Free
Observer Editor

“Independence Lake Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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Every Mon. Slow/moderate-paced 23-mile ride to Independence Lake on mostly dirt roads. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Old St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free. (412) 302–9960. 

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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center

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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.

A No-Fear Guide to Social Video

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Join BrightWorks Coworking for “A No-Fear Guide to Social Video,” a free, hands-on workshop designed to boost your confidence in creating engaging social media contentWhether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or aspiring content creator, you will learn practical techniques for filming people, places, and products using only your smartphone. 

During this interactive session, you will discover:

  • How to film more effectively.
  • Techniques for incorporating movement and visual variety into your videos.
  • Guidance on when to keep footage versus when to reshoot.
  • Advice on which tools and accessories are worth using

The event takes place on Monday, Aug. 24, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at BrightWorks Coworking in the 777 Building in Ann ArborPlease bring your smartphone for the hands-on exercises. 

Free

Free
Observer Editor

Group Ride: Ann Arbor Velo Club

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Every Mon. Moderate-paced 20-mile ride to Dexter and back, often with a rest stop along the way. Riders must wear a helmet and bring water and supplies to fix a flat tire. 6 p.m. (nonmembers must come 10 minutes early to sign a club waiver), Barton Nature Area, 1010 W. Huron River Dr. Free. annarborveloclub.org.  

Free
Observer Editor

Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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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.  

Free
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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. 

Free
Observer Editor

Open Mic: Dzanc House

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All invited to share acoustic music, short stories, or poetry. Sign up on arrival. 6–8 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. dzanchouse.org/all-events.

Free
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Group Runs: A2 Runners

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Every Mon. & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced 3- to 5-mile group run, followed by socializing at a downtown coffee shop. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Kerrytown Clock Tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].

Observer Editor

“Castle in the Sky”: 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. 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.).

Free
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Scandinavian Music Jam

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Aug. 10 & 24. Bruce Sagan leads an acoustic jam session devoted to traditional music from Sweden and Norway. All instruments welcome, no experience necessary. 7:30–9:30 p.m., location TBA; email [email protected]. Free. 

Observer Editor

Tartan and Thistle Scottish Country Dancers

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Every Mon. Learn to dance jigs, reels, and strathspeys. All dances taught. Usually with live music by Susie Lorand, Josh Burdick, and friends. 7:309:30 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann ArborSaline Rd. $10 suggested donation (first-timers free). (734) 2740773.

Free
Observer Editor

Comedy Show: The Blind Pig

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Every Mon. Performances from up to 15 aspiring stand-up comics from around the state. Local comics emcee. Age 21 & up only. Free candy. 8–9:30 p.m., 208 S. First St. Free. (734) 996–8555.

Nightspots

Open Stage

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Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

All acoustic performers invited. Fifteen acts are selected randomly from those who sign up (doors open 7:30 p.m.) to perform 8 minutes (or 2 songs) each. The most talented and popular Open Stage performers are offered their own evenings at the Ark. $3 (members & students, free).