Ann Arbor Life

05/11/2026

Some moments just stop you in your tracks (even when your working).

In the middle of downtown Ann Arbor watching and filming Karl Denson, the man who tours with the Rolling Stones, played alongside Lenny Kravitz, and yes, was the saxophonist in Coming to America, absolutely owns the stage at Sonic Lunch.

This is what I love about Ann Arbor. On a random weekday afternoon, a world-class musician performs a free outdoor concert steps from local shops and restaurants, and hundreds of neighbors just... show up. No ticket. No fuss.
Just community.

Karl Denson & His Tiny Universe brought everything, funk, jazz, soul, raw energy, and the crowd matched it every step of the way. Liberty Plaza felt electric.

We at TheAnnArborLife.com filmed and produced this performance as part of our ongoing commitment to showcasing what makes Ann Arbor truly special.

Because real estate isn't just about square footage and interest rates. It's about where you choose to build your life, and the experiences waiting for you right outside your front door.

If you've ever wondered what living in Ann Arbor actually feels like, this video is a pretty great answer. Full performance linked here:https://youtu.be/nJFrt5CuUb8?si=LBbMuy8fLkEst1jM

Turn up your volume.
TheAnnArborLife.com
License #6501455099
Presented by Sonic Lunch | Sponsored by Bank of Ann Arbor

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03/27/2026

🏘️ 𝗔𝗡𝗡 𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝗔 "𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗" 𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘

If you’ve been waiting for the "right time" to enter the Ann Arbor market, March 2026 is delivering something we haven't seen in years: Balance.

While the median list price in Ann Arbor is holding steady at approximately $𝟱𝟲𝟱,𝟬𝟬𝟬, the real story is in the inventory. We are seeing a healthy 𝟱–𝟭𝟬% 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 this month, giving buyers more options without the extreme pressure of immediate multi-offer standoffs.

With homes averaging about 𝟯𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟱𝟱 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁, there is finally room for thoughtful inspections and fair negotiations.

Whether you're looking for a mid-century gem in the Old West Side or a modern build in Northeast Ann Arbor, the window is open to secure a home before the summer rush.

Thinking of making the move to A2? Visit theannarborlife.com to browse the latest residential listings or send us a message to start your personalized search!

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝟮 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀!
The two images I’ve included here are from last year’s incredible downtown celebration, and I’m thrilled to share that this Ann Arbor tradition is returning next month! Mark your calendars for April 10 & 12, 2026, for the return of 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻 and 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀.

These events are a huge part of what makes our residential market so resilient, people don't just move here for the homes; they move here for the glowing art, the giant puppets, and the "foolish fun" that brings our streets to life.

Whether it’s the luminous lanterns of FoolMoon or the whimsical daytime energy of FestiFools, this weekend represents the vibrant, creative heart of the city we love to call home.

03/27/2026

Happy Friday!

Bringing the Arts to your Friday... The University of Michigan Stamps Speaker Series always brings brilliance to Ann Arbor, and 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁 was no exception. For those who couldn't make it to the Michigan Theater, we are sharing his breathtaking closing performance. Pause for a moment, hit play, and let this world-class artistry start your weekend on a high note. Check out the Stamps School Speaker Series here: https://stamps.umich.edu/events/basil-twist

𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁
A visionary, third-generation puppeteer and MacArthur "Genius" Fellow, Basil Twist graced the Michigan Theater stage as part of the University of Michigan Stamps Speaker Series. As the only American graduate of France’s prestigious École Supérieure Nationale des Arts de la Marionnette, Twist has spent decades reshaping contemporary puppetry on Broadway (The Addams Family, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and in world-class opera houses. His closing performance in Ann Arbor was a masterclass in his signature "dream music" style—a genre-defying blend of high art and technical sorcery that proved why he remains one of the most inventive creators in the world of performing arts.

