Palmer Commons is a Conference and Community Center located in the University of Michigan Life Sciences Complex. Positioned at the intersection of Central and Medical Campuses, this multifunctional facility provides a convenient location for all members of the University and surrounding community to make connections for meals, meetings and events.

University of Michigan Palmer Commons

This premier state-of-the-art theater hosts grand operas and sweeping dramas. Opened in 1971, the interior was designed by Jo Mielziner, and echoes his work in the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center. The Power Center for the Performing Arts combines massive concrete columns and mirrored glass with ancient forms.

University of Michigan Power Center for the Performing Arts

The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History transforms hearts and minds by promoting understanding of the natural world, our place in it, and our impact on it. They bring campus and community together in participatory and inclusive learning experiences to explore the processes of science and to address urgent global and local challenges.

The building design blurs the boundaries between public and research areas, putting science on display. All-new exhibits and educational programs feature LSA’s world-class natural science collections, cutting-edge research by U-M faculty, and interdisciplinary topics of global and local concern.

U-M Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

One of a few museums throughout the world devoted to preserving the history of dentistry.

The Museum exhibits and preserves a historical museum collection containing over 25,000 objects focused on the history of dentistry with particular interest on dental practice and technology in the United States and Michigan dating from the 18th century to today. They are dedicated to educating audiences about the history of dentistry through museum exhibition, related programs, research, and preservation of the collections.

The Sindecuse Museum was created in 1991 with a gift from Gordon H. Sindecuse, DDS, a 1921 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

U-M Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry

The Detroit Observatory was built in 1854, and was the first scientific research facility at the University of Michigan and one of the oldest observatories of its type in the nation. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1958 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Visitors have opportunities to observe the sky using Observatory telescopes. Inside the dome, the Fitz telescope provides wonderful views of the moon, planets, and stars. See Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and the light from stars that have traveled for hundreds of years or longer.

###### Open Hours

Entry to the Observatory on Fridays, noon to 5:00 pm, is free and on a walk-in basis. Our docents and staff will be happy to guide you through the Observatory’s attractions.

Noon to 2:30 pm: we offer historical tours of the building and astronomical tours of the telescopes, with solar observing if weather permits.

2:30 pm to 5:30 pm: we offer historical walking tours of campus, as described below, and astronomical tours of the telescopes, with solar observing if weather permits.

U-M Detroit Observatory

The Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre is a shoe-box theatre located within the Michigan League. Theatre is used for UM School of Music Theatre & Dance performances.

Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre - University Productions

The Michigan League provides the University community with elegant facilities and superb catering services, creating the perfect atmosphere for meetings and special events. The venue is home to a variety of well-appointed meeting rooms, the Mendelssohn Theatre, Maizie's Kitchen & Market, several lounges, the Inn at the League, and an information desk.

University of Michigan - Michigan League

Rackham Auditorium has been the site of many major occasions in the advancement of knowledge, with numerous notable lectures, academic symposia and scholarly papers presented in the 60 plus years since its opening. In addition, it is a favorite venue in the area for intimate musical performances, particularly chamber music, small ensembles and world music.

University of Michigan Rackham Auditorium

The carillon, third heaviest in the world, contains 55 bells, weighing from 31 pounds to 12 tons. Performances when school is in session.

U-M Charles Baird Carillon

Celebrating over 130 years connecting audiences and artist in uncommon and engaging experiences through the world’s best music, dance, and theater.

U-M University Musical Society

Hill Auditorium is the largest performance venue on the University of Michigan campus, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The auditorium was named in honor of Arthur Hill, who served as a regent of the university from 1901 to 1909 Designed by architect Albert Kahn, this internationally acclaimed auditorium has been an architectural and cultural fixture in Ann Arbor for over a quarter century. Hosts the finest in world-renowned classical and contemporary music.

U-M Hill Auditorium

Under the management of native Jamaican Robert Campbell, Jamaican Jerk Pit, is a small, unique restaurant serving up the very best Caribbean dishes. Although our dining area is small in scale, our dishes are packed with huge flavor and tropical flare. You can be sure you’ll find scrumptious meals here, using only the freshest ingredients and imported goods. Jamaican Jerk Pit strives on making each meal very authentic to what you would find in any Caribbean kitchen.

Featured dishes include specialties from around the islands such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bahamas, just to name a few. The island staff knows just the right way to deliver unique and tasty meals, time and time again. To maximize your taste satisfaction, each entree is made-to-order, fresh in the kitchen. Nothing mass produced here. Island foods have been known by most to be hot and spicy, but “no worries”! They cater to your unique tastes and spice levels.

Jamaican Jerk Pit

Flat Water is a Big Bear Tournaments ice hockey tournament in Ann Arbor, Michigan, running October 2–4, 2026. Sanctioned by USA Hockey, the event welcomes 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U teams at B, A and AA levels. Each team is guaranteed four games, with the final game serving as a championship or consolation contest, and game periods vary by age division.

