Observer Editor
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Events in May 2026
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May 23, 2026
“The Little Mermaid Jr.”: Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan
Observer Editor
May 22–25 & 29–31. Megan Wright-Jones directs local young actors grades 2–12 in a 60-minute version of the 2007 stage musical based on the 1989 animated Disney film and the original fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice in exchange for love. Music and lyrics by Doug Wright, Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Glenn Slater. 6 & 8 p.m. (today), & various times (May 23–25 & 29–31), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20–$30 in advance only at pytmi.square.site/home.
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Observer Editor
Every Sat., Mon., & Thurs. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi.; and AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 901 W. Eisenhower. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
parkrun USA
Observer Editor
Every Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South or North (depending on weather conditions, check facebook.com/lillieparkrun for location), 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 7:45 a.m. [email protected].
“Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird Rd. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].
Native Plant Sale: Hudson Mills Metropark
Observer Editor
Sale of flowers, grasses, trees, and shrubs, all Michigan native genotypes from the Wildtype Native Plant Nursery, which gathers seed throughout the various Metroparks. Metropark staff on hand to answer questions. Bring your own boxes, bags, or cart. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Park Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter. Free admission. Metroparks pass or $10 vehicle entrance fee required. (734) 426–8211, metroparks.com/native-plant-sale-hudson-mills.
WOW Woods and Wildflower Walks
Observer Editor
All 12 & older invited to this nature walk to learn about local plants and plant communities, led by ecologists Manuel Anderson and Jacqueline Courteau. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. 10 a.m.–noon, LeFurge Nature Preserve, 2452 N. Prospect Rd, Superior Township. Free, donations accepted. Space limited; preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/3b57fa3u. [email protected].
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
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.). Free. [email protected].
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program examines how Michigan animals get along with each other—or don’t. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
Fri. May 1 & 15 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show off some rescued animals, including a wolf hybrid, a reticulated python, a black vulture, and an axolotl at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers show off the first three animals 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows the axolotl 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.), 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.
“Drop-in Euchre Open Play”: Ann Arbor District Library
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (noon) follows an intrepid Dolichorhynchops osborni (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history; The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores 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.) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence). Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $8 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament”: Ann Arbor District Library
“Highlights of the Kelsey”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
“Pops in the Park”: Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra
Observer Editor
Adam Riccinto directs the YSO in its season finale, an all-ages outdoor concert of popular, patriotic, and family-friendly favorites. Bring a chair or blanket. Rain date: May 24. 2 p.m., Riverside Park pavilion, Ypsi. Free; donations accepted. [email protected], ypsilantisymphony.org.
“Punk Embroidery”: Ann Arbor District Library
Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
Observer Editor
May 5, 9, 16, 23, & 30. All age 16 & up invited to learn about and participate in improv games in a fun, relaxed, and judgment-free setting. No experience necessary. The May 16 & 23 meetings are followed by an hour-long skills session discussing and practicing a specific improv skill. 7–9 p.m. (Tues.) & 2–4 p.m. (Sat.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $8 (with skills session, $15) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv or in cash at the door.
“Much Ado About Nothing”: Brevity Shakespeare
Observer Editor
May 22–24 & 29–31. This local acting company performs a 90-minute abridged production of Shakespeare’s high-spirited, sharp-tongued comedy about 2 pairs of young lovers. One couple, both disdainful of love, are tricked into acknowledging each other, while the other couple’s love is nearly ruined by deception and suspicion. The play is best known for its charged sexual banter and for the penetrating wit and dark cast of its humor. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2:30 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Ypsilanti Performance Space, 218 N. Adams, Ypsi. Tickets $15 (students & seniors, $10). Limited capacity; reservations recommended at brevityshakespeare.org.
“Typewriter Tryout”: Ann Arbor District Library
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG).
Tues. (6:30 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.
Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary.
Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
Comedy Mystery Dinner Show: The Dinner Detective Ann Arbor
Observer Editor
Dinner served while actors masquerading as fellow diners enact a comical murder mystery in which audience members may find themselves prime suspects. 6:30–9 p.m., Ann Arbor Marriott, 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsi. $70 includes gratuity. Preregistration required at thedinnerdetective.com. (866) 496–0535.
