local - The Eastern Echo

Store windows for a brick building with pink trim. The inside of the windows are covered in posters and decorations.

Ypsilanti Art Supply to open storefront, offer multi-use studio space

By Katherine Tatomir · Friday, Jan. 30, 2026

Ypsilanti Art Supply is set to expand its storefront to include a space next door for classes, workshops and more.

Close-up of the artist drawing a tattoo on the upper arm of a client with a black marker.

Roots Local Artist of the Month: Rae Brooks-Pauli finds spiritual connection through intuitive-based tattooing

By Carol Detary · Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

Intuitive-based tattoo artist, mentor and business owner Rae Brooks-Pauli is set to open Haven Tattoo Studio in Ypsilanti at the end of January 2026, where they will entwine spirituality with their artistry.

Roots Ypsilanti Arts Events: Jan. 27, 2026

By Jada Hauser and Gray Connor · Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

Browse these upcoming Ypsilanti arts events, featuring music, comedy, poetry, and more.

A close-up of the front of a building. At the top, big capital blue letters spell out "Riverside Arts Center" against a darker blue background. Underneath, raised rust-colored letters spell out "76 North Huron" against a maroon background.

What's the Move? Jan. 27 - Feb. 2

By Allie Beecher · Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

From trivia nights to musical auditions, there is always something to do in Ypsilanti.

A graphic with a purple background and a clothing tag shapped text box that says, "5 secondhand stores within 5 miles of campus to check out this semester."

5 secondhand stores within 5 miles of campus to check out this semester

By Jada Hauser · Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

Find secondhand goods for sale within 5 miles of Eastern Michigan University's campus to update your personal style on a budget.

Nine people sit behind a large wooden counter-style desk. Behind them is a projector screen with maps displayed. A few audience members can be seen low in the foreground.

Ypsilanti Township leaders raise concerns, seek answers on U-M, Los Alamos data center

By Lilly Kujawski and AnnaBelle Favre · Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

The Ypsilanti Township Board, along with Attorney Doug Winters, Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr., and Rep. Jim DeSana held an informational meeting for Ypsilanti citizens concerned about the planned data center from U-M and Los Alamos.

A parking lot and the front entrance of a building. The center part of the building is made of bricks, and there is a large circular window above the glass doors.

What's the Move? Jan. 20-26

By Allie Beecher · Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

From anime conventions to live music events to board game nights, there is always something to do in Ypsilanti.

Ypsilanti night spots feature several open mic events near the EMU campus

By Ky'anna Coats · Friday, Jan. 16, 2026

Looking to showcase a talent in front of an audience? Check out one of these open mic nights in Ypsilanti.

The storefront of a building decorated for the winter holidays. Snowflakes, green wreaths and other winter-themed items are painted on the glass doors and windows of the building. In front of the building is a white sign that says "Rhizome Roots" in gold and red letters. It is night, and the lights in the building are on.

What's the Move? Jan. 13-19

By Allie Beecher · Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026

From yoga classes to art exhibitions to vision board events, there is no shortage of events happening in Ypsilanti Jan. 13-19, 2026.

A storefront with the word "Ziggy's" written in big red letters on the building's glass wall. Underneath the writing are several colorful drawings of mythical creatures, some of them playing musical instruments. Off to the right are two glass double doors that are the entrance to the building.

What's the Move? Jan. 6-12

By Allie Beecher · Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026

From half marathons to comedy shows to concerts, there are several events taking place in Ypsilanti from Jan. 6-12, 2026.

Four people are shown, two facing the camera, as they fill their plates with pizza in a dimly lit room with sparkly decorations and a small chandelier in the background. The two attendees facing the camera wear EMU shirts.

What's the Move? Dec. 30 - Jan. 5

By Allie Beecher · Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

From comedy drag spectaculars to socials for fiber artists, there is always something to do in Ypsilanti! Read on to find out what's happening this week.

The front of a tan-colored building with many dark windows and several steps leading up to the door. It is a sunny day, and the trees in the foreground are casting shadows onto the building.

What's the Move? Dec. 23-29

By Allie Beecher · Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025

From meditation sessions to Dungeons and Dragons campaigns to Zumba classes, there is no shortage of things to do in Ypsilanti Dec. 23-29, 2025.

Colorful graphic reads "Explore Ypsi presented by Ypsilanti DDA (Downtown Development Authority), Engage@EMU and GameAbove Eastern Michigan University."

Last chance to grab free $10 Ypsi Explore gift cards

By Ky'anna Coats · Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

There is still time for Eastern Michigan University students, staff and faculty to pick up an Explore Ypsi gift card on Dec. 19, 2025.

Local Artist of the Month: Chey Ely, creative and creator of magazine Detroit Undercover

By Carol Detary · Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025

Chey Ely, a fashion marketing innovation major at Eastern Michigan University and creator of their own magazine, is the Roots Local Artist of the Month for December 2025.

An image of a brick building with a glass door with a sign that says "Riverside Arts Center."

Riverside Arts Center explores non-traditional artwork with Anything But… New Materials exhibition

By Hannah Borders · Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025

The Riverside Arts Center is hosting their second annual Anything But... exhibition. This year's theme is Anything But... New Materials.

A beginner's guide to vinyl

By Lilly Kujawski · Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

Vinyl lovers are expected to line up at their favorite independent record stores for the annual Black Friday Record Store Day on Nov. 28, 2025.

Storefront window with flyers and paint-splatter decorations. Shelves can be seen through the window.

Local Artist of the Month: Megan Foldenauer boasts tiny portraits and a transformative business

By Carol Detary · Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025

Megan Foldenauer is a practicing artist, trained anatomical illustrator, and most recently, owner of Ypsi Art and Supply.

Brevity Shakespeare to open 'Othello' with hopes of representing Ypsilanti community

By Katherine Tatomir · Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025

Brevity Shakespeare and PTD Productions' rendition of “Othello” is opening Nov. 13, 2025, at the Riverside Arts Center, located at 76 N. Huron St. in Ypsilanti.

Local artist, EMU alumnus Rocco Pisto featured in Michigan Water Color Society exhibition

By Hannah Borders · Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

Local painter and EMU alumnus Rocco Pisto has his watercolor piece "Violet Cityscape" featured at Riverside Arts Center in the Michigan Water Color Society Traveling Exhibition.

A vendor booth with a long table in the middle and a white tablecloth. Various stands surround the table, and a person stands behind it. The table and stands are packed full of jewelry and household items.

Cryptid festival brings monster madness to Ypsilanti

By Gray Connor · Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025

On Oct. 24, 2025, Ypsilanti Freighthouse hosted its first cryptid festival for local horror fans and artists. The cryptid festival, however, is not the only Halloween event happening in Ypsilanti this season.