📈 Ann Arbor just grew to 122,233

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Morning, Ann Arbor! The students are gone, the patios are full, and the Census just confirmed what you already knew. More than half the towns in Washtenaw County shrank last year. Ours did the opposite.

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Reader Count: 4,777 townies

Percent of Ann Arbor Reading: 3.88%

🏙️ Ann Arbor Grew to 122,233 

New Census estimates are out, and Ann Arbor added 786 residents between July 2024 and July 2025. That is the biggest jump of any community in the county, a 0.65% bump from 121,447 to 122,233. Turns out a lot of folks want to live here. You already knew that. MLive

🏥 Blue Cross and Michigan Medicine Reached a Deal 

Good news if you have Blue Cross and see a U-M doctor. The two sides signed a new long-term contract, so close to 300,000 patients keep their in-network care. The old agreement was set to run out June 30, and a fight over reimbursement rates had this one going down to the wire. It is settled now. Detroit Free Press

💒 Zingerman's Sells the Wedding Barn 

After 12 years of pancakes-in-the-kitchen weddings and rehearsal dinners in the 1894 red barn, Zingerman's has listed Cornman Farms for $3.3M. The 27-acre Dexter property, Greek revival farmhouse, restored barn, stone smokehouse, the works, has hosted hundreds of weddings and landed on every "best of" list that matters. Sun Times

🌸 Peak Peony Season at the Arb

The peonies are popping. The historic W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden — nearly 800 plants and 10,000+ blooms at peak — is in its short, glorious window, with 350+ heirloom varieties dating to the 1800s. Peak runs through early June, so this is your weekend. Free admission, plus a free shuttle from Mitchell Field (1900 Fuller Rd) every ~15 min, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. June 6 & 7. Bloom Tracker

🌮 End of an Era on Liberty

Two East Liberty closings this month. Tios Mexican Cafe (401 E. Liberty) served its last plates Friday after forty years, undone by a $50,000 AC bill, a landlord standoff, and a post-COVID economy that never bounced back (MLive). A few doors down, Ginger Deli (203 E. Liberty) closed May 23rd after five years — owner Te Phan calls it a choice, not a defeat, stepping back from brick-and-mortar to explore. We'll miss the Mount Nacheesmo and the pancetta banh mi.

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🍕 New Pizza Spot Coming Downtown 

Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar, Toledo's family-run New York-style pizzeria, is aiming for a mid-July opening at 425 S. Main St. Stubborn Brother even filters and "molecularly replicates" its water to match New York City's. Owner John Mancy says "Ann Arbor has the perfect energy for what we do." Stubborn Brother

📅 June Preview

Eight reasons to leave the house this month:

• Third Place MusicFest (June 3–6) — Four days, seven tiny shows in spots like Teahaus and Bløm. Local Michigan acts, folk to hip-hop. Pay what you want at the door. Details

• A2 Summer Streets (starts June 4) — Downtown closes off Thursday afternoon through Sunday, every weekend all summer. Music, food, shopping in the street. Free. Details

• African American Downtown Festival (June 6) — Kerrytown throws one of its best parties of the year. The 29th annual festival takes over Ann Street and Fourth Avenue, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Food, vendors, and a stage with live music and poetry all day. Free. Details

• Asian Night Market (June 12) — Marupo ACTS brings its Asian Night Market back June 12, 5–9 p.m in Kerrytown. 14+ Asian food vendors, artisan booths, and live cultural performances spotlighting immigrant and minority-owned businesses. Last year drew 2,000+ RSVPs, so reserve early. Free. Details

• Groovin' in the Garden (June 13) — Outdoor concert during Art Hop weekend, 3–6 p.m. Food truck, lawn games, bring a blanket. Free. Details

• Westside Art Hop (June 13–14) — Our favorite. 70+ artists set up on West Side porches and lawns. Follow the red pennants. Free. Details

• A2SF Top of the Park (June 12–28) — The big one. Outdoor concerts and films. Headliners this year: The Avett Brothers, Ira Glass, FLIP Fabrique. Lots of it free. Details

• Artini (June 20) — Art Center cocktail crawl downtown, 6–10 p.m. $120 gets you 7 drinks at 7 bars. Mammoth Distilling pouring. 21+. Details

🎭 "Your Brain Is Magic" Lands at the Michigan Theater 

The award-winning kids' podcast "Brains On!" brings its live comedy science show to the Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty St.) at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is co-presenting. It is billed as "not just for kids," so bring yourself too. Marquee Arts

🎺 The Symphony Unveiled Its 98th Season 

The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra announced its 2026-27 lineup: nine concerts starting in September, mixing classical masterworks with film-to-concert nights. Lord of the Rings, Studio Ghibli, and Frozen are all on the calendar, alongside gold-medalist pianists. Single tickets go on sale July 14. A2So.org

On the Market

203 Doty Ave — $420,000 3 bed | 1 bath | 1,512 sqft - West side ranch tucked near Wildwood Park with coved ceilings, original hardwoods, and a backyard that backs to woods instead of someone else's siding. Fresh roof, fresh paint, and a Skyline school district draw. Last sold for $125K in 2011.

4505 W Loch Alpine Dr — $615,000 4 bed | 2.5 bath | 2,284 sqft Loch Alpine - A 1979 New England saltbox with white oak plank floors, Dutch doors, and proper colonial bones. Tucked into the woods west of town.

1322 Granger Ave — $1,280,000 5 bed | 2.5 bath | 2,666 sqft Burns Park - A three-story brick-and-timber Tudor with mature trees and a fully renovated interior. Walking distance to the Big House. Last sold for $1.05M in 2022.

Adoptable Humane Society Pets

Bella — 2 years and 1 month | Medium Female | Domestic Shorthair / Mix A shy cat looking for a patient owner who is willing to give her time to adjust and open up in a new home. Meet Bella

Bottle Caps — 8 months | Medium Female | Hound mix A wiggly puppy looking for her first forever home. She has a lot of growing and learning left to do, and she wants to do it with you. Meet Bottle Caps

Angel — 5 years | Medium Male | Domestic Shorthair A shy guy who needs a patient home and a little time. Give him that, and he opens right up. Meet Angel

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That's all for now! Have a great week in Tree Town!

— Ryan, James, and the Michigander Team

P.S. - If you like what you read, subscribe below.

P.P.S. - Burton Tower went quiet May 22. U-M is swapping 30 clappers on the Baird Carillon — the world's third-heaviest — after the 2011 set proved heavy enough to injure players. Performances should resume in August.

P.P.P.S. - The city is rolling out an EV rebate of up to $7,500 for residents who buy an electric vehicle, starting in July. It is a $500,000 pilot through A2ZERO.

P.P.P.P.S. - Juicy Kitchen is reopening on July 15th. They closed temporarily after an unexpected fire and have been rebuilding since. Breakfast burritos, spelt baked donuts, hot messes, and cinnamon vanilla lattes are back on the menu.

P.P.P.P.P. S. — Live jazz kicks off at Detroit Street Filling Station in Kerrytown tonight at 6pm. The Crescent City Trio brings cornet, bass sax, and banjo. No cover, vegan food, good vibes and it runs every Monday all summer long. Detroit Street Filling Station

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