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Events in December 2025
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December 25, 2025
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December 3, 2025
“36th Annual Rockin’ for the Hungry”: Food Gatherers
Observer Editor
Dec. 2–6. Live outdoor broadcasts by radio station 107one DJs. Cash and nonperishable food donations requested. 6 a.m.–7 p.m., Kroger, 400 S. Maple. Free admission. (734) 761–2796.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun., except Dec. 24, 25, & 31, and 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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The Guild of Artists & Artisans Holiday Artist Market
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sat., Nov. 14–Dec. 20. Juried show & sale of art. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., The Gutman Gallery, 118 N. Fourth Ave. Free admission. (734) 662–3382.
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“A Life of Making Art”: Ann Arbor City Club Lunch and Learn
Observer Editor
Former U-M art professor Mike Kapetan, a nationally known sculptor, discusses his artistic process. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. $34 (members, $29) includes lunch; lecture only, $15. Preregistration required by noon on Nov. 28 by emailing [email protected] or calling (734) 662–3279.
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Carillon Concert Series: U-M School of Music
Observer Editor
Dec. 1–5 & 8. U-M carillon faculty and students play the bells on the U-M’s massive 55-bell Baird Carillon at Burton Tower and the 60-bell Lurie Carillon on North Campus. The bell towers are open to visitors during the recitals for those who’d like to get a closer look; earplugs recommended. For performers 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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Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. 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. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. [email protected].
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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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“Adopt a Piece of History Tea”: U-M Clements Library Tour
Observer Editor
A chance to view items in the museum’s collection that may be “adopted” through sponsorship ($50 & up to offset the cost of the items’ purchase and conservation). Sponsors receive a virtual boilerplate posted on the museum’s website acknowledging adoption of the item, along with a certificate. Curators on hand to answer questions. Tea, small sandwiches, and sweets served. 4–7 p.m., Clements Library, 909 South University. $50 (students, $25) admission in advance only at clements.umich.edu. (734) 649–3370.
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“Jane Austen Retellings: A Literary Salon”: U-M Library
Observer Editor
All invited to join a discussion of contemporary novels inspired by Jane Austen, including Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones Diary, Seth Grahame-Smith’s Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and Soniah Kamal’s Unmarriageable. Also, a display of 19th-century editions of Pride and Prejudice & Sense and Sensibility, along with other Austen-related items from the Library’s Special Collections Research Center. In honor of Austen’s 250th birthday. 4–6 p.m., Hatcher Library, 6th fl., enter from the Diag. Preregistration requested at lib.umich.edu/events. Free. (734) 936–2309.
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“The Dayton Peace Accords on Bosnia at 30: Successes, Failures, and Challenges Ahead”: U-M Donia Human Rights Center
Observer Editor
Panel discussion with Loyola University (Chicago) history professor Edin Hajdarpašić, Union University Belgrade law professor Tatjana Papić, and Democratization Policy Council senior associate Valery Perry. Moderated by Donia Center director Steven Ratner. 4–6 p.m., Michigan League, Michigan Rm. Free. (734) 615-8482.
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“Writing Waterline: Patterns in Contemporary Armenian Diaspora Narratives”: U-M Armenian Studies Department
Free
Local Armenian American writer Aram Mrjoian discusses his approach to writing about the experience of the Armenian diaspora, including his effort to challenge pressures from publishers to adhere to expected narrative patterns. 4–5:30 p.m., 555 Weiser Hall, 500 Church St. Free. (734) 764–035.
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CAS Guest Lecture. Writing Waterline: Patterns in Contemporary Armenian Diaspora Narratives: Center for Armenian Studies
Community Listing
Abstract: As a young artist beginning to write about my Armenian ethnicity, I became fascinated with the conventions and recommendations editors used to mediate my stories and essays. This became a central question in proposing and editing the anthology We Are All Armenian: Voices from the Diaspora and in drafting my debut novel, Waterline. This talk will explore navigating the process of writing about the diasporan Armenian experience in literary fiction and nonfiction today, and my intentionality in disrupting traditional narrative patterns in the publishing industry.
