Get ready to celebrate the season at our annual HoliFest, happening on the first three Saturdays of December: December 7th, 14th, and 21st starting at 11 am!

Downtown will come alive with the sights and sounds of the holidays—roaming carolers, visits from Santa, gift-wrapping stations, and festive music filling the air. It’s the perfect time to shop local, enjoy the holiday spirit, and create special memories in the heart of Ypsi.

Local businesses are getting in on the magic too! Many will feature extended hours, holiday promotions, and festive decor to make your experience even brighter.

 Stay tuned! The DDA will be updating thier website soon with a full list of participating businesses and activities, so you can plan your HoliFest adventure. 

Whether you’re a longtime Ypsi resident or visiting for the first time, HoliFest is a celebration for everyone. Save the dates, bring your family and friends, and let’s make this holiday season unforgettable!

What Makes Ypsilanti Great?

 Share Your Story!

What makes your neighborhood shine? We want to hear from you! Writing for Community Change is a community project collecting stories, photos, and artwork from Ypsilanti residents to create a powerful narrative that showcases the vibrant heart of our city.

How It Works:

• Tell your story: Share memories, favorite places, or neighborhood highlights that show what makes the city of Ypsilanti special.
• Express yourself: Submit photos, drawings, or words – whatever captures your Ypsilanti pride.
• Join the movement: Contribute to a community-driven story that celebrates Ypsilanti’s unity and strength.

Your perspective will help shape Ypsilanti’s story for all to see! Ready to get started? Visit the link or scan the QR code to share your voice and add your piece to the Ypsilanti story.

Share your Story Here: https://tinyurl.com/YpsiStories/

Contact Brent Miller at bmille52@emich.edu with questions.

Washtenaw Office of Economic Development

Get your business tax ready at this IRS-hosted workshop!

In partnership with Washtenaw County, the Internal Revenue Service is hosting a series of workshops to help get small businesses ready for the 2025 tax season! December’s workshop will center on vital tools, resources, and information needed to prepare for a successful tac season. Topics include:

• Employer Identification Number
• Recordkeeping
• Schedule C compliance
• Withholding estimated payments
• Issuing and filing proper forms
• Exploring resources like the IRS Small Business & Self-Employed Tax Center, online accounts, and more to empower entrepreneurs to thrive in today’s tax landscape

 The workshop will take place on December 5^th, 2024, from 12 pm – 2 pm at the Learning Resource Center (4135 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor)

Registration is not required but highly encouraged. Please register at bit.ly/4foJVOI

Questions? Please email Cheranissa Williams at williamsch@washtenaw.org

Daytime and overnight shelter is available in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti

Winter daytime and overnight shelter accommodations are available throughout the winter shelter season from November 11^th, 2024 – April 13^th, 2025 for any individual seeking emergency shelter during the cold winter months.

Daytime shelter is available at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 6 PM For a complete list of daytime warming shelter locations, please visit bit.ly/washtenaw-warming.

If you are looking for overnight shelter, please call the Delonis Center at (734) 662-2829 for information regarding locations and transportation accommodations. For a referral to the Delonis Center, please call Housing Access for Washtenaw County (HAWC) at (734) 961-1999.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact the Delonis Center/the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) at (734) 662-2829.

Growing Hope

🌱✨ Exciting news, Ypsilanti! We just launched our NEW Community Garden Map! This interactive tool will help you discover all the community gardens around the city, where you can connect with others, grow fresh produce, and help cultivate a more sustainable, self-reliant community. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, this map will guide you to spaces where you can dig in and grow with us! 🥕🌻 Explore the map today!

Indoor Winter Farmers Market: The Indoor Winter Market is officially here! From November 9th to December 21st, join us every Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market Place (16 S. Washington St.) for a beautiful array of fresh local produce, artisan goods, and other local products. This is a perfect opportunity to continue shopping small and supporting local farmers!

Food Sovereignty Film Series: High on the Hog Screening
 Join us on December 19 at 5:00 PM for the next installment of Growing Hope’s Teen Leadership Program's Food Sovereignty Film Series, featuring High on the Hog. This captivating documentary explores the deep cultural and historical connection between African American heritage and food, tracing the journey from Africa to America and the critical role food plays in shaping our communities today.

The screening will take place at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market Place, 16 S. Washington. Seating and refreshments will be provided, but feel free to bring your own blanket, food, or snacks to share. This is a great opportunity to come together, engage with the community, and explore the rich history of food sovereignty. We hope to see you there!

Ypsilanti District Library

Riverside Arts Center

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.

Ypsilanti Death Cafe on the third Saturday of each month from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Bloodroot Herb Shop (208 W. Michigan Ave)