Please join us in welcoming new employees to the City of Ypsilanti family!

Dorsey Estates Updates

Thank you to everyone who attended our Dorsey Estates homebuyer sessions. If you weren't able to participate, there is still time.

Dorsey Estates Units will become available soon, with help from Washtenaw County, Renovare Development, Huntington Bank & Community Housing Network, allowing Ypsilanti residents to prequalify. There are 46 different homes of various sizes, and half of the units will be designated as affordable income units. Down payment & planning assistance is available. If you’re interested in purchasing, the first units will be closing as soon as October/November at the end of 2024. Homes, if sold, will remain affordable based on their AMI. In addition, there will also be Market Rate Cottages and Duplex/Condos for sale.

https://cityofypsilanti.com/901/Dorsey-Estates

University Musical Society (UMS) returns to the Ypsilanti Freighthouse this September.

For more information on performances, visit https://ums.org/season/

For tickets - https://ums.org/season/buy-tickets/ (Senior, Student, Group, Family/Kid Discounts)

Thursday, September 12 - Contra Dance at the Freighthouse

Friday, September 13 - Beautiful Noise

Saturday, September 14 - Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet

Thursday, September 19 - Las Guaracheras

Friday, September 20 - Open Mic at the Freighthouse – Free - Participatory Experience

Saturday, September 22 - Dance Party for Kids with House of Jit - Free - Family Friendly – Pay What You Wish

Thursday, September 26 – Kittel & Co. with special guest artist Nic Gareiss 

Ypsi Fall River Day

Saturday, September 29th, from noon to 3 PM

 at Frog Island Park 

Paddle, play and learn about the Huron River with the whole family! Join the City of Ypsilanti’s Parks & Arts Commission and the Huron River Watershed Council for a day of free family-friendly river fun. Activities include crafts, games, a live river critters exhibit, and a nature hike. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Mobile Learning Center will feature the river’s natural history and other exhibitors will share information about enjoying and protecting the river. There will be free kayak trips (single and two-person) on the Huron as it winds through Ypsilanti and into Ford Lake, all equipment and transportation provided. The trips are good for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Limited availability, walk up registration only.

See the Facebook event for more information. 

Around Town

EMU Football

Dear Fellow Community Members, On Saturday, September 14th, at 7:00 P.M., our Eastern Michigan University Football team kicks off an exciting new season on the new Maxx Crosby Field inside Rynearson Stadium.

All season long, we invite you to join in the family-friendly festivities that make a game day in Ypsilanti so special. Experience the excitement for fans of all ages, beginning with Eagle Walk two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff, to fan engaging activities ranging from photos with our live bald eagle mascot, cheerleaders and dance team members to the interactive inflatable games inside our kids zone. Don't let your taste buds down either, visit one of the local food trucks inside the stadium or enjoy a piping hot slice of Little Caesar's pizza. Then sit back and enjoy one of the largest video boards the Mid-American Conference has to offer, as we entertain the crowd with fun crowd cams and stories of our student-athletes, former EMU Legends and great accomplishments by EMU professors and local community members. And finally, listen to the sounds of the Pride of the Peninsula as the EMU Marching Band takes the field for pre-game, halftime and post-game shows. As you can see, game day in The Factory is full of excitement for the entire family!

 Single game tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased online starting at just $15. For more information or a full schedule visit EMUEagles.com to purchase your tickets today. Also as a reminder, game day inside Rynearson Stadium includes pyrotechnics at certain points of the game as well as a cannon operated by EMU ROTC students and staff. Both of these elements are traditional elements that have been used throughout the years and carry sound that can be heard outside the stadium. This season, we have placed strong time limits on the use of these elements, so as not to impact the lives of our local neighbors. This includes restricting their use past certain times in the evening and after a score reaches a certain threshold. We take our commitment to being a good neighborhood partner seriously and hope that this will bring a more enjoyable experience to everyone.

 Happy game week to all of our community neighbors, and we hope to see you at a game this fall!

Mark your calendars for First Friday Ypsilanti on September 6th. Check out their Facebook page for a map of all the participating businesses and attractions. First Fridays Ypsilanti is a monthly, free, self-guided tour that confidently promotes arts and culture for both residents and visitors. It invites people to explore various area businesses where they can shop and get exclusive discounts, attend pop-up events and galleries featuring Ypsilanti area artists and performers, and experience the Ypsilanti arts scene in all its forms. So, don't miss this exciting opportunity to witness the best of Ypsilanti's arts and culture!

