Neighborhood Events

State Street is the home to dozens of activities each week. From films at the Michigan or State Theaters to one of eight home football Saturdays at the University of Michigan, our neighborhood is blessed unique offerilngs for our thousands of visitors each year.

The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1928, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s first major program was played in November, 1931. By 1935, the orchestra was organized under the general administration of Ann Arbor’s Parks and Recreation Department. In 1941, Joseph Maddy (the founder of Interlochen Music Camp) conducted this “mom and pop” ensemble of committed and talented amateur musicians. Since 1986, the A2SO has been a fully professional orchestra, first under the baton of Carl St.Clair, followed by Samuel Wong. Over 275 individuals applied to succeed Maestro Wong, and through the diligent work of the A2SO musicians, the Board and through active feedback from the community, Arie Lipsky was the unanimous choice to lead the orchestra into the future.

Lipsky’s distinguished and inspired music making treats growing audiences to thrilling and critically acclaimed performances. Under Arie’s leadership the A2SO has been favorably compared by the local press to the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Each carefully prepared season features time-honored classics, a variety of less-familiar works by the great masters, plus a selection of accessible new works by modern composers, including the annual premier of a new work by an emerging University of Michigan student composer. The Symphony performs about a dozen times in the State Street neighborhood each year.
 

The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Townie Party

Each year on the Monday night before set-up day when all of the major downtown streets are closed, the Street Art Fair Board and staff host a party on Washington Street for the whole community. Featuring food and drink, performances by area musicians, and some visual sneak peeks, the townie party offers a chance for the neighborhood and the community to celebrate the incredible contribution that art fair has given to our city since its founding in 1960.