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State Street District Ann Arbor

4.8
·36 reviews·Ann Arbor, United States

A vibrant hub in Ann Arbor, known for its lively shops, diverse dining, and as a key location for the renowned Ann Arbor Art Fair.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better art selection

CrowdLow
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Main Street District - Image 1

State Street District Ann Arbor

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better art selection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant hub in Ann Arbor, known for its lively shops, diverse dining, and as a key location for the renowned Ann Arbor Art Fair.

4.8
(36 reviews)

"Always a great time in A2! Beautiful arts and crafts and amazing people watching."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The Art Fair spans 30 blocks, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring!

🗺️ Plan Your Art Fair Route

With over 1,000 vendors, prioritize sections or artists you want to see to make the most of your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

David Zinn's Whimsical Chalk Art

David Zinn's Whimsical Chalk Art

Sidewalks throughout the district

Discover temporary, charming 3D chalk drawings that bring smiles to passersby before they're washed away.

TikTok+1
Ann Arbor Art Fair Extravaganza

Ann Arbor Art Fair Extravaganza

Throughout Downtown Ann Arbor, including State Street District

Explore over 1,000 vendors showcasing diverse creative artwork, crafts, and unique finds.

TikTok+1
Vibrant Local Shops & Bookstores

Vibrant Local Shops & Bookstores

State Street District

Wander through unique local shops and independent bookstores, perfect for finding treasures.

TikTok
Lively Patio Dining

Lively Patio Dining

State Street District

Enjoy delicious food and drinks on bustling patios, soaking in the downtown Ann Arbor atmosphere.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Art Fair Timing is Key

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is massive, spanning 30 blocks! To truly experience it, plan your visit. Weekends are popular, but weekdays can offer a slightly less crowded experience. Arrive early to beat the biggest crowds and get the best selection of art. TikTok

Navigating the Streets

State Street District is a hub for the Ann Arbor Art Fair, which covers 30 blocks. While parking can be manageable, consider the extensive walking involved. Some visitors have noted the absence of shuttles, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a significant amount of exploration. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better art selection
Crowd
Low
When
Art Fair (July)
Why
Largest selection of artists
Crowd
High
When
Game Day Weekends
Why
Electric atmosphere, watch parties
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Antwort auf @Soul_snatcher_11 Turn sidewalk cracks into street art masterpieces 🎨😱..!! Doodler David Zinn brings smiles to Ann Arbor residents with a bit of chalk and spontaneous creativity on the streets, he shares his strange and funny 3D sidewalk paintings before they are swept away but always seen another day. #art #amazing #beauty #fy
@street.art68
79.2K likes • 2.2M views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The Art Fair spans 30 blocks, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring! TikTokReddit

🗺️ Plan Your Art Fair Route

With over 1,000 vendors, prioritize sections or artists you want to see to make the most of your visit. TikTok

Us with art fair this past week 🔝 #annarbor
@goodtimecharleys
13K likes • 77.2K views
Ann Arbor Tonight Interviews Angela Heflin of the State Street District. #AnnArbor #mgoblue #michiganfootball #DowntownAnnArborSocialDistrict #statestreet
annarbortonight
36 likes • 541 views

💰 Bring Extra Cash

While many vendors accept cards, having cash can speed up transactions, especially for smaller purchases. TikTok

☀️ Stay Hydrated

Especially during the summer art fair, carry water or plan to purchase drinks to stay refreshed. Instagram

☀️ Patio season is in full swing in the State Street District! Grab your shades, your crew, and a seat under the sun at one of our many downtown Ann Arbor patios. Great food, cold drinks, and unbeatable vibes await! 🍽️🍹🌇 @mani_osteria @pitaway @tastekitchena2 @savas_ann_arbor @cometcoffee @amersdeli @sweetgreen @condadotacos @nypd_ann_arbor @ondo_bakers @a2ashleys @knightsonliberty 📸 @capturecu...
statestdistrict
268 likes • 4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The Art Fair spans 30 blocks, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring! TikTokReddit