First Friday Ypsilanti Facebook

YpsiReal: New Business Roundup: 

Add these new Ypsilanti businesses to your must-visit list! From tasty vegan coneys to organic baked goods and new retail shops, find out what's new in Ypsi. 

Vertex Coffee Roasters, Plant-Based Coneys,

El Castillo Restaurant, Depot Town Cats & Dogs, Bird Dog Baking, Crawdaddy's Creole, Tony's Treasures & Estate Sales, Bitter Truth & Putt-R-Round Mini Golf & Putt Arcade.

See the article/blog post here

Rumble of the Bumble

On September 7th don't miss Rumble of the Bumble is a free environmental, community-driven event promoting Ypsilanti businesses and artists, featuring live professional wrestling, interactive education stations, a childrens vending market and learning center, and more buzzing activities!

  https://www.ypsireal.com/blog/post/rumble-of-the-bumble-festival/

Ypsilanti Performance Space

218 N. Adams St.  Ypsilanti   TheYPSI.ORG

Upcoming Events: 

Ian Maksin Performs “Songs of the Vagabond Cello” September 11, 2024 @ 7:00pm

Embark on a global journey at The YPSI with world-acclaimed cellist, composer, and multilingual vocalist Ian Maksin, as he performs in over 30 languages and explores a wide range of genres. Mentored by Yo-Yo Ma, Maksin has collaborated with renowned artists such as Andrea Bocelli, P. Diddy, Snoop Dogg, Gloria Estefan, Sting, and Barry Gibb. As part of his "Cello for Peace Tour 2.0," a portion of the proceeds will support humanitarian efforts in war-torn areas. Doors open 6:30 p.m. Tickets $20-$40  https://ianmaksin.com/tour

MEMCO Presents Folded Mirrors September 12, 2024  @ 7:30pm
MEMCO Presents “Folded Mirrors” a night of deliberate, thoughtful ambient music inside an ancient church. Live set by Otherseas. DJ sets by Naphtha and 22x. 
Tickets $5.00 https://ra.co/events/1981767

Home Slice Comedy Show September 14 + 21, October 12, November 9  @ 8:00pm 

Whatabout Theatre's Revolving Stage invites you to The YPSI for Home Slice, authentic slices of life in a new house each performance! Discover the magic of unscripted theatre, where talented actors breathe life into characters and situations created on the spot. Paired with dynamic live music, each evening promises laughter, insight, and poignant moments that resonate long after the curtain falls. Each show will also feature an opening performance from a local improv team - two great acts for the price of one!Tickets are $15 online or in cash at the door. http://whatabouttheatre.org

Steve Daut Performs “Telling Twain” on September 27, 2024 @ 7:00pm
 
 Author and storyteller Steve Daut brings his talent to The YPSI with modern adaptations of Mark Twain's best short stories from his book Telling Twain. Steve employs movement, expression, wacky characters and fun to delight adults and children alike. His performances draw on his experience as a magician, sketch and stand-up comedian, improv artist and MC. 
Tickets $15 online TheYPSI.org./events

Holy Bones 6th Annual Festival + Halloween Market October 4 + 5, 2024 1:00-9:00pm

A two day event, Holy Bones is a celebration of all things weird and wonderful, showcasing artists, performers, and creative souls in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Vendors, food, and fun! Some adult content. Some proceeds benefit restoration of The YPSI concert hall. 
  Tickets $6-$10 online or at the gate.
TheYPSI.org/events

2024 Ypsi Walks!

Join local historian and naturalist, Stefan Szumko, on any of several guided walks through Ypsilanti this year.  

Learn about the history of places in Ypsilanti.  Observe natural phenomena along the way.  Make new friends as you walk and talk.

Walks range in distance from 1.5-7 miles, so please dress accordingly and bring snacks/water.  Public restrooms may be few and far between, depending on the route.  For all, but especially the longer routes, participants may feel free to cut their walk short and head back to the start point early.

All walks meet and end at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse (100 Market Pl, Ypsilanti, MI 48198).  Free parking is available in the Frog Island Parking Lot across Rice St.

The cost is $5, and children under 12 are free. Digital routes with turn-by-turn voice navigation and pictures of interesting points will be provided to all in-person participants for future use.  

For those unable to attend the in-person event or would prefer to walk at their leisure, purchase a digital route map by emailing Stefan Szumko at slugwhisperer@gmail.com and pay $5 via Venmo or PayPal. 

