Detroit-area psychedelic punk duo. Opener: Vagrant Symphony, an Ypsi psychedelic indie rock band.

Rowdy contemporary bluegrass by this Nashville ensemble led by acclaimed fiddler-vocalist Maddie Denton. Winners of the 2024 International Bluegrass Music Association Best New Artist Award, the band is known for its tight musicianship and evocative songwriting, and is quickly making a name for itself as a force on the national touring scene. “Fast picking, bright harmonies, and timeless lyricism,” writes Glide Magazine. $24.

Veteran Detroit drummer RJ Spangler and trombonist-vocalist John “Tbone” Paxton lead a band of area musicians in swing, modern jazz, and swinging blues.

Jazz originals and standards by a local ensemble led by singer-bassist Rob Crozier.

A mix of pop, rock, and punk covers, along with a few originals by this local jam band.

Local bluegrass quartet known for its beautiful vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess. Tonight they are joined by singer-guitarist Rochelle Clark. 7–10 p.m. $10.

Lansing indie folk duo of singer-guitarist Austin Kaufmann and vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Tamiko Rothhorn known for their spirited duets, soulful harmonies, and vibrant folk-jazz instrumentation. Free. 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Veteran local singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist.

Alt-country & Americana singer-songwriter from Indianapolis.

Acoustic folk-rock covers and some originals by this local singer-guitarist. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Local folk-rock quartet with bluegrass & Irish music flavors whose instrumentation features guitars, banjo, flute, and keyboard.

Banjo-driven Lansing folk-punk band. Openers: the Detroit-area queer alt-punk “femmegrass” duo Yell at God, the Detroit artsy pop-rock band Izak, and Swamp Rats, a guitar and banjo duo from Florida that plays a hard-driving punk-inflected brand of bluegrass & Americana.

Join us for a morning of birding and brews! Grab a cup of freshly ground coffee and chat with fellow bird enthusiasts before heading to trek the edge of the beautiful Botsford Preserve.

Victor Chen from the Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance will be leading the bird-watching session. Bring your own binoculars!

July 10–12 & July 31–Aug. 2. Equine competition combining artistry and technical abilities highlighted by graceful freestyle routines set to music. No pets. Concessions. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., 11500 Glenn at Katz (west off Mount Hope Rd. from I-94 exit 150), Grass Lake. Free. [email protected]. 

Every Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Delhi Metro Park parking lot (left of the tollbooth), E. Delhi off Huron River Dr. Free. [email protected].   

Every Fri. Slow/moderate-paced 18-mile gravel road ride with a rest stop at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Olson Park, 1515 Dhu Varren. Free. (412) 302–9960.  

July 31–Aug. 2. As many as 250 horses and riders enter this U.S. Equestrian Federation competition. Features dressage and stadium jumping, along with a cross-country phase that involves a mile-long gallop and jumping into water over barriers called “questions,” including logs, boulders, ditches, and banks. Refreshments. Pets must be on leash. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Revel Run, 555 S. Dancer, Chelsea. Free. (734) 395–2633.

https://revelrun.com/equestrian

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.  

Every Friday May 15–Sept. 25. Local food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket and chairs to picnic in the park. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., County Farm Park, 2230 Platt. facebook.com/MLMRecCenter.

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].

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. 

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/

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].

All invited to create an image using glitter and adhesive foam. 3–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

July 31 & Aug. 1. Two days of music on a private riverside property near Manchester. Also yoga, craft sales, songwriting & drumming workshops, face painting for kids, henna, food trucks, and more. Camping available (tents, free; RVs, $12). Today: Garabilly & Jen (4:30 p.m.), a Central Michigan acoustic trio that plays blues, country, and classic rock covers, along with some originals, Jonny & Matthew (6 p.m.), Jaik Willis (7:30 p.m.), a veteran Chicago-based blues & Americana singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist who plays an 11-piece drum set with his feet while accompanying himself on guitar and harmonica. Chicago Jams calls him “a hardcore troubadour somewhere in between Steve Earle and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.” Tonight’s headliner, The Reverend Jesse Ray (9 p.m.), is a Grand Rapids one-man-band whose high-energy primal blues-rock features singing over guitar, harmonica, and foot drums. 3–10 p.m. (Fri.) & noon–11 p.m. (Sat.), location provided after ticket purchase. Weekend pass, $92 (kids 15 & under, $12); Sat. only, $62, in advance only at riverretreatsllc.com. [email protected].

Hour-long docent-led tour of the Clements’s early American history collection highlighted by the new exhibit Up, Up, and Away: A History of Ballooning in America. 4–5 p.m., 909 South University. Free; preregistration required at clements.umich.edu. (734) 649–3370.