🗺️ Plan Your Art Fair Route

With over 1,000 vendors, prioritize sections or artists you want to see to make the most of your visit. TikTok

💰 Bring Extra Cash

While many vendors accept cards, having cash can speed up transactions, especially for smaller purchases. TikTok

☀️ Stay Hydrated

Especially during the summer art fair, carry water or plan to purchase drinks to stay refreshed. Instagram

🎨 Check Artist Booth Numbers

If you have specific artists in mind, note their booth numbers beforehand for easier navigation. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(36 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Ann Arbor Art Fair for its incredible variety of creative artwork and the vibrant atmosphere of the State Street District. The temporary chalk art by David Zinn is a unique highlight that brings joy. Some disappointment has been noted regarding the lack of shuttles for the fair, which can make navigating the extensive walking challenging for some.

"Art Fair was great as usual. Disappointed that there was no shuttle go-round, shuttle from one end of the fair to the other end. Cut the day short do to the length of walking."

Mike Telenko

"Lots of fun to explore the blocks and blocks of incredible creative artwork of all kinds. Parking was not a problem and the traffic was not bad."

Hite WB

"Best place to be in a nice summer day! Beautiful arts and crafts and amazing people watching. So glad it’s back"

evandro silveira

What People Like

Incredible creative artwork
Vibrant atmosphere
Unique street art

What People Dislike

Lack of fair shuttles
Extensive walking required

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The State Street District is easily accessible by car, public transport, or even on foot if you're already in downtown Ann Arbor. Parking can be found in various garages and lots around the district. TikTok

Yes, Ann Arbor has a robust public bus system that serves the State Street District. Check the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA) website for routes and schedules. TikTok

Several parking garages are available, including the Maynard Street Garage and the Liberty Square Garage. Street parking is also an option, but can be limited. Reddit

Historically, there have been shuttle services for the Ann Arbor Art Fair, but some visitors have noted their absence in recent years. It's best to check the official Art Fair website closer to the event for current shuttle information. Reddit

Absolutely! The State Street District is adjacent to the University of Michigan campus, making it a very walkable area for students and visitors. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the State Street District itself is a public area and does not require tickets for entry. However, individual shops and restaurants will have their own operating hours and policies. Instagram

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is free to attend. You only pay for any art or items you choose to purchase from the vendors. TikTok

The Ann Arbor Art Fair typically runs for three days in July. Hours vary slightly by day, but generally extend from morning to evening. Check the official Ann Arbor Art Fair website for precise dates and times. Instagram+1

While specific policies can vary, generally pets are not allowed in the indoor shops or restaurants. For the Art Fair, it's best to check the official guidelines, but often service animals are permitted. TikTok

The Art Fair is a free, open event. While there aren't specific passes, keeping an eye on the State Street District's social media can reveal special promotions or events happening concurrently. Instagram+1

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Art

You'll find an incredible variety of art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, photography, textiles, and more, from artists across the country. TikTok+1

Yes, the State Street District is known for its independent bookstores, boutiques, and specialty shops offering unique finds. TikTok

Absolutely! The Ann Arbor Art Fair is a juried show where artists sell their work directly to the public. Instagram+1

Popular spots include Literati Bookstore and The Vault of Midnight for comics and pop culture items. TikTok

The Art Fair is an excellent place to find unique, handcrafted gifts for any occasion, with a wide range of styles and price points. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The State Street District boasts a diverse culinary scene with numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering everything from casual bites to fine dining. Instagram

Yes, the Art Fair typically features a variety of food vendors offering carnival-style treats and diverse cuisines. Reddit

Definitely! Many restaurants in the State Street District offer inviting patios, perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors. Instagram

While the traditional downtown food court may have changed, expect a range of options from tacos and cheesesteaks to funnel cakes and fries from various vendors. Reddit

