Explore Ann Arbor like a local.
On Tuesday evening, we’re turning a free night at the Innovators Summit into an opportunity to discover the city beyond the conference — powered by Compass. Build your team (1–4 people), scan the QR code, and let Compass guide you through iconic landmarks, favorite local businesses, patios, hidden gems, and unexpected experiences throughout downtown. Along the way, complete challenges, collect points, snap photos, and create your own version of the perfect Ann Arbor evening before meeting back up at Bab’s Underground for After Hours.
Choose your route. Try something new. Meet someone new. May the best explorers win.
How It Works
📍 Start: Vanguard Hotel
👥 Teams of 1–4 attendees
🕠 Explore Ann Arbor from 5:30–8:30 PM
📸 Complete stops and challenges to earn points
🧭 Use Compass to help guide your evening
🏁 Return to Bab’s Underground by 8:30 PM
🏆 The team with the most points wins
Proof of completion = photos, videos, or challenge responses submitted at the finish line.
📍 Iconic Ann Arbor (1 Point + Bonus)
Classic landmarks + easy photo ops.
🍔 Taste of Ann Arbor (1 Point + Bonus)
Restaurants, bars, iconic menu items.
🛍️ Hidden Gems & Local Finds (2 Points)
More local/insider stops.
🎭 Campus & Culture (2–3 Points)
Places with atmosphere/history/personality. This includes the Law Quad, State Street
🏆 Golden Challenges (5 Points)
Funny, social, competitive, memorable.
STOPS + CHALLENGES
📍 ICONIC ANN ARBOR PHOTO OPS
The Cube — 1 Point
Take a group photo in front of The Cube.
Bonus +1:
Get a stranger to join the photo. OR Do a classic tourist pose (insert cube pics)
The Diag — 1 Point
Snap a “classic campus tour” style group photo.
Bonus +2:
Have someone dramatically point into the distance like a college brochure.
Graffiti Alley — 1 Point
Take a selfie in Graffiti Alley.
Nickels Arcade — 1 Point
Take a photo walking through the arcade.
Bonus +1:
Find the most unique storefront and take a photo in front of it.
Michigan Theater — 1 Point
Take a group picture in front of Michigan Theater.
Bonus +1:
Recreate a classic movie poster pose in front of the theater. (Think Titanic, The Breakfast Club, Stepbrothers, to name a few.)
🍔 TASTE OF ANN ARBOR
TAQ – Taqueria Restaurant & Bar — 1 Point
Order Meaghan’s favorite spicy margarita with a tajin rim.
Bonus +2:
Order something for the table and cheers boomerang it.
Nightcap — 2 Points
Try the Mainstay cocktail: Piña Picante.
Bonus +2:
Capture the best “vibes” photo of the night.
Fleetwood Diner — 2 Points
Visit the iconic 24-hour diner.
Bonus +3:
Order the Hippie Hash – Mike Price’s pick!
Good Time Charley’s — 1 Point
Visit this Classic South U stop.
Bonus +2:
Get a Styx & Twists or fishbowl photo.
Knight’s Steakhouse — 2 Points
Visit this true Ann Arbor staple.
Bonus +2:
Order a signature cocktail and take a classy “business dinner” photo.
Blank Slate Creamery — 2 Points
A true Ann Arbor staple.
Bonus +2:
Take a photo with your ice cream!
🍸 HIDDEN GEMS & LOCAL FINDS
The Last Word — 2 Points
Ask the bartender for their seasonal recommendation.
Bonus +2:
Write down the weirdest ingredient mentioned in a cocktail.
Alley Bar — 2 Points
Drink where locals have gathered for generations.
Bonus +2:
Learn one historical fact about the building or bar.
Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub — 1 Point
Grab a drink in one of downtown’s liveliest spots.
Bonus +1:
Convince another Summit attendee group to join your photo.
Rock Paper Scissors — 1 Point
Find an item in the shop that best represents your team and snap a photo with it.
🎭 Campus & Culture
Explore State Street — 2 points
Find a local boutique on State Street and take a photo of your group shopping.
Bonus +1:
Find a Michigan-themed item and use it as a prop in a photo.
Law Quad — 2 Points
Take a group picture on the Law Quad.
Bonus +1:
Have your group do an awkward family photo pose.
🏆 GOLDEN CHALLENGES (5 POINTS)
Local Legend Challenge – 5 Points
Ask a local:
“What’s a classic Ann Arbor thing someone can do downtown tonight?”
Document the answer.
Compass Explorer Challenge – 5 Points
Use Compass to discover ONE stop not originally on your route. Take a photo there!
Find a Playeasy Team Member – 5 Points
Spot a Playeasy team member out in the wild and take a team selfie together.
Bonus +2:
Ask them for their favorite Ann Arbor recommendation and visit it.
Play It Forward Challenge — 5 Points
Part of experiencing a destination is giving back to the community. Support the Girls on the Run sock drive by donating a new pair of socks at the Summit. Snap a photo at the donation location to earn 5 points!
There’s no single right way to experience Ann Arbor. Explore what catches your attention, follow the recommendations that surprise you, and enjoy the moments in between. We’ll see you back at Bab’s Underground to celebrate the night and hear where Compass took you!