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Events in January 2026
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January 4, 2026
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
Observer Editor
Every Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. 8 a.m. (Sun.) & 7 a.m. (Tues.), Dozer Coffee, 112 Jackson Plz.; and 7 p.m. (Wed.), Fleet Feet, 123 E. Liberty. Free. (734) 929–9022 (Sun. & Tues.) & (734) 769–5016 (Wed.). fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
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Elemental Ecstatic Dance
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing to a variety of recorded music, from EDM to classical and ambient to world music. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce Blvd. $20 (age 11 and under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
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
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, 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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“My Neighbor Totoro”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Occasional free screenings in the Downtown branch, lower level program rm., and other locations as noted. (734) 327–4200.
Jan. 4: “My Neighbor Totoro” (Hayao Miyazaki, 1988). Dubbed screening of this Japanese anime tale about two girls who move to the countryside and befriend strange and delightful nature spirits. 11 a.m.
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Christmas Choir Cantata: Westminster Presbyterian Church
Observer Editor
Shawn McDonald directs the church choir and a chamber ensemble of professional musicians in a performance of Joseph M. Martin’s “Winter’s Grace: A Cantata for Christmas,” which combines Martin’s original music with traditional carols. 11 a.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Rd. Free. (734) 761–9320.
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Studio Ghibli Celebration: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
A day of crafts, trivia, and other activities for all ages celebrating the films of this noted Japanese anime studio, along with screenings in the lower level program rm. (see Films). 11 a.m.–4 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327-4200.
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H.A.C. Ultimate
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pick-up game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].
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Contact Improv
Observer Editor
All invited to try this interactive, free-form dance style that involves a rolling point of contact between two or more people through which dancers give and share weight. No partner required; beginners welcome. Preceded at 10:30 a.m. by a lesson. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Gretchen’s House, 2340 Oak Valley. $15 ($25 includes lesson). Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2-contact-wi2026. caragraninger@gmail.
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“Adult Open Hours & Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
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
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. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
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Group Runs: A2 Runners
Observer Editor
Every Sun., Mon., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced 3- to 5-mile group run, followed by socializing at a downtown coffee shop. Noon (Sun.) & 6:30 p.m. (Mon. & Wed.), meet at the Kerrytown clock tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected]
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Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on Jan. 4, game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board and card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Free. [email protected].
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“How to Become a Fossil”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Observer Editor
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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“Chesstastic”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults and kids age 5 & up invited to drop in and play chess on AADL sets. All skill levels welcome. Instruction not provided. 1–3 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Kidz Bop Live”: 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, 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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Collage Making: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults and kids age 5 & up invited to make collages out of old magazines. Supplies provided. 1–3 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
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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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
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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“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Thirty-minute tour that uses the museum’s specimens to tell the story of prehistoric whales and dolphins, who had 4 limbs and walked on land. 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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“Both Sides of the Line: Carmen Herrera & Leon Polk Smith”: UMMA Exhibition Tour
Observer Editor
UMMA curators lead a tour of this show (closing today) that exhibits, for the first time, the work of these two neighbors, friends, and pioneers of geometric abstraction presented side by side in more than 45 paintings, drawings, and sculptures. 2–3 p.m., UMMA A. Alfred Taubman Gallery I, 525 S. State St. Free. Preregistration required at umma.umich.edu/events (space limited).
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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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“Frozen”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
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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“The Secret World of Arrietty”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Occasional free screenings in the Downtown branch, lower level program rm., and other locations as noted. (734) 327–4200.
Jan. 4: “The Secret World of Arrietty” (Hiromasa Yonebayashi, 2012). Dubbed screening of this Japanese anime based on The Borrowers, Mary Norton’s classic 1952 children’s novel about a family of tiny people living in the recesses of a human home. 2 p.m.
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Social Tango Dances: Michigan Argentine Tango Club
Observer Editor
Every Sun. (except Jan. 11). Tango dancing to music spun by a DJ. No partner necessary. The Jan. 25 dance is preceded at 2 p.m. by a Tango Foundations class ($5) in the Michigan Union 1st fl. Atria. The club also hosts a series of informal classes for beginners on Jan. 15, 22, & 29 (7–9:30 p.m.) that include one-on-one instruction and open dancing. 2–5 p.m. (Jan. 4 & 18) & 3–6 p.m. (Jan. 25), Michigan Union Movement Studio or Anderson Rm. $10 (students, free). [email protected].
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“How to Become a Fossil”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Observer Editor
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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Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
Community Listing
10-piece big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in hot jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. Great for listening or dancing.
2070 W. Stadium Blvd ,Ann Arbor. Free (tipjar for the band). [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz 248-446-0403.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Ann Arbor Morris
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish morisca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Free. [email protected].
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“Extra Credit”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Three 10-minute academic lectures by U-M researchers on topics TBA, each followed by a 10-minute improv comedy set on the topic by experienced improvisers. 6:30–7:30 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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“Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Popular board games, played online. Participants help decide which game to play at the beginning of the night. Have a pencil and paper handy. 7 p.m., for URL email [email protected]. Free.
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“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop
Observer Editor
Jan. 4 & 18. Performances by aspiring and experienced comics. The humor is appropriate for adults. 7:30 p.m., the Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl, ste. 100, Ypsi. Free. facebook.com/unclubshow.
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