All Day
Nightspots

Zach Nichols.

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Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

This singer & multi-instrumentalist is best known as a member of the popular experimental bluegrass-based folk-rock ensemble Frontier Ruckus. Tonight he is joined by a number of his musical friends, including the Detroit indie pop-rock singer-songwriter Bandeau, and Brawny Lad, an Ypsi acoustic trio whose sound blends a number of American musical traditions.

Nightspots

The Creeping Chaos.

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The Arboretum 984 E. Michigan Ave., Saline

Detroit hard-rock band. Openers: Zar0chi, a Lansing instrumental band that adds a heavy metal edge to bluegrass and Irish folk tunes, and Oblivion Heirs, a local experimental punk duo.

Nightspots

South For Winter.

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Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

Nashville-based guitar, mandolin, and cello Americana trio whose music blends blues, country-folk, jazz, and classical vocabularies. Americana UK reviewer Tim Newby calls its 2022 CD Luxumbra “a complex meditation on life, an ethereal, dreamy, journey sharpened with an underlying aggressive blues edge.” $29.

Nightspots

Mike Love & The Full Circle.

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Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

Tight, horn-fueled reggae by an ensemble led by this Hawaiian singer-guitarist whose music incorporates elements of prog-rock, soul, blues, flamenco, and jazz. Opener: SensaMotion, a New Jersey reggae band. $30.

Nightspots

Yellowhammer.

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Habitat Lounge 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor

Local quartet, led by Pherotones trumpeter Ross Huff, that plays jazz standards, retro lounge music, and funk.

Nightspots

Jay Frydenlund.

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Mash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, Ypsilanti

Chirp singer-guitarist who plays rock ’n’ roll, blues, and folk covers and originals.

Nightspots

Checkered Lilies.

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Moonwinks Tavern 5151 Plymouth Rd. (734) 994-5151.

New local indie pop-rock band.

Nightspots

Max Bowen.

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Moonwinks Tavern 5151 Plymouth Rd. (734) 994-5151.

Jazz ensemble led by local guitarist Bowen, a U-M jazz studies grad.

Nightspots

Swing Nouvelle.

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North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

Detroit-area instrumental quartet that plays fresh interpretations of vintage swing from the 1930s & 40s. 6:30–7:45 p.m. $15.

Nightspots

North Ingalls Band.

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North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

U-M student indie pop-folk groove septet. 9–10:15 p.m. $20.

Nightspots

Mike Vial.

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Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.

Local folk-rock singer-songwriter who sings songs about love and life’s transitions.

Nightspots

Chronic Blues Band.

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Water Tower Distilling Co. 23 N. Washington,, Ypsilanti

Grungy blues and rock by this Romulus band.

Nightspots

Poor Player.

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Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

Detroit country-flavored folk-rock Americana quartet. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Nightspots

The Suspenders.

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Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

Soft rock, blues and folk-rock covers by this local duo.

Nightspots

The Cellar Cats.

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Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

An eclectic mix of rock ’n’ roll, Motown, blues, soul, and R&B—mostly from the 1960s & 70s—by this finely tuned ensemble of veteran local musicians that’s fronted by vocalists Patty O’Connor, who plays keyboards and flute, and Myron Grant, who plays harmonica and guitar.

Nightspots

“Emo Night.”

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Ziggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

With local postpunk and emo bands Shindig Machine and Team Cabin.

Ongoing
Observer Editor

Morgan Wallen Concert: AEG Productions

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July 24 & 25. Concerts on his “Still the Problem” tour by this Sneedville (TN)-bred country music star, known for blending traditional country with modern trap and rock. Openers July 24: Thomas Rhett, Hudson Westbrook, and Blake Whiten. On July 25: HARDY, Hudson Westbrook, and Blake Whiten. Followed by fireworks. 5:30 p.m., Michigan Stadium. $88 up at tix.axs.com.

Free
Observer Editor

Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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Every Mon., Thurs., & Sat. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 901 W. Eisenhower; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.

Free
Observer Editor

“Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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Every Sat., except July 11. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird Rd. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].   

Observer Editor

“Tee Off for Uganda Healthcare Golf Scramble”: Partnering in Health and Wholeness

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Shotgun start for teams of up to 4 golfers. Each team tees off from a different hole and plays on from their best ball. 18 holes with lunch. Preceded by a putting contest at 7:30 a.m. Awards. Funds benefit the Tsiyon Family Hospital in Sayyi, Uganda. 8 a.m., Hudson Mills Metropark golf course, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter. $125, plus $10 vehicle entry fee. Preregistration required at bit.ly/teeoffforuganda2026.  

Free
Observer Editor

parkrun USA

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Every Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 7:45 a.m. [email protected].

Community Listing

Arty Book Club: “Art Work” by Sally Mann

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Cluster Museum’s Arty Book Club launches with photographer Sally Mann’s newest book, Art Work: On the Creative Life.