Big Bear Tournaments Flat Water - Ann Arbor, MI

Our Mission: To host youth hockey tournaments throughout North America that provide competitive divisions to teams of all skill levels and create the best tournament experience at an exceptional value.

Big Bear Tournaments

The 9th Annual 5K Domestic Violence Awareness Run/Walk is an in-person community event at Frog Island Park in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Participants can run or walk alongside friends and family while raising awareness and showing support for people affected by domestic violence. This approximately three-and-a-half-hour event offers a meaningful way for the community to come together in support of survivors.&#x20;

9th Annual 5K Domestic Violence Awareness Run/Walk

E-Race the Stigma with the Trinity Health Probility Ann Arbor Marathon! Supporting local mental health charities, participants run through the vibrant streets of downtown Ann Arbor, then wind their way through the panoramic University of Michigan campus. The marathon, half-marathon, and 10K courses also encompass stretches along the Huron River and Gallup Park and through Nichols Arboretum before returning to campus and downtown.

Probility Ann Arbor Marathon

The 2026 Women in Sports: ElevateHER Summit, presented by Michigan Athletics, brings together student-athletes, alumni, community members, coaches and attendees for an evening focused on opportunity, leadership and the future of women in sports. Held October 15 at Crisler Center, the event features networking with current and former student-athletes and coaches beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by a panel at 6 p.m. with Michigan alumnae and prominent sports-industry leaders including Andrea Joyce, Kate Johnson, Estee Portnoy, Casey E. Taylor and Li Li Leung. The summit offers storytelling, professional development, networking and mentorship.

Michigan Athletics Women in Sports: Elevate HER Summit  

Palmer Field is located on the University of Michigan's campus and includes:
- A Basketball Pad
- 8 Tennis Courts
- 1/4 mile walking & running track
- Large grass field for soccer, rugby, frisbee, spikeball, and more

U-M Palmer Field

Ann Arbor is a dynamic mix of energy and charm—a bustling university town, [a foodie’s paradise](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/), and a cutting-edge tech hub, all wrapped in a [walkable downtown](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/downtown/) bursting with [world-class arts and culture.](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/) Located in Michigan’s southeast Lower Peninsula, Ann Arbor is the heartbeat of a vibrant [network of communities](https://www.annarbor.org/surrounding-destinations/) across Washtenaw County. With its creative spirit, diverse flavors, and unique neighborhoods, Ann Arbor shines as a exciting oasis.

Whatever your passion, the Ann Arbor area has something to ignite it. Savor world-class cuisine, explore nature’s stunning landscapes, discover eclectic boutiques, and dive into museums rich with history. Enjoy thrilling sports, captivating arts, and a culture that’s vibrant and welcoming.

Our visitors flock to the area for a variety of reasons. But there’s one thing they can agree upon: There’s so much to see and do, one day is simply not enough. [Get inspired for your Ann Arbor area getaway](https://www.annarbor.org/plan/visitors-guide/ "Get inspired for your Ann Arbor area getaway").

Playeasy Innovators Summit Destination Demo

The [Ann Arbor Sports Commission](https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/ "Ann Arbor Sports Commission") works diligently to improve the quality of life through sports for all of Washtenaw County. The [Ann Arbor area](https://www.annarbor.org/ "Ann Arbor area") attracts both sports enthusiasts and participants alike. Thanks to its [easy accessibility](https://www.annarbor.org/plan/getting-here-getting-around/ "easy accessibility"), [wide range of facilities](https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/facilities-venues/ "wide range of facilities") available and variety of [dining](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/ "dining") & [entertainment](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/ "entertainment") options, the Ann Arbor area is a favorite of sporting event organizations. The area has a rich sporting culture seeding in the history of two Division 1 athletic programs ([University of Michigan](https://www.annarbor.org/university-of-michigan/ "University of Michigan") and Eastern Michigan University) and several other small institutions. The Ann Arbor Sports was formed to attract amateur sporting events to the Ann Arbor region by assisting organizers every step of the way.

Ann Arbor is a dynamic mix of energy and charm—a bustling university town, a [foodie’s paradise](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/ "foodie's paradise"), and a cutting-edge tech hub, all wrapped in a [walkable downtown](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/downtown/ "walkable downtown") bursting with [world-class arts and culture](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/ "world-class arts and culture"). Located in Michigan’s southeast Lower Peninsula, Ann Arbor is the heartbeat of a vibrant network of [communities across Washtenaw County](https://www.annarbor.org/surrounding-destinations/ "communities across Washtenaw County"). With its creative spirit, diverse flavors, and unique neighborhoods, Ann Arbor shines as a exciting oasis.

U-M Palmer Field

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