Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF) on Friday, May 15, at HOMES Campus for the return of its annual fundraiser, debut. Guests will enjoy an evening of live music, intimate performances, artisanal drinks, creative hors d’oeuvres, and dessert as nearly a dozen artists kick off A2SF’s 43rd season.
This year, supporters are invited to step forward as a Champion. A $200 Champion ticket provides meaningful support for A2SF’s artists, programs, and creative work. Champion tickets include the full event experience, along with a deeper philanthropic impact.
Standard tickets are $125 and include two beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert. This is an 18+ event. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible: $75 for Standard and $150 for Champion. Buy your tickets here.
Event Details:
Friday, May 15 • 7-9:30PM
HOMES Campus
112 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor
Appearances By:
Cabaret Boreale
Ki5
Alexander the Magician
DJ Graffiti
Lorian Janine
Burlesque from Margaux Royale Productions
Drawn on the Way with Sarah Nisbett
debut Honorary Hosts:
Patricia Garcia & Dennis Dahlmann • Jean A. Lawton & James H. Ellis • Sandy Gregerman & Bert Rossi • Perry Pernicano • Anuja Rajendra & Vijay Sankaran • Carol & Rich Sheridan • Kendrin Sonneville & Matt Klumb • Marianne Udow-Phillips & Bill Phillips
Learn more at A2SF.ORG/debut
THE ANNEX SERIES
This season, the Annex comes to life with a full lineup of performances and community fun—there’s something for everyone. AADL fan favorites World Famous Trivia and Nerd Nite are back to challenge your brain and stretch your mind. We’ve got live stand-up comedy to make you laugh, installations and presentations to pique your curiosity, and enthralling topics of discussion to ignite meaningful conversation. Swing by for an inspiring spoken word night or time your visit with the offerings of musical ensembles, hands-on experiences with telescopes, bicycles, and so much more.
Located right by the iconic Triton fountain on the south end of Ingalls Mall near Burton Memorial Tower, 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!
The Annex: We Hold These Truths, Interactive Workshop with Artist Holly Bass
Friday, June 12 at 5:00PM | The Annex
What truths do we hold as Americans from varying backgrounds and beliefs? Join award-winning artist Holly Bass for interactive writing and artmaking activities as we discuss the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Holly Bass is the 2025-2026 Roman J. Witt Artist in Residence at the Penny Stamps School of Art and Design, whose work will be featured in an upcoming exhibition at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA). Known for her genre-defying practice that spans dance, theater, visual art, and writing, Bass is an award-winning artist and cultural worker based in Washington, DC. Her work — held in the collections of the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery — frequently engages communities through workshops, devised theater, and participatory installations.
Presented in partnership with the Penny Stamps School of Art & Design and UMMA. Learn more
I Am A2ZERO
Saturday, June 13 at 5:00PM | The Annex
Join us in building a brighter, greener future—one fun activity at a time! A2ZERO presents an interactive experience at the Annex and KidZone designed to boost your personal, household, and community resilience.
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!
A2ZERO is the City of Ann Arbor’s plan, vision, framework, and associated actions for a just and equitable transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by the year 2030. Join the movement at a2zero.org. Learn more
Stand-Up Comedy hosted by Julianna Loera-Wiggins
Sunday, June 14th at 7PM | The Annex
Stand-Up is returning to the Annex at Top of the Park, featuring some of the best comedians from Michigan’s stand-up scene!
Please note that this stand-up comedy show may contain mature content and is recommended for audiences 13+.
The lineup:
Patty Rooney (Detroit)
Pete Cender (Grand Rapids)
Jacob Russell (Detroit)
Andrew Yang (Ann Arbor)
Julianna Loera-Wiggins (Ypsilanti)
Emma Stevenson (Detroit)
Bike Pavilion by Common Cycle
Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30PM | The Annex
Two-wheeled friends! The Annex at Top of the Park is being converted into a Bike Pavilion, a one-stop spot for all things pedal-powered.
Learn a few basic maintenance steps to keep your bike rolling smoothly with tools and volunteer mechanics from Common Cycle.
🔧 Demystify fixing a flat
🔗 Oil your chain in 30 seconds
🛠️ Learn how to inspect your brakes and shifting
Pick up some bicycle accessories and learn about resources for getting around campus by bike with Wolverines-on-Wheels.
Meet folks from the Bicycle Alliance of Washtenaw to learn about Handlebar Happy Hours, the Ann Arbor Cargo Bike Library, and their other projects.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just bike-curious, come chat with friendly bike nerds about gear, how to protect your bike from the elements, city riding tips, Ann Arbor’s bikeways, or any other questions you have or projects you’d like to work on.
Give a hoot – ride a bike, and keep rolling smoothly into summer with us! Learn more
Nerd Nite with AADL
Wednesday, June 17 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
Telescopes with Detroit Observatory
Thursday, June 18 at 5:00PM | The Annex
The Detroit Observatory is excited to offer telescope observing, hands-on learning with telescopes, an astrophotography workshop, and more! Telescope observing includes safe viewings of the sun and the nighttime sky, and is weather-dependent. Learn more
World Famous Trivia with AADL
Friday, June 19 at 5:30PM | The Annex
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!
