Family events in Ann Arbor, MI

Organized by Joe and Hailey, this family-run JLC’s Low-Cost Community Book Sale gathers all inventory from local donors through the Give My Books service. Shoppers can browse a carefully organized selection of more than 40,000 books, from sought-after favorites to unusual vintage and antique finds that change with each sale, along with about 5,000 DVDs and CDs, hundreds of audiobooks, plus video games, puzzles, and board games. Admission is free. The first day functions as a Premium Access Day with children’s picture and story books priced at $2 and all other books at $4, including young adult, juvenile fiction, and graphic novels. The following three days are the general sale, also with free admission, when children’s picture and story books are $1 and all other books are $2. Non-book items are low-cost as well, including CDs at $2 for singles and $4 for sets, DVDs at $3 for individual films and $5 for seasons or box sets, audiobooks at $3, video games for systems such as Xbox, Wii, or GameCube at $5, puzzles at $3, and board games at $5. A dedicated teachers night takes place during the premium period, during which educators and homeschool families who show proof can pay the regular general-sale book prices. In addition, teachers and homeschool families receive a 10 percent discount on any day with proof of status. The organizers request that educator pricing and discounts be used to benefit students and learning settings, and they may withhold those benefits if they are being used for resale or for personal use unrelated to education.

Explore a community farmers market featuring local produce and foods, artisan-made goods, live music, and food trucks. Children can enjoy free crafts and activities, and there are giveaways and special events that add extra fun. Many vendors accept EBT, DUFB, and PFH; check individual booths for the payment methods they take. Visit the information booth at the market with any questions or to exchange EBT for tokens to spend with participating vendors.

Enjoy a quick, relaxed portrait experience at a picturesque Windmill location, complete with varied backdrops and a blooming wildflower garden for colorful, dreamy images. Each mini session lasts 15 minutes and is ideal for families, couples, or anyone seeking beautiful photos without the fuss. Dogs are welcome to be part of the session. Final images are delivered to an online gallery within two weeks, and if you note it on the questionnaire, a few previews may be shared on social media within 1 to 3 days. If weather causes issues, the session can be rescheduled. The fee is $225.

Pianist Barron Ryan presents a piano show that invites smiles, movement, and fresh discoveries all at once. Classic Meets Cool blends classical, jazz, and pop with brand new pieces shaped by country, soul, and funk, offering an easy entry point for listeners of every background, from kids and grandparents to the musically skeptical. The program moves from I Want You Back by the Jackson 5 arranged by B. C. P. Ryan and Nursery Rhymes arranged by B. C. P. Ryan to Suite Thing, Op. 2 by B. C. P. Ryan with its movements Out for Delivery, Purdie Please, If I Don’t See You Again, and Flash in the Pan, along with Happy by Pharrell Williams. After intermission, the spotlight turns to Suite Bergamesque, L. 75 by Claude Debussy featuring Clair de lune, followed by The Holberg Suite, Op. 40 by Edvard Grieg opening with Praeludium, James P. Johnson’s Snowy Morning Blues, My One and Only Love by Guy Wood arranged by D. Ryan, and Oscar Peterson’s Blues Etude. The aim is simple and joyful, revealing just how thrilling a single piano can be.

Local food trucks gather at County Farm Park near the Platt entrance, offering a variety of dishes in a picnic friendly setting. Enjoy the park’s scenery while sampling favorites from around the area. Service continues while trucks have food available. No registration is required. Food vendors interested in a future Foodie Friday can submit an interest form.

Elsa brings a live rendition of Let It Go to MilkShake Factory (Ann Arbor), followed by a dance lesson, games that get everyone moving, and storytime. Young fans will have the chance to meet and take photos with the Frozen queen, and costumes are welcome. Presented in partnership with Starbright Entertainment LLC and Milkshake Factory Ann Arbor.

WRAP Movie Nights return to Frog Island Amphitheater with a free evening of community, snacks, beverages, and screenings of some of the latest movie releases.