Ypsilanti Art Walks

August 10, 2024 (Saturday) 10 am - OR - August 11, 2024 (Sunday) 2pm

•   There are roughly 70 works of art including: murals, statues, memorials, and architectural flourishes in the City of Ypsilanti and Eastern Michigan University.  

•   The entire 5-mile route will be offered on both dates, with a 3-mile option that skips EMU.

Labor Day Bridge Walks

September 1 (Sunday) 10 am - 17 Bridges of Ypsilanti

•   With the exception of the 3 bridges over Paint Creek on the city’s west side, there are 17-bridges in the city limits and EMU.  We will traverse them all.

•   This route is approximately 7 miles.

September 2 (Monday) 10am - 10 Bridges of Ypsilanti

•   This route is approximately 3 miles in length.

Depot Town - Catastrophes, Triumphs, and Other Random Stuff

October 18 (Saturday) 10am - OR - October 19 (Sunday) 2pm

•   Learn about the gritty side of Depot Town - Unsolved murder, motorcycle gangs, gambling den, train wrecks, building collapses, secret tunnels, secret societies, and more!

•   Route distance TBD - less than 3 miles estimated

Ypsi’s Eclectic Architecture

November 9 (Saturday) 10am - OR - November 10 (Sunday) 2pm

•   We’ll walk from Depot Town to Downtown Ypsilanti and see homes and buildings from a wide variety of building styles.

•   Discover why the Ypsilanti Historic District, Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation, and Ypsilanti Historical Society were all formed in the early 1970s.

•   Route distance TBD - less than 3 miles estimated.

Ypsilanti Historic District

December 14, 2024 (Saturday) 10 am - OR - December 15, 2024 (Sunday) 2 pm

•   Ypsilanti is home to one of Michigan's oldest and largest historic districts, with some of the earliest-built structures still standing.

•   Check on the progress of Dorsey Estates - the first new building project in Ypsi in decades.

•   Check on the progress of the Water Street Redevelopment Project - decades in the making; polluted soil to be removed.

•   The route is approximately 4 miles.

Growing Hope

Chefs in the Garden x Detroit Food Academy: After a break in 2023, guests can expect to experience the first Chefs in the Garden joint fundraiser with the partnership of Detroit Food Academy. Both organizations share a mission for youth programming in local food systems through culinary arts, sustainable farming, entrepreneurship, education, and leadership in local communities. The evening will feature a three-course dinner with dessert, prepared by Chef Kiki Louya, recognized as one of “16 Black Chefs Changing Food in America” by the New York Times and other notable chefs from Detroit Food Academy. Working alongside teen program participants from Detroit Food Academy and Growing Hope, this collaboration showcases culinary talent and highlights the importance of youth engagement in food systems. Purchase tickets to the September 15 dinner here. 

Chefs in the Garden feat. Chef Ji Hye Kim: Growing Hope is delighted to welcome Chef Ji Hye Kim back, award-winning chef/owner of Miss Kim in Ann Arbor. Known for her food rooted in Korean tradition and adapted to showcase Michigan’s bountiful produce, her family-style meal will shine seasonally and locally. Her return to Chefs in the Garden is highly anticipated, as she is committed to prioritizing fair wages, benefits, and equity in the industry and has participated in programs like James Beard Chef Boot Camp for Policy Change and Food Lab Detroit’s Fellowship for Change in Food and Labor. Purchase tickets to the September 22 dinner here. 

Ypsilanti Farmers Markets: Join us every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Depot Town at 100 Rice St. to shop from local farmers, producers, and makers. The Ypsilanti Farmers Markets accepts SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, Prescription for Health, WIC Produce Connection, and Senior Market FRESH.

Ypsilanti District Library

YpsiReal: Ypsilanti is the Ultimate Halloween Destination!

It's not too far away from Fall! Ypsilanti is the area's premier Halloween destination. It all happens here from annual parties and festivals for all ages to spooky after-dark excitement. 

Ypsi Real October Events

Holy Bones Festival October 4th-5th

Ypsi Freak Fest October 4th-6th

It's Alive! A Black Cat B-Movie Parody October 18th-20th & 24th-26th

Over $1 Million Invested into Local Students for Their College and Career Dreams

My Future Fund deposits over $1M into free college and career savings accounts

More than 16,000 second through seventh grade students across Washtenaw County have unlocked over $1 million in college and career savings thanks to My Future Fund, a free program for students in participating public schools in Washtenaw County.

