Free
Observer Editor

Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet

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Every Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022 & Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.

Free
Observer Editor

Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club

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July 31Aug. 2 & Aug. 1316. 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].

Free
Observer Editor

Equestrian Competition: Cobblestone Farms at Revel Run

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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) 3952633.

Observer Editor

Elemental Ecstatic Dance

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Every Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing to a variety of recorded music, from EDM to classical and ambient to world music. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce. $20 (age 11 & under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2.

Free
Observer Editor

“Nature Lab”: 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. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses to experience the world as if they were a snake. No live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.

Observer Editor

Sunday Artisan Market

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Every Sun. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 35th year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Kerrytown Farmers Market pavilion. Free admission. (734) 913–9622.

Observer Editor

Ann Arbor Taco Fest

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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. 5–10 p.m. (Fri.), 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (Sat.), & 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Tickets $8 in advance ($10 at the gate; parking pass, $5) at annarbortacofest.com.

Today: Dance party spun by DJ Cisco (noon), mariachi by Mariachi Jalisco de Detroit (1:15 p.m.), Latin rock from Detroit area band Expedition (4:15 p.m.), Detroit jazz vocalist Sheila Landis (5:30 p.m.), and Afro-Cuban jazz by Detroit-area sextet Tumbao Bravo (6 p.m.). 11 a.m.–7 p.m. 

 

Free
Observer Editor

H.A.C. Ultimate

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Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].

Free
Observer Editor

“Community Music Making with NeuroArts”: Ann Arbor District Library

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Local cellist & music therapist Grace Frielink and singer & multi-instrumentalist Sasha Gusikhin lead an all-ages collaborative music making session. Instruments provided. Noon–1 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.

Community Listing

Postcard Collage

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Create your own collaged postcards with support from local collage artist Riley Peterson!

$15 includes all materials for collaging, and guests can make as many postcards as they want within the two-hour workshop timeframe. All ages and collaging abilities are welcome.

Grab a coffee from Dozer or a beer from HOMES and get crafty!

$15
Donation
Observer Editor

Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center

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Every Sat. & Sun., except Aug. 16. 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

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

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Every Sat. & Sun. and Fri. Aug. 7 & 21. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers present and give insights into some animals with superpowers, including an African crested porcupine, a three-banded armadillo, and a frilled dragon at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows a Gila monster at 2 & 3 p.m. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show all four animals at 7:30 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) & 7–9 p.m. (Fri.), 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

Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory

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Every Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on Aug. 2, game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board and card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. sylvanfactory.com.

Free
Observer Editor

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

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Every Sat. & Sun. 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

Ann Arbor Pride Brunch: Sidetrack Bar & Grill

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Headliner is drag performer Latrice Royale, who has competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race. With local performers Erika Norell, Teri Vanessa Coleman, Shae Shae LaReese, Natalie Cole, and Avalisa D. Colby. Hosted by Jadein Black and Dominique Jackson. Seating at noon. Age 18 & up. 12:30 p.m., 56 E. Cross, Ypsi. Tickets $45 at tinyurl.com/a2pride-dragbrunch. 

Observer Editor

“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”: Fathom Entertainment

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(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 3165500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events & at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline). 

Aug. 2 & 5: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (Mel Stuart, 1971). Delightfully unsettling musical fantasy about a little boy who visits a magical candy factory run by the thrilling, dangerous Willy Wonka, played by Gene Wilder. Sun. 4 p.m. (Cinemark) & 1 p.m. (Emagine). Wed. 6:30 p.m. (Cinemark) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).

Free
Observer Editor

Drop-in Knitting: Spun

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Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 1–3 p.m. (Sun.) & 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867. 

Observer Editor

“Humane Fair”: SASHA Farm Fundraiser

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A chance to meet the farm’s rescued animals. Games & activities. Vegan lunch and baked goods. All funds go to support this farm animal sanctuary. No dogs. 1–4 p.m., 17901 Mahrle, Manchester. $35 (kids ages 5–10, $10; kids 4 & under, free) in advance at sashafarm.org or at the gate. (734) 218–8897, [email protected].

Free
Observer Editor

“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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Every Sun. Thirty-minute tour that uses the museum’s specimens to tell the story of prehistoric whales and dolphins, who had 4 limbs and walked on land. 1:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478. 

Observer Editor

“Network”: Michigan Theater

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Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

Aug. 2: “Network” (Sidney Lumet, 1976). This pitch-black comedy written by Paddy Chayefsky depicts a fictional television network struggling with poor ratings when the erratic behavior of its news anchor makes his program a surprise hit. Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway. 1:30 p.m.