Bio: Aram Mrjoian is the managing editor of Michigan Quarterly Review and a 2022 Creative Armenia-AGBU Fellow. He is the author of the novel Waterline and the editor of the anthology We Are All Armenian: Voices from the Diaspora. His writing has appeared in the Guardian, Runner’s World, Literary Hub, Catapult, West Branch, Electric Literature, Gulf Coast, Boulevard, Joyland, Longreads, and many other publications. He lives in Michigan.
Zoom: 913 4101 8434
https://umich.zoom.us/j/91341018434
Accommodation: If there is anything we can do to make this event accessible to you, please contact us. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.
Email: -- [email protected]
Co-sponsors:
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR)
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“Art and Community”: EMU Visiting Artist Speaker Series
Observer Editor
Talk by DIA Contemporary Art associate curator Katie Pfohl on her curatorial philosophy, which seeks to foster connections between people and engage with urgent issues of our time. Followed by Q&A. 5–6 p.m., EMU Strong Hall Auditorium, W. Circle Dr., Ypsi. Free. (734) 487–1268, [email protected].
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“CommuniTEA Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
Observer Editor
Every Wed. through Dec. 17. Food- and agriculture-related discussions & demos, with tastings. (Dec. 3): “Winter Composting.” Christopher Simmons shows how to prep nutrient-rich soil for spring. (Dec. 10): “Easy Home Sprouting.” Cat Campion describes how to grow healthful, flavorful sprouts in days. (Dec. 17): “Mead Making.” Ypsi brewer Rachel Kanaan on the basics of brewing honey wine. $5 at the door. 5–6 p.m., Washtenaw Food Hub, 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free, except as noted. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
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Board Game Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
Observer Editor
Dec. 3, 10 & 17. All invited to play popular board games. Use provided games or bring your own. “Board Game Guru” on hand to answer questions. 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
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Wed., except Dec. 24, 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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Riso Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
All invited to use analog tools to create a 2-color design for a 2026 calendar and print it with the lab’s Risograph duplicator, a kind of digital screen printer similar to a photocopier. 5–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Ypsi Fine Arts Club: Riverside Arts Center
Observer Editor
Dec. 3 & 17. 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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Ypsilanti Death Cafe: Bloodroot Herb Shop
Community Listing
The Ypsilanti Death Cafe meets on the first Wednesday (5-7pm) and third Saturday (11:30-1:30pm) of each month at Bloodroot Herb Shop & Apothecary in Ypsilanti.
Together, we gather for open, honest conversations about death and dying in a welcoming, judgment-free space. Everyone is invited - whether you come with questions, experiences, or simple curiosity. Our conversations encourage reflection, connection, and a deeper understanding of life through the lens of death.
These gatherings are intentionally casual: you’re welcome to drop in late, leave early, or simply listen. There’s never any pressure to speak. Take from the experience whatever feels right for you.
Topics often include natural burial, holistic and alternative deathcare, end-of-life planning, talking with loved ones about death, supporting children through loss, pet loss, and all forms of grief - including disenfranchised, complicated, and ambiguous grief. Every conversation unfolds uniquely, guided by the people in the room.
We would love to welcome you whenever you’re ready. Come as you are, at your own pace, and take part in a space that honors curiosity, reflection, and connection.
208 W. Michigan Ave ,Ypsilanti. Free - donations appreciated. [email protected] acaciaendoflife.com 7349348740.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Folk Song Jam Along”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Lori Fithian and Jean Chorazyczewski lead this family-friendly sing-along of familiar folk and pop songs. Lyrics and chords projected. Musicians invited to bring their own acoustic instruments. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. [email protected].
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“Handmade Felt Food: Apples”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
A chance for adults to make colorful toy apples out of felt. This beginner-level craft involves sharp needles. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Musical Bingo!: HOMES Campus
Community Listing
Wednesday nights are Musical Bingo nights!
