INSIDER
Leave your mark on downtown Ann Arbor with Paint the Town event before Art Fair
Read full article: Leave your mark on downtown Ann Arbor with Paint the Town event before Art FairCommunity members can join artists and musicians to beautify Main Street by painting mandalas and coloring a chalk mural on Tuesday, July 18.
Ann Arbor radio host, music curator Matthew Altruda recipient of 2022 Dennis Serras Award
Read full article: Ann Arbor radio host, music curator Matthew Altruda recipient of 2022 Dennis Serras AwardThe Main Street Area Association has named Matthew Altruda as the winner of its 2022 Dennis Serras Award.
Rocket Fizz to donate Small Business Saturday sales to Ann Arbor animal shelter
Read full article: Rocket Fizz to donate Small Business Saturday sales to Ann Arbor animal shelterThe Main Street candy store is donating 10 percent of its sales made during Small Business Saturday to the Humane Society of Huron Valley
Second annual Mayor’s Autumnal Green Fair to kick off in downtown Ann Arbor
Read full article: Second annual Mayor’s Autumnal Green Fair to kick off in downtown Ann ArborAttendees can join a parade (costumes encouraged!), get a stamp for free ice cream at Washtenaw Dairy, meet Leslie Science & Nature Center’s birds of prey, listen to artist Ki5 and play games to win prizes.
Rolling Sculpture Car Show returns to Main Street after two-year hiatus
Read full article: Rolling Sculpture Car Show returns to Main Street after two-year hiatusHosted by Main Street Ann Arbor, the free event was canceled in 2020 and again in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of volunteers.
4 more ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Ann Arbor
Read full article: 4 more ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Ann ArborANN ARBOR, Mich. – In case you missed it, or haven’t looked at a calendar recently, Valentine’s Day is Sunday. Get some sugarBon Bon Bon will have a chocolatey pop-up at Gutman Gallery from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Read: 4 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Ann ArborGo wildOn Sunday evening, cozy up for a unique Valentine’s experience courtesy of Leslie Science & Nature Center. Prove your love by running the two-mile Ann Arbor Chocolate Run, courtesy of Running Fit Downtown Ann Arbor. Proceeds from 826michigan Ann Arbor Robot Supply Co. go to its free student writing programs, which serve over 3,000 school-aged students in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Detroit.
Ann Arbor Restaurant Week returns with family meals, special menus
Read full article: Ann Arbor Restaurant Week returns with family meals, special menusANN ARBOR, Mich. – Treat yourself, support local restaurants and sample some of Ann Arbor’s best eats during the return of Ann Arbor Restaurant Week. Between Feb. 21-26, Tree Town eateries will be offering special multi-course menus, family-sized to-go meals and offer food and drink demonstrations. Traditionally, Ann Arbor Restaurant Week specials have revolved around fixed prices. The annual foodie celebration coincides with the first-ever Ann Arbor Hotel Week which focuses on the area’s hotel and hospitality industry. AdRead: Live your best staycation life during Ann Arbor Hotel WeekRestaurant Week is organized by the Main Street Area Association.
Lauren Kosowski honored with Main Street Ann Arbor’s Dennis Serras Award
Read full article: Lauren Kosowski honored with Main Street Ann Arbor’s Dennis Serras AwardANN ARBOR – For the third year running, the Main Street Area Association is honoring an individual who is central to its mission and the vitality of the downtown area. This year’s recipient of the organization’s Dennis Serras Award is Lauren Kosowski, an IT professional who has become a passionate advocate for and supporter of the Main Street area. “This year we nominated Lauren Kosowski for the award, someone whose job has nothing to do with downtown,” MSAA executive director Sandra Andrade said in a statement. AdLauren Kosowski is the recipient of the 2020 Dennis Serras Award. It’s people like you, with that love, that will help our businesses survive.”MSAA’s first two awardees were Lucy Ann Lance and A4′s Meredith Bruckner.
