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

“Olson Park Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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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 cancelations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Olson Park, 1515 Dhu Varren. Free. (412) 302–9960.   

Observer Editor

“Annual Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival”

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Aug. 14 & 15. A 2-day exhibit and sale of works by local and visiting artists who have been painting outdoors throughout Dexter since Aug. 10. Also, art workshops for kids and adults (see paintdexter.com). Today’s special events: “Quick Draw Competition” (9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) among participating artists, an art sale (2–9 p.m.), a meet-the-artists beer & wine reception (2 p.m.), and an awards ceremony (5 p.m.). Also, live music by the Dexter Dulcimers (2 p.m.) and the Depot Town Big Band (7–9 p.m.). 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. (Fri.) & 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sat.), Monument Park, Dexter. Free admission. (734) 580–2229,, [email protected], paintdexter.com.

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.

Free
Observer Editor

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops

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Every Sat., Fri., & Wed. 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. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.). Free. [email protected].

Observer Editor

Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club

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Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) 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].

Free
Observer Editor

A2 Summer Streets Music Series: Main Street Area Association

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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.

Observer Editor

U-M Men’s Soccer

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Exhibition match vs. Cleveland State. The U-M has another exhibition match this month against Saginaw Valley (Aug. 14, 4 p.m.) and regular home season games against Loyola Marymount (Aug. 20, 6 p.m.), Niagara (Aug. 27, 4 p.m.), and Southern Illinois–Edwardsville (Aug. 30, 2 p.m.). 4 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. $6 & $8 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each; kids 5 & under, free). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

Nightspots

The Kis Bennah Duo

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Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

Traditional jazz & swing covers by this local duo. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Free
Observer Editor

Gel Plate Printing: Ann Arbor District Library

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Adults and teens invited to use AADL paints, textures, and patterns to create one-of-a-kind monoprints. 5–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

Nightspots

Mike Root

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The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

Mid-Michigan country singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.

Nightspots

The Steve Taylor Three

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

Acoustic trio led by Lake Orion Americana singer-songwriter Taylor. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

Observer Editor

“Sensory Splash Time”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation

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The spray park stays open late tonight exclusively for children with special needs and their families to experience stress-free play time. Concessions open until 7 p.m. 6–8 p.m., Independence Lake County Park Blue Heron Bay Spray Park, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. $4 (noncounty resident, $5) walk-up or preregistration at washtenaw.org/registerparks (#IL441102), plus $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. (734) 449–4437, [email protected].

Free
Observer Editor

“Friday Night Geology Hike: Blueberries & Beavers”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

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WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance leads a hike to explore the summer forest and the abundance of life that emerges at the complex edge of water and sand created by the meltwaters of the glaciers thousands of years ago. 6–8 p.m., West Lake Nature Preserve, 21520 Waterloo, Chelsea. Free. Preregistration required (#841009) at washtenaw.org/registerparks. [email protected].

Free
Observer Editor

Pride at the Y Dinner Dance: Ann Arbor YMCA

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All invited to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride with dancing to music spun by a DJ and a buffet dinner. With drag performances, family-friendly arts and crafts, drag bingo, a makeover station, and more. Please, no stiletto heels; the floor is delicate. YMCA membership not required. 69 p.m., YMCA gymnasium, 400 W. Washington. Free, but preregistration recommended by Aug. 7 (seating limited) at annarborymca.org/pride2026.

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.

Observer Editor

D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory

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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.

Observer Editor

Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

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Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. 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.

Nightspots

The Extrusions

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Live 102 S. First St., Ann Arbor

Dance music by this popular local cover band with a huge repertoire of classic, New Wave, and modern rock hits and forgotten gems from the 1960s through the 2010s.

Free
Observer Editor

“White Bird”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center

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1129 Oak Valley Dr. Concessions. Free. (734) 994–3387, jewelheart.org.

Aug. 14: “White Bird” (Marc Forster, 2024). When a boy is struggling to fit in at his new prep school, he is visited by his grandmother and is changed by her story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Helen Mirren, Gillian Anderson. Discussion follows. 7 p.m.

Nightspots

Alex Anest, Chris Bober, & Brynn Hilliker

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

Local jazz ensemble. Tonight they play original music, covers of songs by Chick Corea and Steve Swallow, and a set of tunes by Antonio Carlos Jobim sung in the original Portuguese by guest vocalist Erika Ventura.

Free
Observer Editor

Music in the Park: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce

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Every Fri., Aug. 14–28. Entertainment in downtown Dexter. Food trucks, dancing. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and relax on the grass. Tonight: Depot Town Big Band plays big band swing. Note the start time is 30 minutes later tonight than other concerts in the series. 7–9 p.m., Monument Park gazebo, downtown Dexter. Free. (734) 325–4030, tinyurl.com/dexter-music2026.

Nightspots

Adam Labeaux

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

Energetic folk-rock & soul by this former Ragbirds guitarist.

Nightspots

Ron Shelton

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Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

Americana country-rock and folk-rock covers by this local singer-guitarist.

Nightspots

Pontiac Trail Blazers

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

Local bluegrass quartet known for its beautiful vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess. Tonight they are joined by by guest musicians TBA. 7–10 p.m. $10.