Observer Editor

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

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Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. (See review) 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. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 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

“The Sound of Music”: Father Gabriel Richard High School Dramalums

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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 Dr., Milan. Tickets $15 (kids, $7; families, $25) in advance at fgrhs.org/drama & at the door. [email protected].

Observer Editor

“Athena”: Theatre Nova

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Every Fri.–Sun., July 17–Aug. 9. (See review) 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 calls it “hugely appealing and stealthily moving.” 3 p.m. (Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 & older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org/season11 & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.

Free
Observer Editor

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

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Every Sat. & Sun. 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. 

Community Listing

Vinyl Record Pop-Up

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Stop by Campus Sunday, August 2nd and check out vinyl records from Perdurable Rotations! Grab a beer and find your new favorite album. Turntable on premises to listen to your picks!

This pop-up is free to attend.

free

Observer Editor

“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”: Fathom Entertainment

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(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 3165500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events & at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline). 

Aug. 2 & 5: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (Mel Stuart, 1971). Delightfully unsettling musical fantasy about a little boy who visits a magical candy factory run by the thrilling, dangerous Willy Wonka, played by Gene Wilder. Sun. 4 p.m. (Cinemark) & 1 p.m. (Emagine). Wed. 6:30 p.m. (Cinemark) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).

Free
Observer Editor

“Animation August”: Marquee Arts Community Film Club

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Discussion, trivia, games, and a costume contest. Followed by the 7 p.m. screening of a movie (at the Michigan Theater’s regular ticket price) to be chosen by Film Club vote; vote when you reserve a spot. 5 p.m., Michigan Theater Screening Rm. Free, preregistration required at marquee-arts.org/calendar.

Free
Observer Editor

LEGO Contest Awards Ceremony: Ann Arbor District Library

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Announcement of the winners of the 21st annual AADL LEGO Contest in 6 categories: adult, preschool, and grades K–2, 3–5, 6–8, & 9–12. Also, public display (4–6:30 p.m.) of all the entries, which must be delivered to the Sheraton Hotel, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. today. Rules and guidelines available at aadl.org. 6 p.m., Sheraton Hotel, 3200 Boardwalk. Free. (734) 327–4200.

Nightspots

Todd Marcus & Virginia MacDonald Quintet

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Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

Straight-ahead jazz with a modern touch by this ensemble led by Baltimore bass clarinetist Marcus and Toronto clarinetist MacDonald.

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. 6:30–7:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.

Community Listing

TCDP Summer Tour: Petoskey

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In its 15th Anniversary Season, the Traverse City Dance Project returns with a vibrant six stop summer tour celebrating dance and live music, featuring seven professional dancers from across the country. Highlights include a new dance work by Jennifer Lott, with music composed by Charlie Millard and performed live by the Charlie Millard Band; NYC-based tap artist Madison Hilligoss; and a premiere by Artistic Director Brent Whitney, followed by a Q&A with the artists. Join us at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts rooftop terrace as the sun sets and the music and dance come alive. Enjoy cocktails from the bar as live music begins at 6:30 PM with the Charlie Millard Band, and the performance starts at 7:30 PM. We’re committed to accessibility—please let us know in advance if you need any accommodations. Limited number of tickets available, so don’t delay!

Free

Observer Editor

Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M

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Every Sun. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including foxtrots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 6 p.m. by beginning lessons and practice. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Union Ballroom. $5 ($10 includes lessons). (734) 763–6984.  

Nightspots

Chris Pierce

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Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

California folk-rock and Americana singer-songwriter & guitarist known for his brassy tenor voice, introspective lyrics, and fiery harmonica solos. American Songwriter calls him “one of America’s most talented, gifted, and affecting artists.” $29.

Nightspots

Void of Infinite Consequence

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

Detroit-area experimental noise-drone death metal band. Openers: 3 the Hard Way (see Ann Arbor Funhouse) and Mother Behemoth, a Detroit-area solo noise and punk project.

Nightspots

Bay Faction

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Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

All ages. Veteran Boston indie rock trio. Opener: Nuffer, an L.A.–based indie rock singer-songwriter. $25.

Nightspots

Jazz Jam Session

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Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

Jazz ensemble led by Kenji Lee, a local saxophonist whose expressive brand of jazz draws on Japanese folk music, Western classical music, and punk.