Concert Weekend in Ann Arbor: Your Guide to Making the Most of Zach Bryan & John Mayer at the Big House

Ann Arbor is buzzing with excitement as Zach Bryan and John Mayer take the stage at the Big House this weekend! Whether you’re here just for the show or arriving a day or two early to soak up the city, downtown Ann Arbor has everything you need to make it a weekend to remember. From cozy coworking cafés to unique shopping finds, to must-try food and drink spots—this guide has you covered.

Bonus Weekend Highlight: Down on Main Street Music Festival

Kick off your concert weekend with Down on Main Street Music Festival, happening Friday, September 26 from 4–10 PM right on Main Street. 🎶
This free, outdoor festival features live music from local and regional performers, food, drinks, and the vibrant downtown atmosphere Ann Arbor is known for. It’s the perfect way to start your weekend before heading to the Big House!

💻 Work Remotely Before the Show

Arriving early? Ann Arbor makes it easy to mix business with leisure:

• Bamboo Coworking (First & Washington) – Daily passes, reliable Wi-Fi, and plenty of natural light.

• Hyperion Coffee – A bright, modern space with excellent coffee and pastries.

• Cahoots Coffee & Coworking – A welcoming hub for professionals with cozy nooks and great drinks.

☕ Coffee & Breakfast

Start your day the Ann Arbor way:

• Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea – Local favorite with specialty lattes and teas.

• RoosRoast Coffee – Quirky, bold, and quintessentially Ann Arbor.

• Avalon Café & Kitchen – Heartier plates and fresh-baked pastries.

• Zingerman’s Deli – A must for bagels, baked goods, or a full breakfast sandwich to kick things off right.

🍔 Lunch & Daytime Bites

Perfect for fueling up before exploring downtown:

• Frita Batidos – Cuban-inspired street food with burgers, sandwiches, and batidos (milkshakes).

• Le Dog – Fresh soups and grab-and-go eats, beloved by locals.

• Spencer – Market-driven menu with seasonal small plates.

• Real Seafood Company – Perfectly portioned plates with both indoor and outdoor seating.

🍽 Dinner & Drinks

Settle in for a memorable evening meal:

• Echelon – Craft cocktails and hearty, elevated plates.

• Vinology – Wine lovers’ paradise with creative, globally inspired dishes.

• Grizzly Peak – Classic brewpub with comfort food and house beers.

• Mani Osteria & Bar – Wood-fired pizzas and sharable Italian plates.

• Aventura – Spanish tapas with a lively atmosphere.

• Blue LLama Jazz Club – Dinner with live jazz for an unforgettable pre-show vibe.

🍹 Sip & Stroll: The Downtown Social District

Take your drink to-go (in a specially marked cup) and explore downtown:

• Conor O’Neill’s – A cozy Irish pub with great pints and cocktails.

• Alley Bar – Craft cocktails in a laid-back setting.

• The Grotto Watering Hole – Excellent beer list and relaxed vibes.

• Bløm Meadworks – Mead and cider crafted with local ingredients.

🍦 Sweet Treats & Snacks

Balance out the concert excitement with something sweet:

• Washtenaw Dairy – Iconic for its generous ice cream scoops.

• House of Chimney Cakes – House-made chimney cakes with both sweet and savory options.

• Blank Slate Creamery – Artisanal ice cream made in-house.

• Toastique – Smoothies and wholesome snacks.

• Rocket Fizz – A fun stop for nostalgic candy and gourmet treats.

👗 Dress the Part: Concert Apparel Shopping

Find your concert fit right downtown:

• GetUp Vintage – Unique, one-of-a-kind looks.

• Ferne Boutique – Trendy, seasonal, and locally curated fashion.

• Sam’s Store – A mix of outdoor gear, footwear, and casual staples.

• Underground Printing – Graphic tees with Ann Arbor flair.

🎁 Keepsakes & Mementos

Take home a little piece of Ann Arbor:

• Rock Paper Scissors – Gifts, stationery, and special concert-weekend goodies.

• Literati Bookstore – Books, journals, and locally inspired finds.

• Four Directions – Iconic Ann Arbor shop with eclectic gifts and jewelry.

• Abracadabra Jewelry – Distinctive pieces to remember your visit.

🚗 Getting Around & Parking

Downtown Ann Arbor has several convenient city-owned parking garages, including:

• Fourth & Washington Structure

• E. William & Fourth Structure

• Kline Lot on Ashley & E. William

Insider tip: All garages accept credit cards for easy in-and-out access. On concert day, arrive early to snag a spot—or take rideshare to skip post-show traffic. TheRide bus system also connects neighborhoods to downtown, and Amtrak is a short walk away if you’re coming from further out.

🛎 Where to Stay

Make it a weekend! Great downtown hotels include:

• Graduate Ann Arbor – Boutique charm with nods to campus and local history.

• Residence Inn Downtown – Spacious suites, ideal for groups.

• Vanguard Hotel – Stylish rooms and a well-loved on-site restaurant.

Make the Most of Concert Weekend

The Big House will be electric with Zach Bryan and John Mayer, but the magic extends well beyond the stadium. Between incredible food, local shopping, sweet treats, and a thriving downtown vibe, Ann Arbor is ready to make your concert weekend unforgettable.

Welcome to our special little town—whether you’re here for Zach, John, or both, we can’t wait to celebrate this amazing weekend with you!