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Events in August 2025
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September 2, 2025
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September 6, 2025
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August 13, 2025
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages, including the new T. Rex (2 p.m.), an exploration of the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history that contains scenes of dinosaur violence. Also, Sea Monsters (noon) follows a curious dolichorhynchops (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history. The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
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“Canning Fruit Jam”: Ann Arbor Farmers Market Cooking Demonstration
Observer Editor
Market vendors demonstrate how to can local fruit. With recipes and samples. 11 a.m.–noon, Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free. a2gov.org/market.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Sun. All age 6 and up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
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Ann Arbor City Club Lunch and Learn
Observer Editor
League of Women Voters presenter Margaret Leary speaks on a topic TBA. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. $43.50 (members, $29); includes lunch. $10 for nonmembers without lunch. Preregistration required by noon on Aug. 8 at annarborcityclub.org, [email protected], or (734) 662–3279.
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a2b3 lunch at Base Camp: A2B3 lunch group
Community Listing
Members of this long-running lunch group meet on Wednesdays at a rotating list of restaurants. Topics of discussion vary, but technology is generally a theme. The group also has a mailing list for lunch announcements, questions, problem solving and job inquiries.
We'll meet this week at Base Camp, 5060 Jackson Road. RSVP's are recommended but not required.
https://annarborobserver.com/base-camp-opens-on-jackson-rd/ ,Scio Township. Free, but you're buying your own lunch (entrees about $15 + drink + tax + tip). [email protected] https://groups.io/g/a2b3/topics Edward Vielmetti.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
Every Fri., Sat., & 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. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Fri. & Wed.), & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. [email protected].
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“Rigoletto”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
Fathom Entertainment. (734) 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, Ypsilanti) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), various times.
Aug. 13: “Rigoletto.” Rebroadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Verdi’s tragic opera about an evil duke who seduces his jester Rigoletto’s beautiful daughter. Director Michael Mayer places this 2013 production in 1960s Las Vegas. Stars Piotr Beczala, Zeljko Lucic, and Diana Damrau. 1 p.m. (both theaters) & 6:30 p.m. (Emagine only). $15.
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“Bert and Trixie Visit the Vet”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., June 20–Aug. 31. Rhiannon Ragland directs the premiere of Michigan actor-playwright Matt Letscher’s comedy about 4 pets in a veterinarian’s waiting room who plan an escape when they begin to suspect one of them is in danger. Adult language and subject matter. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat., Wed., & Thurs.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $45.15 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and (734) 433–7673, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
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"What Is A Smart Intersection?": U-M Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI)
Community Listing
The Smart Intersections Project (SIP) team consists of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), Ford Motor Company, Qualcomm, Toyota, the City of Ann Arbor, Integral Blue, P3Mobility, Purdue University, and WSP to accelerate deployments across the country and to create a roadmap for the commercialization of this technology.
Come join us at the Ann Arbor SPARK Headquarters to learn all about Smart Intersections Project! Whether you're a tech enthusiast, urban planner, or just curious about the latest trends in the City of Ann Arbor, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to gain insights and network with like-minded individuals.
330 East Liberty Street
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Board Game Night: Bløm Meadworks
Observer Editor
Every Wed. All invited to play popular board games. “Board Game Guru” on hand to answer questions. Use provided games or bring your own. 5–10 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG). Mon. (6:30 p.m.): Just Another Modern Monday. Three rounds using powerful cards, for experienced players, with prizes. $10. Tues. (6:30 p.m.): MTG Pauper. A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5. Wed. (5 p.m.): Casual Commander. A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free. Wed. (6:30 p.m.): MTG Standard Showdown. Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): Friday Night Magic. Cost and format vary. Sat. (5 p.m.): Casual Commander Night. A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free. Various times, Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. sylvanfactory.com, (734) 929–5877.
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Oil & Acrylic Painting Drop-In Open Studio: Ann Arbor Art Center
Observer Editor
Aug. 12 & 13. All oil and acrylic painters age 18 and up invited to bring supplies and work on their own canvases beside other painters. No instruction given. A2AC’s tabletop and standing easels, mineral spirits, and a large selection of brushes available to use. 5–8 p.m., Ann Arbor Art Center Studio 301 & 302, 117 W. Liberty. $15 (members, $10) at the front desk only. Space limited; no preregistration and no admission after 7 p.m. (734) 994–8004
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“Summer Game Mixer”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Drop-in crafts for kids, along with activities for AADL Summer Game players. Light refreshments. 5:30–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“West Side Nite Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
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 cancellations or delays. 5:30 p.m. sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. (734) 426–5116
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“A Physical Education: How I Escaped Diet Culture and Gained the Power of Lifting”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event
Observer Editor
NYC writer and cultural critic Casey Johnston discusses her new book on the benefits of strength training. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Drop-In Knitting: Spun
Observer Editor
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.), Spun, 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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“Rigoletto”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
Fathom Entertainment. (734) 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, Ypsilanti) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), various times.
