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Events in November 2025
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December 1, 2025
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October 30, 2025
“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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“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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The Susanne and John Stephenson Legacy Project Tours: Stephenson Ceramics
Community Listing
Tour the studio, gallery, winter sculpture garden and storage areas filled with sculptures, bowls, vases and wall plates. Susanne and John Stephenson are internationally recognized for their 60+ year contributions in ceramics, and as art educators for over 30. Their entire collection of work dating back to the 1960’s are on display and an open to the public.
Free tours. Walking shoes recommended as you explore the grounds. All work is available for purchase.
4380 Waters Road ,Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] https://www.stephensonceramicstudio.com/ 7343951540.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
U-M Center for Japanese Studies Lecture Series
Observer Editor
Oct. 9, 16, & 30. Talks by U-M and visiting scholars.
Oct. 9: “Scripting Suicide in Japan.” University of Texas Asian studies professor Kirsten Cather discusses examples of Japanese death poems, suicide notes, memorials, and suicide manuals.
Oct. 16: U-M Japanese studies postdoctoral fellow Thomas Monaghan on “Island Societies and Maritime Networks between Ryukyu and Japan: The Amami Islands, 1609-1878.”
Oct. 30: “Finding Refined Friends: The Magazine Gayū (1951–70) and Sinitic Poetry in Postwar Japan.” U-M Japanese Studies visiting professor Matthew Fraleigh discusses how this magazine provided a forum for discussion of Japan’s Chinese-based poetic traditions.
Noon–1:30 p.m., 555 (Oct. 9 & 30) & 747 (Oct. 16) Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. (734) 764–6307.
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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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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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“Pictures of Home Away from Home: Esther Bubley’s Wartime Family Album”: U-M Eisenberg Institute for Historical Studies
Observer Editor
U-M history professor Deborah Dash Moore discusses a series of photos, taken by Jewish photographer Bubley in a Washington, D.C. boarding house in 1943, that depict how some American Jews lived during one of the most devastating years of WWII for European Jews. 4–6 p.m., 1014 Tisch Hall, 435 S. State. Free. (734) 615–7400.
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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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Natural Dye Block Printed Tote: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults and kids grade 6 & up invited to use stamps and mordant paste to block print patterns onto provided cotton tote bags or bandanas. 5–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Future Sensitive”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series
Observer Editor
Photographer, filmmaker, and “body architect” Lucy McRae discusses her work, which explores sci-fi and futurist themes and has included sculpture, staged photography, and wearable & edible technology. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671.
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Lorrie Moore: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series
Observer Editor
This novelist and short story writer reads from and discusses her work. Her 2023 National Book Critics Circle Award-winning fourth novel I Am Homeless if This Is Not My Home is a meditation on grief that is by turns darkly funny and heartbreaking. Featuring intersecting plots across time, it tells the absurdist tale of a man who goes on a cross-country road trip with his dead ex-girlfriend. Q&A. 5:30–6:30 p.m., UMMA Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State. Livestream available at tinyurl.com/zellwriters25. Free. [email protected].
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“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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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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Fiber Arts Drop-In: Dzanc House
Observer Editor
Oct. 2, 16, & 30. All invited to join in crocheting, knitting, embroidering, etc. 6–9 p.m., Dzanc House, 402 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Free. dzanchouse.org.
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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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“Euchre Change a Life!”
Observer Editor
Oct. 2, 16, & 30. Five-game euchre tournament. Sign up with a partner, or get paired with one by the organizers. Proceeds benefit Haitian children via Haitian Christian Outreach. 6:30–9 p.m., HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plz. $15 (HOMES community members, $10). [email protected].
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“Jennifer Eli Bowen and Katherine Larson”: Literati Bookstore
Observer Editor
These two essayists discuss their new books. Bowen’s The Book of Kin explores the nature of familial obligations. Larson’s Wedding of the Foxes is an elegant collection of lyric essays that embraces fractures, contradictions, and the interconnectedness of life. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
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“Make Your Mark: Lessons in Character from Seven Presidents”: Gerald Ford Presidential Library
Observer Editor
Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library director Mark K. Updegrove discusses his new book that highlights pivotal moments in modern presidential administrations from Ford to Obama. 6:30–8 p.m., Ford Library Auditorium, 1000 Beal. Free. (734) 205–0555.