Here is a list of events happening in the Ann Arbor area for this weekend (March 27–29, 2026), Featured Community Events :

📅 ANN ARBOR WEEKEND UPDATE: MARCH 27–29

🌟 FEATURED COMMUNITY EVENTS

🎬 𝟲𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹: Ongoing through Sunday! Catch avant-garde screenings at the Michigan Theater.
🪶 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗼𝘄: Saturday (1PM & 7PM) & Sunday (12PM) at Skyline High School. One of the largest in the country!
📖 𝗝𝗟𝗖 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲: Friday & Saturday (9AM–8PM) at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. Over 30,000 books!
🎭 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝘇 𝗯𝘆 𝗨𝗠𝗦: A marathon staging of The Great Gatsby at the Power Center (Friday–Sunday).
〽️ UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ATHLETICS (HOME)
🥎 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘃𝘀. 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗱𝘂𝗲: Friday (4PM), Saturday (2PM), Sunday (1PM) at Alumni Field.
🥍 𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲 𝘃𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: Saturday at 2PM (Blue Out!) at U-M Lacrosse Stadium.
🎾 𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀: vs. UCLA (Friday 6PM) and vs. USC (Sunday 12PM).
🏀 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘃𝘀. 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲: Saturday at 7PM at Crisler Center.
🎸 LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
🕯️ 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀: Tributes to Queen, Beatles, and Fleetwood Mac on Friday night at First Presbyterian Church.
🎤 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗸: Featuring "Rabbitology" (Nat Timmerman) on Friday at 8PM.
🎻 𝗞𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲: "The Music of Anita O'Day" on Friday at 7:30PM.
😂 𝗔𝗻𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗱𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲: Ron Taylor performing Friday and Saturday nights.
🌲 FAMILY & OUTDOORS
🦖 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗗𝗮𝘆! (𝗔𝗔𝗗𝗟): Sunday afternoon at the Downtown Library branch.
🪐 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: Planetarium shows "Sea Monsters" and "The Sky Tonight" all weekend.
🐸 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗸𝗲: 6PM at Washtenaw County Parks.

Event: 2/12/2026. Basil Twist is a visionary, third-generation puppeteer whose work has reshaped contemporary puppetry worldwide. Deeply musical in nature, Twist’s love of music…

01/19/2026

From Drawing commuters in the NYC Subway, to Ann Arbor Main Street: Meet Sarah.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to find your true creative voice?

In Episode 4 of the Ann Arbor Street Art Encounter, we sat down with Sarah, an artist whose journey is as dramatic as the discipline she once studied. From her years studying opera in the heart of New York City to her days "drawing" in the NYC subway, Sarah’s story is a masterclass in the power of the "pivot."

Inside this episode:
-The 6,000 Drawing Challenge: How the NYC subway became Sarah's ultimate classroom.
-Main Street Magic: Watch as Sarah captures a 70lb Labradoodle (and his owner’s purple sunglasses!) in real-time.
-From Opera Study to Illustration: Why she transitioned from the world of classical voice to the sketchbook to find a deeper connection with people.
-The Gold Frame Philosophy: Why every person on the street deserves to be treated like a masterpiece.

Whether you're a local in Washtenaw County, an aspiring artist in Greater Michigan, or just someone who loves a great story of human connection, this episode is for you.

Watch the full documentary on theannarborlife.com:
https://theannarborlife.com/episode-4-sarah-nyc-subway-artist-ann-arbor/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/3CHvW7uM2AA

Sarah reminds us that in the middle of our busy lives, taking a moment to truly "see" one another is the greatest art of all.

Help us celebrate our local creative community! Like, Comment, and Share this post if you believe art belongs to everyone.

Real Estate Agent | Creative Producer | Brokerage: Real Estate One of Michigan (The Ann Arbor Life LLC) National Association of Realtors & Michigan Realtors Member - License #6501455099

12/22/2025

The Power of Two: When Collaborative Visions Meet Main Street.

Episode 3 of the Ann Arbor Street Art Encounter is officially LIVE! This week, we dive deep into the collaborative process of artist duo Sierra Fancher and Benjamin Laman.

From sketching in notebooks to taking over a public sidewalk, Sierra and Benjamin share the challenges and triumphs of merging two distinct artistic languages into a single, striking public work.

This episode captures the heart of what the Art Encounter is all about: community, conversation, and the evolution of public space.

