Live 'n Ypsi: Year-Round Events in your Own Backyard
/Some of the greatest events in Michigan happen in Ypsilanti. The best part? You can do it year-round! Check out what happens all year long in Ypsi, and make sure you’re catching all the fun in your own backyard.
Gear up for Winter
Vendor Holiday market at the ypsilanti freighthouse
The community comes together every winter for the annual Depot Town tree lighting, typically taking place in November. Drive or walk around Ypsi for unique holiday window paintings and some of the best light displays. Some neighborhoods even host light-decorating competitions! Keep an eye out for winter artisan markets and shopping pop-ups around the holiday season.
Come out for Spring
Ypsi Pride 2023
Beginning in April, participate in First Fridays Ypsilanti, where Ypsi’s retail shops, galleries, and restaurants within the city offer free activities, workshops, or specials. Stop into new spaces and discover something new every month!
More spring events include IFFY, a film festival gaining attention and hosted at Riverside Arts Center, the Ypsilanti Farmers Market running May through October, and Ypsi Pride, taking place in early June.
Ready for Summer
Juneteenth Festival Stage
If you love jazz, good times, and friendly neighbors, then you’ll love living in Ypsi in the summertime! The John E Lawrence Summer Jazz at Ford Lake Park has taken Ypsi by storm. Invite your friends and head to the concert every Friday night in the summer. Bring chairs and snacks!
Ypsilanti holds many community events and annual festivals. One of Ypsi’s most popular events is the Michigan Summer Beer Festival held at Riverside park every July. People come from all over to get a taste of Michigan craft beer, including Ypsi’s own breweries. More annual summer events include the multi-day Juneteenth Celebration, the Parkridge Summer Festival, and several classic car shows.
In the Fall
All hallows illumination of frog island park
Ypsilanti is beautiful in all seasons, and we especially love fall! Experience seasonal fun for all ages at Wiard’s Orchards. Wiard’s offers a daytime seasonal pass, great for families looking for day-time activities.
Ypsilanti is also a popular Halloween-time city with family friendly events and spooky activities. Annual fall events include Eastern Michigan University’s Homecoming celebration and All Hallows Illumination of Frog Island Park.
Year-Round
The Ypsilanti District Library hosts several events weekly at each of their branches year-round (downtown branch temporarily closed). Through the winter, the Whittaker Branch has a toasty fireplace to cozy up to while finding your next book.
Many retail shops and businesses also host events throughout the year. Play trivia most nights at local bars, and catch karaoke nights weekly. Whether you stumble upon these exciting events or seek them out, you’ll love what Ypsi has to offer.
Searching for more great local highlights? Visit Livenypsi.com, or view our blog posts for more stories like this.