Aug. 13: “Rigoletto.” Rebroadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Verdi’s tragic opera about an evil duke who seduces his jester Rigoletto’s beautiful daughter. Director Michael Mayer places this 2013 production in 1960s Las Vegas. Stars Piotr Beczala, Zeljko Lucic, and Diana Damrau. 1 p.m. (both theaters) & 6:30 p.m. (Emagine only). $15.
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Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
Observer Editor
Aug. 13 & 27. All skill levels welcome to draw a live model. Bring your own art supplies. Light refreshments. 6:30–9 p.m., Dzanc House, 402 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti. $20 to pay model. Preregistration required at dzanchouse.org/register-for-events.
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Group Runs: A2 Runners
Observer Editor
Every Sun., 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. Noon (Sun.) and 6:30 p.m. (Mon. & Wed.), meet at the Kerrytown clock tower. Preregistration requested at.meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].
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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG). Mon. (6:30 p.m.): Just Another Modern Monday. Three rounds using powerful cards, for experienced players, with prizes. $10. Tues. (6:30 p.m.): MTG Pauper. A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5. Wed. (5 p.m.): Casual Commander. A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free. Wed. (6:30 p.m.): MTG Standard Showdown. Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): Friday Night Magic. Cost and format vary. Sat. (5 p.m.): Casual Commander Night. A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free. Various times, Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. sylvanfactory.com, (734) 929–5877.
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“Princess Mononoke”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Michigan Theater. Film screenings every day. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 and older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Aug. 9 & 13: “Princess Mononoke” (Hayao Miyazaki, 1997). Studio Ghibli anime fantasy adventure set in Japan’s Iron Age that depicts a siege by samurai and forest gods of a remote village populated by outcasts. 1:30 p.m. (Sat.) & 7 p.m. (Wed.).
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Ann Arbor Bridge Club
Observer Editor
Every Wed. All invited to play friendly, competitive ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Arrive 20 minutes early if coming solo. Call before coming to check that the game is being held. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline east of Maple. (Park in marked spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline.) $6 per person. (734) 945–6021.
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Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
Observer Editor
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. 8 a.m. (Sun.) & 7 a.m. (Tues.), Dozer Coffee, 112 Jackson Plz., and 7 p.m. (Wed.), Fleet Feet, 123 E. Liberty. Free. (734) 929–9022 (Sun. & Tues.) & (734) 769–5016 (Wed.). fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
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Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Observer Editor
Aug. 13 & 27. All musicians invited to bring their acoustic instruments to play bluegrass-style music. Vocalists welcome. In inclement weather (severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, etc.), the Senior Center closes and the jam is canceled. In very nice weather, the jam may convene outdoors at an earlier time. Please call by 3 p.m. on the day to find out if either is the case. 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $5. a2blugrass.com, (734) 794–6250.
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Summer Sight Reading Nights: Dexter Community Orchestra
Observer Editor
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 (includes download info) required at dextercommunityorchestra.org. [email protected], (734) 223–2841.
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“Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor
Observer Editor
Every Wed. Lindy Hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to music spun by DJs. 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. 6 & 27), Michigan Union Anderson Rm. (Aug. 13), and an outdoor location TBA (Aug. 20, check swingannarbor.com/calendar). $5 (free for members) at the door.
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Depot Town Open Mic Comedy Night
Observer Editor
Every Wed. Stand-up comedy open mic emceed by local comic Lisa Green. All age 18 and up welcome to come listen, or sign up for 5-minute sets starting at 7 p.m. 7:30–10:30 p.m., 734 Brewing Company, 15 E. Cross St. Free. (734) 340–3468.
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Open Rehearsal: The Arbor Consort
Observer Editor
Every Wed. All singers invited to rehearse with this semi-professional a cappella ensemble that performs Renaissance and Victorian-era music in period dress. The official madrigal group of the Michigan Renaissance Festival. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Dixboro United Methodist Church, 5221 Church Rd. Free. thearborconsort.org.
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