Art Work: On the Creative Life is Sally Mann’s second book about her life, her work and her journey as one of the preeminent living artists working and exhibiting today. Her writing weaves together her personal journey as an artist and failures & successes alongside photographs and letters. Companion book to her memoir Hold Still.

No arts background is needed to join Cluster’s Arty Book Club: Each month features a different art or design-based book. Pick up your copy of the book at one of Ann Arbor’s amazing local books shops (Literati, BookSweet, Schuler’s Books), read it ahead of time, jot down a few reflections and questions, then join us for free coffee and conversation!

Register on the Cluster website.

Free
Donation
Free
Observer Editor

Woods & Wildflower Walk: Washtenaw’s Own Wildlands (WOW)

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All age 12 & older invited to this nature walk to learn about local plants and plant communities on this nature walk led by ecologists Manuel Anderson and Jacqueline Courteau. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. 10 a.m.–noon, Pittsfield Preserve, 5400 Marton (parking lot between Morgan & Textile). Free, donations accepted. Space limited; preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/3b57fa3u. [email protected].

Free
Observer Editor

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops

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Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].

Free
Observer Editor

“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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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.  

Observer Editor

U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

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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. 

Donation
Observer Editor

Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center

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Every Sat. & Sun. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.  

Observer Editor

“Critters Up Close!”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

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July 25 & 26. Leslie Science & Nature Center staff show live animals TBA. Also, animal-oriented hands-on activities for all ages. Noon–3 p.m., 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom.

Community Listing

Outdoor Gallery and Sculpture Garden: Stephenson Ceramics

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Explore the 2026 Outdoor Gallery & Sculpture Garden and be among the first to experience Visionaries, a special exhibit celebrating the history, artistry, and lasting impact of Susanne and John Stephenson. Tour the studio, peek inside the archives, and discover a lifetime of ceramic innovation from this dynamic duo. Open June 6 – Oct. 31, Thursday – Saturday, 12 – 4 PM. Private one-on-one art consultations available by appointment. Free group tours for 5 or more may be booked in advance. Noon-1 p.m., 4380 West Waters Rd., Free. (734) 395-1540, [email protected], https://www.stephensonceramicstudio.com/

Free
Observer Editor

36th Annual ADA Celebration: Disability Network

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This celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act features speakers, adaptive sports, and crafting activities. Also, an exhibition of art by disabled artists, informational tables, and free food and drink. Noon4 p.m., Disability Network Washtenaw office, 3941 Research Park Dr. Free. (734) 971–0277, [email protected], dnwml.org.

Observer Editor

“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy

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Fri. July 3 & 17 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers present and give insights into some local animals, including a woodchuck, skunk, and a common snapping turtle at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers present the first three animals at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows an opossum at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) & noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.

Free
Observer Editor

“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos

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Every Sat. & Sun., except July 5. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for kids age 5 & up that uses museum specimens to explore paleontology and what can be learned from giant bones and fossils. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.

Free
Observer Editor

Parks & Recreation Month Celebration: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation

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All invited to go on a scavenger hunt throughout the park, touch-a-truck with vehicles from the Public Safety Dept., and play other games. Also, a food truck. The afternoon ends with a foam party. 1–3 p.m., Montibeller Park, 4305 Ellsworth. Free. (734) 822–2120, recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov.

Free
Observer Editor

“Splatoon 3: Hyper-Local Splatfest”: Ann Arbor District Library

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All invited to play a tournament version of this popular Nintendo Switch video game. Participants may bring their own Switch handheld consoles or borrow one from the library. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

Free
Observer Editor

Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History

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Every Sat. Thirtyminute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. 1:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.

Free
Observer Editor

U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler

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July 18 & 25. Docent-led tours exploring “Highlights of the Kelsey” (July 18) and everyday life in ancient Egypt in “Walk with an Egyptian” (July 25). 11:15 a.m.–noon (July 18) & 2–3 p.m. (July 25), 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.

Free
Observer Editor

“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos

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Every Sat. & Sun., except July 5. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for kids age 5 & up that uses museum specimens to explore paleontology and what can be learned from giant bones and fossils. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.

Observer Editor

“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. Kate Thomsen directs longtime Purple Rose resident playwright Carey Crim’s comedy-drama about a group of old friends gathered to celebrate their friend Emma’s fourth wedding. Together, they revisit their memories of each of her previous three weddings to “the one.” Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 3 p.m. (Thurs., Sat., & Wed.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.

Observer Editor

“Athena”: Theatre Nova

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Every Fri.–Sun., July 17–Aug. 9. Shelby R. Seeley directs Gracie Gardner’s play about two competitive teenage girl fencers training for the Junior Olympics. As they spar and navigate a tricky new friendship, each grows in both athletic ability and self-confidence. The New York Times called it “hugely appealing and stealthily moving.” 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 and older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org/season11 & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.

Community Listing

Gathering at German Park Beer Garden

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Join the Ann Arbor Ski and Social Club at German Park for their live music, authentic German food and beer, and live German dance performers! Gates open at 4 PM with a $10 cash only entry fee. Look for a table decorated with a red tablecloth near the dance pavilion. Non-Ski Club members are welcome.

