Events in Canton, MI

Now in its third year, this free community stroll in downtown Ypsilanti helps local students prepare for a successful school year. Families can make their way between participating businesses and community organizations to pick up free school supplies, discover helpful resources, and enjoy fun activities and giveaways. Supplies are available while they last, offering an easy way to round out back-to-school needs and spend time together.

A laid-back Dungeons and Dragons mini-campaign for adults meets at YDL-Michigan in Meeting Room 2. Spanning nine weeks, it welcomes beginners and veteran players alike. Guest Dungeon Master Terance Gordon, a 2025 to 2026 Teaching Artist with 826michigan, leads an easygoing introduction to game mechanics, character creation, and world exploration. Sessions build on one another, yet participants can come and go if they cannot attend every week. Registration is required so materials can be prepared. All supplies are provided, including dice, character sheets, and rules, so nothing additional is needed. Attendance is limited to six participants. If interest exceeds that number, a separate group may be formed to run a parallel session. Those with DM experience who wish to volunteer can indicate that during registration.

This standard practice session features a rotating curriculum, and for August the focus is staff, a two handed weapon. The class begins with drills and skills, moves into instruction on the monthly theme, then concludes with either open floor time or choreography work. First time attendees can take an introductory class at no cost, while subsequent drop ins are $25, and memberships are available to reduce the per class price. Attendance is limited due to current health precautions. This is an indoor practice and a mask that fully covers the mouth and nose is required without exception. Those unable or unwilling to follow these rules can plan to attend when such measures are no longer in place. Advance contact is requested for attendance.

Practice English language skills in a relaxed, informal setting. The session is held in the meeting room at YDL-Superior, and no registration is required.

Designed for ages 8 to 14, this weekly writing program meets in the YDL-Michigan Program Room and focuses on creative practice in small groups. Volunteers guide collaborative activities and offer support as participants move from shared prompts to dedicated time on their own projects. The aim is for each student to draft an original story intended for publication. Registration is available.

Settle in for an easy-to-follow meditation session in the Meeting Room at YDL-Superior. Take part in guided, secular awareness practices that support health and well-being. This drop-in opportunity lets you practice alongside others and meet new people.

Settle into a gentle, beginner-friendly flow in downtown Ypsi with an emphasis on accessibility and play. Instructor Hanna leads with a playful, welcoming approach that invites all experience levels and helps participants feel confident and at ease on the mat. This session is donation based, with a suggested contribution of $5 to $15 to support the local space and community. Attend as a drop-in, or choose a bulk class pass at the studio that can be used for other offerings, including yoga and dance classes and social dances. Advance sign up is kindly requested.

Explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math in a hands-on way at YDL-Michigan with The STEAM Scene, a weekly series that encourages discovery, play, and creative experimentation. This session spotlights the Kam Comics Workshop with local independent artist Kamron Reynolds. Learn the fundamentals of making comics by developing original characters and expressive faces, designing backgrounds, practicing lettering, and building the skills that bring visual stories to life.

Adults can stop by the YDL-Superior meeting room for drop-in tutoring focused on reading, writing, and other basic literacy skills. The session is offered with Washtenaw Literacy.

At YDL-Michigan, an open playdate welcomes children ages 0 to 10 for open-ended play built around a changing weekly theme. Some weeks include special guests who help explore the topic. This session features Back to School Crafts. Previous themes have ranged from Nature-Play-on-the-Way with Matthaei Botanical Gardens and a Black Musical Excellence storytime to Create-A-Dough, Shells, Scales, and Pollywog Tales with Huron-Clinton Metroparks, Roads, Ramps, and Races, Nature Explorers, Dress-Up and Costumes, Water Play, and Cardboard Creations.

A cruise-in for classic and special-interest cars fills the street with polished rides and friendly conversation. Show vehicles line the roadway while visitors grab something to eat and browse nearby shops. Kids can take part in a hula hoop contest and pick up fun giveaways. A DJ keeps the music going, and before long the celebration turns into dancing right out on the street.

A laid-back evening centered on creativity and community, where artists of all experience levels work on their own projects and connect with others over drinks. Mediums of all kinds are welcome, from watercolor and felt figures to graphic design and collage. Attendees spend time creating, sharing ideas, and meeting fellow artists from the area. This gathering takes place on the third Thursday each month.

Young readers in grades 3 to 5 gather in the Program Room at YDL-Michigan for a monthly book club where everyone reads the same book and takes part in a friendly discussion, with a snack included. Selections include Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott, The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier, and The Cardboard Kingdom: Snow and Sorcery by Chad Sell. Registration is required by emailing mitchell@ypsilibrary.org.

