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Events in January 2026
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
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January 3, 2026
Observer Editor,
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
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Every Thurs., Sat., Mon., & Tues. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.), either 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, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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“Walk with Friends: Winged Ones”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
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All invited to join WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance for a 2-mile walk at a gradual pace on a level, paved surface to learn how wild birds survive the winter. Gather at 8:30 indoors for coffee, tea, and conversation. 9–10:30 a.m., Rolling Hills County Park lodge, 7660 Stony Creek Rd. Free, but $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. Email [email protected] with questions.
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parkrun USA
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Every Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. In the winter, course adjustments for the best footing may move the run to Lillie Park North or Hanselman Dr. Check facebook.com/lillieparkrun for the final location. 9 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/register and arrive at 8:45 a.m. [email protected], parkrun.us/lillie.
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Candidate Forum: The Washtenaw County Democratic Party
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Discussion with Democratic candidate for governor Chris Swanson, followed by a panel discussion about Washtenaw County responses to federal cuts in housing assistance. 9:15 a.m.–noon, Washtenaw County Learning Resources Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave. and on Zoom; URL at washtenawdems.org/calendar. Free.
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“Morning Music @9:29”: Northside Community Church
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Jan. 3 & 17. Local pianist-organist Kathryn Goodson is joined by U-M music students in performances of classical music programs TBA. On the 17th, selections pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Coffee & refreshments. 9:29 a.m., NCC, 929 Barton Dr. Free. [email protected].
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Fiber Arts Drop-In: Riverside Arts Center
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All invited to work on their sewing projects. Basic supplies and knowledgeable staff available. 10 a.m.–1 p.m., RAC, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free; donations welcome. riversidearts.org/events.
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Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
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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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“BIPOC Friendly Hike”: Shades of the Outdoors
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An opportunity for people from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) communities and their allies to hike about 1.5 miles together. 11 a.m., County Farm Park, 2230 Platt. Free. shadesoftheoutdoors.org.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
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Every Tues.–Sun., except Jan. 1. 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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“Kidz Bop Live”: Fathom Entertainment
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(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, Ypsi.) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), various times.
Jan. 2–5: “Kidz Bop Live.” Concert film of a recent performance by this popular group of teen singers & dancers who do family-friendly covers of pop songs. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. (Ann Arbor 20 only).
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“Adult Open Hours & Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
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Fri., Jan. 2 & 16 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show off some representatives of at-risk species, including an axolotl, a wood turtle, a clouded leopard, and a blue-throated macaw at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. and Sun., the first three animals are presented at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper talks about the blue-throated macaw at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) & noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), CC, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.
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Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
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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. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
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“How to Become a Fossil”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
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Every Sat. & Sun. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for age 5 & up about how fossils form and what they can tell us about ancient animals’ behaviors and diet. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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“Kidz Bop Live”: Fathom Entertainment
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(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, Ypsi.) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), various times.
Jan. 2–5: “Kidz Bop Live.” Concert film of a recent performance by this popular group of teen singers & dancers who do family-friendly covers of pop songs. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. (Ann Arbor 20 only).
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Letterpress Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
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Jan. 3, 7, 15, & 28 (different times). All adults invited to learn the basics of letterpress printing with movable type. 1–3 p.m. (Jan. 3) and 5–7 p.m. (Jan. 7, 15, & 28). AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
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Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages, including Expedition Reef (noon), which reveals the secrets of coral reefs, the Earth’s most vibrant and endangered marine ecosystems; The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.), an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own; and T. Rex (2 p.m.), an exploration of the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history that contains scenes of dinosaur violence. 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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Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
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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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“Lift Off: Student Showcase”: Aviary Aerial & Circus Arts
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Students and instructors from this local school showcase dance, pole dance, burlesque, aerial dance, and circus act routines. Parental discretion advised. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. 2 p.m., Aviary Studio, 2875 Boardwalk Dr., ste. A. Tickets $17 in advance at a2aviary.com/upcoming-shows. Preregistration required. [email protected].
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“Looking Forward to 2026: A Mini-Zine of Aspirations”: Ann Arbor District Library
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Adults and kids grade K & up invited to make a mini-magazine to record hopes and goals for the coming year. 2–3 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Punk Embroidery”: Ann Arbor District Library
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Adults and teens invited to learn 3 simple stitches, then use them to embroider a design onto a large patch for the back of a shirt or jacket. Bring a cotton T-shirt to decorate. 2–3:30 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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DJ Workshop: Ann Arbor District Library
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A chance for teens and adults to learn the basics of mixing & beat-matching and get hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment. 2–3:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Drop-In Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
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Every Sat. All age 16 & 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., RAC, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $8–$10 (spectators, free) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv, and in cash at the door.
