Photo by J.D. Scott
All military veterans, active-duty personnel and their families are invited to a day of free food, fun and information at the 2026 Washtenaw County Vet Fest on Saturday, August 1.
The Wadhams Veterans Center at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) is organizing the fifth annual event in collaboration with multiple veterans’ organizations throughout Washtenaw County.
The event runs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., with activities set up near the main entrance to the WCC campus off East Huron River Drive (see map/directions).
Pre-registration is required. Sign up at washtenaw.cc/vetfest26.
“WCC is proud to host the 5th annual Washtenaw County Vet Fest. The WCC Wadhams Veterans Center and several county resource providers have created an annual event for our military affiliated families to enjoy a day dedicated to serving them and providing support they may not know about or have access to,” said WCC’s Manager of Military and Veteran Services Carol Osborne. “We hope that our Washtenaw County Veterans community will join us and leave with new information and a new friend.”
The goal of Vet Fest 2026 is to connect service members to resource providers in the community and to each other. Several veteran-owned businesses will be featured, as well as the new addition of a gaming tent where attendees can play video or tabletop games and enjoy connecting with other veterans and their families.
Events and activities are planned for all ages, including:
- Live music
- Free food
- Cold treats
- Hourly raffles
- Kids activities (balloon art, face painting and temporary tattoos)
- Blood drive on site
- Carnival games
- Military vehicles and aircraft displays
- K-9 demonstrations
- Veteran-owned businesses
- Resource provider exhibits
- Fully operational Secretary of State office on site
Attendees are encouraged to show their veteran pride and earn extra raffle tickets by wearing something that represents their branch of service.
WCC serves approximately 500 veteran students and families. Located in the Student Center on campus, the Wadhams Veterans Center provides military-friendly programs to serve all former and current active-duty military personnel, spouses and dependents of veterans, and students in the National Guard or Reserves.
The college is recognized by the Michigan Veterans’ Affairs Agency as a gold-level veteran-friendly school, the highest honor awarded, for its strong commitment to veterans and military-affiliated students.
114 North Main St Suite 10 Chelsea, MI 48118
