Events for July 29, 2026
Open Stage.
All acoustic performers invited. Fifteen acts are selected randomly from those who sign up (doors open 7:30 p.m.) to perform 8 minutes (or 2 songs) each. The most talented and popular Open Stage performers are offered their own evenings at the Ark. $3 (members & students, free).
Michael Dease Organ Quartet.
Ensemble led by this widely recorded MSU trombone professor, winner of a prestigious Downbeat poll for Trombonist of the Year.
Chuchu Houle.
Local singer-songwriter who writes songs in a variety of genres. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
Open Mic.
All invited to present a song, story, poem, monologue, comedy bit, magic act, other performance. Hosted by Annie Bacon & Forrest Hejkal. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. 7–10 p.m. $5.
Scott Beal.
Acoustic guitar-driven postpunk folk-rock originals.
(Dead) Daisies.
Local queer alt-pop band.
“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.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
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].
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.
“Young Scientist Spotlight”: U-M Museum of Natural History
July 19 & 29. A chance for adults and kids to engage in hands-on interactive science activities and see project demos by high school scholars from the U-M Aspirnaut internship research program, the U-M Kamcev Research Lab (July 19), and the U-M Dept. of Chemistry D-RISE program (July 29). 1–3 p.m., Biological Sciences Bldg. West Atrium, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
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.
Bright Minds Collective: Accountability in Action
Bright Minds Collective – a hands-on brainstorming meetup designed to help you think differently, show up intentionally, and grow through real conversation.
Each month, we explore a new theme through different brainstorming styles — whether it’s fast-paced idea sprints or deeper group discussions — so you can sharpen your thinking and bring fresh perspective back to whatever you’re working on.
This month’s theme: Accountability in Action
We’re digging into what accountability actually means: how we make and keep commitments, how we show up for ourselves and others, and how to turn reflection into forward motion.
We’ll talk through:
The difference between accountability and blame
How to make (and keep) commitments that actually stick
Building a culture of ownership and follow-through
Why progress over perfection is more than just a saying
Bright Minds Collective is open to everyone! Walk-ins are welcome, but we’d love it if you RSVP so we know you’re coming. Just bring your brain — we’ll bring the coffee and snacks.
“West Side Nite Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Wed. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 10 to 30 miles, along the B2B Trail to Hudson Mills Metropark and/or Dexter-Huron Metropark with a possible visit to the Dexter Dairy Queen. This ride is a favorite with newcomers and casual riders. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. (734) 426–5116.
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
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.
Board Game Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
Every Wed. All invited to play popular board games. Use provided games or bring your own. 5–10 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
“Summer Game Mixer”: Ann Arbor District Library
Drop-in crafts for kids, along with activities for AADL Summer Game players. 5:30–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
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.
“The Star Spangled Banner”: Ann Arbor City Club Dine & Discover
Talk by U-M musicology professor Mark Clague. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m., City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $15 lecture only; with dinner, $40 (members, $35). Preregistration required by July 24. (734) 662–3279, [email protected], annarborcityclub.org.
“The Open Spoon”: Washtenaw Food Hub
Full moon community potluck. Bring a dish to pass and a story on the theme of “harmony” to share. 6–7:30 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free, but preregistration required at luma.com/ep6xh9v4. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
Group Runs: A2 Runners
Every Wed. & Mon. Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced 3- to 5-mile group run, followed by socializing at a downtown coffee shop. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Kerrytown Clock Tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
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.
“Horror Movie Trivia”: Ann Arbor District Library 2026 Big Gay Read
Adults & teens invited to answer horror film trivia questions. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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.
“Princess Mononoke”: 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 29: “Princess Mononoke” (Hayao Miyazaki, 1997). Studio Ghibli anime fantasy adventure set in Japan’s Iron Age that depicts a siege by samurai and forest gods of a remote village populated by outcasts. Japanese, subtitles. 7 p.m.
“Community Sing with Matt Watroba”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Local singer-songwriter and WKAR FM (MSU) folk music show host Watroba leads a sing-along of songs from the various branches of American folk music. No experience necessary. 7–8:30 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Free. (734) 327–0270, interfaithspirit.org.
Ann Arbor Bridge Club
Every Wed. All invited to play friendly, competitive ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Arrive 20 minutes early if coming without a partner. Call before coming to check that the game is being held. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline (park in marked spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline). $6 per person. (734) 945–6021.
“Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor
Every Wed. Lindy Hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to recorded music. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low-grip shoes. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Michigan League Vandenberg rm. (July 1, 8, & 29), and Michigan Union Anderson, ABCD Rm. (July 15 & 22). $5 (free for members and lesson attendees) at the door.