Events for September 29, 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
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 (7 a.m. Tues. & 8 a.m. Sun.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022 & Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
“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 (sight, hearing, and smell) 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.
U-M Climate Week: University of Michigan
See 27 Sunday. Today: “Water Management Lightning Panel” (1–2 p.m., Weiser Hall, 1010), presentations by U-M researchers TBA, followed by Q&A. Also “50 States of Sustainability” (5:30 p.m., Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Ave.), a screening of an episode of a PBS series highlighting communities developing solutions to environmental challenges, followed by a panel discussion by U-M faculty and sustainability practitioners. 1 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
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].
“Come As You Are” Memory Café: Dementia Friendly Services
First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor MI
Memory Cafés are comfortable social gatherings in dementia friendly venues that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize, and build new support networks. Cafés are free and all are welcome. Co-sponsored by AARP Michigan.
Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club
Every Tues. All invited to play the classic word game, using the 5th-edition Scrabble dictionary. Bring your own set, if you like. 3:30–8 p.m., Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. [email protected], meetup.com/ann-arbor-scrabble-meetup.
“Written in Offices but Lived in Communities: An Immigration System in Crisis”: U-M Raoul Wallenberg Lecture & Medal Presentation
Talk by the awardee of the 31st Wallenberg Medal, Guerline M. Jozef, who cofounded and directs immigrant service organization the Haitian Bridge Alliance. The annual lecture honors the memory of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, a U-M alum who saved thousands of Hungarian Jews from the Nazis, only to be arrested by the Russians and vanish into the Soviet Gulag. 4:30–6 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Free. [email protected], wallenberg.umich.edu.
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.
“Dog and Suds Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Tues. Moderate-paced ride, 20 to 30 miles, along the less-traveled roads west and north of Chelsea. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Start location occasionally changes. Free. (734) 662–0205.
Easy Street Jazz Band.: Zal Gaz Grotto
Early jazz classics from Scott Joplin and Bessie Smith to Louis Armstrong and beyond by this veteran local septet led by trombonist Terry Kimura.
Game Night: Sylvan Factory
Every Tues. All invited to play 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.
U-M Climate Week: University of Michigan
See 27 Sunday. Today: “Water Management Lightning Panel” (1–2 p.m., Weiser Hall, 1010), presentations by U-M researchers TBA, followed by Q&A. Also “50 States of Sustainability” (5:30 p.m., Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Ave.), a screening of an episode of a PBS series highlighting communities developing solutions to environmental challenges, followed by a panel discussion by U-M faculty and sustainability practitioners. 1 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
“Caregiving & Caregivers”: U-M Turner African American Services Council
Speakers on dementia, respite care, choosing home support and financial resources include U-M nursing professor Florence Johnson, Washtenaw Support Network for Caregivers coordinator Sarah Weiss, and Turner Senior Resource Center social worker Patricia Hall. 5:30–7:30 p.m. Ypsi Senior Center, 1015 N. Congress. Free, preregistration required at (734) 998–9353. [email protected], michmed.org/taasc.
“Korean Ink Wash Painting”: Ann Arbor District Library Korea Week
Korean art instructor Jiyoung Kim discusses the history, materials, and artistic principles of traditional Korean hangukhwa painting, explaining how natural materials, including ink, brushes, and traditional paper are used to express harmony with nature. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“Beginner Needle Felting”: Ann Arbor District Library
Sept. 21 & 29 (different branch locations). Adults and teens invited to learn the basics of needle felting with wool, then make a small sheep (Sept. 21) or ghost (Sept. 29). 6–7 p.m., AADL Pittsfield (Sept. 21) & AADL Downtown (Sept. 29). Free. (734) 327–8301.
Touch Rugby: U-M Rugby Football Club
Every Tues. & Thurs. All invited to play a low-contact version of rugby. Beginners welcome. 6–7:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 1000 Canal St. Free. [email protected].
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.
“Viewfinder: Documentaries about Dabls in Detroit”: State Theatre
Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Sept. 29: “Viewfinder: Documentaries about Dabls in Detroit” (Julia Yezbick, 2016; Brittin Richter & Nikki Sass, 2014). Screening of two documentary films about the work of visionary Detroit artist Olayami Dabls, founder of the African Bead Museum, including Yezbick’s How to Rust and Richter & Sass’s N’Kisi Concorde. Followed by a panel discussion and Q&A featuring the filmmakers, moderated by Ann Arbor Film Festival executive director Leslie Raymond and Amanda Krugliak, curator of a U-M Institute for the Humanities exhibit of Dabls’ work this month (see Galleries). Dabls himself will be in attendance. 6 p.m. Preregistration required at climateweek.umich.edu/calendar.
“Freedom for Who: Indigenous Nations and the American Revolution”: Ann Arbor District Library
Historian Heather Bruegl discusses the U.S. Revolutionary War from a Native American perspective. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Tuesday Night Workouts: Ann Arbor Track Club
Every Tues. Runners of all skill levels age 14 & up invited to participate in short, intense interval workouts. Arrive at 6:20 p.m. to warm up. 6:30 p.m., Ferry Field, 1150 S. State. Visitors free; $30/year membership for regular participants. Preregistration required at aatrackclub.org/interval-workouts.
Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society
Every Tues. Singers of all ages and genders invited to join rehearsals of this award-winning a cappella chorus. 7–8:45 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4001 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free to visitors; call ahead or check website (dues for those who join). (734) 796–7467, [email protected], hvharmonizers.org.
U-M Men’s Soccer
Match vs. Indiana. The U-M also has a home match this month against Oakland (Sept. 29, 7 p.m.). 7 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. $9–$13 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each; kids 5 & under, free). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.
Jake Reichbart.: Earle
Solo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
Chain Reaction.: Ypsi Alehouse
Ypsi psychedelic blues-rock band.
Women’s A Cappella Chorus Rehearsal: Voices in Harmony
Every Tues. Women singers invited to join a rehearsal of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. 7–9:30 p.m., UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile, Ypsi. Free to visitors (dues for those who join). (734) 765–3611, [email protected], voicesinharmonychorus.org.
Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
Every Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught and prompted; no complicated steps, and no partner or experience needed. Bring clean, flat, nonslip shoes. First-timers asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Suggested donation $8–$12 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country.
“Breaking Traditions”: U-M Concert Band
Courtney Snyder directs this music student ensemble in works by contemporary composers, including Cindy McTee’s Charles Ives–inspired symphonic movement “The Unanswered Question,” Adrian Wong’s dizzying 2024 piece Space Jump, Felicia Sandler’s ode to working women Rosie the Riveter, and Óscar Navarro’s musical tribute to Latin American independence leaders Libertadores. Also, the world premiere of a new piece by University of Florida music professor José Ruiz-Resto. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–2538.
Pure Prairie League.: Ark
Pioneering country-rock band from Ohio who first broke out in 1975 with their hit single “Amie,” a song that bridged the radio pop of the day with more traditional American roots music. Known for their lush harmonies, fingerpicking guitar, and driving rhythms, the group has been credited as a major influence on everyone from Counting Crows to Keith Urban and Wilco. “Though the band’s membership has changed hands, literally 50 times in its 55-year existence, the current line-up did a stellar job keeping alive the sound and energy,” writes WCBN’s Vicki Honeyman (aka Sashay Delmonico) in a review of a sold-out concert at the Ark last year. “This is 1970s-based country rock at its best.”
Shwayze.: Blind Pig
All ages. Popular California rapper known for his beachy vibe and laid-back fusion of hip-hop, reggae-rock, and alt-pop. $35.