By TAYLOR ROBINSON
Staff Writer
And SOFIA LYNCH
Features Editor
Whether it’s music, food, movies, or all of the above, Washtenaw County and surrounding areas are providing numerous must-see festivals this summer. While some last just for the day or even a few days, each one offers something unique and interesting for those planning to attend.
What: Movement Electronic Festival Detroit
When: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. May 23 – 25
Where: Hart Plaza 1 Hart Plaza Detroit MI 48226
Price: General admission day pass: $65
General admission 3-day pass: $150
VIP 3-day pass: $260
With more than 140 bands packed into three days, it’ll be anything but quiet at the Detroit Movement Electronic Festival. Plenty of vendors will be providing food and beverages to keep everyone replenished and ready to jam. Community Arts Moving Projects (CAMP) of Detroit also offers the opportunity for artists to display their work during the festival. Their pieces represent what Detroit and its future means to each of them. With a combination of food, drinks, music, and art, there’s something for everyone at this upcoming festival.
What: Ann Arbor Summer Festival
When: June 12 – July 5
Where: Various locations in downtown Ann Arbor
Price: Visit site for prices
Discount offered for students
For more than three weeks in downtown Ann Arbor, entertainment will spread like wildfire at five different locations including Top of the Park, Power Center, Michigan Theater, Hill Auditorium, and Ann Arbor District Library. Also with more than 140 concerts and special events, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival will celebrate, bands, local artists, acrobats, circus acts and more. Visit their website to view the calendar of events and locations.
What: Cinetopia International Film Festival
When: June 5-14
Where: Ann Arbor
603 E. Liberty Street
233 S. State Street
812 Washington Street
Visit website for numerous Detroit locations
Price:
Student pass $50
Movie pass $120
Festival pass $150
Nearly 100 films and screenings will be presented at southeastern Michigan’s exclusive Cinetopia International Film Festival. Not only will attendees be able to view films and screenings ranging from full-length dramas to side-splitting comedies, they’ll also be able to talk with the actors, directors, and writers. Visit the website for both Ann Arbor and Detroit locations.
What: Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
When:
August 21- 23
Friday 12-8:30 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Riverside Park, Ypsilanti
Price: Free
Donations accepted
One of the local favorite summer festivals, Ypsilanti’s free Heritage Festival has been pleasing the crowds for more than 35 years. Entertainment will take the stage on three stages in Riverside Park and stages in Depot Town and Frog Island Park. Including music, food, museums, and activities, attendees of all ages can find something to enjoy.
What: Bled Fest
When: May 23 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Where: Hartland Performing Arts Center
9525 Highland Road Howell, Michigan
Price: General Admission $32
What started out as a basement party in Howell 11 years ago has grown into a full-fledged multi-genre music festival. Nearly 100 bands will take the stage rocking out to metal, punk, alternative music, and more.
What: Michigan Elvisfest
When:
July 10-11
Friday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday gates open 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Where:
1 W. Cross Street
Depot Town Ypsilanti
Price: Friday $20
Saturday $30
Two-day pass $40
For two days, Elvis lovers and impersonators will come together at the Michigan Elvisfest in Depot Town. Along with food, drinks, and activities for kids, this is an overall family weekend event.
What: Michigan Summer Beer Festival
When:
July 24-25
Friday 5-9 p.m.
Saturday 1-6 p.m.
Where:
1 W. Cross Street
Depot Town Ypsilanti
Price:
Friday $35 Fee $3.50
Saturday $40 Fee $3.50
Designated driver and non-drinking $5 must be 21 or older with ID Fee $1.50
With more than 80 different Michigan breweries and 800 beers, no one will go thirsty at Ypsilanti’s beer fest. In the heart of summer and along the banks of Huron River, this will definitely be one of Ypsi’s most popular festivals of the summer.
SUMMER GEAR CHECKLISTS
CAMPING
TENT
A LIGHTER OR MATCHES
DURABLE SHOES
INSECT REPELLENT
FLASHLIGHT
UTILITY KNIFE
TARP
SLEEPING BAGS
SUN BLOCK
HATS
SUNGLASSES
WATER BOTTLE
CANNED/NONPERISHABLE FOOD
WATER PURIFIER
EXTRA SOCKS
PAPER SHAVINGS IN A DRY BAG
S’MORES EQUIPMENT
CARDS
FESTIVALS
WATER
TENT
CANOPY
TABLE
COOLER
BATTERY-POWERED FAN
SNACKS
UTENSILS
TOILET PAPER
PAPER TOWEL
BABY WIPES
LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING
GUITAR
YOGA MATS
INSECT REPELLENT
BLANKETS
CARDS
CAMERA
ROAD TRIP
SPARE TIRE AND JACK
TIRE ROD
JUMPER CABLES
BOTTLED WATER/COOLER
SPARE GAS MONEY
BLANKET
SNACKS
MAPS/GPS
CLOTHES
CDS/MUSIC SOURCE
PILLOWS
CAR SICKNESS MEDICATION
TRASH BAGS
CAMERA
CARDS
