With Ypsilanti’s new social district expected to be in action soon, pending state licensing, community members might be eager to enjoy a cold beverage outdoors as the weather gets warmer. Without a definitive launch date on the horizon, here are five other ways to enjoy food and drinks in Ypsilanti that highlight fun and community bonding.
2026 Sammie Slam
There’s still time to participate in Ypsilanti’s annual Sammie Slam this April. Championed by the Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority, Sammie Slam is intended to celebrate local sandwich art. Patrons can visit participating restaurants, order at least two sandwiches, and be entered to win a $20, $50 or $100 gift card from the sandwich competitor of their choice.
Participating businesses, there are 22 on record, are also competing for the “Ypsi’s Best Sandwich” title. Those interested in joining the fun can visit one of the restaurants involved for a Sammie Slam passport. The passport should be returned to a participating restaurant or City Hall by May 5, 2026.
“I'm excited about our second year of Sammie Slam,” development authority Director Elize Jekabson told The Eastern Echo, describing it as a sandwich competition that offers incentives to local businesses.
A full list of participating restaurants is found on the DDA website.
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show
For true crime enthusiasts, this dining experience is sure to thrill. Dinner guests will sit down to a meal and find themselves in the middle of a hilarious crime mystery experience.
“The culprit is hiding in plain sight, and before the night is over, you could find yourself named a Prime Suspect,” the event description stated. Professional actors blend in among the guests, adding to the show’s intrigue.
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show hosts monthly dinners, with upcoming shows April 25 and May 23, 2026, both 6:30-9:30 p.m., as well as dates in June, July and August. The dinner is hosted at the Ann Arbor Marriott at Eagle Crest Resort, 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti.
Tickets to the show are $69.95 and available on the Dinner Detective website.
Summer Beer Festival 2026
Beer lovers will have the chance to try hundreds of local pints from Michigan breweries at this year’s Summer Beer Festival. Open to patrons 21 and older, tickets range in price from $60-$90, depending on admission type.
In addition to brews, the festival will include food and artisan vendors, live music and wrestling shows. The Summer Beer Festival is the Michigan Brewers Guild’s oldest annual festival. This year, it is welcoming some changes.
Also new this year, there will be no tokens. In the event description on the website, organizers explained that the new policy results from new state legislation.
"You'll order your samples the same way you did before, only there's no need for the exchange of a token for a sample. Easy does it!," organizers said on the website.
The festival takes place from 1-6 p.m. June 13 in Riverside Park. Early bird tickets are on sale now. Find more information on the Michigan Brewers Guild website. Designated driver tickets are also available for a fee.
Michigan Wine Festival
There's also a summer event for those who prefer wine over beer. The event features selections from Michigan wineries and distillers. Attendees can enjoy 10 samples, with additional tastings for $3 each.
This festival is for ages 21 and up. Early bird admission is $49.70 and includes a souvenir wine glass and museum entry to the Firehouse Museum, in addition to the 10 2-ounce pours.
Designated driver tickets are available for $22.94 and include non-alcoholic beverages.
The festival vendors include 12 Michigan wineries, a local distiller and one craft brewery, along with food, craft vendors and live music.
The Michigan Wine Festival occurs 12-5 p.m. June 27, 2026, at the Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center, 110 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. Find more information on the festival website.
Treat Trot
It’s a mad dash for a sweet treat this summer. This inclusive, multi-pace race offers one mile, 5K, 10K or 15K runs, as well as a kid’s dash for children 12 and under.
Registration includes a T-shirt, custom medal, chip-timing, photos and snacks at the finish line. Interested runners should register by midnight two Thursdays before race day to be guaranteed a shirt.
This family-friendly event is open to all fitness levels. Registration is $17-$42 depending on race type. Runners can sign up on the race website.
Race day is July 4, 2026, with packet pickup beginning at 5:30 a.m. The race is held at Rolling Hills Water Park, 7660 Stony Creek Road, Ypsilanti.
