Old West Side Arts and Leisure

Ann Arbor strives to be a haven for artists and creatives, and the northeastern portion of the OWS is part of Ann Arbor’s “Creative District.” Here are arts organizations, events, and theaters within or close walking distance to the OWS, which is also lucky to be home to one of Ann Arbor’s finest family-friendly health clubs, the Ann Arbor YMCA. You’ll find many of the city’s finest music clubs are also just east of the OWS.

Street view of a modern brick building with large red-framed windows, a lamppost with a colorful banner, and trees nearby.

Ann Arbor YMCA

400 W. Washington St.

Exterior of the Ann Arbor Art Center building with a brick facade, large windows, and a colorful artistic installation on the upper part, surrounded by trees.

Ann Arbor Art Center

117 W. Liberty St.

(0.1 mile east of the OWS)

Exterior view of a building with a sign reading 'Potters Guild' and the address '201 Hill', surrounded by greenery.

Ann Arbor Potters Guild

201 Hill St.

(0.1 mile east of the OWS)

A collage of images including a person gardening with a wheelbarrow, a person pushing a wheelbarrow, a close-up of a dish of orange-colored food, and a colorful abstract painting of human faces.

Westside Art Hop

(Around the Old West Side)

Outdoor street festival with white tents and a crowd of people, trees, and buildings in the background.

Ann Arbor Art Fair

(Begins 0.1 mile east of the OWS)

Yellow building with a porch and railing, set against a background of trees and a partly cloudy sky.

Theatre Nova

410 W. Huron St.

(Adjacent to the OWS on the north)