“We are thrilled to invest more than $1 million into students and their dreams right here in Washtenaw County,” shared Sara Saylor, Children’s Savings Account Coordinator for My Future Fund. “I hope every child knows that we believe in them and that they have bright futures ahead of them.”

First through seventh grade student in a participating public school automatically receives a free My Future Fund account with $25 to jumpstart their college and career savings. One in three students can also qualify for a bonus deposit of $475. Savings can be used for various college and career training expenses after high school graduation.

Over $650,000 is waiting to be claimed by Ypsilanti area students today. It takes less than 5 minutes for families to unlock their bonus dollars. Over the last year, My Future Fund staff have been attending area school and community events to spread the word about the program. “Families are shocked when they find out their child can get up to $500 just by filling out an information form,” explained Lisa Stanton, Assistant Coordinator for My Future Fund. 

My Future Fund staff will be attending back-to-school events throughout the fall, so families can look for them to learn more and ask questions. Families can also unlock all the benefits of the My Future Fund program, including the $475 bonus deposit if they qualify, by completing the information form available on www.myfuturefund.org. 

Stay cool & Stay Safe this summer!

It’s HOT! Make sure to stay cool and stay safe this summer. Washtenaw County has several cooling sites available across the county. To view the entire list of sites, visit bit.ly/Wash-Cooling.

In the heat, it is important to remember these tips:

-Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid drinks with caffeine

-Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles

-Check on those who do not have air conditioning and spend much of their time alone

-Check on animals frequently

-Go to a cooling site if your home loses power during extreme heat; stay on the lowest floor and out of the sun if air conditioning is not available.

Ypsi 9th Hour

Mark your calendars  Ypsi 9th Hour returns to The Back Office Studio on September 12th! Join us for an after-work networking event with like-minded entrepreneurs, business professionals, and independent contractors in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.

Register Here  https://bit.ly/4dCSOmR

Whether you own a long-running business in Ypsilanti or are new to the community, come out for our 9th Hour to meet other like-minded folks. Hope to see you there!

Join us for our 12th annual YpsiTasty Grub Crawl!

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 — 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

$25 for adults or $10 for kids 12 and under 

YpsiTasty is a chance for food lovers to enjoy the best food and beverages Ypsilanti restaurants have to offer, and the perfect event for the business community to explore the town!  YpsiTasty is a local food celebration to support the mission of the A2Y Chamber and the Ypsilanti Downtown, Cross Street and Depot Town restaurants. 

More information here

Riverside Arts Center Updates

Artist in Residence Exhibition 

Artists in Residence, Avery Williamson and Nick Azzaro present work created during the duration of their 6-month residency at Riverside Arts Center. Opening Reception: September 6, 2024. 5 - 7pm in the Off-Center. Open through September 28, 2024. Open hours will be posted at https://www.riversidearts.org/gallery/ 

Washtenaw Community College Faculty Showcase
Riverside Arts Center is proud to partner with Washtenaw Community College to showcase a wide array of work by faculty. Opening Reception: September 6, 2024. 5-7pm in the North Gallery. Open through October 7, 2024. Open hours will be posted at https://www.riversidearts.org/gallery/. 

For more complete details, click here!  [https://www.riversidearts.org/artist-opportunities-2/}

On the first and third Wednesday of every month, artists can bring two pieces of original art to present. Artists, art lovers, collectors, curators – everyone is welcome from Ypsi and beyond! Attendees are not required to present. Anyone is welcome to simply gather with our community and enjoy the incredible artwork. Presentations occur on a first-come first-served basis. Doors open at 5:00 PM, and presentations start at 5:30 PM. Sign up by 6:00 PM to present.

"The Brain That Wouldn't Die! (The Musical)" 

–A Thrilling Fusion of Humor, Horror, and Music

Join us for the world premiere of "The Brain That Wouldn't Die! (The Musical)", an all-original musical inspired by the cult classic 1960s film. This inventive production blends humor, horror, and catchy tunes, offering a unique theatrical experience as a pioneering scientist delves into a groundbreaking head transplant experiment. 

Performance Dates: October 25 at 7:00 PM, October 26 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM, October 27 at 2:00 PM, October 31 at 7:00 PM, November 1 at 7:00 PM, November 2 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM at Riverside Arts Center 76 N. Huron Street Ypsilanti, MI 48197. 

Ticket Prices: General Admission: $15 Seniors (60+): $10 Students with ID: $10 Bridge Card Holders: $10

Tickets are available online at http://brainmusical.com and at the door. For Media Inquiries, Contact brainmusical2024@yahoo.com