Free Tickets: Ariel, Zoey & Eli Concert

Win tickets to see the Ariel, Zoey & Eli concert at the Michigan Theater.

Want to enjoy a fun concert with the kids? The Not Just For Kids series is featuring Ariel, Zoey & Eli on December 12 at 1:30 p.m. at the Michigan Theater.

Emmy Nominees Ariel, Zoey & Eli (AZE) have spent most of their young lives performing either on stage or in front of the camera. With two national television shows, their focus has always been on music, empowering their peers and enjoying those they meet along the way. This special concert will include their favorite songs, music to get you in the Holiday spirit and a few surprises!

Tickets for the concert are just $12 and perfect for everyone in the family and are available for sale at Nicola's Books or at Ticketmaster.com. The Ann Arbor Mom blog has been given the opportunity to share with one lucky winner 4 free tickets though. Just comment below on the best way your family gets into the holiday spirit. A random drawing will be done of all entries on the blog by midnight December 4.

Win tickets to Fancy Nancy: Splediferous Christmas

Win 4 free tickets to see Fancy Nancy: Splediferous Christmas
when it comes to the City Theatre November 20-22.

Hello Ann Arbor families! Want to join Nancy in a very fancy holiday celebration? Then be sure to read on for a chance to win tickets to see Fancy Nancy: Splediferous Christmas plays at the City Theatre playing November 20-22.

Tickets are $25 general admission and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, The Fox Theatre and at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 313-471-3099. For additional information, call (313) 471-6611.

Want to know more? Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas is based on the New York Times bestselling picture book by Jane O'Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles - and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and can't wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don't turn out the way Nancy planned?

The showtimes are as follows:
Friday, November 20 - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 21 - 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 22 - 11:00 a.m. and 2:0 p.m.

Want to know how your family can win free tickets? Well since the play is about Nancy's fancy tree topper, tell me in the comments below what your fanciest tree topper would be. A random winner will be chosen from all entries on the blog and on Facebook for (4) tickets to see Fancy Nancy: Splediferous Christmas on Saturday, November 21 at 2:00 p.m. All entries must be received by midnight on November 12.

Not Just for Kids Series at the Michigan Theater

Ann Arbor has some awesome entertainment options for live theatre, Of course as adults we know that, but did you know that the Michigan Theater has a Not Just for Kids series of events that happen throughout the year? Here is a run down of the season so that families can plan ahead.

Dog Loves Books
Sat. Oct. 3 at 1:30 p.m.
Recommended for grades K-2

Ariel, Zoey & Eli
Sat. Dec. 12 at 1:30 p.m.
For all ages!

Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School
Sat. Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Recommended for grades K – 5

Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move
Sun. Apr. 10 at 1:30 p.m.
Recommended for grades K – 4

Seussical
Sat. May 7 at 1:30 p.m.
Recommended for grades K – 4

The Not Just For Kids series is live musical theater presented five times a year at the Michigan Theater.  It’s a great way to introduce kids to live theater (no video screens) through the books they love.  It’s affordable entertainment too, with tickets just $10 for Michigan Theater members and $12 for non-members.

Want to check out the first show of the season? One random reader will receive a family (4) pack of tickets to the October 3 performance of Dog Loves Books just by commenting below on what theater means to your family. A winner will be chosen from all entries submitted by midnight October 1st!

Good luck!

Win Free Strawberry Shortcake at the Belleville National Strawberry Festival

Win (4) free strawberry shortcakes ($16 value) during
Belleville's National Strawberry Festival June 19-21.

For YEARS before my children came along, I have enjoyed Strawberry Festival time. When the kids were born it became even more special. We enjoy the crafts, activities and events that happen during Belleville's National Strawberry Festival. We were happy to end up joining a church that promoted the event too and even happier to learn that our church makes the most amazing Strawberry pies and shortcakes! That's one reason why I love this opportunity to share with Ann Arbor Mom readers this great give-away.

Since 1977, Trinity Episcopal Church has been a part of the National Strawberry Festival in Belleville, which is held yearly over Father’s Day weekend. Visitors come from all over southeast Michigan for the famous homemade sloppy joes and glazed strawberry pies offered. Imagine a pie filled with four pounds of fresh berries! Don't have time to stop in to the church and eat out back? Don't worry as I have personally observed MANY visitors even stopping by just to pick up their pie.

It is best though to stop in and stay a while. Come for the craft show or enjoy many tasty treats in a comfortable, family friendly atmosphere. Nachos, sloppy nachos, 100% beef hot dogs, strawberry shortcake, sundaes, and smoothies are just a few of their delicious offerings. In addition to the fresh glazed strawberry pies, their bakery tent sells homemade strawberry bread and muffins, strawberry freezer jam, cheesecake, and tarts. They also offer no-sugar-added and gluten-free options. Food tent and bakery menus can be found on the Trinity Episcopal Church Strawberry Fest page of the website too!

I am proud too, that my children have had the opportunity to work alongside many volunteers during the festival, and that half of the proceeds from Trinity’s Strawberry Festival activities go back into the community. Your support helps support local services and projects while the other half supports special projects in the church.

