Celebrate the intersection of sound, art, and ecology at the Refugia Festival, curated by composer Alexis Lamb. This free, public event features performances by musicians working with ambient sound and non-traditional instrumentation, creating immersive experiences that respond to the surrounding landscape.

Throughout the day, explore booths and activities hosted by local environmental organizations, and take part in nature-based experiences for all ages. Come early or drop by anytime. Bring a blanket, settle in, and enjoy an afternoon of sound in place.

The festival takes place at the Nichols Arboretum Amphitheater, about a half-mile walk from the Reader Center, Geddes, or Nichols Drive entrances. Trails include stairs, slopes, gravel, dirt, and grass paths.

A free shuttle will run throughout the day in a continuous loop every 25 minutes, connecting Central Campus Transportation Center, the Campus Farm at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, and the Refugia Festival (Nichols Arboretum, Reader Center). Regular Ann Arbor and U-M Blue buses also stop nearby.

Parking is available at several nearby locations:

Lot M29 (Mary Markley): Free all day Sunday, no permit required (5-minute walk)
City meters on Observatory/Washington Heights: Free on Sundays (5-minute walk)
Structures at Ann/Catherine: Free all day Sunday, no permit required (10-minute walk)
Lot M28 (Nichols Drive/The Pit): Closed

REFUGIA FESTIVAL 2025 SCHEDULE
12:00 PM Welcome Gathering: Welcome session, land acknowledgement, overview of day, thank the community/sponsors, soundscape meter unveiling
12:15 PM Stephanie Vasko // Yvonne Pruneau Quartet
1:05 PM “Using bird song to monitor the population of the Kirtland’s Warbler” - Bill Rapai, Executive Director of the Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance
1:40 PM Field Resonances Block 1
2:05 PM FLYDLPHN
2:55 PM Play Along with Regenerate! Workshop // Native Plants Fall Seed Foraging Service Activity with Seeds to Community
3:40 PM “Sound Mapping for Wildlife Welfare” - David Clipner
4:15 PM White Flowers
5:05 PM “Listening After Natural Disasters” - Hailey Becker
5:40 PM Field Resonances
6:00 PM Festival Closing Remarks, A2Jazz “Traveling Sound Museum” Instruments Unveil
6:15 Regenerate! Orchestra