Huron River Day moves to Riverside Park for free family fun, music and more May 16
In addition to “Tree Town” and the university, Ann Arbor is also known for the river that runs through it. All are invited to celebrate the waterway at Huron River Day Saturday, May 16, noon–4 p.m. in a new location, Riverside Park, 1000 Canal St., near downtown Ann Arbor. The free, family-friendly festival recognizes the Huron River and the conservation efforts of partnering organizations and community. The afternoon will feature exhibitors, music and so much to do, all surrounded by nature.
In addition, local food will be available for purchase from Tacos El Panda, The Grill Father BBQ and Washtenaw Dairy.
But first ... Huron Heroes: Morning programming, 8 a.m.–noon
New this year, the event will be ushered in by a morning of interactive Huron Heroes sessions, from 8 a.m. to noon, giving community members the chance to take part in guided walks, workshops, cleanups, crafts and educational programming before the afternoon festival opens.
Community members who sign up for a Huron Heroes activity will earn a Huron Heroes card redeemable for prizes at the festival's information booth. Morning sessions include: Dam2Dam bike ride, park cleanups, microplastics exhibit tour, family-friendly river bug hunt, bird and turtle walk-and-learn sessions, crafts and more.
“We’re very excited to introduce the new Huron Heroes prize cards this year,” said Tory Watson, Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation supervisor. “It’s a fun, hands-on way for people to connect with the river, learn more about its importance and get involved in caring for it through activities like interactive crafts, nature hikes, park cleanups and more.” Find additional information and register online.
Huron River Day begins — Afternoon festival: noon–4 p.m.
The afternoon festival will feature hands-on activities and games, live animals from Leslie Science & Nature Center, a kids area with inflatables and face painting, a craft area, local eco-friendly exhibitor tables, food trucks and live entertainment.
“The Huron River provides us with many benefits — drinking water, a home for wildlife, a place for recreation and a way to enjoy nature. We hope everyone will come out to have some fun, connect with the river and learn how they play a part in protecting it,” said Rebecca Esselman, executive director of the Huron River Watershed Council.
Entertainment schedule
- Noon: Festival opens; live music by Hullaballoo Band
- 1 p.m.: Belly dance performance and lesson by Karma Belly dance
- 2 p.m.: Live music by Margo Solomon teen band from Neutral Zone
- 3 p.m.: Alexander the Magician
- 4 p.m.: Festival concludes
Parking
Four parking areas are located within 0.15 miles of Riverside Park: University of Michigan parking structures M99 and M93, and University of Michigan parking lots M50 and M40. Overflow parking is available at all three Fuller Park lots, within 0.46 miles of the park.
Volunteer opportunities
Anyone interested in volunteering at Huron River Day can go online view and sign up for opportunities.
About Huron River Day
Huron River Day is sponsored by the DTE Foundation, with additional support provided by the City of Ann Arbor, the Huron River Watershed Council, the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation and Middle Huron Partners.
Huron River Day is free and open to the public. Visit the event page for more information.
More to do in A2
Why not spend a day full of free family fun in the city? The Ann Arbor Police and Fire 2026 Open House will also take place Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in downtown Ann Arbor, 111 N. Fifth Ave. between Huron and Ann streets, alongside Fire Station No. 1. Stop by to meet local first responders including the police K-9 unit, Touch a Truck (police and fire vehicles), spray a fire hose, free hot dogs while they last and more.
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Media Contact:
Tory Watson, Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Supervisor, 734.794.6627, TWatson@a2gov.org