Events for August 9, 2026
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
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.
Ypsi Flea Market
Show and sale of vintage items ranging from the early 1930s to the 90s, featuring clothing, jewelry, furniture, records, and more. Concessions. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market, Ypsi. Free admission & parking. [email protected], facebook.com/ypsifleaswap.
Elemental Ecstatic Dance
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.
“Nature Lab”: 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. 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.
Sunday Artisan Market
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.
H.A.C. Ultimate
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].
Contact Improv
All invited to try this interactive, free-form dance style that involves a rolling point of contact between two or more people through which dancers give and share weight. No partner required; beginners welcome. Preceded at 10:30 a.m. by a lesson. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Gretchen’s House, 2340 Oak Valley Dr. $15 ($25 includes lesson). Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2-contact-imp-su2026. [email protected].
Arts & Crafts Supply Swap: Ann Arbor District Library
A chance to pick up gently used art supplies the library has collected. Donations accepted before Aug. 2 at all AADL branches. Noon–2 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
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.
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
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.
Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
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.
16th Annual Ton-Up Motorcycle & Music Festival: Café Racer
Display of motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters, with awards in a variety of different categories at 5:30 p.m. Live music at times TBA by local bands, including local high-octane neo-rockabilly quartet the Atomic BombCatz, retro roots rock ’n’ roll from the Palatinos, greasy garage rock ’n’ roll by Las Drogas, and biker boogie riffs by Electric Huldra. Emceed by WCBN FM DJ Del Villarreal. With vendors, food concessions, & raffles. Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Noon–7 p.m., Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. $10 for bike show entries (at the gate only); free admission. tinyurl.com/ypsi-ton-up-2026.
“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
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.
“Wonder Walks: Identifying What’s Around You”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens
All invited to join iNaturalist representative and MBGNA intern Austin Melancon for an introduction to this nature identification app and a walk to try out skills. Bring your smartphone with the free iNaturalist app installed. Dress for the weather. Arrival 15 minutes early recommended. 1–2 p.m., Matthaei lobby, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. (734) 647–7600, mbgna.umich.edu/events.
Summer Bash – OPEN HOUSE
Explore our classrooms, meet our instructors, and let your child try the same hands-on activities featured in our Fall programs.
Step inside The Future Innovators Academy and discover what makes learning here different. Every classroom becomes an interactive experience where kids can build, code, design, invent, and create while parents explore our Fall programs.
🎟️ STEM Passport Challenge
Every child will receive a STEM Passport at check-in.
Visit each activity station, collect a stamp, and return your completed passport to Check-In for a chance to win our STEM Swag Raffle!
No purchase necessary.
Explore Our Fall Programs
🤖 LEGO® Robotics
Build, code, and put your robot through fun engineering challenges.
🎮 Roblox Game Design
Create your own interactive game and learn the basics of coding in Roblox Studio.
⛏️ Minecraft Engineering & Coding
Design, solve challenges, and discover how Minecraft becomes a powerful learning tool.
⚡ Electronics & Circuits
Build simple electronic projects and make lights, buzzers, and sensors come to life.
🖨️ 3D Design & Printing
Design a custom creation and watch a 3D printer turn it into reality.
💻 Scratch & Micro:Bit
Explore beginner-friendly coding through hands-on challenges designed especially for younger innovators.
🔬 STEAM Explorations
Try hands-on science and engineering activities that build creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
🏆 FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics
Meet our competitive robotics teams, drive a real competition robot, and learn how students can get involved.
🎨 Face Painting & Balloon Twisting
Take a break from building and coding to enjoy colorful face painting and custom balloon creations.
👨👩👧 Parent Lounge
Relax with coffee, meet our team, and get answers to your questions about programs, scheduling, enrollment, and finding the right fit for your child.
Why Attend?
Kids learn best when they can poke, prod, build, code, experiment, and create in a safe and encouraging space.
This is your chance to experience FIA the way your child will—while exploring our classrooms, meeting our instructors, and discovering the program that is the best fit for your future innovator.
