Summer events: festivals

Ypsilanti proud

May 19
Register at a2ychamber.org/foundation/ypsilantiproud
Ypsilanti Proud is a local event focusing on improving the city through volunteer work. Participants spend the morning cleaning, planting flowers and more—bring garden tools if you can. The purpose of Ypsilanti Proud is “to come together and take pride in beautifying our community,” according to Barbara Davenport, event representative.
located at parkridge park or a site near you | Free

Michigan challenge balloon fest

June 22–24
michiganchallenge.com
More than 50 spectacular balloons will fill the Southeast Michigan skies with color and spectacle. Although the Michigan Challenge is a ballooning competition there are more than just balloons. It’s a weekend filled with excitement, entertainment and fun.

parking $12 daily | $20 weekend
includes admission for everyone in the car.
Howell high school, Howell, MI

Elvisfest

July 6–July 7
mielvisfest.org
Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park hosts the king, and in fact, many kings. Now in its 19th year, the outdoor concert and festival celebrates the life and music of Elvis Presley, and includes a variety of family-fun activities.
This year’s event features professional Elvis tribute artists, as well as tributes to performers such as the Blues Brothers, James Brown, Tom Jones and other singers. There’s also a classic car show, free kids activities, food and merchandise vendors.

Friday $20
Saturday $40
kids 12 and under Free; two-day admission online only.

Ypsifest

August 24–26
ypsifest.com
Ypsifest, formerly known as Ypsilanti Heritage Festival, celebrates its 40th anniversary this summer. Activities have been expanded to include more arts and crafts vendors, food venues, and entertainment, featuring Ring of Steel Action Theatre & Stunt Troupe as well as Your Generation in concert. In keeping with tradition, the event concludes with a Rubber Ducky Race. According to organizer, Les Heddle, “It’s old, it’s new, it’s fun, it’s free, and it needs your help.”

Riverside park, Ypsilanti Free

Top of the park

June 8–July 1
a2sf.org
School’s out, the weather’s warm and there are a few sure ways to stretch your entertainment budget: one of them is the Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s Top of the Park. Held on East Washington Street in front of the University of Michigan’s Rackham Auditorium, Top of the Park offers admission-free concerts and movies under the stars.

Music starts at 5 p.m. Nightly line-ups typically feature four bands.
Movies start at 10 p.m. Events are Tuesday through Sunday.