Yes, several coffee shops are located in the State Street District, perfect for a caffeine boost while exploring. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant street art, bustling patios, unique shop facades, and the lively atmosphere of the Ann Arbor Art Fair. TikTokInstagram

Generally, it's polite to ask the artist before taking photos of their work. Some artists may have specific policies regarding photography. TikTok

Keep an eye out for the whimsical chalk art by David Zinn on sidewalks throughout the city, especially in the downtown areas. TikTok+1

The district offers a mix of urban backdrops, colorful storefronts, and lively street scenes that can make for interesting portraits. Instagram

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for capturing the district's charm. Daytime offers vibrant scenes during the Art Fair. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The State Street District and the Ann Arbor Art Fair offer a family-friendly environment. Kids will be captivated by David Zinn's whimsical chalk art, which adds an element of surprise and fun to walks. TikTok+1

The Art Fair itself provides a visual feast for all ages, with a wide variety of colorful art and crafts. Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the peak crowds, making it easier to navigate with strollers and keep track of little ones. Many food vendors offer kid-friendly options, and the general atmosphere is lively and engaging. TikTok+1

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For art lovers, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is a must-visit. The State Street District is a key area featuring numerous artists showcasing their work. You can find everything from traditional paintings and sculptures to unique ceramics and jewelry. TikTokInstagram

Take advantage of the opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their creative process, and perhaps even find a unique piece to take home. The fair's juried nature ensures a high quality of art, and the sheer volume of vendors means you're likely to discover new favorites. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The State Street District offers plenty of free attractions. Wandering through the streets, admiring David Zinn's chalk art, and browsing the Ann Arbor Art Fair are all free activities. TikTok+1

To save money on food, look for the more affordable vendors at the Art Fair, or consider packing your own snacks and water. Many of the shops offer unique items at various price points, so you can still find souvenirs without overspending. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of David Zinn's Sidewalk Art

David Zinn is a beloved local artist known for his ephemeral chalk drawings that appear on sidewalks throughout Ann Arbor. His creations often feature whimsical creatures and humorous scenes, bringing unexpected joy to everyday walks. TikTok+1

These temporary masterpieces are a unique feature of the city, often appearing overnight and disappearing with the next rain or street cleaning. Zinn's work is a testament to the beauty of transient art and the power of spontaneous creativity to brighten a community. TikTok+1

Visitors often share their delight in discovering these charming drawings, making a simple stroll through the State Street District an adventure in art appreciation. It’s a reminder to look down and appreciate the small wonders around you. TikTok

Navigating the Ann Arbor Art Fair

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of the largest art fairs in the United States, transforming downtown Ann Arbor into a sprawling outdoor gallery. It features over 1,000 juried artists showcasing a vast array of creative works, from traditional paintings and sculptures to contemporary crafts and jewelry. TikTok+1

The fair is spread across multiple blocks, with the State Street District being a significant hub. Visitors can expect to find everything from fine art to unique handmade goods, making it a prime destination for art lovers and gift shoppers alike. The sheer scale means planning is key to seeing everything you desire. TikTokInstagram

While the fair offers an incredible experience, attendees should be prepared for large crowds, especially on weekends. Comfortable shoes are a must, and staying hydrated is important, particularly during the summer months. TikTokReddit

Culinary Delights in the State Street District

The State Street District is a vibrant culinary destination, offering a diverse range of dining experiences. From cozy cafes and bustling bistros to international cuisine and classic American fare, there's something to satisfy every palate. Instagram

During warmer months, the district truly comes alive with its numerous patios, providing the perfect setting to enjoy a meal or a drink al fresco. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience, the State Street District has you covered. Instagram

Beyond the brick-and-mortar establishments, the Ann Arbor Art Fair also brings a temporary influx of food vendors, offering a variety of treats and quick eats that complement the artistic atmosphere. Reddit