You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor
Posted on Mon, Aug 2, 2010 : 1 p.m.

Tons of family fun in and around Ann Arbor this weekend

By Tammy Mayrend

Mayrend-trolleycompany.jpg

From air shows and summer festivals to music and old-fashioned family fun, there is plenty for families to do this weekend in the Ann Arbor area.

Photo courtesy of the Saline Summerfest

Ann Arbor families looking for something to do this coming weekend will have a plethora of great family-fun events from festivals to music to airplanes. Parents are only limited by the interests of their children. We're still trying to decide what we should do this weekend. What would YOU like to do this weekend???

Michigan Roots Jamboree - Ypsilanti, Riverside Park (Depot Town, 1 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti)

Moms, dads and kids of all ages will love this two-day outdoor music and art festival showcasing some of the finest talent in the Midwest. This exciting, family-friendly event will bring together both local and regional acts on two stages. Musical acts range from rock and bluegrass to jazz and funk, with more than 25 groups providing something for everyone to enjoy.

Families can also camp at the event this year! They only need to hop on over to Frog Island Park for "urban camping" at its finest. Sleep under the stars while enjoying music, food and fun. The festival runs from 4 p.m.- midnight on Friday and 11 a.m.- midnight on Saturday. Weekend passes to camp are $50 and without camping $30, or $15 per day.

Saline Summerfest - Downtown Saline

You know it's summer in Michigan when the downtown streets of Saline come alive with a sweeping assortment of family activities, attractions and amusements bringing together people of all ages and interests for one super hometown celebration! That's right, this weekend is the Saline Summerfest. This free family event happens from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.

Featuring traditional family-oriented food (that would be hot dogs and cotton candy for my kids!), music, a craft show and fun at Saline’s annual "Picnic in the Park.”

Manchester Riverfolk Festival - Manchester (575 W. Main St., Carr Park, Manchester)

This festival boasts three stages filled with great music - cajun, bluegrass and blues entertainment. It's a whole lot of fun wrapped into a delectable bit with music and dance workshops, a fiddle contest, songwriting contest, healthy kids area and juried art show. Mom, dad and junior are sure to find something of interest!

This fun family event starts Friday from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. and starts back up bright and early Saturday from 10 a.m. - midnight. Be sure to check their website for a complete list of performances during the Manchester Riverfolk Festival.

Parking and a free shuttle are provided with tickets going for $12 for a single day or $20 for the entire weekend.

Thunder Over Michigan - Yankee Air Museum, Willow Run Airport

The thunder will be hitting the skies this weekend, but in a good way as the Thunder Over Michigan air show comes to the Yankee Air Museum.

My great uncle has told my kids some great stories about WWII, and this weekend they can experience the largest display of WWII bombers in the world. Come and honor the men and women who fought in WWII, and see airplane displays including the U.S. Navy's F/A-18C Hornet, a WWII re-enactment with armor, infantry and aircraft, John Mohr's legendary aerobatics, and so much more.

We love the week leading up to the show as fighters and histoic planes fly overhead, so why not experience it live on Saturday and Sunday. The air show is from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. The cost is $15-25.

Dixboro Fair - Dixboro (Dixboro Village Green, Ann Arbor)

The 33rd Annual Dixboro Fair is Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. We attended this cute fair a few years back and the kids enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and space to run and play. The event features arts and crafts, live music, a petting zoo, a silent auction, an ice cream social, homemade pies, hot dogs, sausages, and corn on the cob, carnival games and more! Can there be any more Midwestern family fun or what?

Tammy Mayrend is a search marketing professional and mother of two who blogs on low-cost local activities, events, and Ann Arbor area freebies for families at annarbormom.com. She is stumped at what great family-friendly event to take the kids to this weekend!

Comments

Top Cat

Mon, Aug 2, 2010 : 2:37 p.m.

There will also be at Thunder Over Michigan hundred of veterans from the Eighth Army Air Force who will be meeting for their annual re-union. There is an opportunity to meet the men who flew these old warbirds in combat.

Tammy Mayrend

Mon, Aug 2, 2010 : 10:27 a.m.

EXCELLENT Point Linda - Thanks for adding the comment! It's a great show to see...

Linda Moore

Mon, Aug 2, 2010 : 9:52 a.m.

Just an FYI regarding Thunder Over Michigan this weekend - kids 15 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult.