Take a 'staycation' this year and enjoy your summer Washtenaw County style. Here are some favorite low cost summer events for the whole family to enjoy.

Sonic Lunch
Thursdays 11:30 - 1:30 pm June 4 - Aug 27 (except the week of Art Fair)
website
Enjoy top local bands while you eat lunch on Liberty Plaza (the corner of S. Division and Liberty in Ann Arbor). Local restaurants will have sonic lunch specials to go with the music.
free

Manchester Gazebo Concerts
Thursday Evenings June 11  - Aug 6
website

The concerts will be held at Wurster Park. Bring your umbrella if there is light rain. If the rain is heavy the concert will be in the Emanuel Church Hall.
free – good will donations accepted

Ann Arbor Summer Festival
June 12 - July 5
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Big name and local performers, movies outdoors, visual arts theyre all at the Summer Festival. Various times and locations in Ann Arbor. Please see the website for more information.  
free – suggested donation of $5/family, $3/individual

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest
June 26 - 28
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In its 25th year, the event is one of the premier summer-time activities in Michigan with balloon launches, sky divers, art, and a car show.  This event is located at Howell High School, 1200 W. Grand River Ave., Howell, MI. 
$12 Daily • $20 Weekend • $15 in advance

Fireworks
July 3 and 4
Friday, July 3, Lake Erie Metropark, in Brownstown - 1-800-477-3189 or 734-379-5020
Friday, July 3, Hudson Mills Metropark, northwest of Ann Arbor - 1-800-477-3191 or 734-426-8211
Saturday, July 4, Stony Creek Metropark, near Rochester/Washington Township - 1-800-477-7756 or 586-781-4242
Saturday, July 4, Willow Metropark, near New Boston - 1-800-477-3182 or 734-697-9181
Friday, July 3, Carr Park, Manchester - 734.428.8572
$4 vehicle entry permit at Metroparks

Michigan Elvisfest
July 10 - 11
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One of the largest Elvisfest concerts in North America is held at Ypsilanti's Riverside Park. 
$10 - $20, children under 12 free

Manchester Community Fair
July 7 - 11
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A traditional community fair with animal judging and auction as well as tractor pulls. Fair Parade Tuesday, July 7 at 6:30 PM. The fair is held at Alumni Memorial Field, at the intersection of Vernon & Wolverine Streets

Saline Celtic Fest
July 9 - 11
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Music, highland athletics, highland dance, and clan tents. Even if you’re not Celtic you’ll enjoy the Mr. Pretty Legs Contest Friday evening.
 $5 - $15 entry fee

Ann Arbor Art Fairs
July 15 - 18
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Comprised of four, award-winning, juried art fairs, this renowned event transforms Ann Arbor into an impressive outdoor art gallery showcasing the best in fine art and fine crafts.
http://www.artfair.org/
http://www.theguild.org/art_fair_summer.html
http://www.a2statestreetartfair.com/
http://www.a2southu.com/
free (until you decide to buy something)

Manchester Chicken Broil
July 16, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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See 12,000 delicious chicken dinners served in four hours.  This is the 56th consecutive year for the this popular event which will be held at the Alumni Memorial Field in Manchester.
$8 - $9 per person

Washtenaw County 4-H Youth Show
July 26 - 31
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This is a free county fair with thousands of exhibits featuring the efforts of over 900 county 4-H members.  Judging, getting up close to animals and fun activities for all attending are held throughout the week. Held on the Washtenaw Farm Council Grouds (5055 Ann Arbor Saline Road).  For more information: 734-997-1678.
free

Chelsea SummerFest
July 24 - 25
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Fine art and crafts displays, merchant sales, vendor booths, live music, children's entertainment and activities, a classic car show are just some of the features of this two day event. The pet parade is at 10:00 am on the 25th.
free admission, $3 - $5 entry fee for the entertainment court

Dexter Daze
August 14 - 15
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An annual event that draws visitors from all over the area, Dexter Daze includes numerous craft booths,  two days of entertainment for both kids and adults, and tons of food! The Dexter Daze Parade will be held on Saturday, August 15th beginning at 10:00 a.m.
free admission

Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
August 21 - 23
website

The 29th Ypsilanti Heritage Festival celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of Southeastern Michigan.  This event is held in Riverside Park, Depot Town and Frog Island Park in downtown Ypsilanti.
free admission

Chelsea Community Fair
August 25 - 29
website

Traditional community fair with food, rides, livestock judging, a demolition derby, and tractor pulls. This event is held at the Chelsea Community Fairgrounds on Old US-12 at Old Manchester Road.  For more information: 734-475-1270.
$7/day or $25 season pass

There are too many events to list them all. Please check out this page for more local events.
http://www.hvcn.org/events/