Observer Editor
Community Listing
Online Event
Creative Washtenaw Event
Free Event
Donation Suggested
Hybrid Event
Events in August 2025
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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August 23, 2025
“Primitive War”: 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. 21–25: “Primitive War” (Luke Sparke, 2025). Horror thriller, set in the Vietnam War, about a Marine unit that ventures into an isolated jungle where they’re attacked by dinosaurs. 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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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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“Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird Rd. Free. [email protected], (734) 649–9762.
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parkrun USA
Observer Editor
Every Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South at the northeast corner of the soccer fields, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 7:45 a.m. [email protected]. facebook.com/lillieparkrun.
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“BIPOC Bird Walk”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance (formerly Washtenaw Audubon Society)
Observer Editor
An opportunity for people from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) communities and their allies to look for birds in Rolling Hills Park. 9:30–11:30 a.m., Rolling Hills, 7660 Stony Creek Rd (park at Wiard’s Orchards, 5565 Merritt Rd). Free. washtenawbna.org.
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“Pop-Up Makerspace”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. All invited to drop in and try a hands-on engineering or garden design activity. 10 a.m.–noon & 2–4 p.m., AAHOM, 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom, (734) 995–9439.
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Annual Bonsai Show: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society
Observer Editor
Aug. 23–24. Display of more than 100 bonsai grown by club members. Also, bonsai demos, a make-your-own bonsai station, and a sale of bonsai materials and accessories. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Admission $3 (age 17 & under and students with ID, free). Metered parking. [email protected], mbgna.umich.edu, (734) 647–7600.
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Annual Chelsea Community Fair: Chelsea Fairgrounds
Observer Editor
Aug. 19–23. Fair rides and concessions (Wed. & Thurs. 3–10 p.m., Fri. noon–10 p.m., Sat. 1–10 p.m.), a bingo tent, livestock shows, demolition derbies (Tues. & Wed. 7:30 p.m.), Lost Nations Rodeo (Thurs. 7:30 p.m.), truck & tractor pulls (Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m.), a fair queen contest (Fri. 7 p.m.), exhibits of baking, canning, floriculture, arts, and hobbies. The fair officially kicks off with a Children’s Parade (Tues. 5:30 p.m.) for ages 3–12 on decorated bikes & wagons or on foot from the municipal lot behind Common Grill to the fairgrounds, and ends with the Chelsea Fair Parade (Sat. 1 p.m.), which includes the high-energy Celtic-inspired Chelsea House Orchestra, and many more local favorites. Complete schedule available at chelseafair.org. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Chelsea Fairgrounds, Old US-12 at Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea. Daily admission, $10; 5-day pass, $30 (middle & high school students and seniors 65 and older, $20; kids age 10 and under, free). Free admission for seniors age 65 and over on Thurs. before 5 p.m., for active or inactive U.S. service members with ID on Fri., and for families on Fri. from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $5 pass for women on Fri. before 11 a.m. (734) 475–1270, [email protected], chelseafair.org.
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Dahlia Centerpiece Workshop: Marilla Field & Flora
Community Listing
Join Farmer & Floral Designer, Adrianne Gammie, for an intimate and immersive flower experience at her regenerative flower farm and studio in Dexter, MI. You’ll walk through the flower fields, sharing stories, and learning about some of the farm practices. Heading into the newly renovated barn studio, you’ll receive guidance on how to create a floral design of your own from the farm’s flowers, featuring the queen of the season, dahlias! All supplies and locally sourced refreshments will be provided, and you’ll take a beautiful arrangement home to enjoy.
10203 EASTON RD ,DEXTER. https://www.marillafield.com/shop/centerpiece-workshop-65t7r-tkcyl $148. [email protected] https://www.marillafield.comAdd this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Intro to Sound Therapy Workshop: 7 Notes Natural Health
Community Listing
Join Sound Therapist, Rob Meyer-Kukan, for this introduction to sound therapy workshop, playshop, and sound bath.