Click below to watch the full story on YouTube:
https://tinyurl.com/y8568ahk

Don't forget to Subscribe to our channel for new episodes every Monday as we continue to explore the artists shaping the spirit of Downtown Ann Arbor!

theannarborlife.com

Ann Arbor Street Art Encounter | EPISODE 3: Serria Fancher & Benjamin Laman (Artist Duo)Discover the power of collaboration in public art! We sit down with t...

12/12/2025

Studio to Street: Episode 2 of the Street Art Encounter is LIVE!

We are happy to drop the latest installment of our Ann Arbor Explore Art series, featuring the amazing Krista Skytta of Sky Summer Design!

In this episode, Krista shares why she enjoys painting on a busy sidewalk on Main Street during the Ann Arbor Street Art Encounter.

It's an interesting look at the motivation behind public art and how her clean, nature-inspired aesthetic connected with our downtown community.

This is a must-watch for anyone who loves: Supporting local Ann Arbor and Michigan artists , understanding the creative process, seeing how art makes our community vibrant.

Click the link below to watch the full episode on theannarborlife.com and see Krista’s incredible work!

https://youtu.be/L7ohRj4Xk9s?si=_I9Pvx-D1kjGm0y0

Know someone who needs to see this? Tag them below!

EPISODE 2: The Drive to Connect | Krista Skytta at the Ann Arbor Street Art EncounterWhat inspires an artist to step out of the studio and onto the streets? ...

11/24/2025

The holiday countdown is officially on, Ann Arbor neighbors! 🍂

Whether you're hosting a big gathering, planning a cozy weekend, or looking for ways to give back, Thanksgiving week has a special buzz.

Need some local inspiration for the week?

Lace up your sneakers! The festive Ann Arbor Turkey Trot is happening on Thanksgiving morning (Nov 27th) on Main Street.

It's a wonderful way to kick off the day and support the ChadTough Foundation!

Need to Burn Off Some Steam? The Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation trails, like the Nichols Arboretum, are perfect for a pre- or post-feast walk or run!

Holiday Hours: Remember to check the special holiday hours for local favorites like Washtenaw Dairy or your favorite grocery store for last-minute needs!

Have a great week!

Whether you're looking for a great way to start Thanksgiving morning or need an activity for the kids on break, we’ve rounded up some key local happenings for you!

Key Events & Activities (Nov 24 – Nov 30):
The Main Event! Ann Arbor Turkey Trot

1. When: Thanksgiving Morning (Thursday, November 27th)

What: The signature 5K and 1K Tot Trot! A fantastic tradition to get moving before the feast and support a great cause like the ChadTough Foundation. Check the official site for start times!

Thanksgiving Eve Fun!

When: Wednesday, November 26th

2. What: A cozy, community-focused gathering at the Washtenaw Food Hub. A great way to connect the night before the holiday.

Family Activity: Public Ice Skating

When: Various times, including Thanksgiving Day

3. What: Veterans Memorial Park Ice Arena typically offers open skate sessions. Check their schedule for holiday hours!

Nature Break: Explore the Trails

When: All week long!

4. What: All Ann Arbor Parks, the Nichols Arboretum, and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens remain open. Perfect for a brisk, beautiful walk or run to burn off that pie!

5. Big Game Day! 🏈 Football Atmosphere

When: Friday, November 28th (The day after Thanksgiving)

6. What: Keep an eye out for local watch parties and downtown atmosphere as the Michigan Wolverines take on Ohio State!

The image below was taken this past Summer at Ann Arbor's annual Rolling Sculpture Car Show. Image: Theannarborlife.com

11/18/2025

Ann Arbor is More Then the University of Michigan, Why?

When you think of Ann Arbor, visions of the University of Michigan, spirited fall football games, and bustling students often come to mind. It's renowned as a fantastic place for families and a hub for incredible restaurants.

But step a little further, and you'll discover the rich, multi-faceted tapestry of life that makes our city truly special! Its diverse culture.

We recently (this past Summer) captured: a couple, enjoying a leisurely lunch in the Kerrytown section of Ann Arbor (next to Zingerman's) right off their tandem bicycle.