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“How to Become a Fossil”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
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Every Sat. & Sun. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for age 5 & up about how fossils form and what they can tell us about ancient animals’ behaviors and diet. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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“DJ Whittington’s Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto”: Theatre Nova
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Every Fri.–Sun., Dec. 5–Jan. 4. Mike Sandusky directs Carla Milarch and R. MacKenzie Lewis’s latest seasonal panto comedy, a hip-hop version of the English folktale of Dick Whittington. Loosely based on a lord mayor of London in the late Middle Ages, Whittington rises from poverty to wealth by selling his cat to a rat-infested town. British panto is a genre that blends familiar children’s stories with a bit of vaudeville to create a raucous family entertainment. Theatre Nova’s panto, a popular annual tradition, usually sells out. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $32 ($25, seniors; $15, students; $12, age 16 and under) in advance at theatrenova.org & at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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Pittsfield Open Band: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
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Jan. 3 & 17. Jam session open to all musicians interested in working on jigs, reels, and waltzes to have fun, learn tunes, and develop contra dance music skills. All instruments welcome. Bring the Ruffwater Fakebook, the Portland Collection, and the Waltz Books if you have them. 3–5 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free. (734) 709–8748.
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Community Listing
The Glen Leven Band - Live at Hear.Say Brewing: Hear.Say Brewing
Community Listing
Ann Arbor's own rocking roots/Irish/rockabilly band The Glen Leven Band returns to Hear.Say Brewing for some lively tunes for the New Year - lots of originals about the Great Lake State plus some blues and some novelty tunes as well.
Kevin Devine - vocals, guitar & accordion
Jerry Hancock - bass
Dave McDaniel - guitar
Brent Oeschger - drums
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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
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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. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Casual Commander Night.” 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.
Various times, Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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First Saturday International & Contra Dance: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
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Drake Meadow calls an hour of international dances at 7 p.m., followed by contras at 8 p.m. to music by ’Twas Brillig and the Mazel Toves. Bring clean shoes for dancing. Preceded by a potluck supper at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction fundraiser; bring items to donate and money to buy. 5:30–10:30 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $10–$15 suggested donation. (734) 274–0773, aactmad.org/contra.
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“Family Animal Movie Trivia Night”: The Creature Conservancy
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All invited to participate in this animal movie-themed trivia game. At least one guest per team must download the Kahoot! app on their phone or other device to play. Also, the chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. For age 5 & up. 6–7:30 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $25/person. Preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org, (734) 929–9324.
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“Frozen”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
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Dec. 4–Jan. 11 (different times). Daniel Cooney directs this local professional theater company in Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, and Jennifer Lee’s 2018 stage musical, itself based on the 2013 animated Disney movie, a loose adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen.” It tells the story of Queen Elsa of Arendelle, whose self-seclusion in an ice palace prompts her younger sister Anna to attempt to find her, aided by a cast of characters including Olaf the snowman and Kristoff the ice vendor. The musical features numbers like “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go.” 7 p.m., Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $44–$65 (17 and under $34) in advance at theencoretheatre.org & at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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U-M Ice Hockey
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Match vs NTDP U-18. The U-M team, currently the number one–ranked team nationally, plays this USA Hockey development team. There is also a sold-out double-header this month against Notre Dame (Jan. 9 & 10, both 7 p.m.). 7 p.m., Yost Ice Arena, 1016 S. State. Tickets from $20 in advance only at mgoblue.com. (734) 764–0247.
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Rob Ward: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
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Jan. 2 & 3. Popular Cleveland comic, a former Showtime at the Apollo winner, whose smiling, warm delivery lets him get away with almost any subject matter, from his feelings about dating skinny women to how he explained sex the wrong way to his daughters. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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“DJ Whittington’s Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto”: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun., Dec. 5–Jan. 4. Mike Sandusky directs Carla Milarch and R. MacKenzie Lewis’s latest seasonal panto comedy, a hip-hop version of the English folktale of Dick Whittington. Loosely based on a lord mayor of London in the late Middle Ages, Whittington rises from poverty to wealth by selling his cat to a rat-infested town. British panto is a genre that blends familiar children’s stories with a bit of vaudeville to create a raucous family entertainment. Theatre Nova’s panto, a popular annual tradition, usually sells out. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $32 ($25, seniors; $15, students; $12, age 16 and under) in advance at theatrenova.org & at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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Saturday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
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Every Sat. House team Destination Unknown improvises based on a scenario suggested by the audience. Two guest troupes open. 8:30–9:45 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events, $18 (if available) at the door. [email protected].
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Rob Ward: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
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Jan. 2 & 3. Popular Cleveland comic, a former Showtime at the Apollo winner, whose smiling, warm delivery lets him get away with almost any subject matter, from his feelings about dating skinny women to how he explained sex the wrong way to his daughters. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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