Join us every Wednesday starting November 12th for musical bingo! Musical bingo works exactly as it sounds: get a bingo card, listen to music, and mark off your card as you hear the songs. If you get a bingo you get a prize!
It’s free to play with two rounds at 6 & 7pm. Themed playlists weekly!
December 3rd: "Roadtrippin'" - Songs & Artists Relating to US Geography
112 Jackson Plaza ,Ann Arbor, MI. Free. https://www.facebook.com/share/1acC6MKisE/Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Radical Unlearning: The Art and Science of Creating Change from Within”: Literati Bookstore
Observer Editor
North Carolina–based journalist and transgender activist Lewis Raven Wallace discusses his new book about how to challenge deeply held beliefs and ideologies. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
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Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
Observer Editor
Dec. 3 & 17. All skill levels welcome to draw a live model. Bring your own art supplies. Light refreshments. Check website before coming to make sure the event is being held. 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
Observer Editor
Every Mon., Wed., & Sun. 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. 6:30 p.m. (Mon. & Wed.) & noon (Sun.), meet at the Kerrytown clock tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].
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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Wed., except Dec. 24, 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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“Popstronauts in Space”: Michigan Pops Orchestra
Observer Editor
Nicholas Bromilow directs this playful 100-member ensemble, the only student-run orchestra on campus, in music from John Williams’ Star Wars theme, Gustav Holst’s Mars, and more. With vocalists TBA, stage antics, and special effects. 7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $9 (U-M students, $5; pre-K–12 students and seniors age 65 & over, free) in advance at mutotix.umich.edu and at the door. michiganpops.org.
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Afro-Cuban Drumming: U-M Residential College
Observer Editor
RC drumming students perform a variety of traditional Cuban rumba and son cubano pieces that they’ve been working on throughout the year. 7 p.m., East Quad Keene Theater, 701 East University. Free. (734) 647-4354
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Ann Arbor Bridge Club
Observer Editor
Dec. 3, 10, & 17. 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 east of Maple. (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
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Wed., & Sun., except Dec. 24. 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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Christopher Mark Jones & Al Bettis: On The Tracks Songwriter Showcase
Observer Editor
Double bill. Jones is a veteran Pittsburgh-based Americana singer-songwriter known for his soulful country- and blues-inflected songs about the strivings of common people. Bettis is a Detroit singer-songwriter who blends jazzy acoustic guitar with thoughtful, complex R&B lyrics. 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), Chelsea Depot, 125 Jackson St., Chelsea. $20 suggested donation. [email protected], onthetrackschelsea.com.
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U-M Women’s Basketball
Observer Editor
Game vs. CMU. The U-M also has home games this month against Purdue (Dec. 7, noon), Akron (Dec. 13, noon), & Oakland (Dec. 21, noon). 7 p.m., Crisler Center. Tickets $8–$12 in advance at mgoblue.com and at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
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“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Dec. 3, 10, & 17. Performances by up to 12 aspiring and established area stand-up comics. Alcohol is served. On Dec. 3, 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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“Fifty Years of Flight Before the Wright Brothers”: Michigan Flight Museum (MFM) Historic Presentation Night
Observer Editor
Greenfield Village historical presenter Kirk Haas discusses George Cayley, Otto Lilienthal, and other early aviation pioneers. 7:30–9 p.m., MFM, Willow Run Airport (off Ecorse from Beck Rd. via I-94 exit 190), Ypsi. $10. Preregistration recommended at miflightmuseum.org/events. (734) 483–4030.
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“Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor
Observer Editor
Dec. 3, 10, & 17. 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
Observer Editor
Dec. 3, 10, & 17. 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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Visitors Night: Ann Arbor Model Railroad Club
Observer Editor
The chance to see trains whizzing around on a big, elaborate layout, housed in a depot restored by the club. 7:30–10 p.m., Michigan Central depot, 3487 Broad, Dexter. Free. [email protected].
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Campus Jazz Ensemble: U-M Music School
Observer Editor
Dennis Wilson directs this ensemble of nonmusic majors in a program of jazz standards and improvisations. 8 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Free. (734) 764-0583.
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