The Street Art Encounter Transforms Downtown Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI – September 2, 2025 – Downtown Ann Arbor is turning into an open-air gallery! The Street Art Encounter takes over Main Street on Friday, September 12, from 12 PM to 8 PM, celebrating creativity, community, and the power of public art to bring people together.
Presented by the Main Street Area Association (MSAA), this brand-new event will feature live mural painting, interactive art installations, live music, in-street dining, and family-friendly activities—all highlighting the spirit of Ann Arbor’s vibrant creative community.
“Street Art Encounter is about more than murals—it’s about connection,” said Ashley Schafer, Executive Director of the MSAA. “We’re excited to welcome such a talented group of artists to Main Street and to create a space where art, music, dining, and community all come together in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor.”
Featured Artists
This year, we’re proud to partner with John Vasquez, a nationally recognized muralist and public artist from Saginaw, Michigan. Vasquez was recently featured in the Shine Bright Saginaw Mural Project, a transformative art initiative that reimagined downtown Saginaw through vibrant, large-scale works. He’ll bring his dynamic vision and passion for public art to Ann Arbor as lead artist for Street Art Encounter.
This year’s artist lineup includes:
Kevin Burdick
Charlie Boike
DeVaughn Collins
Chris Garcia
Freddy Diaz
Oliver Crisostomo Sanchez (Congo)
Cameron Jenkins (Camouflage)
Krista Skytta
Shannon Schneider
Richie Blanko
Selena Bender
Caitlyn Williams
Sierra Fancher & Benjamin Laman
Sarah Nisbett
Event Highlights
Live Art in Action – Watch as local and regional artists create large-scale works throughout the day.
Live Music – Enjoy performances from Ain’t Dead Yet and other entertainment while exploring the art-filled streets.
Interactive Installations – Step into community art projects where YOU can leave your mark.
Youth + Family Zone – The Ann Arbor District Library will host hands-on creative activities for all ages.
In-Street Dining – Dine al fresco with your favorite A2 Fall Streets participants while taking in the day’s art and music.
Community Connections – Partner organizations will share resources and opportunities to get involved in art, sustainability, and social impact.
✨ Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to explore downtown Ann Arbor’s restaurants, cafés, and shops while enjoying this immersive cultural experience.
Thank You to Our 2025 Event Sponsors:
Renovation by Masters | Ann Arbor District Library | DFCU Financial | A2Zero | Floor&Decor | Alzheimer’s Association | HopCat Ann Arbor | Venue by 4M | Grizzly Peak | Clonlara School | Destination Ann Arbor | Huntington Bank | Warby Parker | Main Street Ventures | Cahoots | City of Ann Arbor | Schafer Painting | Conor O’Neill’s | CupsNChai | Miss Kim
Media Contact:
Ashley Schafer
Executive Director, Main Street Area Association
director@mainstreetannarbor.org
About the Main Street Area Association (MSAA):
The Main Street Area Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the long-term success and vitality of downtown Ann Arbor. MSAA fosters a thriving community by supporting local businesses, promoting cultural events, and enhancing the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike by supporting local businesses, promoting cultural events, and enhancing the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.