Events for September 28, 2026
a2Tech360: Ann Arbor Spark
Sept. 22–Oct. 2. Almost 2-week-long tech festival, with pitch competitions, a hackathon (two days of intensive coding), talks, panel discussions, a career fair, start-up demos, workshops, networking events, and more. Various times & locations. A mix of free and ticketed events. See full schedule at a2tech360.com.
Candle-Making Workshop: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation
701 W Ellsworth Rd, , Ann Arbor
An experience designed for trying something new, getting creative, and having a really good time.
Join us for a relaxed candle-making workshop where beautiful scents, hands-on creation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere come together. Laugh, connect, and enjoy the process — no experience needed.
Whether you’re coming with friends or treating yourself, this workshop is all about slowing down, creating something with your hands, and leaving with a candle you’ll love (and a great memory).
✨ What’s Included
• A guided candle-making workshop using 100% pure soy wax
• All candle-making materials provided
• One handcrafted candle
• A cozy, welcoming atmosphere to relax and connect
✨ What to Expect
• 6:00–6:15 – Arrival & Welcome: Settle in and get comfortable.
• 6:15–7:15 – Candle-Making Workshop: Learn the candle-making process and create your own custom soy candle, infused with intention and your favorite scent.
• 7:15–7:30 – Connect & Play: While your candle begins to set, we’ll play a fun round of Candle-Maker Bingo with small prizes for a few lucky guests.
• 7:30–8:00 – Candle Decoration: Decorate your candle to make it uniquely yours!
✨ Why Join?
• Try something new and creative — no experience needed
• Play with scents and create a candle that feels uniquely yours
• Enjoy a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere with great company
• Slow down, laugh, and be present for a couple of hours
• Leave with a handmade candle you’ll actually love — and a really good memory
✨ Meet the Host
Renata – Candle Maker & Wellness Facilitator – @the.universe.stuff
Renata is the heart and hands behind The Universe Stuff, a holistic wellness brand rooted in mindfulness, creativity, and intention. She handcrafts soy candles and other wellness products designed to support balance and self-care, and she hosts workshops that invite people to slow down, connect, and create. Based in the Ann Arbor area, Renata loves bringing people together through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
✨ About the Space
Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation – https://pittsfield-mi.gov/
This workshop will take place at Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation, a welcoming community destination in Pittsfield Township, Michigan. Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation offers a variety of recreational programs, community events, classes, activities, and opportunities for residents and visitors to connect, learn, and enjoy time together.
Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation is more than just a place for recreation — it’s a welcoming community space created to bring people together. Through its diverse programs, facilities, and community activities, the organization provides opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, explore new interests, and participate in meaningful experiences.
With its welcoming atmosphere and strong focus on community connection, Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation provides a wonderful backdrop for slowing down, getting creative, and connecting with others. We’re excited to gather in a space that celebrates community, creativity, connection, and enjoying new experiences together.
https://apps.daysmartrecreation.com/dash/x/pittsfield/activity-finder/programs/67/levels/448
“Independence Lake Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Mon. Slow/moderate-paced 23-mile ride to Independence Lake on mostly dirt roads. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Old St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free. (412) 302–9960.
Weekly Rehearsal: Washtenaw Women’s Community Chorus
Every Mon., except Sept. 7. All invited to join this independent local women’s chorus to sing an eclectic program, including classical, folk, Broadway, pop, and jazz. Joshua Marzan directs. 9:30–11:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, rear ground level, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. Free to visitors ($175 per semester for those who join; partial scholarships available). [email protected].
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Every Thurs. & Mon., except Sept. 7. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.) and non-sanctioned (Mon.). 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.
iNaturalist Training & Bioblitz: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
All invited to discuss citizen science efforts and learn how to use this phone app to identify and report interesting organisms you see while out in nature. Followed by a “BioBlitz,” an intense surveying session to record all the living species within a designated area led by AAPS environmental educator Coert Ambrosino. Bring water and dress for the weather. 1–4 p.m., Freeman Environmental Center, 3540 Dixboro Ln. [email protected]
“The Coalition”: Michigan Theater
Film screenings every day. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Sept. 28: “Coalition” (Patrick Kirby, 2026). World premiere of a documentary film about the overharvesting of horseshoe crabs, whose blue blood is a critical component in the development of new drugs and vaccines. Followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with U-M chemistry professor Tim Cernak, an Eli Lilly representative, and environmentalists TBA. FREE, but preregistration requested at marquee-arts.org/calendar. Part of U-M Climate Week (see 27 Sunday Event listing). Doors open at 3:45 p.m. for a 4:30 p.m. screening.
Michigan Marching Band Practice
Every Mon.–Thurs. (except Sept. 7). The U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel field, across the street from the old Elbel field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
“Discovering Korean Culture Through Traditional and Modern Hanbok”: Ann Arbor District Library Korea Week
Local hanbok designer Laura Park discusses this form of traditional Korean dress. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Every Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
Group Ride: Ann Arbor Velo Club
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.
Open Mic: Dzanc House
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.
“The Disappearers”: Literati Book Club
All invited to join a discussion of this new novel by bestselling writer Marlon James (see 3 Thursday listing). 6 p.m., AADL Downtown, 3rd fl. Tickets $5 (can be redeemed for store credit) in advance only at literatibookstore.com. (734) 585–5567.
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
Jean Wilson Trio.: El Limon
Jazz standards by an ensemble fronted by Saline singer-pianist Wilson.
“The Pillagers’ Guide to Arctic Pianos”: Literati Bookstore
Montana-based writer Kendra Langford Shaw, a U-M grad, discusses her new dystopian novel about a family on an arctic homestead whose neighbors dredge up a centuries-old piano, a vestige from the original homesteading expedition, when every family was required to haul a six-hundred-pound instrument as a sign of mannerly society. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
Group Runs: A2 Runners
Every Wed. & Mon. 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].
Paul Keller Orchestra.: Zal Gaz Grotto
Award-winning 14-piece big band led by bassist Keller and featuring vocalist Sarah D’Angelo and occasional guest vocalists. Also, each week features a middle set by a guest college or high school student ensemble.
Tartan and Thistle Scottish Country Dancers
Every Mon., except Sept. 7. Learn to dance jigs, reels, and strathspeys. All dances taught. Usually with live music by Susie Lorand, Josh Burdick, and friends. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $10 suggested donation (first-timers free). (734) 474–7299, (734) 274–0773.
Scandinavian Music Jam
Sept. 14 & 28. 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.
Comedy Show: The Blind Pig
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.
Willi Carlisle.: Ark
Missouri-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his evocative lyrics and clever turns of phrase, with songs that range from cowboy ballads to narco-corridos and trucker songs. His forthcoming album, The Universal Bubba, features songs that employ a broad sonic palette, with synthesizers and double electric guitars, along with more traditional instruments, to explore a cast of off-kilter and often dubious characters. $29.