Top of the Park is getting its extra week back.
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival’s free outdoor series will offer 21 days of programming across four weekends in 2027, running June 11 through July 4, according to the festival’s Nov. 9 announcement.
The expansion adds six nights. Organizers estimate it will bring 25,000 additional visitors.
The festival also announced in an Instagram post that the season will close July 4 with a special Independence Day edition of its So Long Sunday celebration. The full programming schedule is expected next spring.
The festival says operating efficiencies have made the longer season possible, bringing its net cost roughly in line with the shortened three-weekend format.
Executive Director Mike Michelon told WEMU that buying equipment has helped the organization spend less on rentals.
The longer schedule comes with continuing financial pressures. Organizers say sustaining Top of the Park will require $150,000 more in annual philanthropic support than previous funding levels.
Production expenses have risen, alongside spending on safety and festival operations. Since 2022, the organization has used one-time funding and changes to its operating model to manage those costs.
The 2027 event will be Top of the Park’s 44th season. Programming takes place at Washington Street and Ingalls Mall on the University of Michigan campus in downtown Ann Arbor.
Activities begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday.
Sarah Miller, president and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor, said in the announcement that the expanded season gives residents and visitors more opportunities to fit the festival into their summer plans.
Artists interested in performing can find the open 2027 submission form on the festival’s website.
