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

Chelsea Community Fair: Chelsea Fairgrounds

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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.

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.

Free
Observer Editor

U-M Clements Library Tour

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Aug. 27 & 28. Hour-long docent-led tour of the Clements’s early American history collection highlighted by the new exhibit Up, Up, and Away: A History of Ballooning in America. 4–5 p.m., 909 South University. Free; preregistration required at clements.umich.edu. (734) 649–3370.

Nightspots

Dirt Road Ramblers

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Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

Blues, classic rock, and originals by this local band. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Nightspots

Motor City Moonshine

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The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

Country and classic rock covers by this Detroit-area quartet.

Nightspots

Ralph McKee Blues Trio

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

Energetic, sophisticated blend of danceable soul, blues, and rock by this band led by Hoodang bassist McKee. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

Observer Editor

U-M Volleyball

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Exhibition match vs. Pittsburgh. The U-M also has regular season home matches this month against Long Island University (Aug. 28, 6 p.m.) & Miami (Aug. 29, 2 p.m.). 1 p.m., Crisler Center. $8 & $10 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

Observer Editor

“Make-a-Zine Night”: All Hands Active

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All levels of zine makers, from beginner to experienced, invited to make their own homemade booklet to take home. Only simple instructions provided, but supplies available. 6–8 p.m., basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/allhandsactive/events. Free; donations welcome. [email protected]

Nightspots

Shaun Garth Walker

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Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.

Local blues-oriented singer-guitarist with an eclectic, wide-ranging repertoire.

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.

Free
Observer Editor

“Fireside Fun”: Leslie Science & Nature Center

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All invited to sit around a campfire, roast marshmallows, and swap stories. If you like, bring outdoor games, s’mores fixings (roasting utensils provided), and  camping chairs. Rain or shine, so dress for the weather. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.  

Community Listing

Foundry Town Survivors – Annual Townie Gig

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Foundry Town Survivors Mark Tomorsky & Tommy Johnsmiller return to their hometown with special guests Andy Adamson on keyboards and Chip Trombley on drums for their Annual Townie Gig at LIVE Nightclub for one night of live music, dancing and fun. It’s an annual tradition for us, and we’d love to have you stop by and say hello. NO COVER CHARGE. Doors open at 6PM with music from 6:30-9:00PM 18 and over only.

Free - No cover charge
Nightspots

Foundry Town Survivors

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Live 102 S. First St., Ann Arbor

Classic Detroit rock’n’roll by this band led by veteran singer-songwriter & guitarist Mark Tomorsky.

Observer Editor

“2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour”: Michigan Theater

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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. 28: “2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour.” Six notable shorts from this year’s festival. 7 p.m.

Free
Observer Editor

“Catching Fireflies” Artist Talk: Ann Arbor Art Center

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Artists and sisters DaJaniere and Gyona Rice discuss their artistic practice, inspiration, and work. The two have an exhibit at the A2AC this month (see Galleries). 7–8:30 p.m., 117 W. Liberty. Free. (734) 9948004.

Nightspots

Prior Art

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

A mix of originals and 60s-90s rock covers by this local quintet.

Nightspots

Paul Keller Trio

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

Jazz ensemble led by veteran local bassist Keller.

Nightspots

The Malty Taskers

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Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

Old-time music from blues and country to hokum by this local quintet.

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 dobro player Tony Pace. 7–10 p.m. $10.north

Nightspots

Xavier Davis Quartet

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Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

Jazz ensemble led by veteran pianist Davis, an MSU jazz professor and longtime accompanist of the legendary jazz vocalist Betty Carter.

Observer Editor

Sal Demilio: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

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Aug. 28 & 29. Veteran Detroit comic who blends observational humor with self-deprecating commentary about his Italian American family, getting thrown out of school, and dealing with modern technology. 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

“Light in the Darkness”: Beyond Choir

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EMU choral director Brandon Johnson conducts this local professional vocal ensemble in a program focused on themes of eternal light, awakening, and hope, featuring Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, Boykin’s Holding the Light, and Bach’s Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (BWV 140), also known as Sleepers Awake. 7:30–9 p.m., EMU Honors College, 511 W. Forest Ave., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (seniors, military, & first responders, $18; students, $12) at beyondchoir.org & at the door. (734) 203–0753, [email protected].

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.

Free
Observer Editor

Dance Showcase: Shape//Matter

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Aug. 27 & 28. Outdoor tap, tango, hip-hop, and modern dance performances by regional dance troupes TBA. 8 p.m., Liberty Plaza, E. Liberty at S. Division. Free. shapemattershowcas.wixsite.com/shapematter.

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.

Nightspots

Ferrario

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Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

Pop, rock, and blues by this local quintet fronted by vocalist Carrie Ferrario.

Nightspots

Funderbird

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

90s-inspired postpunk band from Milford. Openers: Speed Circuit, a Detroit 90s-style indie rock band, and Full Time Bionic, a Detroit-area heavy rock band.

Nightspots

Kick It 6.

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The Arboretum 984 E. Michigan Ave., Saline

Country- and rockabilly- inflected indie rock band from Ohio.

Nightspots

Marty O’Reilly

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Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

California blues- and- gospel-inflected folk-rock singer-songwriter whose music takes inspiration from Woody Guthrie, Howlin’ Wolf, Sister Rosetta Thorpe, and Tom Waits, among others. PopMatters calls his sound “a culmination of blues, folk, and soul inflections that altogether develop a sound that’s fresh and cosmic.” $26.

Free
Observer Editor

“Telescope Observing”: U-M Detroit Observatory

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Every Fri., except Aug. 14. All invited to drop in to use the observatory’s 1857 Fitz telescope and other modern instruments. Exhibits are also open regardless of viewing conditions. Last visitors admitted 30 minutes prior to closing. 9–11 p.m., 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free, no registration required. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.

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

FernWhale

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Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

Dreamy indie rock by this Ypsi wife-and-husband duo. Openers: Milan & The Elipses, an Ypsi alt-folk band led by veteran singer-songwriter & guitarist Milan Seth, and Jim Cherewick, a versatile veteran local postpunk rock ’n’ roll singer-songwriter.

Nightspots

“Fuzz Fest 10.”

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Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

Aug. 27–29: “Fuzz Fest 10.” With 30-minute sets by 11 different area heavy rock bands each night.

Aug. 28: the Detroit blues-rock trio The Muggs, the Detroit garage-punk duo The Idiot Kids, the Detroit stoner rock trio Winds of Neptune, the female-fronted Detroit doom metal band Angel Of Mars, the Detroit psychedelic prog-rock band Glass Chimera, the Detroit postpunk noise-pop band Time Creep, the all-female Ferndale self-styled “twat punk” duo Seahag, the Ypsi “garage-a-billy” power trio Las Drogas, the Philadelphia garage punk band Soraia, the Detroit-area bass & drums doom metal duo Solar Monolith, and the local emo band Tell Me When. $20.

Observer Editor

“Cabin in the Woods”: Michigan Theater

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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. 28: “Cabin in the Woods” (Drew Goddard, 2011). Science fiction comedy horror film about 5 college friends who arrive at a remote forest cabin for a vacation. One by one, they fall victim to backwoods zombies, but there is another factor at play. 9:30 p.m.