For more trivial info, follow this link: https://aadl.org/worldfamoustrivia
SUPPORTING KIDS AT EVERY AGE: A MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION FAIR
Saturday, June 20 at 5:30PM | The Annex
Through games, improvised conversations, and hands-on activities, families will build their own “toolkit” of knowledge and copy resources to help them feel stronger and more resilient, no matter what the day brings.
Explore the stations, play games, and ask questions. Together, we can build a community where everyone has the tools to support better mental health for themselves, their kids, their friends, and their neighbors.
Michigan Medicine mental health experts will share practical tips on the topics that matter most to kids and families, including social media, big moods and anxiety, and what to do when more serious mental health concerns arise. Learn more
Ann-Hua Chinese Ensemble and Ann-Hua Choir
Sunday, June 21 at 5:30PM | The Annex
The Ann-Hua Chinese Ensemble and Ann-Hua Choir were founded in 2017 by music enthusiasts in the Ann Arbor area who share a passion for traditional Chinese instruments, folk songs, and performing arts. The Ensemble and the Choir are dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and innovation of traditional Chinese musical culture.
The Choir is committed to bridging Eastern and Western cultures through combining Western choral techniques with the essence of Chinese music.
The Ensemble and the Choir bring together experienced senior musicians, young core members, and professors and students from various fields, forming a diverse, intergenerational artistic group. Through regular rehearsals, stage performances, and cultural exchange activities, the Ensemble and the Choir continuously enhance their overall artistic quality and expressive capability.
Over the years, the two groups have actively participated in various community and nonprofit performances, gaining rich experience. They have gradually grown into an important cultural bridge between Eastern and Western traditions, offering the community artistic experiences that integrate Eastern aesthetics and humanistic spirit. Learn more
Printmaking with AADL
Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30PM | The Annex
Get ready to get crafty! Drop in for a fun, hands-on printmaking session. 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! No experience needed, and all supplies are provided. Learn more
Being Black in America
Wednesday, June 24 & Thursday, June 25 at 5:00PM | The Annex
Being Black in America – Washtenaw County is a bold, immersive installation presented for the Washtenaw County Bicentennial by the Advisory Council on Reparations Community Engagement Committee, created by Asha Jordan. This is not just an exhibit—it is an experience that pulls you into the raw, unfiltered reality of what it means to exist, navigate, and thrive while Black in America today.
This powerful installation transforms space into a living, breathing reflection of identity, resilience, and truth. Through a deeply personal, diary-like environment, visitors are invited to step inside the unspoken—exploring code-switching, protection, cultural expression, and the desire to exist freely and unapologetically. It challenges comfort, sparks dialogue, and demands presence.
More than an installation, this is a full cultural experience. With live performances by Melodic Nocturne, a dynamic speaker series from the Advisory Council, interactive art-making, poetry by Brianna Davis, comedy by Dub Funny, and music with DJ BoomKat, each moment is designed to move you—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. From powerful storytelling to moments of joy and release, the experience flows as both reflection and celebration.
People from all backgrounds are invited to witness, learn, and connect. This is where art meets truth, where community meets healing, and where voices rise unapologetically. Being Black in America – Washtenaw County is something you don’t just attend—you feel, carry, and remember. Learn more
Spoken Word Night hosted by Madeline October
Friday, June 26 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+. Learn more
My Memories, My Story Printing Activity
Saturday, June 27 at 5:00PM | The Annex
In celebration of the summer 2026 exhibition ‘Marianetta Porter: Breath, Fragment, Return’ at Stamps Gallery, The Book Arts Studio at the University of Michigan Library, Stamps Gallery, and The Arts Initiative invite you to make a unique work of printed art and to explore the library’s collection of wood type, plus other print-based activities. Learn more
FOUND Magazine & Friends hosted by Davy Rothbart
Sunday, June 28 at 5:00PM | The Annex
Join host Davy Rothbart — Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author, frequent storyteller on NPR’s “This American Life,” and founder of FOUND Magazine — for an evening of FOUND thrills, hijinks, and mayhem. From kids’ music and kids’ magic early on to a game-show-style party for Ann Arbor’s vibrant Ultimate Frisbee scene to an 8 PM headlining set from Davy and his traveling road show, the FOUND tent will be rocking all night long.
Special guests Bandeau headline at 8:00PM, fronted by local music legends Greg McIntosh and Chad Thompson, close out the night (and A2SF) with rollicking tunes and a uniquely interactive stage show. So bring your own finds to share, and join in the fun for a one-of-a-kind, memorable, and magical night! Learn more
A2SF events are supported by a generous community of individuals, foundations, and businesses. The 2026 Title Sponsors are the 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 12 – 28, 2026.
A2SF champions performing arts, outdoor entertainment, and community spirit. In addition to a multi-week festival each June that attracts a diverse audience of thousands of people and offers over 200 concerts, art exhibitions, kids’ activities, spectacles, 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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Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF) 210 Huronview Blvd Ann Arbor, MI 48103 USA