Settle into a 60 minute sound healing session that supports embodiment, inner freedom, and vibrational sovereignty every third Thursday of the month. Registration is required, and pre-registration is encouraged. Rhizome brings together talented sound healers from Michigan to create a sanctuary of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Practitioners weave vibrations from gongs, handpans, percussion, and indigenous instruments to shape a meditative and restorative experience. Rhizome Roots partners with local musicians to offer a distinctive and dynamic sound bath each month. Additional mats are available by request. The sliding scale is $25 to $45 per person based on financial availability, with payment accepted by cash, Venmo, and Rhizome Roots gift cards. All bodies and levels of experience are welcome.

Set aside time to pause, release what no longer serves you, and clarify intentions for a fresh beginning in a supportive circle. Angelica leads journaling, meditation, and opportunities to share, helping you build healthy habits for the next lunar cycle. The ceremony blends gentle rituals and mindfulness so participants can connect with one another, work with the new moon energy, and leave with a sense of peace, clarity, and purpose. Advance signups are encouraged and RSVPs help ensure enough space and materials for everyone. If space permits, drop-ins are welcome, with a suggested $10 to $15 contribution toward space rental. Bring a journal, a yoga mat, and a reusable water bottle or mug if you wish, and know the studio has extras available. A sliding scale membership is also offered at $35 to $65, which includes access to monthly new moon gatherings, a special gift, a downloadable guide, and discounts on yoga and mindful events. Space is limited.

The Ypsilanti Farmers Market is a lively, community-focused gathering that showcases farm-fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and artisan-made specialties. It brings together local farmers, food entrepreneurs, and small businesses, creating a space that supports healthy food access, sparks economic opportunity, and strengthens community connections. Visitors can support regional growers, explore delicious seasonal offerings, and enjoy the vibrant spirit of Ypsi’s local food scene.

At YDL-Michigan in Meeting Room 2, children ages 5 to 8 listen to a story and then craft their own. Each session highlights a single writing technique, such as using rhyme or expressing a character’s emotions, followed by activities sparked by that focus. Participants brainstorm with volunteers and then move into independent work, choosing to write or develop ideas through conversation in whatever format and subject they prefer. This program is drop-in, so attendance can be flexible.

The Annual Summer Party takes place at Ypsilanti Farmers Market with storytelling, raffles, food, games, and activities for children, along with other offerings. Bringing a side dish to contribute to a potluck meal is appreciated but optional. The event welcomes all TimeBank members and anyone interested in learning more about TimeBanks. Friends are welcome.

Gather to share poetry and songs alongside poets and singer songwriters from the local community. Held at Dzanc House, this friendly meetup offers a supportive setting to read, perform, and listen.

The Paranormal Club meets in the YDL-Michigan Program Room for conversations that span UFO reports and alleged abductions, tales of ghosts and reputed hauntings, and other unexplained phenomena. Sessions include open discussion, opportunities to share personal experiences, and insights from guest speakers with knowledge of the supernatural. It offers a welcoming setting to explore mysteries, exchange stories, and connect with others who are passionate about the paranormal.

Explore a playful blend of balance, strength, and connection at an acro yoga session hosted at Rhizome Roots. No partner is required, and all experience levels are welcome, from first timers to longtime practitioners. Expect to practice safe techniques for lifting, basing, and supporting one another while building flexibility and mindful movement in a friendly, social setting. Complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks are available. Pricing is $25 per person, or $15 per person when you bring a buddy, which provides a $10 savings for both participants. Advance sign up is encouraged.

Healthy Kids Day® brings families together at Fireman's Park for a free community celebration. Kids can enjoy a bounce house with music from a DJ, pick up a backpack for the new school year, take part in sports and fitness games, connect with the Ypsilanti District Library, and discover additional activities throughout the park. Everyone is welcome, with a focus on active play, hands-on learning, and family fun.

A West Coast Swing class and social takes place at Riverside Arts Center with Rhizome Roots Dance. Learn from local instructors in an all-levels lesson, then stick around for open dancing to put new skills into practice. Newcomers and experienced dancers are welcome, with an emphasis on building connection, communication, and technique. The space is LGBTQIA+ friendly, and anyone is welcome to lead or follow. Please bring a clean pair of shoes to help protect the floor. Use the outside elevator and choose Dance Hall or floor 2 to enter. Admission is $15 for the lesson plus social or $10 for the social only, and students receive both for $10.

Grits & Guitars turns brunch into a tribute to piano greats at Mash Bourbon, Whiskey & Beer Bar. The Geff Phillips Band presents the Best of Billy & Elton, celebrating the hits of Billy Joel and Elton John, including favorites such as Piano Man, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets, and Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. The brunch buffet package is $45 per person and includes reserved admission. The buffet features eggs, bacon, sausage, rosemary potatoes, cheesy grits, chicken and waffles, fruit salad, and biscuits with honey. A cash bar serves craft cocktails, plus bourbon, whiskey, beer, and other brunch classics. Expect an intimate atmosphere with memorable music and plenty of good food. Tickets are limited.

