Events for July 21, 2026
David Cook.
Solo acoustic performance by this Texas-bred alt-rock singer-songwriter who won the 7th season of American Idol in 2008. Opener: Ward Hayden & Greg Hall, a Boston duo who play a brand of working class rock ‘n’ roll reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen. $35.
Open Mic.
All acoustic musicians invited. Hosted by local singer-songwriter Phil McMillion.
Easy Street Jazz Band.
Early jazz classics from Scott Joplin and Bessie Smith to Louis Armstrong and beyond by this veteran local septet led by trombonist Terry Kimura.
Amberline Trio.
Detroit-area folk-rock & Americana band.
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
Every Wed., Sun., & Tues. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
Youth Show: Washtenaw County 4-H
July 19–24. Six days of farm animal shows and auctions, plus crafts, exhibits, all-day equestrian competitions, and assorted contests from animal decorating to a goat milk-out. Highlights include the popular “Llama Leaping Contest” (July 22, 2 p.m.), the livestock auction (July 23, 4:30 p.m.), an archery contest (July 24, 1 p.m.), the “Animal Decorator Contest” (July 24, 1:30 p.m.), and the “Ag Olympics” (July 24, 2:30 p.m.) in which 4-H youth engage in Olympic-style competitions involving water, mud, and agricultural products. For complete daily schedule, see bit.ly/4hwashtenaw2026. 8 a.m.–evening, Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free. (734) 222–3877.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Every Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses to experience the world as if they were a snake. Also, models of snake brains available to examine, but no live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Every Tues.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. We Are Stars (noon) explores the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins, connecting life on Earth to the evolution of the universe; The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own; and T. Rex (2 p.m.) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence). Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $8 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri. & Tues.) and a 499er game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $9 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].
“25 American Artists to Celebrate 250 Years”: Ann Arbor District Library Art History in the Afternoon
Local art historian Kathy Gunderson discusses works of major American artists. 2–3:15 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club
Every Tues. All invited to play the classic word game, using the 5th-edition Scrabble dictionary. Bring your own set, if you like. 3:30–8 p.m., Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. meetup.com/ann-arbor-scrabble-meetup. [email protected].
Game Night: Sylvan Factory
Every Tues. All invited to play one of a selection of board games, assemble a puzzle, paint miniatures, or try a tabletop role-playing game, all in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. 5 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
Letterpress Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
July 10, 15, 21, & 26 (different times). A chance for adults to learn the basics of printing with movable type. 5–7 p.m. (July 10, 15, & 21) & 1–3 p.m. (July 26), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“Dog and Suds Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Tues. Moderate-paced ride, 20 to 30 miles, along the less-traveled roads west and north of Chelsea. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Start location occasionally changes. Free. (734) 662–0205.
Tuesday Night Workouts: Ann Arbor Track Club
Every Tues. Runners of all skill levels age 14 & up invited to participate in this short, intense interval workout. Arrive at 6:20 p.m. to warm up. 6:30 p.m., Ferry Field, 1150 S. State. Visitors free; $30/year membership for regular participants. Preregistration required at aatrackclub.org/interval-workouts.
“New York, New York”: Michigan Theater
Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
July 21: “New York, New York” (Martin Scorsese, 1977). Musical romance starring Liza Minnelli and Robert De Niro as lovers and musicians who meet in New York City in 1945 on V-J Day. The title song, written by John Kander and Fred Ebb for the film, became a worldwide hit. 7 p.m.
Washtenaw Writers Group
Washtenaw Writers Group is a gathering of local writers who meet online (via Zoom) the third Tuesday of every month. The purpose of the group is to get feedback on our writing in a serious but fun setting. We desire to hone our craft of writing and learn together. If interested, please contact Jeannette Matthews at [email protected]. Please note ‘Writers Group’ in the subject line.
“Trivia with Terry!”: Argus Farm Stop
July 7 & 21. All invited to form teams to answer wacky trivia questions from this longtime Aut Bar trivia night emcee. 7–8:30 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. (734) 997–5448.
Polka Jam Session: American Legion Hall
All accordion players and other musicians invited to play polkas and waltzes and other ethnic and old-time music. 7–9 p.m., 44 Wabash (south off Main), Milan. Free.
Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
Every Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught and prompted; no complicated steps, and no partner or experience needed. Bring clean, flat, nonslip shoes. First-timers asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Suggested donation $8–$12 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country.
Women’s A Cappella Chorus Rehearsal: Voices in Harmony
July 14, 21, & 28. Women singers invited to join a rehearsal of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. 7–9:30 p.m., UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile, Ypsi. Free to visitors (dues for those who join). (734) 765–3611, [email protected], voicesinharmonychorus.org.
The Moth StorySlam: Michigan Public
Open mic storytelling competition sponsored by the Moth, the NYC-based nonprofit storytelling organization. Ten storytellers are selected at random from among those who sign up to tell a 3- to 5-minute story on the theme “Plot Twist.” Stories are judged by 3 audience members. Winners compete in a semiannual GrandSlam. Seating limited; arrive early. 7:30–9 p.m. (doors open and sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m.), Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. Tickets $20 general admission in advance only at themoth.org beginning 3 weeks before the event. [email protected].