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Events in October 2025
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October 23, 2025
Steering into the Skid - A Dementia Awareness Live Theater Performance: Dementia Friendly Services
Community Listing
Through 12 short scenes, this short play takes you on a one-year journey with Tim and Amanda in their car, bearing witness to the early progression of dementia. This event includes the performance and a facilitated discussion to help increase awareness about dementia, as well as provide valuable resources for you, your family or friends who are experiencing the effects of memory loss.
Two performance times! 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Snacks and refreshments provided.
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U-M Ice Hockey
Observer Editor
Oct. 3 & 4. Two-game series vs. Mercyhurst. This month’s schedule also includes home games against Robert Morris (Oct. 16 & 17) and WMU (Oct. 23). All times TBA, Yost Ice Arena, 1016 S. State. Tickets $39 & up at stubhub.com/michigan-wolverines-hockey-tickets. (734) 764–0247.
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“Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Aug. 28–Oct. 30. WBNA members lead a hike through the Arb to look for fall warblers and other southbound migrants. Birders of all skill levels welcome. 8–11 a.m., meet in the cul-de-sac at the end of Riverview Ct. (off Geddes near the east end of Dow Field). Free. washtenawbna.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. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Cavanaugh Lake County Park, 33 Cavanaugh Lake Rd., Chelsea. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].
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Used Book Sale: JLC Book Sale
Observer Editor
Oct. 22–25. Local family-run sale of over 30,000 books, as well as DVDs, audiobooks, video games, puzzles, and board games. Also, special deals for teacher and homeschool families on Oct. 22 from 4–8 p.m. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, bldg. A, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free admission. jlcbooksale.com.
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“Does the United States Have a Healthcare System?”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Oct. 23–Nov. 20. Series of 5 weekly talks.
Oct. 23: U-M economics professor Sarah Miller on “Challenges Facing the U.S. Health Care System.”
Oct. 30: Former U.S. National Vaccine Advisory Committee chairman Gary Freed on “Issues in Child Health Policy: Putting it in Perspective.”
Nov. 6: MSU Family Medicine Department chair Julie Phillips on “Primary Care in the U.S. Healthcare System.”
Nov. 13: U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation director John Ayanian on “The Affordable Care Act at 15: What Has It Accomplished & What Lies Ahead?”
Nov. 20: Local abdominal transplant surgeon Michael Englesbe on “Improving Health and Healthcare in Michigan through Collaboration.”
10–11:30 a.m., Washtenaw Community College, Towsley Auditorium (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $120 (members, $70) for the 5-lecture series. $25 per lecture (members, $15). Membership, $50 a year. (734) 998–9351.
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Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun. A carnival atmosphere with a variety of family-oriented fall activities on this family farm, including wagon rides, a petting farm, a corn maze, and more. Also, for an extra charge on Sat. & Sun., an apple cannon, paintball, apple or pumpkin picking, and other activities available. Cider and donuts available. No pets. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Wed.–Fri.) & 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.). Wiard’s Orchards, 5565 Merritt Rd. (east of Carpenter), Ypsilanti. Weekend admission: $25.50 (babies under 2, free). Weekday admission: $18 (babies, free) online only at wiards.com. (734) 482–7744.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & 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, ummnh.org.
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Carillon Concert Series: U-M School of Music
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Fri. (different locations). Performances by U-M carillon faculty and students. The carillons are open to visitors during the recitals; earplugs recommended. For a complete schedule see smtd.umich.edu/events. Noon, Burton Tower, 230 N. Ingalls & 1:20 p.m., Lurie Tower, 1230 Murfin, North Campus. Free. (734) 764–0583.
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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. & Mon. Play open to all skill levels age 18+, both ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs., noon–3:30 p.m.) and non-sanctioned (Mon. 12:30–3:30 p.m.). Noon (Thurs.) & 12:30 p.m. (Mon.), Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $9 (Thurs.) & $5 (Mon.); $1–$2 less for AASC members. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior.
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John and Susanne Stephenson Sculpture Garden
Community Listing
Take a beautiful drive through the heart of Ann Arbor and head west where you will discover a secret sculpture garden like no other.
For over 60 years, internationally acclaimed ceramic artists and educators Susanne and John Stephenson redefined what it means to shape clay. Working side-by-side in their serene studio off Waters Road, this “duo of ceramics” cultivated a lifelong partnership with each other and clay. Both created prolific and distinctive bodies of work and are recognized for their achievements globally. Nestled among the trees on their three-acre country property, their studio became more than a workspace, it was a vibrant haven for creativity and exploration. Over the decades, their property evolved into a playground for the arts, a place for artists to gather and share ideas.
Now, the public is invited to explore the grounds where their legacy lives on. Wander the gardens where large metal and ceramic sculptures tower among the trees and colorful wall plates brighten the landscape. Step inside their studio and travel back in time–feel the tools that helped bring their visions to life and learn about their tremendous contributions to the field of ceramics. During your visit, stop by the Stephenson Ceramic Gallery, a newly opened space on the property that will be showcasing the work of Dennis Nahabetain and Katie Shulman thru Nov 9th.