AFC Ann Arbor Men’s Team
Observer Editor
Match vs. Lansing City. The season opener for this local United Soccer League 2nd division semiprofessional team. The team also plays a home match this month vs. Union Macomb FC (May 29, 7 p.m.). 7 p.m., Pioneer High School Hollway Field, 601 W. Stadium at Main. Tickets $12 (kids 13 & under, free) in advance at afcannarbor.com or $15 at the gate. Group discounts & season tickets available. (734) 408–1627.
Ricarlo Winston: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
May 22 & 23. Rising Muskegon comic and proud “blerd” (Black nerd) whose warm, playful act draws from his life experiences, from growing up with older parents to dealing with thieving cousins. Opening acts TBA. 7:15 (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
“Comedy Night”: Bløm Mead + Cider
“Much Ado About Nothing”: Brevity Shakespeare
Observer Editor
May 22–24 & 29–31. This local acting company performs a 90-minute abridged production of Shakespeare’s high-spirited, sharp-tongued comedy about 2 pairs of young lovers. One couple, both disdainful of love, are tricked into acknowledging each other, while the other couple’s love is nearly ruined by deception and suspicion. The play is best known for its charged sexual banter and for the penetrating wit and dark cast of its humor. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2:30 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Ypsilanti Performance Space, 218 N. Adams, Ypsi. Tickets $15 (students & seniors, $10). Limited capacity; reservations recommended at brevityshakespeare.org.
“Who Can Say?”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
May Comedy Night at Bløm: Bløm
Community Listing
Comedy night is back at Bløm! We're hosting another stand up session from Jacob Barr and his crew. Seats usually sell out, so snag a seat in advance!
Tickets - $10. Includes:
Reserved seat at the comedy show
1 12oz pour of Bløm mead or cider (N/A options available)
100 S 4th Ave Suite 110 ,Ann Arbor. https://www.drinkblom.com/events/comedy-may27 Free; $10 - reserved seat (includes 12oz pour). https://www.drinkblom.com/events/comedy-may27Saturday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Sat. House team Destination Unknown improvises based on a scenario suggested by the audience. Two guest troupes open. Also, on May 2, Love Fools, an improvised dating show with a lineup of strange characters (7:30 p.m., $10; $20 double-header with 8:30 p.m. show). 8:30–9:45 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events, $18 (if available) at the door.
“Let Them Eat Melon”: oW wOw mEow Theater
Observer Editor
Surrealist punk puppet show by this touring duo of puppeteers and “anti-folk” musicians. Set inside both a watermelon and a stomach, the show uses music and puppetry to explore themes of death and decay, the connections between the human body, ecology, and politics, and more. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. 8 p.m., Dreamland Theater, 26 N. Washington, Ypsi. Tickets $10 at the door. facebook.com/theaterdreamland.
“Murder on the Links”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Apr. 2–May 31. David Bendena directs Steven Dietz’s 2023 farce, based on an Agatha Christie whodunit, in which eccentric Belgian detective Hercule Poirot’s newest client is discovered, dead, on a French golf course. A cast of 6 actors embody a plethora of suspects in this high-energy, comic adaptation. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 3 p.m. (Thurs., Sat., & Wed.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). PRT, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
“The Last Wide Open”: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun., May 22–June 14. Diane Hill directs the Michigan premiere of Audrey Cefaly’s “love song in three movements,” a multiverse musical about the romance between a weary waitress and an immigrant dishwasher/musician playing out in several different parallel universes. The time-bending plot asks: what if love is less about destiny and more about timing? 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat., except May 23), and 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 and older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org/season11 & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.
Jazz at Weber’s Habitat: Weber's Boutique Hotel
Community Listing
Jazz at Weber’s Habitat features live jazz every Fri. & Sat. 9–11 p.m. Join us for cozy atmosphere and great live music by local ensembles led by singer-bassist Rob Crozier. Each First Friday of the month features a headline vocalist for a distinctive performance.
Spotlight Saturday May 23rd: Yellowhammer. Retro lounge music, psychedelic exotica, and disco-bebop led by flugelhornist Ross Huff.
Ricarlo Winston: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
May 22 & 23. Rising Muskegon comic and proud “blerd” (Black nerd) whose warm, playful act draws from his life experiences, from growing up with older parents to dealing with thieving cousins. Opening acts TBA. 7:15 (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.