Tips and tricks for making the best of the Ann Arbor Art Fair

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – It is officially Art Fair season, and if you’re a first-time visitor the massive event can easily be overwhelming.

Made up of three different fairs, the annual three-day event spans over 30 blocks of downtown Ann Arbor and hosts nearly 1,000 artists. While seasoned fair attendees know when and where to go, newbies can quickly find themselves turned around and frustrated.

Luckily, we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks on how to navigate, prepare for unpredictable weather, and how to avoid the crowds.

Ann Arbor Art Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Here’s how to get the most of a visit to the Ann Arbor Art Fair:

• Let buses do all the work. Use either TheRide buses or art fair shuttles to get you to-and-from the downtown area. You’ll not only save some money, but you won’t have to worry about hunting for parking.
• Know which artists you want to see. Browse artists on the Ann Arbor Art Fair website and use this map to figure out who you really want to see. Then, plan a route that works best for you.
• Go early. Beat the crowds -- and the heat -- by getting downtown early.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks. It is always scorching hot during Art Fair. Make sure to carry a reusable water bottle with you so you can stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade to avoid overheating.
• Bring an umbrella and sunscreen. The Art Fair is notorious for having the weirdest weather! Sometimes, it’s ridiculously sunny and sometimes it rains. You never know what you’ll get, so bring a bag with an umbrella, sunglasses, a hat or sunscreen.
• Get lunch off the beaten path. Instead of sticking to eateries on the main Art Fair thoroughfares, venture a few blocks away to check out smaller, locally-owned eateries with personality (and shorter wait times).
• Wear comfortable shoes. Be ready to be on your feet for hours. Wear comfortable walking shoes to avoid blisters, sprained ankles or hurt feet.
• Break up your visit. Instead of trying to see ALL of the booths in one go, split your art fair adventure into two or more visits. You won’t feel as rushed, you’ll be less fatigued, and you may get to spend more time chatting with artists.