The Sculpture Garden Closes Oct. 25th
Noon-4 p.m., 4380 Waters Road, Ann Arbor. Free. www.stephensonceramicstudio.com
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“Division Street Pipes”: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. U-M organ majors and faculty perform music TBA on the church’s Richards, Fowkes & Co. organ. 12:15 p.m., St. Andrew’s, 306 N. Division. Free. (734) 663–0518, standrewsaa.org.
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“Mah-jongg Tournament”: AAUW-Ann Arbor
Observer Editor
Mah-jongg tournament using the simplified rules developed by Stuart Baggaley; it is not the familiar American style of this Chinese game. Prizes, silent auction. Proceeds benefit the EMU STEM Digital Divas project. 1–4:30 p.m., Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. $20. Preregistration required by Oct. 20 by sending checks payable to AAUW Ann Arbor to 7238 Eaton Ct., Dexter, 48130. annarbor-mi.aauw.net.
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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. 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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“Cascading Crises and Prospects for Peace”: U-M Ford School of Public Policy Vandenberg Lecture
Observer Editor
Former national security advisor (2017–2018) H. R. McMaster gives his view of the many conflicts around the world, the role the U.S. plays, and prospects for peace. Followed by a conversation with U-M public policy professor Javed Ali. 4:30–6 p.m., Weill Hall, Annenberg Auditorium, 735 S. State. Free. Also available via livestream. Preregistration required at fordschool.umich.edu/events.
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Michigan Marching Band Practice
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Thurs. (except Oct. 13 & 14). 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. Also, at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, the band hosts its monthly free Open Stadium Rehearsal at Michigan Stadium. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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Robertson Lecture with Jeffrey Seller: Residential College
Community Listing
The Residential College is honored to welcome Jeffrey Seller, Tony Award-winning producer of Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights, and Hamilton, as the featured speaker for its annual Robertson Lecture. Seller will reflect on his career in theater, the art of storytelling, and the impact of the liberal arts on creative work.
Following the lecture, a moderated discussion will open space for audience questions.
About the Robertson Lecture:
The James and Jean Robertson Memorial Lecture honors the RC’s founding director and celebrates engaged liberal arts learning. Each year, the series brings visionary artists, scholars, and activists to campus to spark dialogue and inspire the RC community.
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“Intro to 3D Printing”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
All invited to learn about the library’s 3D printing resources and basics of 3D design, then print an item to take home. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Transnational Yiddish Press: A Roundtable Discussion”: U-M Center for Judaic Studies
Observer Editor
Panel discussion on Yiddish performer and translator Vivi Lachs’s new book, East End Jews: Sketches from the London Yiddish Press, with Judaic studies fellows Ayelet Brinn, Julian Levinson, and Shachar Pinsker. 5:30–7 p.m., South Thayer Bldg., 202 S. Thayer, rm. 2022. Preregistration requested at myumi.ch/vvg1x. Free. (734) 615–8503.
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Flexing the Museum: The Global Museum in the 21st Century?: Museum Studies Program
Community Listing
Exploring museums across Argentina, the UK, Belgium and Portugal visited on a recent sabbatical, museum director Christina Olsen wrestles with museums' changing shapes and missions, ethics and publics in a wide-ranging conversation about why and how art museums matter in the world today.
Christina Olsen is the director of the University of Michigan’s Museum of Art. Olsen has more than 25 years of leadership experience in museums, and lectures and writes frequently on the future and changing role of art museums. She received her PhD in art history from the University of Pennsylvania.
UM Museum of Art - 525 S. State Street ,Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] https://ummsp.rackham.umich.edu/ 734-936-6678.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, or any other item they’d like to try to repair or repurpose with the help and guidance of AHA members. AHA’s goal is to empower everyone to explore, learn, and repair things. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., AHA, basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Livestream available at meetup.com/allhandsactive/events. Free; donations welcome. [email protected].
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“Under the Grey Sky”: State Theatre
Observer Editor
Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 and older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Oct. 23: “Under the Grey Sky” (Mara Tamkowich, 2024). Drama about a Belarusian journalist who secretly livestreams government crackdowns on peaceful protesters. Polish, subtitles. Sponsored by the U-M Copernicus Center for Polish Studies. FREE. 6 p.m.
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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. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), Spun, 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Sat., Mon., & Tues. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.), or an interval-based training run (Tues.). 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower; 7 a.m. (Sat.) & 6 p.m. (Tues.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; and 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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“Not Yet Lost”: Literati Bookstore
Observer Editor
Michigan-bred, Wisconsin-based writer Janis M. Falk discusses her new novel about a Polish immigrant woman who fights against worker oppression in Depression-era Detroit. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
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“Beetlejuice”: Young People’s Theater
Observer Editor
Oct. 16–26. Caroline Huntoon directs young local actors ages 13-18 in Eddie Perfect's 2018 musical based on Tim Burton’s 1988 comic horror film about a pair of new ghosts who hire an obnoxious bio-exorcist to scare off the living residents of their former home. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University. Tickets $15 ($10, age 18 and under) in advance at auto-umich.edu, (734) 763–8587, and (if available) at the door.