In addition to their craft show, bakery and good food, this year Trinity will also have live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evening and a free Kid Zone on Saturday and Sunday with crafts and games and special guest appearances by Disney’s Princesses Anna and Elsa.

Let Trinity Episcopal Church is the first Strawberry Festival stop you see on Belleville Road when you exit I-94 heading into Belleville. They will be open on Friday, June 19 (4:00-9:00 p.m.), Saturday, June 20 (10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.), and Sunday, June 21 (11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) Credit cards will be accepted at the bakery and food tent and parking is free. Find more information about the event at the Strawberry Festival Facebook Event Page for Trinity Episcopal Church.

Trinity is also one of the National Strawberry Festival Trolley stops.

Want another reason to stop at Trinity during Strawberry Festival? How about winning (4) FREE Strawberry shortcakes to eat there or take home? Now for Ann Arbor mom readers, comment below for your chance to win. Comment on Facebook for a second entry too. Just tell us which product your family likes best: A - Strawberry shortcake, B - - Strawberry pie, C - Strawberry smoothies, D - Strawberry cheesecake or E - ANYTHING strawberries!!!

All entries must be submitted by midnight Wednesday, June 17.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Fox Theatre: Win Tickets

Win tickets to see Cirque Dreams Holidaze December 16, 8:00 p.m.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2014 holiday season when it returns to the Fox Theatre, December 16-20. Tickets for this amazing show start at $34 and are on sale now at OlympiaEntertainment.com, The Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices and at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. 

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is an original musical extravaganza of ornaments that re-imagines the holiday season. With over 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 performers from 12 countries showcasing an endless variety of imaginative, heart-pounding and gravity- defying feats there will be something to dazzle and entertain each member of your family. Experience gingerbread men flipping mid air, toy soldiers marching on thin wires along with snowmen, icemen and penguins, balancing, jumping and spinning in disbelief.  The show celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with singers, choreography and exciting production numbers.  Performers twirl, bounce and soar thru the air to original music and seasonal favorites brought to life within a stage setting of gigantic gifts, colossal candy canes and 30-foot towering trees & soldiers creating a wonderland of amazement. 

Cirque Dreams Holidaze Performance Schedule: 
Tuesday, December 16 - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 17 - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 18 - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, December 19 - 2:00 & 8:00 p.m.       
Saturday, December 20 - 2:00 & 8:00 p.m. 

Want to win free tickets to Cirque Dreams Holidaze? The Ann Arbor Mom blog will award 1 lucky indiviual a family 4-pack of tickets for the December 16 perfomance. All you need to do is to comment below on why this show would be an amazing gift for your family. 

All entries must be submitted no later than midnight on November 21. A random winner will be chosen from all entries on November 22.

Win Tickets to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point

Win a family 4-pack of tickets to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point.

My family and I will be staying at Castaway Bay in two weekends when my son has a soccer tournament. This year my kids are even more excited to spends some time at Cedar Point during  HalloWeekends. I'll share some photos when we go, but I have something even better to share now.
Want to win tickets for visit Cedar Point for HalloWeekends? Thanks to the folks at Cedar Point you can.

Comment below on your favorite Cedar Point Memory for an opportunity to win a family four-pack of tickets to HalloWeekends valued at nearly $200. Please note that the tickets are only valid this year, and your lucky winner only has three (3) more weekends to use them - Friday nights (after 6 p.m.), and Saturdays and Sundays now through Nov. 2, 2014.

All comments need to be posted on the blog by midnight, October 15. A random winner will be chosen Thursday.

Win Tickets to See Hello Dolly at the Fox Theatre

Want to win (4) tickets to the Tony Awards-Winning show Hello Dolly! when it comes to the Fox Theatre next week? Here's your chance. Olympia Entertainment has given me a family (4) pack to pass along to one lucky reader. Just comment below on why you need the night out. All entries received by Sunday, October 13 will be entered for a random drawing.

One Ann Arbor Mom fan will get the chance win tickets to see
Hello Dolly! coming to Detroit October 18-19

Hello, Dolly! starring Sally Struthers, is set to arrive at the Fox Theatre for two performances October 18-19. Tickets ($30, $45, $55 and $70) are on sale now and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and at Ticketmaster.com.

Two-time Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers stars as the strong-willed matchmaker Dolly, who travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a match for the ornery "well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder. With an irresistible story and an unforgettable score including the title song, “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” and the show-stopping “Before the Parade Passes By,” Hello, Dolly! has been charming audiences around the world for 50 years. The show would make an exceptional night out for you and your spouse, or perhaps families can introduce their older children and teens to the joy of musical theatre!

Remember, just comment below on why you need to win this contest for a chance to win tickets. Tickets are good for the show Friday, October 18 at 8:00 p.m.

Win Tickets to See the Little Engine The Could

The Michigan Theater (603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor) has sent me this great offer for Ann Arbor families. This discount ticket offer is available for Ann Arbor folks to see Little Engine The Could Earns Her Whistle at The Michigan Theater on October 20 at 1:30 p.m. The show, part of the Benard L. Maas Not Just For Kids Series would be the perfect outing for kids in grades pre-K-2. 

