ANN ARBOR – Getting downtown during Ann Arbor annual art fair can get be very frustrating. We’ve put together a list of ways of commuting into the city center without battling out-of-town drivers, blocked roads and packed parking lots.
Public buses, shuttle services and bicycle lanes are all great ways to avoid any extra anxiety as you plan your Art Fair trip between Thursday and Saturday this week.
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Here’s how to get downtown during Art Fair:
TheRide Buses
Use public buses operated by the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) to get around town.
Adult tickets cost $1.50 for a one-way ticket and $3.00 for a day pass. Discounts are available for seniors, those with disabilities and K-12 students. Rides are free for children age 5 and younger.
During summer weekend, Ann Arbor District Library and Ypsilanti District Library cardholders can use fixed route buses for free. Here’s how.
Buy tickets for TheRide when getting in buses, online, with the EZ Fare mobile application, or in person at several locations in Ann Arbor.
Those visiting Ann Arbor can park at a Park & Ride lot operated by TheRide outside of the city, and use a bus to get downtown. Lots are located on TheRide fixed bus routes, and all-day parking is free. Find a list of lots here.
PARK AND RIDE
Use shuttles to go to and from Ann Arbor Art Fair. Park and Ride lots are located behind JCPenney at Briarwood Mall (100 Briarwood Circle) and Huron High School (2727 Fuller Rd.)
Round-trip tickets cost $8 but are free for children 5 years old and younger. Parking is free at both locations.
They will run every 10-15 minutes during these times:
- 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.:Thursday, July 18 - Friday, July 19
- 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.: Saturday, July 20
The official Ann Arbor Art Fair website states that pets are not allowed on the shuttles but service animals are welcome.
The shuttles are air-conditioned and ADA-accessible.
The Briarwood Mall shuttle stops on Main Street at William Street and on State Street near South University.
The Huron High School bus will stop at the intersections of Fletcher and Washington streets and on South University Street near Forest Street.
CYCLE
Finding space for a bicycle downtown is much easier than finding a parking spot.
Bikes can be parked at more than 1,000 spaces downtown including bike hoops, seasonal on-street racks, covered bike parking in parking structures, bike houses and spots on the University of Michigan campus.
Learn more here.