About Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor area is a small, friendly town with big city sophistication; a world-class educational and high-tech research center nestled in a rural setting; a community of charming neighborhoods with a rich mix of cultures.
Although geographically small, the area is perhaps most renowned for its cultural offerings. From exclusive art exhibits to performances by jazz legends, there are abundant opportunities to enjoy arts and culture. More than 30 independent bookstores, dozens of unique galleries, and a variety of top-notch museums; including the newly-renovated University of Michigan Museum of Art — are all within the downtown limits.
The Ann Arbor area also offers a bounty of recreational activities for those looking to golf, hike, or cycle, and three metroparks are within a short drive of the city center.
In the warmer months, the area offers an array of street festivals and outdoor fairs. The award-winning Ann Arbor Art Fair draws an annual crowd of nearly 500,000 as the streets of downtown are transformed into an outdoor art gallery. In the fall, football Saturdays more than 100,000 people fill "The Big House" to watch the Wolverines.
Visit the Ann Arbor Conventions and Visitors Bureau for more information.
Events
Here are some of the most popular summer events in Ann Arbor:
June 9- June 25 is the Ann Arbor Summer Festival.
July 20 - July 23 is the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Transportation - UM Buses
The big blue buses will take you around campus. They are free, and nominally you should show your ID card.
Service to and from major parking lots with stops on South, Central, Medical, and North campuses. It operates Monday through Friday only. See the Northbound and Southbound Route Maps and Schedules for more details.
Service between Central Campus and the Northwood Housing areas on North Campus. It operates 7 days a week, year round, except for University holidays. See the Route Map and Schedule for more details. See this additional document for a list of weekend service gaps.
AATA Buses
The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority Buses - The Ride - are free to anyone with a UM ID. Routes and schedules are available here.