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Events in March 2025
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October 31, 2024
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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U-M Library: International Studies Horror Filmfest
Observer Editor
Halloween screenings of feature-length foreign movies in the Hatcher Library gallery (enter off the diag). Subtitles. Free. Snacks. Costumes optional.
“I Am Not a Witch” (Rungano Nyoni, 2018). Zambian absurdist drama about a young woman in a remote community who is denounced as a witch. 10:30 a.m.
“Caché” (Michael Haneke, 2005). French psychological thriller about a married couple who are terrorized by a series of surveillance videotapes left on their front porch. Juliette Binoche. 12:15 p.m.
“Creepy” (Kiyoshi Kurosawa, 2016). Japanese drama about a former serial killer profiler drawn back into his old job when his colleagues ask for help on an unsolved case. 2:30 p.m.
“Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives” (Apichatpong Weerasethakul, 2010). Highly regarded Thai fantasy about a sick man spending his dying days with the ghosts of his wife and son on a remote farm. 5 p.m.
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“Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance (formerly Washtenaw Audubon Society)
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Aug. 29–Oct. 31. 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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Artist's Open Studio: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Observer Editor
Activities: Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave., bit.ly/a2-senior-cnt, (734) 794–6250. Weekly activities. Preregistration required for some events by emailing mfulton@a2gov.org or calling.
Artist’s Open Studio (Thurs. 9:30–11 a.m.). $2; members, free.
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“Limitations on the Exercise of Free Expression”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Oct. 31–Nov. 21. Series of 4 weekly talks.
Oct. 31: U-M law professor Barbara McQuade on “Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America.”
Nov. 7: U-M School of Information dean Cliff Lampe on “Why Are People Susceptible to Misinformation and Disinformation?”
Nov. 14: Michigan Library Association executive director Debbie Mikula on “Material Challenges and Intellectual Freedom Issues at Michigan Libraries.”
Nov. 21: Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression fellow Graham Piro on “Why Free Speech Rights on Campus Need Protecting Now More than Ever.”
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. $75 (members, $50) for the 4-lecture series. $12 per lecture for members. Membership, $35 a year. (734) 998–9351.
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Chinese Mah-Jongg: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
Observer Editor
Activities: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Weekly activities. Free (except as noted). Preregistration required for some events at michmed.org/tswp. (734) 998–9353, tswp.info@umich.edu.
Chinese Mah-jongg (Thurs. 10 a.m.–noon).
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“Little Paws Story Time”: HSHV
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. (10:30–11:30 a.m.): Stories, crafts, finger plays, and interaction with adoptable cats and dogs. Also, a chance to make a toy or treat for the animals. For kids ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult. HSHV. $5 (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar, humaneed@hshv.org, (734) 661–3575.
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“The Halloween Show!”: AADL Downtown
Observer Editor
Oct. 31 (10:30–11 a.m., & 11:30 a.m.–noon): Kids grades preK–3 and their caretakers invited to join AADL storytellers for a fun Halloween-themed show with stories, puppets, songs, & rhymes. Wear costumes and gather treats afterward.
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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. Schedule subject to change. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
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“The Halloween Show!”: AADL Downtown
Observer Editor
Oct. 31 (10:30–11 a.m., & 11:30 a.m.–noon): Kids grades preK–3 and their caretakers invited to join AADL storytellers for a fun Halloween-themed show with stories, puppets, songs, & rhymes. Wear costumes and gather treats afterward.
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37th Annual Ann Arbor Jewish Book Festival: Jewish Community Center
Observer Editor
See 27 Sunday. Today: Lunch (price TBA) at the JCC with talks (via Zoom) by Benjamin Balint and Ken Krimstein. National Jewish Book Award–winning writer Balint is the author of the new biography Bruno Schulz: An Artist, a Murder, and the Hijacking of History. Krimstein is a cartoonist often featured in The New Yorker and the Wall Street Journal who has a new graphic novel, Einstein in Kafkaland: How Albert Fell Down the Rabbit Hole and Came Up With the Universe. Noon. Preregistration required at book.jccannarbor.org.
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Sanctioned Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Observer Editor
Activities: Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave., bit.ly/a2-senior-cnt, (734) 794–6250. Weekly activities. Preregistration required for some events by emailing mfulton@a2gov.org or calling.
Sanctioned Bridge (Thurs. noon–3:30 p.m.). $9; members, $8.
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"Wise Guys: Conversations for Men": U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program
Observer Editor
Activities: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program, 2401 Plymouth Rd. Weekly activities. Free (except as noted). Preregistration required for some events at michmed.org/tswp. (734) 998–9353, tswp.info@umich.edu.
Wise Guys: Conversations for Men (Thurs. 1–2:30 p.m.), online.
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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri. & Tues.) 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 ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand.
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Talks & Activities: Pittsfield Township Community Center
Observer Editor
701 W. Ellsworth. Senior-focused activities. Free. (734) 822–2120, recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov.
“What Should Be in My Legal First Aid Kit?” (Oct. 7, 3–4 p.m.), talk by attorney Terry Bertram.
“I Love Lucy Day” (Oct. 15, 9–10:30 a.m.) classic episode watch party.
“Lively Living” (Oct. 21, 10–11 a.m.) discussion about the realities and myths of aging.
“Making Decisions about Assisted Living Care” (Oct. 28, 10–11 a.m.) discussion about factors to consider.
“National Popular Vote Interstate Compact” (Oct. 28, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) presentation about a bill before the Michigan legislature.
“Halloween Bingo” (Oct. 30, 1–3 p.m.), with prizes for best costumes.
