Free
Observer Editor

Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet

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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.

Observer Editor

“Unified Dexter 5K”: U-M Adaptive Sports & Fitness AdaptX

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All invited to run, walk, row, or roll 5K or 1 mile on a marked course. The event raises funds for AdaptX education, research, and more. 10 a.m., Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter. $30, preregistration required at runsignup.com/race/mi/dexter/unified5kdexter. Metroparks pass or $10 vehicle entry fee required.

Community Listing

2026 Unified Dexter 5KM

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The 2026 Unified 5k and AdaptXpo is an inclusive road race and adaptive sports expo designed so that everyone can participate, whether they run, walk, row, or roll. The event raises critical funds for AdaptX education, research, community events, fitness programming, and grant initiatives. The Unified 5k is a space where athletes with and without disabilities show up together, challenge perceptions, and prove that fitness and sport are more meaningful when everyone has a place at the starting line.

Join us on August 30th at Hudson Mills for our 2nd annual Unified 5k in Dexter, MI. Participants have the opportunity to run, walk, roll, or row either the 5k (3.1 mile) or 1 Mile course. Arrive early or hang around after the event to check out our vendors and clinics at the AdaptXpo, a celebration of organizations that focus on health, inclusion, accessibility, assistive technology, and adaptive sports.

Help us make fitness and physical activity accessible for every body.

$30

Observer Editor

Elemental Ecstatic Dance

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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.

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.

Observer Editor

Sunday Artisan Market

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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.

Free
Observer Editor

H.A.C. Ultimate

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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].

Observer Editor

“Critters Up Close!”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

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Aug. 29 & 30. Leslie Science & Nature Center staff show live animals TBA. Also, animal-oriented hands-on activities for all ages. Noon–3 p.m., 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom.

Donation
Observer Editor

Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center

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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.  

Observer Editor

“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy

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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.

Free
Observer Editor

Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory

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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.

Free
Observer Editor

Ypsi Pride

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Features drag performances, family activities, food vendors, and more. Noon-10 p.m., Depot Town, Ypsi. Free. facebook.com/ypsipride.

Free
Observer Editor

“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos

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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. 

Free
Observer Editor

“Ecological Restoration Workday”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance

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All invited to help improve bird habitats by maintaining trails and clearing invasive shrubs at the WBNA Searles Nature Preserve. Dress for the weather; bring leather work gloves and water. Tools and know-how provided; bring your own tools, if you’d like. 1–3 p.m., Searles Nature Preserve; park along Bolla Rd., ¼ mile west of Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi. Free. washtenawbna.org.

Free
Observer Editor

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. 

Observer Editor

“Lawrence of Arabia”: 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. 30: “Lawrence of Arabia” (David Lean, 1962). Influential and sweeping epic based on the life of British adventurer T. E. Lawrence. The film won 7 Oscars, including best picture. Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif. 1:30 p.m.

Free
Observer Editor

“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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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. 

Community Listing

Wholey Whole Grain Breads

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We all know that whole grains can be good for us, but that’s not the only reason to eat them. With the right recipes and techniques, they can taste great, too. In this hands-on class we’ll teach you to make Bakehouse Country Wheat Bread, a Whole Grain Sesame Raisin Bread, and a masterful Multigrain Bread. This class will change how you think of whole grain bread.

You’ll leave the BAKE! class with our recipes, the knowledge to recreate them at home, the loaves of bread you made in class.

$135

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

Sunday Drop-in Tour: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

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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.

Observer Editor

U-M Men’s Soccer

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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.

Nightspots

Big Top Swing

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Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

A new Detroit-area instrumental ensemble that plays fresh interpretations of vintage swing from the 30s & 40s.

Free
Observer Editor

Apples & Honey Fall Festival: Jewish Community Center

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All invited to this popular annual afternoon of entertainment, cultural activities, and information about Jewish life in celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, featuring workshops, music & dance lessons, and displays from local Jewish organizations and vendors. Also, kids activities, food for sale, and a sidewalk chalk demonstration by David Zinn. The event’s title derives from the custom of dipping an apple in honey and saying a prayer for a sweet new year. 2–5 p.m., JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow. Free. Preregistration required at jlive.app/events/14841. (734) 971–0990.

Free
Observer Editor

“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos

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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. 

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.

Observer Editor

“Dance Day”: Terpsichore Collective Fundraiser

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This local professional contemporary dance troupe opens up its rehearsal for a new work by artistic director and choreographer Aimee McDonald, Gateway to Enough (to be performed in October), followed by a chance to chat with the dancers and graze on appetizers. Preceded by an open community dance class (34 p.m.) taught by Kari Becker. 4:15–6 p.m., Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $20 or more donation, in advance at terpsichorecollective.com, & (if available) at the door. 

Nightspots

Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings

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Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

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.

Nightspots

Mike Root

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The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

Mid-Michigan country singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.

Nightspots

Alonso Umana Quartet

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Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

Ensemble led by this acclaimed young Mexico-based drummer, a recent MSU jazz studies grad.

 

Nightspots

II-V-I Orchestra

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

Large ensemble that plays late 30s swing and 40s R&B hits ranging from Duke Ellington and Miles Davis to Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, and the Blues Brother

Observer Editor

Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M

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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.  

Nightspots

Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet

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Ravens Club 207 S. Main, Ann Arbor

Local composer-bassist Sharp leads this world music-based jazz ensemble that explores traditions from Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, India, Bulgaria, Armenia, and Greece. With violinist Henrik Karapetyan, percussionist Mike List, and oud player Igor Houwat. Remainder of the August schedule TBA.

Donation
Observer Editor

Full Moon Kirtan: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth

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Trevor Eller leads a local ensemble of Yoga and Bhakti practitioners in this traditional devotional call-and-response music based on Hindu texts and the writings of poet-saints. Preceded by a potluck dinner and a talk by Chicago-based yogi Swami Sahajananda. 7:15–9 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. $5 suggested donation. (734) 327–0270.

Nightspots

Biird

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Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

Recently-formed all-female 11-piece Irish trad supergroup known for bringing a contemporary pop edge to classic Irish tunes with lilting vocal harmonies and inventive instrumentation. “Biird have proved the concept: make trad accessible to a new audience and it will come,” writes one Irish Times reviewer. “There’s something admirably ballsy about Biird’s unabashed ambition, a trait that is distinctly un-Irish, even if their music is as Irish as bread and butter.” $29.

Nightspots

Jazz Jam Session

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Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

Jazz ensemble led by Kenji Lee, a local saxophonist whose expressive brand of jazz draws on Japanese folk music, Western classical music, and punk.