$10
Donation
Free
Observer Editor

Know Obstacles Open Mic & Comedy Hour: Oz’s Music Environment

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Performers of all abilities invited to play instruments, sing songs, and tell jokes with members of this band comprised of kids and adults with special needs. Hosted by Oz’s owner Steve Osborn. Spectators welcome. 4–5 p.m., 1922 Packard. Free; donations accepted. (734) 662–8283.

Observer Editor

German Park Picnic

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Old-fashioned German dinner served á la carte (approximately $10–$15) with wine, beer, pop, water, and coffee for sale. Kid-friendly options (hot dogs, hamburgers) also available. Dancing to German polkas and other European dance music by Tommy Schober & the Sound of Sorgenbrecher, a band known for its high-energy performances. 4–11 p.m. (no admission after 9 p.m.), 5549 Pontiac Tr. Entry $10 cash only (children 12 & under, free). No one under 21 admitted without parent or legal guardian. (734) 769–0048, germanpark.org.

Observer Editor

Morgan Wallen Concert: AEG Productions

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July 24 & 25. Concerts on his “Still the Problem” tour by this Sneedville (TN)-bred country music star, known for blending traditional country with modern trap and rock. Openers July 24: Thomas Rhett, Hudson Westbrook, and Blake Whiten. On July 25: HARDY, Hudson Westbrook, and Blake Whiten. Followed by fireworks. 5:30 p.m., Michigan Stadium. $88 up at tix.axs.com.

Observer Editor

Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

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Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. (except July 4). All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG.

Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.

Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.

Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.

Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary.

Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

Observer Editor

Keith Lenart: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

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July 24 & 25. Genial Detroit native known for clever one-liners on an array of subjects as well as character work that nails regional U.S. accents. He has appeared on Last Comic Standing, NBC’s So You Think You’re Funny, and Comcast’s Comedy Spotlight. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.

Observer Editor

“Who Can Say?”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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July 11 & 25. Game show–style performance by experienced improvisers responding to prompts and challenges. 7:30–8:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $10 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $12 at the door.

Observer Editor

“Playing Around: Festival of New & Original Works”: Forge Theater

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See 23 Thursday. Tonight: Tapping at the Window, Julie Zaffarano’s haunting and powerful exploration of family and mental illness about a young woman who was told as a child that her mother was dead when, in fact, she was institutionalized. 7:30 p.m.

Observer Editor

“Comedy Night”: Bløm Mead + Cider

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Stand-up comedy by Jacob Barr and other local comics. Usually sells out. 7:30–9 p.m. 100 S. Fourth Ave. $10 (includes one 12 oz. pour of mead, cider, or nonalcoholic beverage) in advance at drinkblom.com/events & (if available) at the door. (734) 548–9729.

Observer Editor

“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. Kate Thomsen directs longtime Purple Rose resident playwright Carey Crim’s comedy-drama about a group of old friends gathered to celebrate their friend Emma’s fourth wedding. Together, they revisit their memories of each of her previous three weddings to “the one.” Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 3 p.m. (Thurs., Sat., & Wed.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.

Observer Editor

“Athena”: Theatre Nova

More

Every Fri.–Sun., July 17–Aug. 9. Shelby R. Seeley directs Gracie Gardner’s play about two competitive teenage girl fencers training for the Junior Olympics. As they spar and navigate a tricky new friendship, each grows in both athletic ability and self-confidence. The New York Times called it “hugely appealing and stealthily moving.” 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 and older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org/season11 & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.

Observer Editor

“Pop-Up Comedy”: Don’t Tell Comedy Show

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Both the lineup of stand-up comics and the location are not revealed until the day of the show. Age 21+. Drinks available for purchase. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. 8 p.m., Ann Arbor West Side indoor location. Tickets $30 in advance only at donttellcomedy.com/cities/ann-arbor.

Donation
Free

“Full Moon Campfire”: Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy

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All invited to enjoy a family-oriented campfire (the final one of the season) in one of the largest conservancy-owned nature preserves in Southeast Michigan. Bring blankets, chairs, and campfire refreshments; locally cut firewood appreciated. No pets. Come early to walk the trails if you like. 8–11 p.m., LeFurge Woods, 2452 N. Prospect (½ mile north of Geddes), Superior Twp. Free, donations welcome. (734) 484–6565, [email protected]. https://www.smlcland.org/events.php

Observer Editor

“Extra Credit”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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Three 10-minute academic lectures by U-M researchers on topics TBA, each followed by a 10-minute improv comedy set on the topic by experienced improvisers. 8:30–9:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.

Observer Editor

Keith Lenart: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

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July 24 & 25. Genial Detroit native known for clever one-liners on an array of subjects as well as character work that nails regional U.S. accents. He has appeared on Last Comic Standing, NBC’s So You Think You’re Funny, and Comcast’s Comedy Spotlight. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.