July 31–Aug. 2 (different programs). Mexican American cultural festival featuring over 30 taco trucks, two bars, lucha libre pro-wrestling, kids activities, contests, and live music on two stages. Today: Latin favorites spun by DJ Cisco (5:15 p.m.), pro-wrestling shows (6 & 8 p.m.), a dance performance by Detroit-based Ballet Folklorico Moyocoyani Izel (7 p.m.), and acoustic mariachi punk by the Pontiac-based outfit Pancho Villa’s Skull (8:30 p.m.). 5–10 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Tickets $8 in advance ($10 at the gate; parking pass, $5) at annarbortacofest.com.

All age 21+ invited to this cocktail tasting led by representatives from Mammoth Distilling, accompanied by unguided mixed-media crafting for those who wish. Entry includes three 6 oz. cocktails, a take-home recipe sheet, and access to art supplies. 5:30–7:30 p.m., 117 W. Liberty. $50, preregistration required at (734) 994–8004, annarborartcenter.org/events.

Adults & teens invited to make various crafts inspired by Chuck Tingle’s Bury Your Gays. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

Every Fri. All invited to play the current official campaign of the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game, using 5th-edition rules. Kids under 13 must have adult accompaniment. 6–10 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

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.

See 3 Friday. Tonight: Six-piece Detroit Steely Dan tribute band Major Dudes. 6:30–9 p.m.

July 30–Aug. 2. Elizabeth Champion directs Gabriel Richard students and recent grads in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved 1959 musical set in 1938 Austria about an irrepressible novice nun assigned to be governess to the children of a stern widower with whom she unwittingly falls in love. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Milan High School, 200 Big Red, Milan. Tickets $15 (kids, $7; families, $25) in advance at fgrhs.org/drama & at the door. [email protected].

Every Fri., July 31–Aug. 28. Formerly the Ypsilanti Frog Island Jazz Concert series, now in a larger venue at Ford Lake Park, with outdoor performances by national and area jazz standouts. Veteran local jazz guitarist Lawrence opens each night by playing a piece with the featured artist. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Tonight: An ensemble led by acclaimed gospel-flavored smooth jazz pianist Ben Tankard. 7 p.m., Ford Lake Park, 9075 S. Huron River Dr., Ypsi. Free (parking, $10 per vehicle). (734) 635–5446, [email protected].

https://www.johnelawrencejazz.com/copy-of-about

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 31: “Sorry to Bother You” (Boots Riley, 2018). Riley’s wildly imaginative sci-fi comedy features LaKeith Stanfield as a Black telemarketer whose mastery of a “white voice” sweeps him into a surreal conspiracy at the top of his company; he must choose between corporate success and his activist friends. 7 p.m.

July 3, 17, & 31. All invited to play a favorite recorded song, describe why you like it, and discuss it with the group. Songs must be available on streaming platforms or stored on a flash drive or device you bring. Computer, speakers, and a big screen for lyrics provided. 7–9 p.m., basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Preregistration required at meetup.com/allhandsactive/events. Free; donations welcome. [email protected]. 

July 31 & Aug. 1. Witty, smooth-voiced Jamaica-born comic delivers sharp, observational comedy on topics from dating women with precocious children to why every Black person should have a few white friends. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. & 9:45 p.m., 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Sat. $22) at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.

Every Fri. Performance by 11 Non-Blondes, a house team of experienced improvisers. 7:30–9 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.

Our summer CLUSTER Film Series features animated film shorts exploring the fertile contrast between the optical and the tactile, between surface and depth, using animated paper, textiles, and free-hand line drawings.

Curated by Jon Moodie. Experimental in nature, the films are all stop motion animation based in unusual materials: textiles, paper (cut-outs and folding), letterpress and hand printing, and simple freehand line drawings.

Notable animators include Jodie Mack, Isolda Milenkovic, Yanqi Liang, and Lysander Wong, among others. Marketing image from Bergamot by Yanqi Liang.

ALL AGES WELCOME!

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.

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.

Barn concert by this self-styled “hill country outlaw swamp music” ensemble led by Westwood, a versatile Detroit Music Award–winning singer-songwriter who formerly fronted the retro outlaw honky-tonk band Waycross Georgia Farmboys. The band’s influences range from R.L. Burnside and the Drive-By Truckers to Loretta Lynn and Lucinda Williams. BYOB. No tobacco products or pets. 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.), 11300 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. Parking is in neighboring Ruhlig’s Country Market driveway. $20 in advance only (space limited) at app.gopassage.com/events/40906. (734) 223–2321, [email protected].