In this workshop we will explore how healing with sound works. Participants will learn the basics of sound, the history of sound therapy, the tools used in sound therapy (specifically Himalayan singing bowls, crystal bowls, and gongs), and the applications for group and individual use of sound therapy.
Come and learn the therapeutic and balancing effect of sound therapy using techniques for on and off the body. Participants will be given an opportunity to "try out" the array of instruments at 7 Notes Natural Health.
Our time together will include a sound bath meditation with Rob. The sound meditation will take you to a place of deep relaxation to help release stress, renew, relax and rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit.
Participants should bring a yoga mat, blanket, bolster or pillow and eye cover/eye pillow.
Investment - $325/person
Register by clicking here - https://7NotesNaturalHealth.as.me/sound-intro-aug-25
7 Notes Natural Health, 3830 Packard Road, Suite 180 ,Ann Arbor, MI 48108. https://7NotesNaturalHealth.as.me/sound-intro-aug-25 $325. [email protected] https://7notesnaturalhealth.com/events/ 248-962-5475.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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Farmers Market Performances: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
Observer Editor
Aug. 16, 23, 27, & 30. Chamber music performances by small groups of A2SO musicians.
Saline Farmers Market (Aug. 16, 10–11:30 a.m.), 104 S. Ann Arbor St., #4, Saline.
Chelsea Farmers Market (Aug. 23 & 30, 10:45–11:15 a.m.), 304 S. Main St., Chelsea.
Dexter Farmers Market (Aug. 23, 10–11:30 a.m.), 3233 Alpine, Dexter.
Ann Arbor Farmers Market (Aug. 27, 10–11:30 a.m.), Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown.
Various times and locations. Free. a2so.org/farmers-markets. (734) 994–4801.
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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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Parkridge Summer Festival/Joe Dulin Day
Observer Editor
Live music headlined by Detroit R&B and soul ensemble Melvin Chisholm & the Clockwork Band. Also, gospel singer Anthony “Hayes” McKinney and the gospel groups Gospel Music Workshop of America, the Breathe Easy Music Group, and the Full Circle Band featuring Lakesia Muhammad & Nikki Giovanni. Performances by local drill teams. Food and merchandise vendors. No grills, alcohol, or dogs. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Parkridge Park, 791 Harriet St., Ypsilanti. Free. facebook.com/celebratingourcommunity.
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Pickleball For Good Fundraiser: Relentless Care Foundation
Community Listing
Play, Mingle & Make a Difference!
Join us for the 2025 Pickleball for Good Fundraiser, a fun-filled day of games, food, drinks, and community, all to support attainable housing in Michigan.
📅 Saturday, August 23 | 11 AM – 2 PM
📍 Wolverine Pickleball, Ann Arbor
All skill levels welcome, gear provided! Play on open courts, join a workshop, or just enjoy brunch, the tap wall with 30+ beverages, bocce, cornhole, and our silent auction.
Interested in a competitive game of Pickleball? The event also offers a challenge court, with the top team winning an award!
Proceeds benefit the Relentless Care Foundation’s mission to make housing more attainable in our communities.
Register today: classy.org/event/2025-rcf-pickleball-for-good/e659411
It’s gonna be a big dill!
Wolverine Pickleball, 235 Metty Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, USA ,Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor, MI. https://www.classy.org/event/2025-rcf-pickleball-for-good/e659411 $75 for standard tickets, $125 for VIP tickets. [email protected] https://www.classy.org/event/2025-rcf-pickleball-for-good/e659411 734-738-3087.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some desert animals (1 & 4 p.m.), including a kangaroo, a black-throated monitor, and a baby emu. Also, an animal keeper talk about the leopard tortoise (2 & 3 p.m.), and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only (no longer available online). (734) 929–9324. thecreatureconservancy.org.
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Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. 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., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. lesliesnc.org, (734) 997–1553.