Image: theannarborlife.com

11/07/2025

Ann Arbor Life Weekend Update
Weekend Wonders & A Summer Flashback! ☀️

The air is crisp, but we're throwing it back to one of the most majestic summer events in Michigan! Who remembers the incredible sight of the tall ships gliding into Detroit for Sail Detroit 2025? What a magnificent view of maritime history! Tell us your favorite memory from the Tall Ships festival in the comments!

Happening Around A2 This Weekend (November 7–9):
Farmers Market: Grab your fresh produce and goods at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market on Saturday morning!

Ice Skating: Check out the Adult Open Figure Skating Competition at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube today and Saturday for some amazing moves on the ice.

Grand Opening: Stop by the Kerrytown Market & Shops this weekend for the grand opening events at The Knife Stop!

Chili & Golf: Sunday morning features the Leslie Park Golf Course Chili Open—a fun way to enjoy the course as the season winds down.

Children's Swap: Looking for winter gear? The Children's Winter Swap: Clothing and More! is happening on Saturday!

Image:theannarborlife.com

Enjoy your weekend, Ann Arbor! Stay warm!

10/24/2025

🎃 Ann Arbor Life Weekend Event Guide: October 25th - 26th!

Get ready for a classic Ann Arbor weekend filled with music, fall fun, and some spectacular pre-Halloween thrills right downtown!

HUGE Family Highlight: Halloween Downtown! (Sunday)
Don't miss the Main Street Association's annual family favorite: the Downtown Ann Arbor Trick or Treat Parade and Spooktacular Activities!

When: Sunday, October 26th

11:30 AM: Gather at the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) Downtown to line up for the Costume Parade.

12:00 PM: The Costume Parade steps off, led by the AADL, making its way down to Main Street.

12:15 PM - 1:30 PM: Trick-or-Treating at participating downtown businesses (look for the festive balloons!) and with the Ann Arbor Police Department.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Spooktacular Activities on Main Street, including spooky dancing with DJ Ron Don, face painting, games, and more!

For the Music & Culture Lover:
An Evening with Herbie Hancock: A true legend returns to the iconic Hill Auditorium on Saturday at 7:30 PM. Don't miss this opportunity to see one of the most celebrated artists in American history!

Octubafest: A three-day celebration of music for the tuba and euphonium, with recitals continuing this weekend. Check the U-M events calendar for locations and times.

Jazz at Weber's: Enjoy live jazz on both Friday and Saturday nights at The Habitat Ultralounge at Weber's.

🍎 Classic Fall Fun:
Ann Arbor Farmers Market: Kick off your Saturday morning right by visiting the market for the best local produce, fall treats, and artisan goods. Saturday, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

Cider Mills & Orchards: It's peak season! Head out to local favorites like Wiard's Orchards & Country Fair (Ypsilanti), Alber Orchard & Cider Mill, or the Dexter Cider Mill for donuts, cider, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking. Many have special Halloween activities this weekend!

The Kelsey Museum's Saturday Sampler Tour: Get in the pre-Halloween spirit with a tour focusing on "Halloween at the Kelsey: The Spooky, Weird, and Magical" on Saturday.

Get Active & Local:
Yoga in the Taproom: Stretch and sip! Head over to Bløm Mead & Cider in Kerrytown on Sunday at 1:00 PM for a relaxing flow followed by a drink.

What are YOU doing this weekend, Ann Arbor? Are you dressing up for the parade? Share your plans in the comments below! 👇

10/20/2025

Ann Arbor!

The official trailer for "EXPLORE ART: Ann Arbor Main Street Encounter 2025" is here!

This summer, our downtown streets were transformed into an open-air gallery, celebrating the incredible talent and collaboration between local artists and our Main Street businesses.

This documentary series, brought to you by The Ann Arbor Life (Theannarborlife.com), captures the creative energy and spirit that truly defines our city, Ann Arbor, MI.

It's a testament to the vibrant culture and unique lifestyle that make Ann Arbor one of the best communities to live in.

Watch the trailer now on Youtube, and explore the art that elevates our city!

Youtube:
https://tinyurl.com/2s425nvn

License #6501455099

EXPLORE ART: Ann Arbor Main Street Encounter 2025 [Official Trailer]Discover the creative heart of Ann Arbor, Michigan! Watch the official trailer for "Explo...