Observer Editor
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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 14, 2025
“RiffTrax Live: Timecop”: 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. 14 & 19: “RiffTrax Live: Timecop.” Live broadcast of a “riffing” performance by former Mystery Science Theater 3000 stars Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett, who aim their comic heckling at a screening of Peter Hyams’s cheesy 1994 Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle. Showtimes TBA.
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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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“Cavanaugh Lake Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. 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. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Cavanaugh Lake County Park, 33 Cavanaugh Lake Rd., Chelsea. Free. [email protected], (734) 649–9762.
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Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club
Observer Editor
Aug. 1–3 & 14–17. Equine competition combining artistry and technical abilities highlighted by graceful freestyle routines set to music. No pets. Concessions. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Waterloo Hunt Club, 11500 Glenn at Katz (west off Mount Hope Rd. from I-94 exit 150), Grass Lake. Free. [email protected].
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“Dragonflies”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Observer Editor
Aug. 14 & 27. All age 10 and up (Aug. 14) and age 18 and up (Aug. 27) invited to join naturalist Elle Bogle to learn about Earth’s oldest flying insect and the perfect predator, to look for them on a short hike, and to catch and release a few. Bring a water bottle and bug spray. 10–11:30 a.m., Leonard Preserve (Aug. 14), 375 N. Union St., Manchester; and 10:30–noon, Draper-Houston Preserve (Aug. 27), 578 Mooreville Rd., Milan. Free, but preregistration required (space limited) at tinyurl.com/wcparc-aug2025 (#841009). For more information, email [email protected].
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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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“Sonic Lunch”: Bank of Ann Arbor
Observer Editor
See 7 Thursday. Today: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, an acclaimed San Diego funk-jazz ensemble led by saxophonist/flutist Denson. Opener: Ki5, an Ann Arbor native who uses looping vocals and beatbox rhythms to create elaborate R&B, pop, and folk songs layer by layer. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Liberty Plaza, E. Liberty at S. Division. Free. soniclunch.com, (734) 662–1600.
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John and Susanne Stephenson Sculpture Garden: Stephenson Ceramic Studio
Community Listing
The Sculpture Garden, Studio and Gallery featuring 2 guest artists; Katie Shulman and Dennis Nahabetian, welcomes visitors of all ages. Katie’s gestural, woven fiber installations and Dennis’s meticulously crafted metal sculptures have taken over the gallery. Over 50 sculptures are curated into the landscape for the summer months. Explore 60 years worth of innovative and cutting edge ceramics and sculpture. Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 12-4 through October 25th. Group Tours available thru our website.
4380 Waters Road, Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] www.stephensonceramicstudio.com 7343951540.
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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Fri., Tues., & Thurs. 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. or so (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. $8 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected] beforehand.
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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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“Intuitive Art: Acrylic Markers”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
All invited to make images with acrylic markers. No technical skill needed. Tips and techniques sheet available, if desired. 3–4 p.m., AADL Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Botanical Prints”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Environmental Education
Observer Editor
Adults age 18 and up invited to collect leaves, flowers, and other natural materials and try different methods of printing with them. Instruction and all materials provided. 5–7 p.m., Burns Park Shelter, 1300 Baldwin. Free, preregistration required (space limited) at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec. [email protected].
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“Riso Lab”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
All invited to use analog tools to create 2-tone designs, then print them with the lab’s Risograph duplicator, a digital screen printer similar to a photocopier. 5–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Town Cruise Nights: Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Old car cruise with kids activities, including a hula hoop contest (7 p.m.) by the clock tower. Music spun by a DJ, art works and crafts for sale, and an ice cream truck. 5–8 p.m., E. Cross St. between Rice St. and N. River St., Ypsilanti. Free. tinyurl.com/fb-depot-town-cruise-nights, [email protected].
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“Wall Crawl Mural Tours”: Ann Arbor Art Center
Observer Editor
Aug. 14 & 17. An A2AC curator TBA leads a quarter-mile guided tour of the city’s vibrant downtown murals, discussing each artist’s process and concept. The Aug. 14 tour is for age 21 and up only, and attendees can carry an alcoholic drink through the downtown social district, where it is legal. 5:30–6:30 p.m. (Aug. 14) & 11–11:45 a.m. (Aug. 17), Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty. $10 each (kids age 5 and under, free on Aug. 17). Preregistration required at annarborartcenter.org/events (space limited).
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“A Night for the Books”: Children’s Literacy Network Fundraiser
Observer Editor
Wine tastings, curated cheeses and desserts from Zingerman’s, a silent auction. Age 21 & over only. 6–8 p.m., Zingerman’s Greyline, 100 N. Ashley. Tickets $90 ($180 pair) in advance only at tinyurl.com/clnevents. [email protected].
