Events for August 26, 2026
Chelsea Community Fair: Chelsea Fairgrounds
Aug. 25–29. Fair rides and concessions (Wed. & Thurs. 3–10 p.m., Fri. noon–10 p.m., and Sat. 1–10 p.m.), a bingo tent, livestock shows, demolition derbies (Tues. & Wed. 7:30 p.m.), Lost Nations Rodeo (Thurs. 7:30 p.m.), truck & tractor pulls (Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m.), a fair queen contest (Fri. 7 p.m.), exhibits of baking, canning, floriculture, arts, and hobbies. The fair officially kicks off with a Children’s Parade (Tues. 5:30 p.m.) for ages 3–12 on decorated bikes & wagons or on foot from the municipal lot behind Common Grill to the fairgrounds, and ends with the Chelsea Fair Parade (Sat. 1 p.m.), which includes the high-energy Celtic-inspired Chelsea House Orchestra, and many more local favorites. Complete schedule available at chelseafair.org. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Chelsea Fairgrounds, Old US-12 at Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea. Daily admission, $10; 5-day pass, $30 (middle & high school students and seniors 65 & older, $20; kids age 10 & under, free). Free admission for seniors age 65 & over on Thurs. before 5 p.m., for active or inactive U.S. service members with ID on Fri., and for families on Fri. from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $5 pass for women on Fri. before 11 a.m. (734) 475–1270, [email protected], chelseafair.org.
“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.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
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].
“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.
Bright Minds Collective: Networking Naturally
Bright Minds Collective – a hands-on brainstorming meetup designed to help you think differently and solve smarter.
Each month, we explore a new theme through different brainstorming styles — whether it’s fast-paced idea sprints or deeper group discussions — so you can sharpen your thinking and bring fresh perspective back to whatever you’re working on.
This laid-back mixer brings together professionals in a relaxed, welcoming setting designed to make connecting feel effortless rather than forced. Kate brings her signature warm, low-pressure approach, helping attendees build genuine relationships instead of just swapping business cards.
Board Game Night: Argus Farm Stop
Aug. 12 & 26. All invited to participate in a relaxed evening of board games. If you want, bring a game to share. 4–7 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. (734) 997–5448, argusfarmstop.com.
“West Side Nite Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Wed. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 10 to 30 miles, along the B2B Trail to Hudson Mills Metropark and/or Dexter-Huron Metropark with a possible visit to the Dexter Dairy Queen. This ride is a favorite with newcomers and casual riders. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. (734) 426–5116.
Game Night: Sylvan Factory
Every Tues. All invited to play one of a selection of board games, assemble a puzzle, paint miniatures, or try a tabletop role-playing game, all in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Also, at 6 p.m., RPG One Shots, introductory games of different tabletop role-playing games perfect for beginners, finished after one session (see website for this week’s game, preregistration strongly encouraged at sylvanfactory.square.site). 5 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
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.
Board Game Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
Every Wed. All invited to play popular board games. Use provided games or bring your own. 5–10 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
Saahnjoo
Detroit-area ambient-pop singer-songwriter. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
“Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
Every Wed. Food- and agriculture-related discussions and demos.
Aug. 5: “Botanical Bath Bombs.” $5.
Aug. 12: “Stitch & Sip.” Bring a textile project to work on. Free.
Aug. 19: “Sourdough Basics.” Free.
Aug. 26: “Brew’d: Apple & Pear Bug.” Make a wild-fermented brew starter, with samples & recipes. $7.
6–7 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Cost varies. Preregistration required for all events at tinyurl.com/a2-foodhub. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
“Weaving Romance Around Suspense”: Ann Arbor District Library
Detroit-area romance writer Sylvia Hubbard discusses the basics of fiction writing, how suspense techniques and romance story beats work together, and the ingredients of effective plot twists. 6–7 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“A2 Crokinole Club”: Lowertown Bar & Cafe
Every Wed. All invited to play this century-old Canadian disc game played on a circular hardwood board. Players flick discs across concentric scoring rings. All skill levels welcome; boards provided. On the patio, weather permitting. 6–8 p.m., 1031 Broadway. Free. lowertowna2.com/events.
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.
Group Runs: A2 Runners
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].
Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
All skill levels welcome to draw a live model. Bring your own art supplies. Light refreshments. 6:30–9 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. $10 to pay model. Preregistration required by the Mon. before the event. dzanchouse.org/register-for-events.
“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.).
“Howl’s Moving Castle”: 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. 26: “Howl’s Moving Castle” (Hayao Miyazaki, 2004). Oscar-nominated Japanese anime love story about an 18-year-old girl, cursed into an old woman’s body, and a wizard who can see through the curse. Japanese, subtitles. 7 p.m.
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.
“Community Sing with Matt Watroba”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Local singer-songwriter and WKAR FM (MSU) folk music show host Watroba leads a sing-along of songs from the various branches of American folk music. No experience necessary. 7–8:30 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Free. (734) 327–0270, interfaithspirit.org.
Ukulele Jake
Ann Arbor-bred, NYC-based ukulele player and stand-up comic known for his up-beat and entertaining live shows.
Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Aug. 12 & 26. All musicians invited to bring acoustic instruments to play bluegrass-style music. Vocalists welcome. Inclement weather cancels. Please call by 3 p.m. on the day of the jam with any questions. 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), 1320 Baldwin. $5. (734) 794–6250, a2blugrass.com.
Summer Sight Reading Night: Dexter Community Orchestra
All musicians invited to sight read and play orchestral music with the DCO in an open-air setting. Participants are asked to download the music ahead of time and bring their own music stand. Chairs provided. 7–9 p.m., Dexter American Legion Picnic Pavilion, 8225 Dexter-Chelsea Rd., Dexter. Free. Preregistration required at dextercommunityorchestra.org. (734) 223–2841, [email protected].
Open Mic
All invited to present a song, story, poem, monologue, comedy bit, magic act, other performance. Hosted by Annie Bacon & Forrest Hejkal. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. 7–10 p.m. $5.
Aya Sekine Trio
Experimental jazz improvisations by this ensemble led by veteran Japanese vocalist-keyboardist Sekine.
“Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor
Every Wed. Lindy Hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to recorded music. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low-grip shoes. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Michigan League Vandenberg Rm. (Aug. 5 & 12), Michigan Union Anderson ABCD Rm. (Aug. 19), and outside location TBA at swingannarbor.com (Aug. 26). $5 (free for members and lesson attendees) at the door.
Hunter & the HasBeens
Ypsi rock trio fronted by vocalist Hunter Walrod. Openers: the Ypsi punk & metal band Berate, the Taylor thrash-metal band Convolsis, and the Detroit deathcore band Living Dissection.
River Shook
A fiery fusion of twangy outlaw country and punk by this non-binary North Carolina singer-songwriter & guitarist who recently changed their name and embarked on a solo career after years fronting the popular alt-country band Sarah Shook & the Disarmers. “There’s always been a conspiratorial smokiness in their singing, a crackle of long nights and bleary mornings penetrating their drawl,” writes Pitchfork in a review of Shook’s brand-new self-titled album. “They’ve learned to augment that intuitive gruffness with subtler and sweeter melodies.” Opener: Moe Reen, an acclaimed young country-folk singer-songwriter from Ohio. $29.
Jay Webb
All ages. Popular Alabama country singer and YouTuber whose music features gritty contemporary country lyrics sung over hip-hop trap beats. Opener: Caitlynne Curtis, a contemporary country singer-songwriter from Nashville. $25.