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Detroit Irish Music Association Seisiún
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. All invited to join members of this local chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for an informal evening playing traditional Irish music on various instruments. Lessons offered. 7–9 p.m., Grace Church, main building, 3150 Glazier Way. Free. [email protected], detroitirishmusic.org.
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Halloween Party: Ann Arbor Ski Club
Observer Editor
Costume party with beer, wine, and food, as well as dancing to live music by The Invasion, a British Invasion cover quartet from Redford led by singer-guitarist David Roof. Also, a chance to learn about the club’s downhill and cross-country ski and snowboarding outings, and other social activities. Must be 21 or older. 7–10 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market, Ypsilanti. $20 (members, $5). [email protected].
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Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. & 21 Tues. 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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NEW DATES: “Much Ado About Nothing”: Greenhills Gryphon Shakespeare Company
Observer Editor
NEW DATES
Oct. 30 & Nov. 1 (moved from Oct. 23 & 25). Greenhills High School students present their nascent Shakespeare company’s first full production. In this perhaps perfect comedy for our times, deception, penetrating wit, and dark humor illuminate the often-confused romantic longings of 2 pairs of lovers. One couple, both disdainful of love, are tricked into realizing their own suppressed love for one another, while the other couple’s love is nearly capsized by deception and paranoia. 7 p.m., Greenhills School Campbell Center for Performing Arts, 850 Greenhills Dr. Free; no reservations needed.
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Radio Recall: Dexter's Pub
Community Listing
Radio Recall blends the raw energy of your favorite rock anthems & acoustic ballads with storytelling that only Broadway veterans Aaron LaVigne & Jenna Rubaii can deliver. The duo—who met while starring as Jesus and Mary in the 50th Anniversary Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar—bring their impeccable vocals to songs like “Dream On,” “Shallow,” “Hey Jude,” and “Let’s Get It On.”
7714 Ann Arbor Street ,Dexter. https://theencoretheatre.org/event/radio-recall/ $34-$56. [email protected] theencoretheatre.org 7342686200.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“In Praise of Winds: Remembering Gunther Schuller at 100”: U-M Symphony Band
Observer Editor
Jason Fettig directs this music student ensemble in a program highlighted by Pulitzer-winning 20th-century American composer Schuller’s epic 3rd Symphony, In Praise of Winds, which was commissioned and premiered by the U-M Symphony Band in the 1980s. Also, a Schuller arrangement of Scott Joplin’s “Combination March,” contemporary English composer Anna Clyne’s “Masquerade,” and Mozart’s Gran Partita, one of Schuller’s favorite works and one of the most important pieces in the wind music canon. Preceded at 7:15 p.m. by a brief talk. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–0583.
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Jenny Zigrino: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Oct. 23–25. Brassy, charming Boston comic whose act is a mix of personal anecdotes and witty observations on topics from dating and home-buying to current events. Opening act TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $22 (Thurs., $17) at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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“Norma & Wanda”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 25–Dec. 21. Rhiannon Ragland directs Purple Rose founder Jeff Daniels’ 2005 comedy about two very different sisters who get themselves into an outrageous pickle over an old high school boyfriend, a chaotic church social, and a secret family recipe for Christmas sausage. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $30–$50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org & by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. (734) 433–7673.
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“The Life & Music of James Dapogny”: Kerrytown Concert House
Observer Editor
A musical celebration of the nationally renowned jazz composer-pianist, a former U-M early jazz professor who died in March 2019. Members of Dapogny’s Chicago Jazz Band and local musicians perform his arrangements of jazz classics and more. With pianist Mike Karloff, bassist Kurt Krahnke, guitarist Rod McDonald, drummer Pete Siers, trombonist Chris Smith, cornetist Dave Kosmyna, clarinetist and saxophonist Chris Tabaczynski, and saxophonist Andrew Bishop. 7:30 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $30–$40 (students/youth $20–$30) in advance online at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and at the door. (734) 769–2999, [email protected].
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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, tinyurl.com/a2pubquiz.
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“Black Cat: Folklore”: Neighborhood Theatre Group
Observer Editor
Oct. 17–19 & 23–25. Marisa Dluge directs local actors in an original staging of a series of horror folk tales, centered around a campfire theme. Part of NTG’s annual Black Cat Halloween Series. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington, Ypsilanti. Tickets $15 (students, $12) at ticketstripe.com/blackcatfolklore and at the door ($20). ntgypsi.org.
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“Farewells”: State Theatre
Observer Editor
Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 and older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Oct. 23: “Farewells” (Wojciech Has, 1958). Melancholic drama about an unlikely Polish couple torn apart by the chaos of World War II. Polish, subtitles. Sponsored by the U-M Copernicus Center for Polish Studies. FREE. 8 p.m.
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“Pan’s Labyrinth”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
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.
Oct. 23: “Pan’s Labyrinth” (Guillermo del Toro, 2006). Powerful dark fantasy set in 1944 Spain, where the real world of Francoist repression intertwines with a young girl’s encounters with magical beasts. 8 p.m.
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“Say What?” Comedy Open Mic: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Stand-up comedy open mic hosted by local comics Ned Rice and Jeff Teed. All age 18 and up welcome to 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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