Events for August 23, 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.
Horse Show: Spur of the Moment Club
A judged amateur riding event featuring kids and adults riding English, western, and halter styles. Concessions. 8:30 a.m.–about 7 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd., Saline. Free admission. [email protected], spurhorseshows.org.
Annual Bonsai Show: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society
Aug. 22–23. Display of more than 100 bonsai grown by club members. Also, a demo by Wyrdwood Bonsai (Lexington, KY) owner David Cutchin, other bonsai demos, expert advice, and a sale of bonsai materials and accessories. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Admission $3. Metered parking. (734) 647–7600, [email protected], mbgna.umich.edu.
U.S. Senior Women’s Open Golf Championship
Aug. 22-23. The U.S. Senior Women’s Open, a USGA national championship, hosts a field of 120 of the best women players age 50 and over on the club’s 1922 Donald Ross layout. 4–7 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.–11:30 p.m. (Sun.), Barton Hills Country Club, 730 Country Club Rd. Tickets TBA at championships.usga.org.
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].
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.
“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.
Weekend Tours: SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary
Aug. 22 & 23. Guided tours of this sanctuary for around 200 rescued farm animals. 12:30–2:30 p.m., $25 (kids age 5–10, $10; kids under 5, free), requested donation, preregistration required. 17901 Mahrle, Manchester. (734) 218–8897, [email protected], sashafarm.org.
“The Anishnaabek Story”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Talk by U-M School of Environment and Sustainability humanities manager Eric Hemenway on the multi-layered story of the Anishnaabek and their relation to the Gitchi-Gumek (Great Lakes) through thousands of years, through conflict, ceremony, and commitment to home. 1–2:30 p.m., 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. (734) 647–7600, mbgna.umich.edu/events.
“Make Your Own Trading Card Game Cards”: Ann Arbor District Library
All invited to design custom game cards from a favorite trading card game, then print one and put it together with holographic foil. 1–3 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Annual Tomato Tasting: Project Grow Community Gardens
All invited to taste and note the differences between heirloom tomatoes of all colors, shapes, and sizes from the Project Grow gardens, including oxhearts, saladettes, beefsteaks, cherries, dwarfs, and more. Bring your own beverage. 1–3 p.m., County Farm Park Pavilion, 2230 Platt. Free. Parking is limited. [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.
All-Ages Mario Kart Tournament: Ann Arbor District Library
Adults and kids age 8 & up invited to compete in a tournament format of this popular Nintendo Switch video game. Participants may bring their own Switch handheld console or borrow one from the library. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“Sharon Mills Tour”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Docent-led tour of historic building and grounds along the River Raisin, which includes a hydroelectric generator that was one of many southeast Michigan facilities that comprised Henry Ford’s Village Industry project. 1–5 p.m., Sharon Mills Park, 5701 Sharon Hollow (between Pleasant Lake & Sharon Valley rds.), Manchester. Free. (734) 971–6337, washtenaw.org/registerparks.
“The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”: 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. 23: “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” (Sergio Leone, 1966). Iconic spaghetti western about a search for missing gold. Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef. 1:30 p.m.
“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.
“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.
“The Sounds and Stories of Africa”: Ann Arbor District Library
Taylor (MI) storyteller George Oo, who uses the stage name Fishmonger Stories, performs songs and tells stories from various African traditions. 2–3 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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.
Steve Somers & Friends
Jazz & blues standards by an ensemble led by WCC jazz guitar instructor Somers.
Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild
All invited to listen to guild members swap stories or bring their own to tell. 2–4 p.m., Schuler Books, Westgate Shopping Center. Free. annarborstorytelling.org.
Dharma Disc Golfers: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center
All invited to play 9 or 18 holes. Discs available for those who don’t have them. Weather permitting; ground may be muddy. 2–4 p.m., Mary Beth Doyle Park, 3500 Birch Hollow. Free. [email protected], jewelheart.org/chapters/ann-arbor.
Summer Drum Circle: Michigan Friends Center
All invited to join a group drumming session led by percussionist Curtis Glatter. 2–4 p.m., 7748 Clark Lake Rd., Chelsea. $5–$20 suggested donation. Preregistration requested by emailing [email protected] or at mfcenter.org.
Annual Corn Roast: Ann Arbor Ski Club
Newcomers and members invited to this event kicking off the club’s season of trips and activities. With live music by Velvet Walrus, a local dance band with a huge repertoire of classic, New Wave, and modern rock hits. Grilled corn, hot dogs, beer, wine, soft drinks, and preheated grills provided. Bring a dish to pass and, if you like, your own food to grill. Age 21+ only. 2–6 p.m., Montibeller Park, 4305 Ellsworth, Ypsi. $10 admission (members, $5). [email protected], a2skiclub.org.
“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.
Irish-ish
A trio from the Malty Taskers that plays traditional Irish music and Irish pub songs.
“Castle in the Sky”: 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. 22–26: “Castle in the Sky” (Hayao Miyazaki, 1986). Dubbed (Sat., Sun., & Wed.) and subtitled (Mon. & Tues.) screenings of this classic Studio Ghibli anime film about 2 children racing to find a flying castle. 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) and 7 p.m. (Mon.–Wed.).
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.
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.
Sunny Wilkinson Quartet
Local ensemble led by vocalist Wilkinson, a veteran nationally known straight-ahead jazz singer.
“Mic Drop”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Experienced improvisers compete by improvising songs with live accompaniment. Followed at 7:30 p.m. by a pay-what-you-want Musical Improv Jam: All invited to sing or move in musical/comical improv games and exercises led by a facilitator and accompanist. No experience required. Spectators welcome. 6:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
7th Annual Glee Club Summer Sing: Measure for Measure
All male singers age 14 & up invited to join this 80-member local men’s chorus to sing 20 men’s glee club standards. 6:30–8:30 p.m., St. Luke Lutheran Church, 4105 Washtenaw Ave. Preregistration requested at measure-for-measure.org. Free. (734) 649–7664.
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.
Tray Wellington Band
Forward-thinking contemporary bluegrass ensemble led by Wellington, an acclaimed banjo player known both for his technical prowess and unique phrasing. “If bluegrass is about spotlighting virtuosos, here’s a new one people will be checking in on for some time to come,” writes the Wall Street Journal. $29.
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.