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“The Great Cardboard Challenge: Haunted Cat Houses”: Humane Society of Huron Valley
Observer Editor
All age 18 & up invited to engage in a cutthroat competition constructing spooky cardboard cabins for resident shelter cats. Materials provided (no outside craft materials allowed). Prizes. Includes a tour through the cat area and light snacks. 6:30–9 p.m., Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. $20 per person. Individual registration, but participation as a team encouraged. Preregistration required at hshv.org/events.
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LOCATION CHANGED: "Colored Insane: Slavery, Asylums, and Mental Illness in the 19th Century": African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County
Observer Editor
NOTE LOCATION CHANGE
Author Diana Martha Louis, a U-M professor of women's and gender studies, on her new book (Columbia University Press, Oct. 2025) about slavery, asylums, and the perception of mental illness in Black communities, and how Black communities developed their own strategies for dealing with psychiatric harm. 6:30-8 p.m., Cahoots Cafe, 206 E Huron St., ste. 303. Free.
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“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
(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.
Oct. 30 “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” (Chris Weitz, 2009). The second installment in the Twilight Saga series. 7 p.m.
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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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Live Local Music: Dreamland Theater
Community Listing
Live music by local hardcore-metal bands Lord Centipede, Lucifer Machine, and Skulletor. Also, Ypsilanti experimental stoner rock trio Cattywampus, and Ypsilanti pop-folk singer-songwriter Mallory Wayt. Dreamland Theater, 26 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti. $5 suggested donation at the door.
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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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My Trivia Live: Lake Forest Golf Club
Community Listing
Every Thursday at 7:00PM! - Happy Hour 3PM to 8:00PM!
Get ready to test your knowledge! Assemble your brainiest friends and prepare for an evening of fun and friendly competition. Check-in begins at 6:45 PM, with the first question dropping right at 7:00 PM. Come enjoy a fantastic night filled with great beverages, delicious drinks, and engaging questions. We can't wait to see you there! Reservations are greatly appreciated but not required.
734-994-8580 Ext. 2.
Appetizers, dinner and drinks! Ellsworthfoodandspirits.com - Happy Hour Specials - Shareables $9; Specialty Cocktails $3 off, All wines $5/glass, $20 bottles, Draft Beers $5.
3110 W. Ellsworth Road ,Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] www.lakeforestgc.com 734-994-8580 Ext. 2.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
NEW DATES: “Much Ado About Nothing”: Greenhills Gryphon Shakespeare Company
Observer Editor
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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Brad Wenzel: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Oct. 30–Nov. 1. L.A.-based Michigan-born comic whose stage persona is that of a regular guy who occasionally abruptly detours into surrealism and non sequiturs. Opening act TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Thurs., $15) 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 Long Fall”: Vim Vigor Dance Company
Observer Editor
Oct. 30 & Nov. 1. This U-M student dance company performs its original dance theater piece, a surreal meditation on human contradictions in which a shifting cast of characters dance in constant motion, finding moments of connection with one another, before breaking apart again. With an original electronic score by Marshall Chadbourne. 7:30 p.m., Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Free. [email protected].
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“Tricks and Treats”: Washtenaw Community Concert Band
Observer Editor
J. Nick Smith directs this popular 80-piece band in a program of spine-chilling music, some from Halloween-inspired movies. Includes works by Eric Whitacre, John Philip Sousa, Danny Elfman, John Barnes Chance, and John Williams. The audience is invited to join the band by dressing in costume. Light refreshments follow. 7:30 p.m., Washtenaw Community College Towsley Auditorium (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free. wccband.org.
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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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“Carnival of Souls”: 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.
Oct. 30: “Carnival of Souls” (Herk Harvey, 1962). In this psychological horror cult classic, a woman is drawn to a mysterious abandoned carnival after surviving a car accident. 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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“Sex Radical”: 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.
Oct. 30: “Sex Radical” (Andy Kirshner, 2025). Premiere of a documentary about visionary feminist Ida Craddock (1857-1902), who defended the right of a woman to “control her own person,” in the late 19th century. Preceded by a 7 p.m. reception. $24 (students, $13). 8 p.m.
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