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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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“Out of the Water and Back Again: A Whale’s Tale”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Aug. 30 & 31). Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for ages 5 and up about the evolutionary history of whales and what the museum’s fossil whales and other related species reveal. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
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“Coloring with Alcohol Markers”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults & teens invited to drop in and make images using these markers that can be blended to create ombré color effects. 1–2 p.m., AADL Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Figure Drawing Drop-In Open Studio: Ann Arbor Art Center
Observer Editor
Aug. 23 & 26. Artists age 16 and up (Sat.) or 18 and up (Tues.) at all skill levels invited to bring their drawing supplies and draw a clothed (Sat.) or nude (Tues.) model. No instruction given. Easels, drawing horses, and newsprint available to use. 1–4 p.m. (Sat.) & 5–8 p.m. (Tues.), Ann Arbor Art Center Studio 301, 117 W. Liberty. $15 (members, $10) at the front desk only. Space is limited; no preregistration and no admission during the last hour. (734) 994–8004.
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Letterpress Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Aug. 8, 23, & 27 (different times). All adults invited to learn the basics of letterpress printing with movable type. 5–7 p.m. (Aug. 8 & 27) & 1–3 p.m. (Aug. 23). AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“The Tale of Princess Kaguya”: 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. 23 & 27: “The Tale of Princess Kaguya” (Isao Takahata, 2013). Japanese anime drama about a tiny girl found inside a stalk of bamboo who grows into an enthralling princess. 1:30 p.m. (Sat.) & 7 p.m. (Wed.).
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Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Sat. 30-minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. 1:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
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“Community Day”: Ypsilanti First United Methodist Church
Observer Editor
Face painting, games for kids, food trucks, distribution of free backpacks loaded with school supplies, and information booths representing local nonprofit organizations. Part of the church’s bicentennial celebration. 2–6 p.m., 272 Washtenaw Ave., in the parking lot across from the church, Ypsilanti. Free. (734) 482–8374.
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“Pop-Up Makerspace”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. All invited to drop in and try a hands-on engineering or garden design activity. 10 a.m.–noon & 2–4 p.m., AAHOM, 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom, (734) 995–9439.
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Drop-In Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
Observer Editor
Every Sat. All age 16 and up invited to learn about and participate in improv games in a fun, relaxed, and judgment-free setting. No experience necessary. 2–4 p.m., Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Tickets $8–$10 (spectators, free) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv or in cash at the door.
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“Out of the Water and Back Again: A Whale’s Tale”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Aug. 30 & 31). Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for ages 5 and up about the evolutionary history of whales and what the museum’s fossil whales and other related species reveal. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
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Monitor Base Ball Club of Chelsea
Observer Editor
Aug. 16 & 23. This club plays baseball using 1860s-era rules against similar teams from around the region. Today, it celebrates its 15th birthday with an exhibition match against its sister club, the Chelsea Merries Ladies. On Aug. 23, it plays Ferndale Welcome Campbells (2:30 p.m.) as part of the Chelsea Fair (see listing). 1 p.m. (tentatively: check chelseamonitors.com), Timbertown Park, Sibley (west off Main north of downtown), Chelsea. Free. (248) 930–6130.
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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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“Radical Empathy”: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun., Aug. 1–24. Briana O’Neal directs the premiere of local playwright David Wells’s play, based on a true story, about the connection between an American college professor and an Iraqi man. When the professor’s TED Talk on empathy goes viral, he meets virtually an Iraqi man who becomes a fixture in his online classroom. When the brutality of the U.S.-led invasion hits the Iraqi man directly, the professor is forced to explore radical empathy in earnest. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), and 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 and older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org & at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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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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Roller Derby Doubleheader: Ann Arbor Roller Derby
Observer Editor
Two roller derby games featuring A2RD travel & local teams vs. Naptown Roller Derby (Indianapolis). Food trucks, concessions, & merchandise available. 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.), Buhr Park Ice Rink, 2751 Packard. Tickets $18 at the door or online at a2rollerderby.com. Kids age 12 and under, free with paying adult (limit 3 kids per adult).