4 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Ann Arbor
Read full article: 4 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Ann ArborANN ARBOR, Mich. – Like many holidays in 2020, Valentine’s Day in 2021 is going to feel different. Listen to nationally-recognized storytellers Lyn Ford, Chetter Galloway, Antonio Rocha and emcee Steve Daut, president of the Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild. Work together to draw a design on a ceramic lidded container in one of Gutman Gallery’s Take & Make: Valentine’s Day Art Box. The Ann Arbor Art Center is offering special Valentine’s Day Art Boxes. AdRead: Melon, bonfires, mass weddings: How Valentine’s Day has been celebrated around the worldGalentine’s DaySwap out Valentines for Galentines.
Longtime owners of Four Directions on Ann Arbor’s Main Street to retire
Read full article: Longtime owners of Four Directions on Ann Arbor’s Main Street to retireAlan and Karen Freedman in their shop Four Directions at 211 S. Main St. on Jan. 20, 2021. A giant amethyst at Four Directions on 211 S. Main Street in Ann Arbor. Colorful stone necklaces hang from a rack at Four Directions on 211 S. Main Street. Splashed copper pieces from Northern Michigan on display at Four Directions on 211 S. Main Street. Therapy stones at Four Directions on 211 S. Main Street.
Massive tree resists installation: Story behind Palio’s Christmas tree in downtown Ann Arbor
Read full article: Massive tree resists installation: Story behind Palio’s Christmas tree in downtown Ann ArborANN ARBOR – The Christmas tree on Palio’s rooftop in downtown Ann Arbor aims to bring cheer to all this holiday season -- but how it got there is a different story altogether. “With the closures, there’s so much negativity that comes up in meetings,” said Kimmie Sheldon, director of marketing for the restaurant group. “(In a recent meeting), we all looked at each other and said it just doesn’t feel right not to do it. (Kimberly Sheldon)After several attempts, some bloody knuckles, lots of tree sap and tears from laughter, the tree now stands at its intended spot. Too big for any stand, a contractor who works frequently with Mainstreet Ventures came and built a stand last minute.
Shopping specials to take over Ann Arbor’s small businesses in December
Read full article: Shopping specials to take over Ann Arbor’s small businesses in DecemberANN ARBOR, Mich. – Mark your calendars, the holiday shopping season is coming! During the first three Fridays of December, three downtown area districts are hosting special shopping events to help Ann Arbor’s small businesses and consumers get a jump start on holiday wishlists. Here’s what you need to know:Moonlight MadnessThe annual shopping event in the State Street District will take place across three Fridays this year. More details to be announced through the Festive Fridays website. Special shopping sales include 30% off at The Bo Store; 30% off at Underground Printing and cocktail bundles at Palio, Black Pearl and Chop House.
Ann Arbor City Council extends downtown street closures through November
Read full article: Ann Arbor City Council extends downtown street closures through NovemberANN ARBOR – City Council unanimously approved on Monday night the extension of downtown street closures for businesses to continue operating outdoors through Nov. 30. The closures were originally set to end on Nov. 1. The closures include:Main Street from William Street to Liberty StreetMain Street from Liberty Street to Washington StreetWashington Street from South Ashley to Main StreetMaynard Street from East Liberty Street to East William Street (seven days a week)East Liberty Street from Thompson Street to South State StreetSouth State Street from East Washington Street to East William StreetClosures will continue to be in effect from 2 p.m. on Fridays through 8 p.m. on Sundays. The Maynard Street closure will move to a weekend-only closure on Nov. 2. Ramlawi said city administrator Tom Crawford can end the closures at any time if they are deemed unsafe due to weather events.
Ann Arbors Underground Sounds will move to Main Street
Read full article: Ann Arbors Underground Sounds will move to Main StreetANN ARBOR, Mich. Downtown Ann Arbor record store Underground Sounds will be moving to Main Street soon. Underground Sounds owner Matt Bradish said his lease on the Liberty location will be up and that moving to Main Street will allow for better exposure. Visitors to the new location will also get a glimpse of Ann Arbor history. Inside the Main Street space is a mural of Gambrinus, a European cultural figure celebrated as the icon of joviality and beer. Learn more about Underground Sounds here.