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Events in January 2026
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January 21, 2026
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“Ann Arbor Restaurant Week”: Ann Arbor Main Street Area Association
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Jan. 18-23. Participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at affordable prices. Various times. Downtown Ann Arbor. annarborrestaurantweek.com.
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"The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald": Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber.
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Bestselling author John U. Bacon reads from his latest book. Preceded by an 8 a.m. breakfast and followed by a Q&A. 8:30 a.m. Weber's Inn, 3050 Jackson Rd. $50 (members, $40). Preregistration required by Jan. 14 at https://a2ychamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/19385.
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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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Connect & Create: Remote Work to Reconnected Workspaces: BrightWorks Coworking
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Let’s be honest — “return to the office” looks different for everyone.
Some teams are fully back. Others are hybrid. Some are still figuring it out as they go. What most people agree on, though, is this: no one wants to spend time in a space that feels uncomfortable, outdated, or designed for how work used to be.
That’s why we’re kicking off BrightWorks Coworking’s new Connect & Create speaker series with architect Kelly House-Seaman.
Kelly has spent more than 25 years designing workplaces across industries, and she’ll share practical ways offices can feel more welcoming, more flexible, and more human — without needing a full renovation or a massive budget. This session is about small shifts, smart design choices, and thinking differently about how people actually use space day-to-day.
What you’ll take away:
Practical design strategies to make offices feel inviting—not obligatory
How physical space impacts employee experience, culture, and connection
Ideas you can apply whether you’re redesigning an office or simply rethinking how space is used
Come learn, connect, and get inspired. This session is free, but space is limited. RSVP now to reserve your spot!
3027 Miller Road ,Ann Arbor. https://brightworkscoworking.com/remote-work-to-reconnect-workspaces/ Free. [email protected] https://brightworkscoworking.com/remote-work-to-reconnect-workspaces/Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
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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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“My Life in Film”: American Association of University Women
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Talk by producer, director, writer, and actress Heidi Elizabeth Philipsen-Meissner, a U-M grad and Ypsi native who has built a career in the international film and TV industry. 12:30 p.m. Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. Free. (844) 973–6287, annarbor-mi.aauw.net.
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“Still Struggling to Cross that Bridge: Connecting the U.S. and African Civil Rights Movements”: U-M Donia Human Rights Center Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture
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Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa regional director Hala al-Karib discusses how the quest for liberation and decolonization in Africa parallels the civil rights movement in America. 4–5:30 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. (734) 615–8482.
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“CommuniTEA Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
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Every Wed. Food- and agriculture-related discussions & demos, with tastings.
Jan. 7: “Brew’d: Raw Nut & Seed Crackers.” Ypsi brewer Rachel Kanaan shows how to make nutrient-dense raw and fermented crackers in a food dehydrator.
Jan. 14: “Tantré Farm CSA Program.” Tantré Farm cofounder Deb Lentz on this community-supported farm.
Jan. 21: “Brew’d: Mead Making Pt. 2.” Rachel Kanaan and Mason Shipe on the basics of brewing honey wine. $5 at the door.
Jan. 28: “Stitch & B!%@#.” Knitters and crocheters invited to work on projects while local fiber artist Robin Lehman introduces some natural fibers.
5–6 p.m., Washtenaw Food Hub, 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free, except as noted. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
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2026 DEIB & J Save the Date: Eastern Michigan University
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Eastern Michigan University and The College of Business warmly invite you to join us for our annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice (DEIB&J) Speaker Series—an event that celebrates stories of courage, inclusion, and progress toward greater equity and justice within the business community.
125 n normal st ,Ypsilanti. Free. [email protected] 6169147551.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
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Board Game Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
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Every Wed. All invited to play popular board games. Use provided games or bring your own. 5–10 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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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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Ypsi Fine Arts Club: Riverside Arts Center
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Jan. 7 & 21. Local artists show 1 or 2 pieces of their work, some of which may be for sale. If you’d like to show your own work, sign in by 6 p.m. Also, a fine art raffle ($5). 5–8 p.m., RAC, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free admission. riversidearts.org/events.
