FoolMoon and FestiFools return to downtown Ann Arbor for an exciting weekend of light-filled art, creative experiences, and foolish fun!
Enjoy a weekend in Ann Arbor and watch the puppet processions downtown. Participate if you wish! Attend free weekend workshops hosted by creators, makers, and ‘foolish’ festival goers to guide your process of making your own luminary or puppet.
Read more below for a well-rounded idea of what to expect.
What to know about FoolMoon
FoolMoon takes place on Friday, April 5, from 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
This year’s theme: FoolBloom.
Ending location: Washington Street, downtown Ann Arbor
Bring spring to Ann Arbor with your creative costumes and luminaries, and other fantastical flowers created by you to light up the night. Free fun for all ages!
Ahead of FoolMoon
Attend free luminary workshops every Sunday in March at Hathaway’s Hideaway. Parade float artist, Jimmy Thompson, will help guide attendees to create something amazing out of wire, tape, tissue paper, glue, LED lights, and your imagination. Click here to view upcoming free FoolMoon workshops.
Night of FoolMoon
There will be three ‘constellation stations’ to join before the official FoolMoon procession begins at 8:00 PM sharp. You’ll parade alongside community members and visitors through downtown Ann Arbor, ending up on Washington Street, between Ashley & Main Street. Then, the party begins!
Here are your three constellation stations:
• Front lawn of the U-M Museum of Art
• Slauson Middle School Parking Lot
• Kerrytown / Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market
This year’s ending location is perfectly placed between Ann Arbor brewery, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, Cuban-inspired hot spot Frita Batidos, and Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. Stop in for a quick beverage or snack!
Visit the FestiFools Studio Facebook page for the latest FoolMoon updates.
What to know about FestiFools
FestiFools takes place on Sunday, April 7, from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
This year’s theme: FestiFables.
Location: Main Street, downtown Ann Arbor
Festival goers are invited to build and bring a giant puppet, make a costume, and have fun on Main Street in Downtown Ann Arbor. Be a part of this annual public art tradition! This monumental moving art display was created for the community, by the community.
FestiFools began in 2007 by Mark Tucker, Art Director leading Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts (LSA) students to create these larger-than-life puppets, creating the ultimate puppet extravaganza, and inviting community members to join in.
Ahead of FestiFools
Attend free workshops at the FestiFools Studio every Saturday and find additional volunteer opportunities leading up to and during the event. Or, simply show up and watch this memorable parade starting at 4:00 PM!
Day of FestiFools
Arrive early! Find street parking or structure parking nearby. Be ready for the parade to begin at 4:00 PM sharp. Enjoy the giant artwork and community gathering during this remarkable Ann Arbor annual event!
Visit the FestiFools Studio Facebook page for the latest FestiFools updates. Click here to explore more of Ann Arbor.
Nearby Hotels
Whether you want to be in the heart of the action, or find a serene escape, we have you covered. The Bell Tower Hotel downtown Ann Arbor provides an elegant ambiance and is within walking distance of downtown attractions. The Graduate provides a great location and offers bike rentals, a perfect fit for Ann Arbor’s bike-friendly streets. Browse area hotels offering several amenities and find your perfect fit. Click here to find Ann Arbor hotels.
Getting Here & Around
Ann Arbor is just 25 minutes east of the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). There are a handful of options, including the Michigan Flyer offering one-way and roundtrip tickets.
When you’ve arrived at your hotel, travel around Ann Arbor on TheRide, the area’s top-notch public transit system offering affordable fares. There are also private transportation services offered by Golden Limousine and autonomous shuttles run by May Mobility in the downtown area. Click here to learn more about getting here and around.
Downtown Parking
Downtown Ann Arbor offers several parking options, including above ground and below ground parking structures. Find available free and metered street parking, and designated paved and unpaved lots near your destination. Click here to view an interactive map of downtown parking.
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