ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Any townie would tell you to avoid parking in downtown Ann Arbor during Art Fair. But if you must drive downtown during the yearly event, there are a few things you need to know.
Regular visitors to Tree Town will find that most parking structures will have “event” fare for the day, so getting downtown early is a must in order to get the most bang out of your buck.
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Those lucky enough to find street parking need to be aware of area parking rules and need to make sure to keep their meter full.
Here’s where to park during Art Fair:
STREET PARKING
Those willing to walk a few blocks (and get downtown very early), may snag a spot on the street. Metered parking spots are all around downtown close to the Art Fair areas.
Public parking meters cost $2.40 per hour and are enforced between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are free after 6 p.m., on Sundays and on holidays officially observed by the city.
Half-price metered spots cost $1.20 and have a 10-hour limit.
Find them here:
- 300 block of S. First St.
- 300 & 400 block of N. Ashley St.
- 300 block of W. William
- 400 block of S. Ashley St.
- 700 block of Packard St.
Use this map to find metered spots.
Those who are extra lucky may find an open spot in the neighborhoods adjacent to downtown. These spots are free but usually have a time limit. Certain sides of the street are open on certain days or to certain populations, like neighborhood residents.
Make sure to open all traffic signs, or you’ll risk getting a parking ticket. Fines range from $15-$125. Find a list of them here.
PARKING STRUCTURES AND LOTS
Downtown parking structures and lots will have event pricing during Art Fair. All-day parking will cost $20. Those only stopping by for the evening can park for $10 after 5 p.m.
Here’s a list of structures and lots:
- Ashley + Main Structure
- Ashley + Main Lot
- Ashley + William Lot
- E. Washington Structure
- Forest Structure
- Fourth Ave. + Washington Structure
- Library Lane Lot
- Thompson Structure
- William + Fourth Ave. Structure
Have an EV? Use these structures:
- 4th & Washington
- Maynard
- Forest
- 4th & William
- Liberty Square
- Ann Ashley
- Library Lane
Those with electric vehicles can plug in at 40 ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations scattered amongst downtown parking structures. Charging an EV costs 25 cents per kWh.
See which lots have open spaces here.