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“Office Christmas Party, Grinch in Fight with Rudolph, Police Called”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 26–Dec. 22. Purple Rose founder Jeff Daniels directs the premiere of his comedy about an office Christmas party that goes wrong when 2 employees dressed as the Christmas-stealing Grinch and red-nosed reindeer Rudolph disagree over where to clap along on “Silent Night.” When a video of this non-brawl goes viral, internet followers offer the two non-violent coworkers $100,000 to livestream a staged rematch. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., except Sept. 26, & 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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Michigan Marching Band Practice
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Thurs., except Oct. 14 & 15. The U-M’s highly disciplined 200-plus-member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel Field, across the street from the old one. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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“If Your Favorite Thing Is Monsters”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series
Observer Editor
Talk by comic artist Emil Ferris, creator of the acclaimed 2017 graphic novel My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, which she started working on after contracting West Nile virus and becoming paralyzed at age 40. The story blends a coming-of-age narrative with a murder mystery and a historical reflection on the Holocaust. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671.
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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, beverage, or snack for a post-ride tailgate. 5:30 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email mmotowski@hotmail.com for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.
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“Common Sense Diner”: UMMA
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. & Fri., Sept. 5–Nov. 1 (except Sept. 27 and Oct. 10 & 11). All invited to apply to share a free meal with a small group of strangers; online application required to ensure a diverse mix of participants. The meal features a conversation guided by artist Philippa Pham Hughes, whose current exhibit, Hey, We Need to Talk! (see Galleries) explores how to find common ground in the current U.S. political landscape and what it means to be American. 6 p.m. (Thurs.) & noon (Fri.), UMMA, 525 S. State. Free. (734) 764–0395, heyweneedtotalk.com.
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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. info@allhandsactive.org.
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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 Tues., Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), an interval-based training run (Tues.), or a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). 6 p.m. (Tues.) & 7 a.m. (Sat.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower; & 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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“Horror Story”: 31st Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival
Observer Editor
31st Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival. Oct. 31–Nov. 3. Four days of Polish films with subtitles at the Michigan Theater and other locations (as noted). Tickets $15 (students & seniors, $10; U-M students with ID, free). AnnArborPolishFilmFestival.com.
Oct. 31: “Horror Story” (Adrian Appanel, 2023). Black comedy about the plight of a recent college grad in search of his first adult job. 7 p.m.
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“Spooky Species for Adults”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
Oct. 18, 19, 25–27, & 31. Annual Halloween event to check out and learn about animals TBA associated with the season (possibly a Eurasian eagle owl, a black vulture, ravens, snakes, tarantulas, and rats), and hear Halloween legends tailored to adults. Followed, at 9:15 p.m., by a chance to see Egyptian fruit bats fly free in the main building. Donuts & cider. 18 & up only. 7–9 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $40, preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org. (734) 929–9324.
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“The Brain That Wouldn’t Die! (The Musical)”: Star Jelly Performance Company
Observer Editor
Oct. 25–27 & Oct. 31–Nov. 2. Premiere of this original musical by local musician Carla Margolis. Based on the cult classic 1962 horror B-movie of the same name, it’s about a mad doctor who keeps his fiancée’s severed head in an effort to perform history’s first head transplant. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), RAC, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. $15 (students, seniors, & Bridge Card holders, $10) at brainmusical.com and (if available) at the door. brainmusical2024@yahoo.com.
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Comhaltas
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. All invited to join members of this local chapter of the Detroit Irish Music Association for an informal evening playing traditional Irish music on various instruments. Lessons offered. 7–9 p.m., FUMC Green Wood Church, 1001 Green Rd. at Glazier Way. Free. detroitirishmusic.org.
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Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
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.
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“Broadway Thrillers”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Oct. 31–Nov. 3. An ensemble of musicians performs spooky and haunting melodies from shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll and Hyde, Sweeney Todd, Carrie, Elton John’s Lestat, and Jim Steinman’s Dance of the Vampires. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.) Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $49.50–$51.50 (12 and under $31.50) in advance at theencoretheatre.org & at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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“Broadway Thrillers”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Oct. 31–Nov. 3. An ensemble of musicians performs spooky and haunting melodies from shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll and Hyde, Sweeney Todd, Carrie, Elton John’s Lestat, and Jim Steinman’s Dance of the Vampires. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.) Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $49.50–$51.50 (12 and under $31.50) in advance at theencoretheatre.org & at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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“Office Christmas Party, Grinch in Fight with Rudolph, Police Called”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 26–Dec. 22. Purple Rose founder Jeff Daniels directs the premiere of his comedy about an office Christmas party that goes wrong when 2 employees dressed as the Christmas-stealing Grinch and red-nosed reindeer Rudolph disagree over where to clap along on “Silent Night.” When a video of this non-brawl goes viral, internet followers offer the two non-violent coworkers $100,000 to livestream a staged rematch. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., except Sept. 26, & 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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“Quivering Quavers and Hellish Relish Part III”: Kerrytown Concert House
Observer Editor
Tenor George Shirley, baritone Stephen West, and pianist Timothy Creek present a Halloween concert of ghoulish stories told over piano music by Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, and other composers. 7:30 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. $18–$35 (students, $12–$24) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and at the door. (734) 769–2999.
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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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“In Search of the Mothman”: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Every Thurs.–Sun., Oct. 11–Nov. 10. Shelby R. Seeley directs local actors in the world premiere of Kalamazoo-based Amber Palmer’s comedy-drama about 2 young adult sisters navigating life and sisterhood after an unexpected tragedy strikes their hometown. Tonight is gala opening night, when a $100 ticket includes a strolling buffet, beer and wine, and more. 7 p.m. Show times for the rest of the run: 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 in advance at theatrenova.org & at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
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.
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