Nightspots

Allen Dennard Quintet

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Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

Mainstream jazz ensemble led by young local trumpeter Dennard, a U-M music grad whose music incorporates elements of hip-hop, R&B, and funk.

Observer Editor

Zach Peterson: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

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Aug. 14 & 15. Rising Omaha-based observational comic with a nerdy, off-kilter style delivers his thoughts on everything from vampires to being an uncle to the dangers of $35 hotel rooms. 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

“Southern Rapture”: PTD Productions

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Aug. 13–16 & 19–22. Karrie Waarala directs local actors in Cleveland playwright Eric Coble’s 2009 dark satire exploring art, commerce, and censorship. The plot, based on a 1996 staging of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America in Charlotte, North Carolina, follows a theater company in a major Southern city as it puts on a controversial play featuring foul language, homosexual themes, and 7 minutes of full frontal male nudity. Leading up to the premiere, the city’s mayor brings legal action, locals threaten to burn the theater down, and the terrified actors exchange cans of pepper spray as opening night gifts. “The broad laugh-out-loud humor narrows slowly toward a poignant ending, making a fantasy into a reality,” writes one Charlotte Observer reviewer. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15) in advance at ptdproductions.com & at the door. (734) 483–7345.

Observer Editor

“New Moon Hike”: Leslie Science & Nature Center

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LSNC staff lead a family-friendly hike through Black Pond Woods to enjoy the nighttime darkness and do some science experiments on the trail. Followed by moon-themed stories & poems around a campfire. 7:30 p.m., 1831 Traver. $5 (under age 2, free). Preregistration required at lesliesnc.org or (734) 997–1553.

Nightspots

Strawberry Lake

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Rumpus Room 506 N. Main, Chelsea, Chelsea

Dexter alt-country quintet formerly known as Mercury Switch.

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

“Gutenberg! The Musical!”: Penny Seats Theatre

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Aug. 722. 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 projecta 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.

Observer Editor

Henry Cho: Live Nation

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This veteran comic from Knoxville (TN) has performed in many movies and TV shows, and at the Grand Ole Opry over 100 times. Known as a “clean” storytelling comedian, Cho has often used his childhood experiences as an Asian American in the South in his comedy. This show, part of his Empty Nest Tour, focuses on his life as an older parent and married man. 8 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $53–$80 in advance at ticketmaster.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 662–0600.

Observer Editor

Michigan Playwrights Festival: Theatre Nova

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See 13 Thursday. Tonight: Cakewalk, Kenndall Wallace’s drama about a crisis in a 1930s vaudeville family caused by the son, an aspiring writer, making plans to leave for another kind of life. 8 p.m.

Observer Editor

Friday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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Every Fri. Performance by 11 Non-Blondes, a house team of experienced improvisers. 8–9:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.

Observer Editor

“Femme Feedback” Comedy Night: Bløm Mead + Cider

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A variety of women and trans comics try out new material with a veteran comic presiding to offer feedback. 8–10 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food and drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.

Nightspots

The Galloping Hour

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

Ypsi indie experimental trio. Openers: the Detroit-area garage rock band Rat Paws, Jim Cherewick (see Ann Arbor Funhouse), and Confusion Reactor, an Ypsi experimental psychedelic band led by guitarist and electronic musician Thomas Barton.

Nightspots

Shade Zero

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The Arboretum 984 E. Michigan Ave., Saline

Detroit-area alt-rock band.

Nightspots

West Texas Exiles

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Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

Austin-based folk-rock & Americana band fronted by a trio of singer-songwriters—Marco Gutierrez, Daniel Davis, and Colin Gilmore, son of legendary Texas troubadour Jimmie Dale Gilmore. “While the band tends to describe its sound as Southwestern rock ’n’ roll, you’ll also hear influences of Tejano and Conjunto, the Pogues, the British Invasion, and even New Age — capturing the breadth of music in the Lone Star State,” writes one Texas Monthly reviewer. $29.

Nightspots

NuAudio

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Mash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, Ypsilanti

Toledo classic rock & pop cover trio.

Observer Editor

Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center

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Every Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience required. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 & 8 p.m. by hour-long lessons. Followed by a “late-night blues-&-fusion” dance. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Friday includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.

Nightspots

Telepathic Wax

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Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

Detroit-area house DJ collective.

Nightspots

Habitat Jazz Collective

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Habitat Lounge 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor

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

Free
Observer Editor

“Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

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WCPARC Naturalist Kelsey Dehring points out “shooting stars” from the annual Perseid Meteor Shower and the constellations in the summer sky. Bring blankets. May be canceled due to weather (registrants notified). 9 p.m.–1 a.m., meet at Independence Lake County Park Beach Center Pavilion, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. Free, but $6 vehicle entry fee (non-county residents, $10). Preregistration required (#841005-A) at washtenaw.org/registerparks. Space is limited. [email protected].

Observer Editor

“Disc Golf Glow Night”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

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All invited to play disc golf with illuminated course baskets. Bring your own glow discs. 9 p.m.–midnight, Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. $5 walk-up or preregistration (#IL451100) at washtenaw.org/registerparks, plus $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. (734) 484–9676.

Observer Editor

“I Ain’t No Joke”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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A blend of stand-up comedy and improv sets by local comics and improvisers, hosted by Jacob Russell. 9:30–10:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.