At Mash, brunch takes center stage with a lively tribute to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John performed by The Geff Phillips Band. Expect spirited renditions of beloved hits for an intimate afternoon paired with great food and music. A brunch buffet is available for $45 per person and includes reserved admission. A full cash bar serves craft cocktails along with bourbon, whiskey, beer, and other brunch favorites. The set features crowd pleasers like Piano Man, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets, and Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. Tickets are limited.

Meet in the YDL-Superior meeting room for a discussion-based book club that focuses on works that have been challenged and have helped spark change. Participants read the selected title in advance, then gather to share insights and celebrate the impact of these stories. Copies can be picked up at the Superior branch starting about a month ahead of each session. Featured selections include The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexia, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, and Normal People by Sally Rooney. This program is intended for ages 16 and up and requires registration.

An ecstatic dance session centered on somatic movement invites participants to release stress and replenish energy in an inclusive, supportive setting. After an arrival period, the gathering begins with an opening circle for intention setting, gentle musical warmups, and somatic release. Participants are asked to arrive before the opening circle begins, since the doors close once it starts. The space is consent-forward, substance-free, and non-conversational during dancing, with a focus on non-judgment and no photo or video during open dance. Music spans global sounds and a wide range of genres, including instrumental, electronic, and vocal, rising and softening in waves before returning to stillness. The experience concludes with a closing circle for reflection and sharing. Absolute beginners are welcome and no partner is required. Wear comfortable layers for ease of movement. Many people dance in socks, though clean shoes or bare feet are also fine. The floor is hardwood, and cushions, mats, and props are available. Pre-registration is encouraged. Admission is $20-35, payable in cash at the door, with a digital option if needed. If cost is a concern, volunteer opportunities may be available. This practice is offered as a way to support emotional processing, ease tension, and calm anxiety through embodied movement.

Settle into a guided Yoga Nidra practice at Rhizome Roots that centers on stillness, silence, and deep rest to reconnect with a sense of wholeness. Participants can relax into a cozy rest nest while cultivating gentle awareness. Sliding scale pricing is $25 to $45, and advance sign-up with pre-registration and prepayment is required. The session is led by Jess Kilbourn, who envisions a well-rested world and has supported the Ypsi community for nearly three decades as a bodyworker, energy worker, women’s and gender studies instructor, death doula, grief coach and community grief ritual facilitator, yoga nidra and restorative yoga instructor, BodyMind Coach, and retreat guide. A past participant shared feeling an immediate sense of sacred, transformative space, resting deeply during a stressful week and leaving with renewed clarity for self-care and aliveness.

Discover the art of charm bags in a welcoming, hands-on workshop at Luna Gallery. Over the course of one hour, participants learn what a charm bag is, how it works, and practical ways to use it for yourself, for others, and around the home or in the car. Create a personalized bag with provided herbs, oils, charms, and more, with all materials included. No prior experience is needed. The session is adult-focused and beginner friendly, and the cost is $20 per person. Attendance is kept small for a more personal experience. Advance registration is recommended, and scanning the QR code secures a spot and provides a 10% coupon toward a future workshop or an in-store purchase.

True Devil brings high-octane hard rock to Ziggy's in Ypsilanti alongside the debut performance of Jezters Fun House, featuring The Jezter of SOOT, Red Snow and more, with Trouble Clinic rounding out the lineup. The night centers on community and live original rock. Entry is $5 or pay what you can.

SKRWL and Yeddie bring a live set to The Tap Room in Yipsi, MI. There is no cover, and tips for the bands are encouraged.

Explore altered book art with Carol "Toots" Morris, an artist and published poet whose practice spans painting and mixed media. Learn collage and mixed media techniques while transforming pages with scissors, graphics, watercolor paints, stickers, pen and ink, and glue. This intimate, hands-on workshop has limited capacity. Many supplies are provided. A suggested donation of $10 to $15 on a sliding scale helps cover operating costs and supports WCAMI's Scholarship Fund.

Cultivate a supportive routine that nourishes, challenges, and strengthens community connections at Rhizome Roots Studio. This special collaboration with founder and instructor Charlie invites participants to deepen their yoga practice and realign their energy as the seasons shift. The session features a 60 minute VinYin gentle flow, blending Vinyasa and Yin with a TCTSY approach, followed by tea and time for reflection and conversation. Everyone is welcome, including beginners, with accessibility for all ages and genders. Drop ins are possible if space allows. Extra mats and props are available on site, and tea and snacks are included with the ticket. Capacity is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

The Pops season opens with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra celebrating the music of Studio Ghibli at Pease Auditorium in Ypsilanti. Joe Hisaishi’s iconic scores from the Academy Award-winning films of Hayao Miyazaki take center stage, with themes from Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Kiki’s Delivery Service performed by the orchestra under the direction of a guest conductor. This is a concert-only experience without film projections, presented as a symphonic spotlight on these soundtracks.

