Ann Arbor Summer Festival

A Community Tradition since 1984

A2SF champions performing arts, outdoor entertainment, and community spirit. In addition to a nearly four-week festival each June that attracts a diverse audience of over 80,000 people and offers over 200 concerts, art exhibitions, kids activities, spectacle, and film screenings, A2SF presents compelling experiences throughout the year.

Founded by Eugene Power, and established as a partnership between the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan, early seasons emphasized classical music and theater, but have since become more popular and diverse in nature, encompassing a breadth of performance genres. Today, the June festival offers two concurrent series. The outdoor centerpiece at Top of the Park offers admission-free concerts, movies, open-air spectacles, and unique family attractions held along a beautiful U-M campus green. The indoor, ticketed series features world-class music, dance, contemporary circus, and comedy.

WED JUNE 14

5:00PM

Jill Govan

O&W GROVE STAGE - TOP OF THE PARK (INGALLS MALL)

GENRE: Soul, R&B

Born and raised in Detroit, guitarist and singer/songwriter Jill Govan brings a fresh perspective to the rich legacy of Motown soul music. Pairing sultry vocals with compelling stories and acoustic-driven grooves, the result is an eclectic sound reminiscent of artists like Lauryn Hill, John Legend, and Norah Jones. Govan has sharpened her style performing at venues and festivals across Metro Detroit, including opening for gospel singer Kierra Sheard and Grammy award-winning artist Lecrae. Experience her passionate authenticity for yourself this summer at this year’s festival.

5:00PM

Kidzone: Zero-Waste Zone – U-M Campus of Sustainability

KIDZONE TENT

Come join University of Michigan’s Office of Campus Sustainability for fun activities! They’ll have fun coloring sheets (printed on recycled paper!) and activities including “where to throw” cornhole. Short, sustainable stories will be read at 6PM and 7PM.

About OCS: The Office of Campus Sustainability (OCS) serves as a focal point for sustainable campus operations. They lead, facilitate and support operational programs and initiatives at the Ann Arbor campus towards their sustainability goals around greenhouse gas reduction, waste prevention, protecting our environment, and more! 

5:00PM

Tastings

TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS FROM 5-8PM | GROVE

Stop by the Grove every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 5-8PM to relish the finest wines, coolest microbrews, and surprising pairings. Learn from local chefs and farmers while enjoying these culinary delights.

5:00PM

The Annex: Telescopes with the Detroit Observatory

THE ANNEX

The Detroit Observatory returns to the Annex at A2SF’s Top of the Park on June 14. This year, the Observatory is excited to expand their programs across the day, with hands-on telescope workshops, history storytelling, astrophotography tips, and more! They’ll also provide a guided telescope observing the sun and nighttime sky. Solar observing is safely provided through special techniques and specialized equipment. Telescope observing is weather dependent.

The University of Michigan’s Judy & Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory is dedicated to education and outreach in astronomy and related sciences as well as in the history of the University. The Observatory has a particular mission of engaged student learning. The original observatory is located right between Alice Lloyd Hall and Couzens Hall and has recently received a state-of-the-art new addition. This historic facility allows our staff to share the history of astronomy and the University of Michigan with engaging programs and events, while utilizing some of the oldest telescopes in Michigan to explore the cosmos.

5:30PM

Retreat: Ann Arbor Capoeira

POWER CENTER LAWN

6:00PM

Audra Kubat

O&W GROVE STAGE - TOP OF THE PARK (INGALLS MALL)

Genres: Folk, Americana, Singer-Songwriter

A2SF is pleased to welcome back Detroit Music Award-winning singer-songwriter Audra Kubat. In a career that spans over 20 years, Kubat has released seven albums to critical acclaim. The Sliver and the Salve, her most recent release, is at once haunting and beautiful, a showcase for her gracefully articulated compositional methods and reflective lyrics. Kubat’s searing, emotional music seeks to uncover the concealed places between our dreams and our realities, embracing the whimsical while reflecting lived experience. As a composer, performer, and educator, her work has earned her a place in the community as a resource for empowerment through songwriting and music. Kubat has shared bills with an eclectic selection of artists, including Aimee Mann, Roberta Flack, Rodriguez, and Greta Van Fleet. This summer, her incandescent Americana is sure to light up the stage at Top of the Park.  

7:00PM

Al Bettis

RACKHAM STAGE - TOP OF THE PARK (INGALLS MALL)

GENRE: Soul

It’s never too late to try something new and Detroit-based singer/songwriter Al Bettis is proof. Inspired to pick up the guitar at the age of 30, he set to work charting a new musical course in his life. The self-trained acoustic guitarist gained popularity for his smooth vocals and sincere lyrics while guiding audiences through a journey of love, heartbreak, and redemption during his live performances. Reminiscent of soul legends like Al Green and Otis Redding, with a contemporary influence from artists like Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz, the soothing voice and intimate stylings of Al Bettis are sure to be a satisfying experience for the A2SF crowd.

8:15PM

Madison McFerrin

RACKHAM STAGE - TOP OF THE PARK (INGALLS MALL)

Genres: Neo-Soul, R&B 

A2SF welcomes the soulful stylings of LA-based singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin. Throughout an independent career spanning three EPs and multiple collaborations, McFerrin has shared stages with legends like De La Soul and the Roots while earning accolades from the New York Times, NPR, and Pitchfork, who named her a Rising Artist in 2018. Questlove even dubbed her early sound “soul-appella,” hinting at McFerrin’s genre-bending sonic explorations. Off the stage, McFerrin’s music has been featured in episodes of Comedy Central’s Broad City and HBO’s Random Acts of Flyness. McFerrin also works at the intersection of artistry and community building, curating live performances and raising awareness to support social justice through crucial fundraisers. Keep an eye out for her upcoming debut album I Hope You Can Forgive Me, an enchanting selection of neo-soul music with jazzy percussion and a powerful message. Don’t miss what is sure to be a passionate performance from McFerrin at Top of the Park this summer!

10:00PM

Everything Everywhere All At Once

TOP OF THE PARK (INGALLS MALL)

Pop on your googly eyes and transport yourself to Top of the Park for this multiple Oscar winning film, including Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and, of course, 2023’s Best Picture.

ABOUT THE FILM: When an interdimensional rupture unravels reality, an unlikely hero must channel her newfound powers to fight bizarre and bewildering dangers from the multiverse as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. (R, 2 h 19m, 2022)

Festival Dates: June 9-25, 2023