Little Blue Engine dreams of someday leaving the train yard to pull the big cars on the main line track, but can she convince Big Silver that she is worthy of being a main line engine? This dynamic musical portrays Watty Piper’s timeless tale about hard work, determination and the meaning of true friendship. Join us when, against all odds, Little Blue Engine conquers her fears and demonstrates the extraordinary strength in that beloved phrase: “I think I can!”

To win tickets inspire me with a comment below on why your little one should get the free tickets. One lucky family will be drawn from all entires on Ann Arbor Mom Facebook and the blog! Enter by midnight October 14.

Ann Arbor Mom Blog Contests

To make it easier for Ann Arbor families to see all of the available contests, give-aways and freebies running on the blog, I wanted to create a single page that hosts the current contests running with a brief description of each event. The page will be updated as new give-aways are released.

Happy kids win prizes at the Ann Arbor Mom blog!

Coming Soon...

Win tickets to see 100 Years of Broadway at the Fox Theatre - November 3, 8:00 p.m. 

Win tickets to see Dinosaur Train Live - November 22, 8:00 p.m.
Win tickets to see the Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Fox Theatre - November 23, 8:00 p.m.
Win tickets to see Sesame Street Live at the Fox Theatre - January 23-February 17.


October 2013


Win tickets to see Hello Dolly at the Fox Theatre - October 18, 7:00 p.m. Enter by midnight October 13.

Win tickets to see the Little Engine The Could Earns Her Whistle at The Michigan Theater October 13, 1:30 p.m. (Pre-K-2nd Grade) Enter by midnight October 10. Special discounts for all families. 

Win tickets to see Skate America at the Joe Lewis Arena October 18, 7:30 p.m. (All ages / Ann Arbor families) Enter by October 11, 5:00 p.m. 



Expired...

September 2013

Win tickets to see the Wiggles September 22. (Preschool ages families) Enter by September 13.  

Skate America Coming to Joe Louis Arena: Win Tickets

Want to win one of two (4) person prize packs to see Skate America when it comes to the Joe Louis Arena? Sit tight to find out how your family can win.

Skate America is coming to the Joe Lewis Arena October 18-20 and will feature three days of competition in ladies, men’s, pairs and ice dance. The field of competitors will include 52 world-class athletes, some of whom will compete at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. I can't wait for the Olympics and have loved watching them with the kids. The next winter Olympics will probably be the first ones my son will remember even!

The U.S. lineup for the 2013 Hilton HHonors Skate America Detroit is: Samantha Cesario; Ashley Wagner; Caroline Zhang Men’s: Max Aaron; Evan Lysacek; Adam Rippon Pairs: Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir; Caydee Denney and John Coughlin; Felicia Zhang and Nate Bartholomay Ice Dancing: Meryl Davis and Charlie White; Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani. Team USA will be headlined by 2010 Olympic champion Evan Lysacek, who will compete in his first Grand Prix event since 2009, and reigning World and Skate America ice dance champions (and local favorites) Meryl Davis and Charlie White. 

Tickets for Skate America ($23, $38 and $93) are available by visiting all Ticketmaster locations or www.2013skateamerica.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. 

Want to WIN free tickets to Skate America? Tell me, in the comments below, what your favorite moment in skating history was or who your favorite skater is. Two families will be randomly chosen from all entries (received by Friday, October 11 at 5:00 p.m.) to win a family 4 pack for Hilton HHoners Skate America coming to Joe Louis Arena October Friday, October 18 event at 7:00 p.m.

Free Tickets to See the Wiggles

One lucky family will have the opportunity to win tickets - A family 4-pack - to see the Wiggles on September 22. Just comment below on why your preschooler is amazing for your chance to win. One random winner will be chosen from all Facebook and blog entries posted by the end of the day Friday, September 13.


After 21 years of entertaining children around the globe, The Wiggles will introduce three new cast members including the first-ever female member, Emma Watkins. These vibrant new Wiggles will bring the “Taking Off!” worldwide tour to the Fox Theatre on Sunday, September 22 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets ($18, $24.50, $34.50 and $75 VIP) are on sale now and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (without service charge) at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Groups, of 8 or more, save on select seats by calling (313) 471-3099.

Win Tickets to If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Win free tickets to see
If You Give a Mouse A Cookie
at the City Theatre Detroit.

Anyone interested in seeing "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" at the City Theatre (2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit) August 23-25? The Ann Arbor Mom Blog is offering one lucky fan the chance to win free tickets - That's right it's family 4-pack time for the August 24, 11:00 a.m. show!

All you need to do is comment on the blog post below on why your children would enjoy the show. Remember you must be signed in or make sure I can contact you as the winner. This is a quick contest, as the winners name will be drawn by all entries posted on the Facebook post OR this blog post by Tuesday, August 20 at 5:00 p.m.

My son LOVED the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie story and even wrote his own cute version of the story as a Mother's Day gift the year he was in second grade - I would think this would be an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning with your younger children! Just remember to enter quickly!