🌞 Your Weekend Guide: Things to Do in Washtenaw County (and Beyond) — August 8-9, 2026

 

Summer isn't done with us yet. This weekend brings a full slate of festivals, farmers markets, live music, and family fun right here in Washtenaw County, plus a few reasons to take a short road trip elsewhere in Michigan. Whether you're looking for something low-key on a Saturday morning or a full day out, here's where to go.

📍 Right Here in Washtenaw County

🎶 Fun Fest at Frog Island Park — Ypsilanti Ypsilanti's Frog Island Park hosts its annual Fun Fest starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Expect a full afternoon of live music, local art, and vendors in a laid-back riverside setting — a nice way to spend a summer Saturday without leaving the county.

🥕 Ann Arbor Farmers Market — Kerrytown The Kerrytown farmers market runs Saturday morning starting at 7 a.m., as it does every week this time of year. It's the easiest way to fill your fridge with local produce while catching up with neighbors — always a good excuse to stroll the rest of the Kerrytown district afterward.

🎻 Kerrytown Concert House's Edgefest If you're in the mood for something a little different, Kerrytown Concert House is marking the 30th year of Edgefest, its multi-day festival of new and improvised music. Worth a look if you enjoy live performance that pushes past the usual.

🍔 Foodie Fridays at County Farm Park A weekly gathering of food trucks and community atmosphere at County Farm Park — a relaxed way to grab dinner outdoors if you're heading into the weekend on a Friday evening.

🎨 Around the County Saline's Arts and Crafts Show along Ann Arbor Street brings music, a 5K, food, crafts, and games to downtown Saline this weekend — a good option if you want small-town festival charm without a long drive.

🚗 A Little Farther Afield in Michigan

If you're up for a short drive, several standout events are happening across the state this same weekend:

🫐 National Blueberry Festival — South Haven Running through Sunday, this South Haven tradition includes a sand sculpture contest, live music on the riverfront, a parade, a Blueberry Pie Social, a craft fair, and a 5K. A classic West Michigan summer weekend.

🍺 Great Lakes Beer Festival — Midland Held at Dow Diamond, this festival brings together more than 50 Michigan craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries for an afternoon of local tastings.

🛍️ Michigan Made Festival — Lake Orion A celebration of all things homegrown — Michigan crafters, beer, cider, wine, food, and live music at Canterbury Village, running Saturday and Sunday.

🪶 Odawa Homecoming Pow Wow — Harbor Springs A meaningful cultural event featuring traditional dance, drumming, and craft vendors, taking place this weekend up north.

🔨 International Ironworkers Festival — Mackinaw City Ironworkers from across the U.S. and Canada gather for friendly competition — a fun, offbeat destination if you're already headed toward the Mackinac area.

🎪 Milford Memories Summer Festival — Milford A well-loved small-town festival with vendors, entertainment, and food running throughout the weekend in downtown Milford.

🎩 Abracadabra in Colon For something truly unique, Colon — known as the "Magic Capital of the World" — hosts its annual gathering of magicians from around the globe this week.

📅 Looking a Bit Further Ahead

If this weekend doesn't work out, mark your calendar for the Ann Arbor Local Food Festival on August 27th at the Farmers Market Pavilion, featuring tastings, cooking demos, live music, and family activities — always a favorite for anyone who loves supporting local growers.

Wherever you land this weekend — a festival two towns over or your own front porch — I hope you get some good time outside while the summer weather holds. If you spot me out and about at any of these, don't hesitate to say hello! 👋

Enjoy the weekend, Dani