When the 2026 Playeasy Innovators Summit arrives in Ann Arbor this June, attendees will quickly discover that the experience extends far beyond the conference sessions themselves. Between the city’s walkable downtown, iconic University of Michigan campus, outdoor patios, local shops, and hidden gems tucked throughout the city, Ann Arbor offers the perfect setting to continue conversations, discover something new, and experience the community alongside fellow attendees.

As the local experts behind bringing sports and events to the destination every day, the Ann Arbor Sports Commission team knows that some of the best experiences happen outside the agenda. From can’t-miss experiences and favorite local spots to where to eat, wander, shop, and unwind, consider this your insider guide to making the most of your time in Ann Arbor — before sessions, after hours, and everywhere in between.

Experience Ann Arbor Like a Local

Meaghan Hughes, Director of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, shares one of the biggest advantages of Ann Arbor is how easy it is to explore during free time throughout the Summit. “Ann Arbor is very walkable,” Hughes shared. “Let’s start with the campus — walk the Diag, check out the Law Quad, or explore one of the amazing museums like the University Museum of Art. After exploring campus, walk around downtown and make your way to Main Street — enjoy a drink and appetizer on a patio, find a gift for everyone at Rock Paper Scissors, or go Fairy Door hunting throughout downtown Ann Arbor.”

June is one of the best times to experience the city, with outdoor patios filled, trees and flowers in bloom, and visitors taking advantage of everything from hiking and kayaking to simply walking through downtown and campus. “The sun is out and everyone is enjoying being outside,” Hughes said. “There is something for everyone to do to enjoy June in Ann Arbor.”

Explore the Heart of Campus

For first-time visitors, few experiences feel more synonymous with Ann Arbor than spending time on the University of Michigan campus. The campus shapes the energy of the entire city, blending history, athletics, tradition, and constant movement in a way that makes Ann Arbor feel distinctly its own.

Visitors can start at The Diag, the iconic center of campus where students, visitors, and ideas intersect throughout the day. From there, wander over to the Law Quadrangle for a completely different atmosphere — historic architecture, quiet courtyards, and one of the most unexpectedly beautiful corners of the city.

Of course, no visit to Ann Arbor feels complete without a stop at Michigan Stadium, better known as “The Big House.” Whether you take a photo, walk the grounds, or simply take in the scale of one of the most iconic venues in sports, it’s a reminder of how deeply athletics are woven into the identity of the destination.

And at the Innovators Summit, the experience comes full circle. To close out the week, attendees will gather at the Jack Roth Stadium Club inside The Big House for our closing celebration — ending the event in one of the most iconic settings in sports and giving attendees the chance to experience a place that has been part of unforgettable moments for generations.

Walkable Districts Worth Exploring

One of the things that makes Ann Arbor special isn’t just that it’s walkable, it’s that the city rewards curiosity. In just a few blocks, the atmosphere shifts from energetic campus moments to quiet neighborhoods, lively patios, local storefronts, and places that feel like you stumbled into a local favorite.

For Summit attendees looking to experience different sides of the destination throughout the week, the Ann Arbor Sports Commission team recommends making time to explore a few distinct corners of the city.

Start in Kerrytown, where historic streets, local shops, and neighborhood charm make it easy to spend an afternoon wandering. Keep an eye out along the way for Ann Arbor’s famous Fairy Doors — tiny handcrafted doors tucked throughout downtown businesses and storefronts that have become one of the city’s most beloved traditions. Part local scavenger hunt, part hidden gem, they’re one more reason to slow down and see where the next block takes you.

Next, head to Main Street for outdoor patios, restaurants, and downtown energy that naturally pulls people into one more conversation or one more stop. Then make your way to State Street, where the energy of campus spills into local businesses, iconic storefronts, and the unmistakable feeling of being in a true college town.

For those looking to slow down and experience another side of the destination, Hughes also recommends spending time at Nichols Arboretum, especially during peony season. “It’s a beautiful area to walk and wander away from campus,” she shared. Each district offers something different, but together, they create the rhythm of Ann Arbor and make it easy to turn free time between sessions into one of the most memorable parts of the week.

The Ann Arbor Team Picks

Looking for recommendations between sessions or after the day wraps up? Here are a few favorite local stops from the Ann Arbor team!

Breakfast & Coffee

Jagged Fork

A favorite local breakfast spot to start the morning before Summit sessions begin.

Lunch

Zingerman’s Delicatessen

Known nationally for its iconic sandwiches, this Ann Arbor staple is one of Hughes’ top recommendations for visitors. The team’s advice: get there early.

Dinner & Group Gatherings

Sava’s

An ideal downtown dinner spot for groups looking to continue conversations after the conference day ends.

Summer Patio Pick

Bill’s Beer Garden

A classic summer gathering spot perfect for enjoying the June weather with fellow attendees.

Local Shopping

Rock Paper Scissors

A favorite local shop for unique gifts and Ann Arbor finds while exploring downtown.

Late-Night Favorites

Alley Bar

A longtime local favorite tucked into downtown Ann Arbor.

Fleetwood Diner

An iconic late-night stop known for its classic diner atmosphere and famous Hippie Hash.

A Classic Ann Arbor Experience

Ann Arbor Farmers Market

Held Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Farmers Market remains one of the city’s best community experiences.

Beyond the Agenda

For Hughes, some of the most meaningful parts of industry events happen outside the meeting rooms themselves. “I am lucky to have colleagues I met at receptions and late-night lounges become my friends,” she shared. “People I can call and ask for advice or share ideas with.”

That same spirit of connection is what Ann Arbor hopes to create throughout the Innovators Summit experience, both during conference programming and throughout the city itself.

“Our community is welcoming and friendly,” Hughes said. “Our businesses value visitors and create their own special experience for both visitors and locals.”

Experience More of Ann Arbor

As attendees explore Ann Arbor this June, the Ann Arbor Sports Commission team hopes they embrace the opportunity to try something new — and maybe discover that some of the best parts of the week happen outside the agenda.

“We hope attendees meet someone new during the Summit,” Hughes shared, “and try something new — if it’s a cocktail, meal, or experience.”

Whether that means finding a favorite local spot, continuing a conversation over dinner, wandering somewhere unexpected, or simply experiencing more of the destination together, Ann Arbor invites attendees to make the city part of their Summit experience.

Because sometimes the moments you remember most happen in between.