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“Wonder Walks: Comfort & Care”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
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Jan. 11 & 21. One-hour to 90-minute nature walks led by Matthaei naturalists focused on the plants that provide us with the comforts of spices, citrus, figs, olives, tea, and herbs. Part of Matthaei’s “Eat!” exhibit. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather. 1–2 p.m. (Sun.) & 5:30–6:30 p.m. (Wed.). Arrival 10 minutes early recommended. Matthaei lobby, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. (734) 647–7600, mbgna.umich.edu/events.
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“Intuitive Art: Scrap Felt Collage”: Ann Arbor District Library
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All invited to make images using pieces of felt. No experience needed. 6–7 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Seeds to Community”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
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Ann Arbor park steward Jonathan Parker presents and solicits feedback on his volunteer initiative to collect and sow native plant seeds in order to restore natural habitats and sustain wildlife. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. washtenawbna.org.
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Heat Press Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
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A chance for adults to use the AADL heat press to make a design using provided materials, then transfer it onto a provided tote bag, or bring a T-shirt or other fabric to print on. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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EVENT RESCHEDULED: Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
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Jan. 14
RESCHEDULED FROM Jan. 7 & 21. All skill levels welcome to draw a live model. Bring your own art supplies. Light refreshments. 6:30–9 p.m., Dzanc House, 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. $10 to pay model. Preregistration required at least 2 days in advance at dzanchouse.org/register-for-events.
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Group Runs: A2 Runners
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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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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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“Craft & Chat”: Pittsfield Union Grange
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All invited to work on their knitting, crocheting, and other craft projects together. 7–9 p.m., Pittsfield Grange (use back door), 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free. (734) 274–0773.
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“Quakers: Who Are We?”: Ann Arbor Friends Meeting
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Jan. 7 & 21. A small group of local Quakers answers questions and discusses their beliefs and practices. 7–8 p.m., Friends Meeting House, corner rm., 1420 Hill. Livestream available. Free. annarborfriends.org.
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Ann Arbor Bridge Club
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Jan. 7, 21, & 28. All invited to play friendly, competitive ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Arrive 20 minutes early if coming without a partner. Call before coming to check that the game is being held. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline. (Park in marked spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline.) $6 per person. (734) 945–6021.
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Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
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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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Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center
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Jan. 21 & 28. All musicians invited to bring acoustic instruments to play bluegrass-style music. Vocalists welcome. Inclement weather cancels. Please call by 3 p.m. on the day of the jam with any questions. 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $5. (734) 794–6250, a2blugrass.com.
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“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
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Every Wed. Performances by up to 12 aspiring and established area stand-up comics. On Jan. 7, attendees can mingle with the comics before they hit the stage during “Comedy Nerdz Happy Hour” (5:30–6:30 p.m.). 7:15 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at aacomedy.com; $6 at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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“Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor
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Jan. 14, 21 & 28. Lindy Hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to music spun by DJs. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low-grip shoes. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Michigan League Vandenberg Rm. $5 (free for members) at the door. swingannarbor.com/calendar.
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Depot Town Open Mic Comedy Night
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Every Wed. Stand-up comedy open mic emceed by local comic Lisa Green. All age 18 & up welcome to listen, or sign up for a 5-minute set starting at 7 p.m. 7:30–10:30 p.m., 734 Brewing Company, 15 E. Cross St., Ypsi. Free. (734) 340–3468.
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Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería: University Musical Society
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Celebrated conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto leads this Mexico City–based symphony orchestra, widely regarded as the leading musical institution in Mexico, in a concert featuring orchestral works of the Americas, as well as Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major. Celebrated Venezuelan trumpet soloist Pacho Flores, known for his commanding technique, features in both the Haydn concerto and Paquito D’Rivera’s Grammy-winning Concerto Venezolano. The program includes Silvestre Revueltas’s vibrant Sensemayá, Alberto Ginastera’s “Dances” from Estancia, based on his 1941 ballet about gaucho life on an Argentine ranch, and Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2, inspired by traditional Cuban salon danzón music. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. in the lower lobby by “The Society for Disobedient Listeners,” a talk by Chicago-based music writer and violist Doyle Armbrust. 7:30 p.m. Hill Auditorium. Tickets $19–$108 ($15–$20 students) in advance at tickets.ums.org, at the Michigan League, and (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.
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