Your 4th of July Weekend Local Food Guide — Washtenaw County 2026
July 2, 2026
The 4th of July weekend is one of the best of the entire summer in Washtenaw County — and this year there’s plenty to do, eat, and celebrate locally. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of it.
Events This Weekend
Ann Arbor Jaycees 4th of July Parade
Saturday, July 4 | 10am | Downtown Ann Arbor
The 36th Annual Ann Arbor Jaycees parade rolls through downtown on the 4th. Free to attend — stake out your spot on State Street early. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show before heading to a market or farm stand.
96th Annual Ypsilanti 4th of July Parade
Saturday, July 4 | 11am–12:30pm | Ypsilanti Water Tower to Depot Town
Ypsi’s parade is one of the longest-running in the region — 96 years and counting. The route goes from the historic Water Tower down to Depot Town, where you can grab lunch afterward at one of the local spots.
Farmers Markets This Weekend
July 4th falls on a Saturday this year, and several of our 15 local markets run on Saturdays. A few confirmed options:
Confirmed open July 4:
- Ypsilanti Mini Market at B-Cubed Bakery — Saturday July 4, 9am–1pm, 741 Emerick St, Ypsilanti. Special holiday format at the beloved B-Cubed Bakery location in Depot Town — right along the parade route.
- Agricole Farm Stop — Open daily year-round, Saturday 8am–6pm, 118 N Main St, Chelsea. Not a traditional market but carries products from 50+ local farms — great one-stop option.
- White Lotus Farms — Open year-round, Saturday 9am–2pm farm cart + café open Tue–Sat, 7217 W Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor.
- Washtenaw Food Hub — Open year-round, Saturday 9am–5pm, 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd, Ann Arbor.
Check before you go: The Ann Arbor, Saline, Chelsea, and Dexter Saturday markets all normally run this time of year but have not confirmed July 4th hours as of this writing. Check their Facebook pages or websites before heading out — some markets adjust hours or take the holiday off.
- Ann Arbor Farmers Market — 315 Detroit St, normally Sat 7am–3pm
- Saline Farmers Market — downtown Saline, normally Sat 8am–noon
- Chelsea Farmers Market — downtown Chelsea, normally Sat 8am–1pm
- Dexter Farmers Market — 8140 Main St, Dexter, normally Sat 8am–1pm
What to look for this weekend: Zucchini, green beans, cucumbers, kale, herbs, scallions, and the very first early tomatoes. Blueberries are just beginning to arrive — ask vendors when you get there. Farm eggs, fresh bread, and local honey are always in good supply.
Pro tip: Go early. The holiday Saturday is one of the busiest market days of the year — vendors often sell out of the best items by 9–10am.
Farm Stands & U-Pick This Weekend
Several local farms have stands and u-pick operations open through the holiday weekend:
Jacob’s Fresh Farm (475 N Fletcher Rd, Dexter) — Open daily 8am–6pm. Farmstand with fresh produce, raw honey, and flowers. This is the farm hosting the Lavender Bloom Festival on July 18–19 — if you stop by this weekend, you’ll see the lavender fields in full bloom leading up to the festival.
Kapnick Orchards (9903 Sayers Rd, Britton) — Open for the season with blueberries, raspberries, and more. Check their website for weekend hours and availability.
Wasem Fruit Farm (3898 Judd Rd, Milan) — Open for the season with fresh-picked produce and their farm market.
Coming Up Soon: Lavender Bloom Festival
If you’re making summer plans, put July 18–19 on your calendar. Jacob’s Fresh Farm in Dexter is hosting their first-ever Lavender Bloom Festival — 50+ vendors, 5 food trucks, lavender picking, raspberry u-pick, live music, and a bounce house for kids. Tickets are $5/person; children under 12 get in free. This one is going to be incredible.
Local Food to Bring to Your Cookout
The farmers market has everything you need for a great 4th of July spread sourced entirely from local farms:
- Fresh corn — a little early for peak Michigan sweet corn, but some vendors have it. Ask around.
- Zucchini and summer squash — perfect on the grill
- Cucumbers and herbs — great for a quick salad (try our Quick Cucumber Dill Salad)
- Fresh blueberries — just coming into season. Make our Michigan Blueberry Crumble Bars for the cookout — they travel well and everyone loves them
- Farm eggs — if you’re doing a brunch situation
- Local honey — great in drinks, on cornbread, or just to have around
Have a Great 4th
From everyone at A2 Farm Finder — enjoy the parades, hit a market, visit a farm, and eat something local this weekend. There’s no better way to celebrate than with food grown right here in Washtenaw County.
See you at the market. 🌽