Tune into W4 Country Thursdays at 8:10 a.m. for our weekly spotlight on things to see and do in Washtenaw County!
Listen in as Chad Wiebesick from Destination Ann Arbor shares the top picks —from festivals and kid-friendly adventures to concerts, movies, live theatre, and more — all designed to inspire your weekend and help you make lasting memories.
Catch the W4 Country Hometown Rundown, live or on the W4 Podcast, and discover what makes Washtenaw County come alive!
W4 HOMETOWN RUNDOWN ~ LATEST EPISODE:
Sep. 4, 2025 ~ Chad Wiebesick from Destination Ann Arbor joins ‘Rally & Welch‘ to preview family-friendly events going on this weekend, and it’s fall, y’all!
W4 HOMETOWN RUNDOWN ~ EVENTS FOR THE WEEKEND OF FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12:
Time: 7:30 PM
Giddy up, Ypsi! 2 hours of introductory line dancing are coming to the Freighthouse. Ashley will teach you some basic dances to country classics that will get you stompin’ and scootin’. Let’s get together and learn a thing or two. Recommended Attire: cowboy boots or other comfortable closed-toe shoes. Hats, bandanas, and additional country flair encouraged but not required. ote: The Freighthouse floors are old hardwood, with uneven spots and bumps. Please leave your best dancing shoes at home and wear comfortable shoes you can move in. All ages are welcome; no partner or prior experience required. Alcohol is available for purchase for ages 21+ with a valid driver’s license.
Broadway Park West Opening Weekend
Time: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Broadway Park West in Ann Arbor is having its opening weekend from Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14, 2025. Highlights include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and public access on Friday (11:00 Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new pedestrian and cycling bridge, followed by remarks from officials; 5:00 food trucks and bar service open, 7pm-10pm DJ dance party), a community exploration day on Saturday, and a family-focused Bubble Fest on Sunday morning (a family-friendly event w/ free coffee and ice cream). The celebration marks the official launch of Ann Arbor’s new riverfront park, which features trails, a pedestrian bridge, and a connection to the Border-to-Border Trail.
Broadway Park West is a 7-acre park featuring 1,200 feet of Huron River frontage. Visitors can explore the revitalized green space, enjoy the new pedestrian bridge connecting to the Border-to-Border Trail, and experience Ann Arbor’s newest riverfront destination.
Price: FREE
Join on Friday, September 12, 2025, as downtown Ann Arbor is transformed into a vibrant, open-air gallery during the Street Art Encounter. This family-friendly event invites the public to experience art in motion. Downtown Ann Arbor is turning into an open-air gallery for one incredible day! Join us for the first-ever Street Art Encounter. This family-friendly event invites the public to enjoy murals, music, dining, and community come together to celebrate creativity. Event highlights: Live mural painting with 15 artists, live music, Interactive art installations you can be part of, Family activities hosted by the Ann Arbor District Library, In-street dining with your favorite A2 Fall Streets restaurants
3rd Annual River Race’n Car Show
Time: 9 AM-4 PM
FREE ADMISSION | FAMILY-FRIENDLY Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with the family, this event has something for everyone. All cars are welcome to show off their shine, with two thrilling classes: Street Cars vs. Race Cars (think drag, circle, monster trucks, MX, and more!).
Prizes Galore! People’s Choice CASH Prize and Trophy for 1st and 2nd place. “Special Awards” sprinkled throughout the day—so stick around! Event Highlights: Car Registration kicks off at 10 AM. Be among the first 100 vehicles to register and snag a “Goodie Bag” full of surprises! Live Music to keep the vibes high. Exciting Raffles and a 50/50 draw for a chance to win big. Food Trucks serving up delicious eats. Kids Play Area to keep the little ones entertained. First Responder “Touch a Truck“—a hands-on experience for all ages!
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Every year, waves of these butterflies migrate over mountains, deserts, and plains in the United States to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico. By registering for this event, you are helping contribute to the conservation efforts put in place to protect these incredible butterflies locally and nationally.
Activities include: Butterfly tent, Face painting, Meeting animals up close, Talking with local organizations, + more!
Advance tickets are sold out but walk-ups on the day of the event are welcome to pay to attend and participate in games/activities but will not be guaranteed a butterfly to release.
Destination Ann Arbor is the official tourism organization for Washtenaw County, dedicated to promoting the region as a vibrant, welcoming place to visit, explore, and enjoy. Learn more at AnnArbor.org.
