Events for August 20, 2026
81st Manchester Community Fair
Aug. 18–22. Midway rides (Wed.–Sat.), carnival games, concessions, livestock shows, live music, beer tent, and more. Special events include an opening parade (Aug. 18, 6:30 p.m.), classic & antique tractor pulls (Aug. 19, noon & 4 p.m.), pro wrestling by Insane Wrestling Revolution (Aug. 19, 7 p.m.), a Bump and Run Demolition Derby (Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m.), a cornhole competition (Aug. 21, 6 p.m.), and bull riding & rodeo (Aug. 22, 7 p.m.). For complete schedule, see manchesterfair.org. 5–10 p.m. (Tues.), 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), & 3–10 p.m. (Fri.), Alumni Memorial Field, Vernon & Wolverine, Manchester. Admission: Tues., $5; Wed., Thurs., & Sat., $10 (Sat. before noon, $5); Fri., free. Kids age 5 & under, free. (734) 260–1019, [email protected].
Sonic Lunch: Bank of Ann Arbor
See 6 Thursday. Today: Ax and the Hatchetmen, playful, energetic Chicago-based alternative rock sextet fronted by singer-guitarist Axel Ellis. Their debut album, So Much to Tell You, was released late last year. Opener: Ohly, indie folk project headed by Detroit-based singer-songwriter Christian Ohly, performs dreamy originals rooted in his personal experiences of Midwest nostalgia, heartbreak, and growth. 11:30 a.m.
“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.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Every Mon. & Thurs. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both non-sanctioned (Mon.) and ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.). Noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9) & 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.
Summer Game Food & Drink Tasting: Ann Arbor District Library
Tasting of food and nonalcoholic beverages provided by Zingerman’s Deli. Also, activities for AADL Summer Game players. 1–2 p.m., AADL Westgate courtyard. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
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].
“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.
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.
“A2Zero Sashiko Skills & Clothing Swap”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations
All invited to learn how to repair clothing using beautiful visible mending with traditional Japanese sashiko stitching. Also, bring in up to five washed and in-good-condition clothing items and accessories and find new-to-you treasures to take home. You can take clothing without bringing anything, or bring clothing without taking anything. 4–7 p.m., Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. Free. luma.com/a2zeroclothingswaps.
“Patio Playlist with P.O.R.K.”: Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Outdoor performance by Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings, a 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. 4:30–6:30 p.m., Zingerman’s patio, 422 Detroit St. Free. (734) 663–3400.
Alex Wand & Nelle Anderson
An improvisational blend of opera and performance art by this duo of soprano-composer Anderson and Wand, a local guitarist who plays joyous and unpredictable instrumental originals featuring unconventional tunings. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
“Introductory Woodcarving: Alligators Two Ways”: Ann Arbor District Library
Aug. 10 & 20 (different times). Adults & teens invited to learn woodcarving basics, then carve 2 small alligators to take home. 1–3 p.m. (Aug. 10) & 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Aug. 20), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Depot Town Cruise Nights: Ypsilanti Auto Museum
Every Thurs. Old car cruise, kids activities, and free ice cream. Artwork, crafts, and antiques for sale. 5:30–8:30 p.m., E. Cross between Rice & N. River St., Ypsi. Free. [email protected].
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Every Sat., Mon., & Thurs. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.) or a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.). AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi; and AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
“Third Thursday Tour”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Thirty-minute docent-led tour of ancient Mediterranean artifacts in the museum collection. 6 p.m., 434 S. State (meet at the Maynard entrance). Free. (734) 764–9304.
Bad Decisions Track Club
Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.
“Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.
U-M Men’s Soccer
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.
Touch Rugby: U-M Rugby Football Club
Every Tues. & Thurs. All invited to play a low-contact version of rugby. Beginners welcome. 6–7:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 1000 Canal. Free. [email protected].
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.
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active
Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, or any other item they’d like to try to repair or repurpose with the help and guidance of AHA members. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Free; donations welcome. [email protected], meetup.com/allhandsactive/events.
Street Fiction
An evening of jazz by this local rock band led by guitarists Dan Denison and Austin Netherton.
Drum Circle: Oz’s Music Environment
All invited to drum with renowned local percussionist Maruga Booker, who has played with the likes of George Clinton, Jerry Garcia, and Weather Report. 7 p.m., 1922 Packard. Free. (734) 662–8283.
Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
Every Thurs. Bløm staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia. Teams or single players welcome. Prizes. 7 & 8 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
“Silent Movie”: 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. 20: “Silent Movie” (Mel Brooks, 1976). Satirical silent comedy about early 20th-century Hollywood slapstick comedies and the film industry. It uses intertitles and a soundtrack of orchestral music and sound effects. 7 p.m.
Open Mic
All performers invited. Hosted by local folk-rock singer-songwriter Mike Gentry. 6–9 p.m.
“Salty Summer Sounds Live Music Series”: Saline Main Street
See 6 Thursday. Tonight: Ain’t Dead Yet, a local classic rock cover band. 7–9 p.m.
Open Mic: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
All musicians invited to play a 1- to 3-song set. Material should be family friendly. Hosted by local singer-songwriter Don Digirolamo. Sign up on arrival. 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. $5 suggested donation. (734) 327–0270, interfaithspirit.org.
Focus: Jazz
Jazz favorites by the trio of pianist Jeff Fessler, bassist Will van Campen, and saxophonist Jeff Kopmanis.
James Muto
Jackson pop-country singer-guitarist.
“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Every Thurs. Performances by up to 12 aspiring and established area stand-up comics. 7:15 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at aacomedy.com & $6 at the door. (734) 996–9080.
“Southern Rapture”: PTD Productions
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.
“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.
Levona
Ypsi pop-rock band. Openers: the Flint indie rock band Lopsider and the Detroit alt-rock band Wetbody.
Cloverleaf.
Ypsi postpunk band. Openers: the Detroit-area emo band Mccloud and the local postpunk rock trio Shindig Machine. $15.
The Trews Acoustic Trio
Three principal members of this acclaimed Canadian rock band—Colin Macdonald, John-Angus Macdonald, and Jack Syperek—perform stripped-down acoustic rendition of hits from their extensive catalog. $29.
Headband Henny.
Kalamazoo alternative R&B singer, Openers: the Wisconsin indie skate-rock band Social Cig, the Detroit-area alt-rock band FrostisRad, and the Clinton acoustic indie pop-rock band Luna Pier. $16.
The Pherotones
A wide range of jazz and jazzed-up popular music, from the 1920s to the present, by this all-star local quintet. With trumpeter Ross Huff, pianist Giancarlo Aversa, bassist Brennan Andes, violinist Jordan Adema, and drummer Wes Fritzemeier.
“MixPlates”
Every Thurs., except Aug. 27: “MixPlates.” With Ryan Cady and other DJs TBA.