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“iNaturalist Workshop”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission/W.C. Conservation District/W.C. Water Resources Commissioner’s Office
Observer Editor
WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance, WCCD resource specialist Doug Reith, and WCWRCO water quality specialist Rachel Leonard show how to use this phone app to identify and report interesting organisms you see while out in nature. iNaturalist is a crowdsourced international scientific database. 6–8 p.m., Independence Lake County Park Beach Center Pavilion, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. Free, but $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. Preregistration required (space limited) at tinyurl.com/wcparc-aug2025 (#821009). For more information, email [email protected].
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“Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.
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Bad Decisions Track Club
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover (may meet elsewhere if the weather is bad). Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.
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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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Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Observer Editor
Every Sat., Mon., Tues., & Thurs. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.), a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), or an interval-based training run (Tues.). 7 a.m. (Sat.) & 6 p.m. (Tues.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti; & 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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Open Mic: Dzanc House
Observer Editor
All invited to share acoustic music, short stories, or poetry. Sign up on arrival. 6–8 p.m., Dzanc House, 402 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Free. dzanchouse.org.
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Touch Rugby: U-M Rugby Football Club
Observer Editor
Every Tues. & Thurs. All invited to play a low-contact version of rugby. Beginners welcome. 6–7:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 1000 Canal. Free. [email protected].
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“Nerd Nite”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults age 21 and up invited to this popular monthly event featuring three speakers TBA (at annarbor.nerdnite.com) who give fun yet informative 20-minute talks about things that interest them, anything from how a trumpet works to the legacy of Louis Pasteur. 7–9 p.m., LIVE, 102 S. First St. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Salty Summer Sounds Live Music Series”: Saline Main Street
Observer Editor
See 7 Thursday. Tonight: the Major Dudes, a 6-piece Detroit Steely Dan tribute band. 7–9 p.m.
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“Singing for Comfort”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Observer Editor
All invited to join a sing-along of soothing songs that are easy to learn. No experience necessary. 7–8:30 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Free. (734) 327–0270
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“Thelma & Louise”: 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. 14 & 17: “Thelma & Louise” (Ridley Scott, 1991). Influential feminist road movie about two ordinary women who become outlaws. Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis. 7 p.m. (Thurs.) & 1:30 p.m. (Sun.).
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Live Music Series: A2 Summer Streets (Main Street Area Association)
Observer Editor
See 1 Friday. Tonight: big band swing by the Depot Town Big Band. Rain cancels. 7–9 p.m.
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Live Trivia: Bløm Meadworks
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Bløm staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia. Teams or single players welcome. Prizes. 7 & 8 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Performances by up to 12 aspiring and established area stand-up comics. Alcohol is served. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 7:15 p.m., 212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at aacomedy.com; $6 at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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“Moon Over Buffalo”: PTD Productions
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Aug. 14–23. Daniel Dye directs local actors in Ken Ludwig’s 1995 madcap farce about a washed-up B-movie acting couple touring the 50s theatrical circuit. They get an unexpected last stab at stardom when they learn that the famous director Frank Capra plans to attend one of their performances, but everything that could go wrong does, including a love triangle, a show-within-a-show, and a visit from the wife’s stage-manager mother. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15) in advance at ptdproductions.com and at the door. (734) 483–7345.
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Pub Quiz: Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Popular weekly trivia fest. Come with a team of up to 6 people. Prizes. 7:30 p.m. or so, Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main. $5 team fee that goes to the winning team. (734) 665–2968.
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“Ordinary Days”: Penny Seats Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Aug. 8–23. Phil Simmons directs local singer-actors in Adam Gwon’s 2008 sung-through musical (a musical with little or no spoken dialogue) about 4 young New Yorkers: an optimistic artist, a depressed grad student, a grieving girlfriend, and her romantic boyfriend. Their lives intersect as they search the big city for fulfillment, happiness, love, and cabs. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $20 (students, $15; kids 12 and under, $14; seniors, $18), in advance at pennyseats.org and (if available) at the door. (612) 210–7329, [email protected].
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“Say What?” Comedy Open Mic: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Stand-up comedy open mic emceed by local comics Ned Rice and Jeff Teed. All age 18 and up welcome to come listen, or sign up for 6-minute sets starting at 7:30 p.m. 8–10 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. Free, but preregistration advised at heardotsay.com/events. [email protected].
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Live Trivia: Bløm Meadworks
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Bløm staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia. Teams or single players welcome. Prizes. 7 & 8 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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