🎁 Special Event-Only Perks
Complete your STEM Passport for a chance to win our STEM Swag Raffle.
Learn more about our Fall 10-Week Skills Courses, Clubs, Labs, Studios, and No-School Day Camps.
Enroll during the event and receive up to 10% off select 10-Week Skills Courses.
Free to attend. RSVP encouraged. We can’t wait to welcome your family!
Other Things To Know: Adult Participation is required
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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.
Sunday Fun Day: African American Cultural and Historial Museum of Washtenaw County
A day to celebrate the museum, with free admission, museum tours, family-friendly games and activities, and local food trucks. 1-4 p.m. 3261 Lohr Rd. Free, donations welcome. (734) 761-1717, [email protected], aachm.org.
Shape Note Singing: Ann Arbor Sacred Harp
All invited to join an afternoon of shape note, or sacred harp, singing, an early American form of communal hymn singing. Songbooks available, but singers are encouraged to bring their own. 1–4 p.m., the Ark, 316 S. Main. Free. (734) 478–3394, (734) 995–2519, [email protected].
“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
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.
“Steamboat Bill, Jr.”: Michigan Theater
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. 9: “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” (Charles Reisner & Buster Keaton, 1928). Silent comedy in which an awkward young man played by Keaton woos a rich young woman against the wishes of both their fathers. It includes one of Keaton’s most famous stunts: the facade of a house falls around him while he stands in the precise location of an open window. With live accompaniment from Michigan Theater organist Stephen Warner. Suggested donation $5 with preregistration at marquee-arts.org/calendar. 1:30 p.m.
“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
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.
“Athena”: Theatre Nova
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.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”: Horizon Performing Arts
Aug. 6–9. Connor Thomas Rhoades directs local actors in William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s Tony-winning 2004 one-act musical comedy about 6 anxiously overachieving adolescents competing in a spelling bee run by 3 adults who have barely managed to escape childhood themselves. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. $23 (students & seniors, $21) at horizonpa.yapsody.com & at the door.
Sunday Drop-in Tour: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Aug. 9, 23, & 30. Docent-led tours exploring “Highlights of the Kelsey” (Aug. 9 & 30) and “Favorite Objects and Surprising Stories” (Aug. 23). 2–3 p.m., 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
“Gutenberg! The Musical!”: Penny Seats Theatre
Aug. 7–22. Emily Wilson-Tobin directs local actors in Anthony King and Scott Brown’s 2-man musical about a pair of aspiring playwrights who perform all the parts in a run-through for potential backers of their new, hilariously ill-advised project—a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johannes Gutenberg. Adult themes. 8 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (seniors, $25 & students, $20) in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door.
Nightspots
Steve Somers & Friends
Jazz & blues standards by an ensemble led by WCC jazz guitar instructor Somers.
“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
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.
“Lady Windermere’s Fan”: Loonlight Theatre
Aug. 6–9. Darla Hand directs local actors in an outdoor production of Oscar Wilde’s sharp 1892 comedy about the very proper Lady Windermere, who comes to believe her husband is having an affair, leading to gossip, misunderstandings, and drama. The production features live musical accompaniment, and is set in a garden-party atmosphere against the backdrop of the historic Dixboro schoolhouse. 7 p.m. (Thurs.), 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 3 p.m. (Sun.), Dixboro Village Green, 5221 Church Rd. Tickets $15 at loonlighttheatre.com & (if available) at the gate. [email protected].
“Ypsi Photo Walk”: Dzanc House
Photographers of all skill levels with any kind of camera invited to walk together around Ypsi and take pictures. 3–4 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. dzanchouse.org/all-events.
“Drag Bingo”: Ann Arbor District Library
All invited to play a fun-filled round of bingo hosted by local drag queen Jadein Black. Prizes. 3–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“Underwater Landscape in a Jar”: Ann Arbor District Library
Adults & teens invited to hot glue animal figurines, fake plants, sea shells, and other tiny objects to create an underwater scene in a glass jar. 3–4:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Nightspots
Let’s Pretend
Jazz, country, and pop tunes by this local trio led by bassist Tim Berla and fronted by vocalist Naya Loftus.