The WRAP Movie Night series returns to Frog Island Amphitheater, creating a community-focused gathering with snacks, beverages, and recent film releases. The screenings are free to attend.

A cozy pajama themed fundraiser at Arbor Woods brings the neighborhood together for a night with heart and purpose. Organized by Building Together Community Outreach, the gathering centers on comfort, connection, and community wellbeing while raising money for local outreach. Contributions help empower families, strengthen relationships, and provide assistance that enables individuals and neighborhoods to flourish. The evening celebrates community and giving back, with support directed to efforts that make a direct impact close to home.

Discover the art of candle dressing in a friendly, hands-on workshop that invites exploration of intention, creativity, and personal magic. Participants learn how to prepare a candle for spell work, discuss the purpose of various dressings, and craft a custom candle to take home. All materials are included and no experience is required. The session is geared toward adults and welcoming to beginners, and the cost is $20 per person. Expect to leave with your personalized dressed candle, a clearer understanding of candle use in spell work, and a touch of inspiration for everyday life. Space is limited to keep the experience personal, so advance registration is recommended. Scanning the event’s QR code to register secures a spot and provides a 10% off coupon for a future workshop or an in-store purchase. This workshop takes place at Luna Gallery.

Presented by the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation, this self-guided Historic Home Tour invites exploration of notable homes throughout Ypsilanti’s Historic South Side neighborhood. Discover the stories behind the architecture and experience the charm, craftsmanship, and character that define one of the city’s historic districts. The event appeals to enthusiasts of preservation, architecture, local history, and distinctive homes, offering a meaningful way to connect with Ypsilanti’s heritage while supporting preservation efforts in the community. Ticket and tour information will be announced soon.

Delta Sigma Phi alumni gather with friends, families, and members of the community to celebrate EMU’s homecoming football game against the Toledo Rockets. The day focuses on fun, laughter, and a strong sense of togetherness.

EMU’s annual Homecoming features a special Eastern Michigan University Football experience for the Michigan Crossroads Council that goes beyond watching from the stands. Participating groups can take part in a pregame fan tunnel, lining up as the team charges onto the field and exchanging high fives with players. After the final whistle, the group steps onto the grey turf for a commemorative on-field photo. The offer includes a game ticket along with these field-level moments and is available through Paciolan.

From Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper, the Kicks & Keepers Gala is a suits and sneakers celebration that brings people together in the EMU Student Center Ballroom to honor leadership, mentorship, education, and the power of community service. The theme mixes sophistication with purpose, and the dress code calls for refined clothing paired with favorite sneakers to show support for youth and the community.

Mitten Mayhem Stage Combat Workshop brings training to Eastern Michigan University with two learning paths. The introductory track is tailored for participants with limited or no stage combat background and focuses on the core concepts needed to get started. The general track offers classes at open, basic, and advanced levels across a variety of movement and weapon disciplines, giving attendees the chance to explore new skills or revisit familiar material from a fresh perspective with guidance from the instructors. Tickets are $300, and discounted options include a Summer Special, an Early Bird offering, and a $270 rate for SAFD, SAG-AFTRA, and other union members.

Michigan’s largest music swap meet returns to Ann Arbor at the Eastern Michigan University Student Center. This buy, sell and trade gathering brings together amateur and professional musicians, collectors, luthiers, inventors and current or former store owners, with a wide selection of new, used, vintage, custom and handmade instruments, amplifiers and accessories available for sale or swap. The public can bring their own instruments and gear to sell or trade, whether carried by hand, rolled in on a small cart for heavier loads or brought in over multiple trips to the car. Beyond the gear, the focus is on community, with many attendees reconnecting with former bandmates, meeting new collaborators and building contacts for future projects. Admission is $15 per person at the door.

Power of the Purse comes with a new date this year and will be held at the WCC Morris Lawrence Building. Since it began, the event has raised more than $450,000 in grants for local human service organizations dedicated to advancing the economic stability of women. Attendees can explore unique holiday gifts during a purse auction and raffle, with proceeds supporting agencies that serve women and their families across Washtenaw County. Early bird tickets are expected to be available in the summer, with more details to come.

This Mini Market is part of a citywide effort from Ypsilanti Farmers Markets to bring fresh, locally sourced food into neighborhoods. In collaboration with nearby businesses, organizations, and community spaces, the program builds a network of smaller, community rooted market sites that are easy to reach and welcoming to everyone. By placing markets close to home, it improves access to nourishing food, creates new ways for vendors to grow their businesses, and strengthens the local food system by reaching people where they already spend time.