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“Go4Garrett’s Space”: Garrett’s Space Fundraiser
Observer Editor
Pop-soul singer-songwriter Mario Sulaksana, an L.A.-based Detroit native, and artist Sasha Gusikhin, a recent U-M graduate, cohost a benefit for this Ann Arbor–based suicide prevention nonprofit. The evening includes a musical performance by the U-M 17-voice student jazz ensemble Touch of Blue and participant testimonials. Also, all invited to join a meditation session and healing sound bath at 9 p.m. 6–9 p.m., Washtenaw Community College Towsley Auditorium (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Also available via Zoom. $75 (age 29 and up), $25 (ages 18–28), & $10 (high school ages), or pay what you can at garrettsspace.org/go4-2025, or pay at the door. (734) 709–7684, [email protected].
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“Art & Animals”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
Conservancy staffers show off and discuss Al the alligator. Followed by a hands-on painting session led by a local artist using Al as the model. Art supplies provided. BYO snacks and beverages. For age 21 and up only. 7–10 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $40. Preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org or (734) 929–9324.
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Live Music Series: A2 Summer Streets (Main Street Area Association)
Observer Editor
See 1 Friday. Tonight: local 11-piece rock, blues, and soul cover band Naked Ace. Rain cancels. 7–9 p.m.
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Kristen Toomey: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Aug. 22 & 23. Raw, razor-sharp Chicago comic with a commanding stage presence whose act delivers a hilariously and unapologetically honest take on motherhood, relationships, and modern womanhood. Opening act TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $21 at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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“Comedy Night”: Bløm Mead + Cider
Observer Editor
Stand-up comedy by Jacob Barr and other local comics. Usually sells out. 7:30–9 p.m. Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. $10 (includes one 12 oz. pour of mead, cider, or nonalcoholic beverage) in advance at drinkblom.com/events and at the door (if available), (734) 548–9729.
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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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Saturday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Sat. Two shows by house teams of experienced improvisers. Improv Show (7:30–8:30 p.m.) features a rotating team each week, and a new House Team (8:30–10 p.m.) creates characters and a world in a location suggested by the audience. 7:30 & 8:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events or $18 (if available) at the door for one show. $20 ($25 at the door) for both shows. [email protected].
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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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“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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“Radical Empathy”: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun., Aug. 1–24. Briana O’Neal directs the premiere of local playwright David Wells’s play, based on a true story, about the connection between an American college professor and an Iraqi man. When the professor’s TED Talk on empathy goes viral, he meets virtually an Iraqi man who becomes a fixture in his online classroom. When the brutality of the U.S.-led invasion hits the Iraqi man directly, the professor is forced to explore radical empathy in earnest. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), and 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 and older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org & at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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University Lowbrow Astronomers
Observer Editor
Aug. 15 & 23. A chance to join local astronomy buffs for a look at the sky through instruments. Participants encouraged to bring their own telescopes. Visitors must turn off all electronic equipment (car radios, transmitters, phones, etc.) at the observatory entrance. Canceled if sky is overcast or if the weather is inclement. If in doubt, call after 4 p.m. day of event. Sunset–11:30 p.m. or as long as the sky remains clear, Peach Mountain Observatory, N. Territorial Rd. (about 1¼ miles west of Hudson Mills Metropark), Dexter. Free. (734) 975–3248.
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Saturday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Sat. Two shows by house teams of experienced improvisers. Improv Show (7:30–8:30 p.m.) features a rotating team each week, and a new House Team (8:30–10 p.m.) creates characters and a world in a location suggested by the audience. 7:30 & 8:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events or $18 (if available) at the door for one show. $20 ($25 at the door) for both shows. [email protected].
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Kristen Toomey: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Aug. 22 & 23. Raw, razor-sharp Chicago comic with a commanding stage presence whose act delivers a hilariously and unapologetically honest take on motherhood, relationships, and modern womanhood. Opening act TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $21 at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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