A2 Summer Streets Music Series: Main Street Area Association
Every Thurs.–Sun., June 4–Sept. 28. Local musicians TBA perform at several locations along Main downtown. Rain cancels. 4 p.m. Thurs.–Sun., S. Main between E. Washington & W. William. For the complete lineup, go to mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets. Free.
“Only Yesterday”: Fathom Entertainment
(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (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. 9 & 11: “Only Yesterday” (Isao Takahata, 1991). Dubbed (Tues.) & subtitled (Thurs.) screenings of this Japanese anime drama about an unmarried workaholic office worker who reminisces about her Tokyo childhood on a trip to the countryside. Tues. 4 & 6:45 p.m. (Cinemark) and 4 & 7 p.m. (Emagine). Thurs. 6:45 p.m. (Cinemark) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).
“CatVideoFest”: Michigan Theater
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. 7–9: “CatVideoFest” (various directors, 2026). Compilation of funny and cute online cat videos. A portion of proceeds goes to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. 6:30 p.m. (Fri.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), & 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.).
Nightspots
Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings
Local 10-piece big band led by tubaist Chris Smith that specializes in the old-time big band music of the late 1920s and early 1930s associated with Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver.
“Tales from the Cryptid: An Improvised Urban Legend”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Aug. 9 & 16. A fully unscripted one-act theatrical show about the appearance of a new cryptid that shakes up a small town. 6–7 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
Nightspots
Open Blues Jam
Performers of all skill levels invited. Hosted by James Bourland & the Staches, a local quintet fronted by Bourland, a singer-guitarist who specializes in all forms of American roots music. 6–9 p.m.
Nightspots
Jordan Anderson Trio
Ensemble led by Detroit pianist Anderson, an MSU jazz studies grad.
“Only Yesterday”: Fathom Entertainment
(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (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. 9 & 11: “Only Yesterday” (Isao Takahata, 1991). Dubbed (Tues.) & subtitled (Thurs.) screenings of this Japanese anime drama about an unmarried workaholic office worker who reminisces about her Tokyo childhood on a trip to the countryside. Tues. 4 & 6:45 p.m. (Cinemark) and 4 & 7 p.m. (Emagine). Thurs. 6:45 p.m. (Cinemark) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).
“You Know, for Kids”: 8-Ball Movie Night
8ballmovienight.weebly.com. All age 21 & older are invited to watch 2 films each night, with trivia about each at intermission. Prizes. Free snacks. 8 Ball Saloon (201 S. First St.). 7 p.m.–midnight, preshow starts at 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 9: “You Know, for Kids.” Two movies about twisted toy companies: Toys (Barry Levinson, 1992), surreal comedy starring Robin Williams about a hi-tech toy factory that falls into the hands of an army general; and The Hudsucker Proxy (Joel & Ethan Coen, 1994), about a naive but ambitious business school graduate (Tim Robbins) who is installed as president of a manufacturing company as part of a stock scam.
Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M
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.
Traditional Irish Session: Conor O’Neill’s
Every Sun. All invited to join or listen to an instrumental jam session. 7–9 p.m., 318 S. Main. Free. (734) 665–2968.
Nightspots
Arnold/Jassi/Kramer
Local world music–inflected jazz ensemble of drummer Jesse Kramer, guitarist John Arnold, and bassist & vocalist Pathe Jassi.
Nightspots
North Ingalls Band
U-M student indie pop-folk groove septet. Tonight they are joined by Ananda Murari, an Ypsi pop-folk singer-songwriter. whose work is influenced by Indian music. $24.
Nightspots
Open Mic.
Sign-up starts at 7 p.m.
Nightspots
Jazz Jam Session
Jazz ensemble led by Kenji Lee, a local saxophonist whose expressive brand of jazz draws on Japanese folk music, Western classical music, and punk.