Looking for some creative events in Washtenaw County? Check out these local arts events featured in the March 31, 2026, issue of Roots, the collaborative monthly arts and entertainment magazine between Cellar Roots and The Eastern Echo.
Theater
"Boss Babe" A new musical by Jen Whaley
The Neighborhood Theater Group presents a stage reading of "Boss Babe." Creeksville is a small Midwest town where many people have struggled to make a living, so when stay-at-home mom Amy is offered an "incredible employment opportunity," she takes it. Will it work out?
April 3-4 at 8 p.m. | The Back Office Studio. 13 N. Washington St. | Admission: $10 suggested donation
"Our Town" performed by EMU Theatre
Written by Thornton Wilder, "Our Town" takes audiences through three distinct acts: Daily Life, Love and Marriage, and Death and Eternity. Reflecting the human condition, the play explores the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
April 16-18 at 7 p.m., and April 18-19 2 p.m. | Legacy Theatre | Admission: $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors, $12 for students and $7 for youth ages 6-12.
Film
Independent Film Festival Ypsilanti
Founded in 2019, IFFY showcases the experimental and mind bending work of local independent filmmakers in the Ypsilanti area.
April 16-18 | Times vary by date | 76 N. Huron St. | Ticket prices vary
The VEMMYs
Hosted by the Eagles Filmmakers Association, Videographers at EMU and ETV at EMU, The VEMMYs is set to premiere the films created by each organization throughout the 2025-2026 academic year at Eastern Michigan University.
April 15 at 7 p.m. | McKenny Tower, Room 348 | Admission: Free
Art Fairs
Pushing Up Daisies
Holy Bones presents its fourth annual Pushing Up Daisies event. Hosted at the Firehouse Museum, attendees can expect two floors of spring-themed horror art for sale.
May 2 from 12-6 p.m. | Firehouse Museum, 110 W. Cross St. | Admission: Free
Ypsi Artisans Market
Hosting a collection of over 40 small businesses, crafters, nonprofit organizations and food vendors based in Ypsilanti, the Ypsi Artisans Market offers attendees a chance to explore unique art and support local creators.
May 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Place | Admission: Free
Live Music
Retro House Vibes: Washtenaw Funk & Disco
Presented by Rhizome Roots Studio, Detroit-based DJ Evan Oswald and heat wave researcher DJ Jerry Downey Jr. take attendees through a night of retro funk and disco.
April 3 at 9:30 p.m. | 108 Pearl St. | $10 entry fee, volunteer options are available
Thornetta Davis live at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse
With a career spanning more than 30 years and three solo albums, singer, songwriter and recording artist Thornetta Davis, known as Detroit's Queen of the Blues, will be performing live for attendees at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse.
April 12 at 6:30 p.m. | Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Place | Pay what you can, starting at $5
Joe Reilly and Friends Celebrate Earth Day
At a concert for families with musician Joe Reilly, joined by Mark Stone and Lesley Anne-Stone, a series of songs is set to be performed from Reilly's children's albums. Based on community and environmental impact, families are encouraged to stay after the performance to participate in a hands-on activity led by Ypsilanti non-profit Growing Hope.
April 18-19 at 7:30 p.m. | Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Place | Admission: Free
The Silos: 40 Years of American Rock
Blending American rock and experimental music, join The Silos for a night of fusing grit and avant-garde artistry live on Ziggy's stage.
April 14 at 8 p.m. | Ziggy's, 206 W. Michigan Ave. | Admission: $10 cover
Dance
The Red Carpet: Passing the Torch
In collaboration with Diversion Dance Troupe and EMU Eaglettes, EMU Dance Elites presents "The Red Carpet," featuring performances from each group, including a special performance by MSU's Urban Dreams.
April 9 at 6:30 p.m. | Student Center Auditorium | Admission: Free
Threads of Rhythm: Arab Music and Dance
Led by Chloe Gray of Ypsilanti's Fun Girl Dance Company, Threads of Rhythm encourages families of all ages to learn Dabke, a traditional line-and-circle folk dance, most often performed at weddings, festivals and other cultural events.
April 11-12 at 11 a.m. | Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Place | Admission: Free with registration
Fashion
Celebrity Wanna Be
Presented by Kings of Color, "Celebrity Wanna Be" encourages EMU students to embrace their inner main character. Attendees can come dressed in the clothes that make them most confident, and perform lip syncs or sing live, dance or showcase a mashup performance.
April 15 from 7-9 p.m. | Student Center Auditorium | Admission: Free
Faith and Fashion Show
Aiding Ypsilanti residents with rent support through its ticket sales, Ruth Mella's Ministry presents its "Faith and Fashion Show," a night of elegant faith-based fashion and worship.
May 2 from 7-9 p.m. | Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St. | Admission: RSVP required, donations encouraged
Poetry
Dzanc Community Poetry Series featuring Robert Fanning
Author of five different poetry collections, including his most recent release "All We Are Given We Cannot Hold," Robert Fanning joins Dzanc House for a night of poetry readings.
April 10 from 7-8:30 p.m. | Dzanc House, 402 South Huron St.
Exploring the Poetry of Muriel Rukeyser: Gaining Courage Through Poetry (Virtual)
Presented by YpsiWrites, join former EMU professor Elisabeth Däumer and clinical social worker David Boeving for an exploration of American poet, essayist and activist Muriel Rukeyser.
April 9 from 6:30-8 p.m. | Virtual | Registration available on ypsiwrites.com
