Observer Editor
Community Listing
Online Event
Creative Washtenaw Event
Free Event
Donation Suggested
Hybrid Event
Events in January 2026
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
January 18, 2026
Observer Editor
“Ann Arbor Restaurant Week”: Ann Arbor Main Street Area Association
Observer Editor
Jan. 18-23. Participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at affordable prices. Various times. Downtown Ann Arbor. annarborrestaurantweek.com.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“Pop-Up Makerspace: Mini Marble Mazes”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Observer Editor
Jan. 17 & 18. All invited to drop in and create a marble maze. 10 a.m.–noon & 2–4 p.m., AAHOM, 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“From Bean to Bar: The Story of Chocolate”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Observer Editor
As part of Matthaei’s “Eat!” exhibit, Mindo chocolate makers show how chocolate is grown, made, and enjoyed. Followed by a tasting. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Matthaei lobby, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. Preregistration required at mbgna.umich.edu/events. Space is limited. (734) 647–7600.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
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].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Lead Typesetting for Letterpress Printing”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
The Aquarius House print studio owner Liz Isakson-Dado discusses the library’s extensive lead type collection, how to set a proper lockup, and how to create a pressed print of a haiku. This program will take the whole time to complete. Adults only. Noon–4 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
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]
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
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].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Beaded Mothman Keychain”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults & kids grade 5 & up invited to use pony beads to make a moth-shaped keychain. 1–2:30 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”: 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. 18 & 25: “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (Peter Jackson, 2003). Extended version of the conclusion of this fantasy trilogy in which Frodo, Sam, and Gollum overcome many obstacles, including the corrupting influence of the powerful ring they carry, as they travel towards a culminating battle against the evil Sauron. 1 p.m.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Loving Kindness Crafters”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center
Observer Editor
All invited to bring crafts to work on, socialize, and share knowledge. 1:30–2:30 p.m., Jewel Heart, 1129 Oak Valley. Free. [email protected], jewelheart.org.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Growing Orchids: The Basics”: Ann Arbor Orchid Society Monthly Meeting
Observer Editor
Society members discuss how to get started growing orchids. Also, a silent auction, an orchid raffle table, and members show-and-tell. Begins with a brief business meeting. 2–4 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. [email protected].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“Pop-Up Makerspace: Mini Marble Mazes”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Observer Editor
Jan. 17 & 18. All invited to drop in and create a marble maze. 10 a.m.–noon & 2–4 p.m., AAHOM, 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“The Humans”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre
Observer Editor
Jan. 9–11, 16–18. Cassie Mann directs local actors in Stephen Karam’s 2016 Tony-winning one-act play, described by the New York Times as “blisteringly funny, bruisingly sad and altogether wonderful,” about an uncomfortable family Thanksgiving dinner in a shabby basement apartment in New York City’s Chinatown. Recommended for mature audiences. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Civic Theatre, 322 W. Ann. Tickets $20 (seniors, $17; students, $10) at a2ct.org and (if available) at the door. (734) 971-2228.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“The Planets”: Ann Arbor Concert Band
Observer Editor
David Leach leads this local volunteer ensemble in all 7 movements of Gustav Holst’s majestic astrology-inspired The Planets, accompanied by a slide presentation. Composed between 1914 and 1917, each movement is based on the astrological personality of a planet. Because the work is inspired by a fascination with astrology, not astronomy, the Earth is not included and Holst showed no interest in adding Pluto after its discovery. Holst described the work as “a series of mood pictures,” ranging from the pugnacious “Mars, the Bringer of War” to the lighthearted “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity.” 2 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $15 (students & seniors, $10; kids age 13 & under, free) in advance at marquee-arts.org/calendar and at the door. (734) 668–8397, aaband.org.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing”: Spinning Dot Theatre
Observer Editor
Jan. 17 & 18. This company of local actors performs a family-friendly production of award-winning Australian playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer’s fairytale-like 2011 play that combines word, music, and movement to tell the heartfelt story of adventurous triplet girls. 2 p.m., Hear.Say Brewing + Theater, 2350 W. Liberty. Tickets $10 (youth, $5) in advance at heardotsay.com/events and at the door. [email protected].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
Martha Graham Dance Company: University Musical Society
Observer Editor
See 16 Friday. Today: Graham’s classic Appalachian Spring, set to the serene pastoral suite she commissioned from Aaron Copland; her 1930 meditation on grief, Lamentation, to music by Zoltán Kodály; and her Panorama, set to music by Norman Lloyd. Also, a special commission TBA in honor of the company’s anniversary. 2 p.m.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
Martha Graham Dance Company: University Musical Society
Observer Editor
Jan. 16–18. Founded in 1926 and arguably the world’s most renowned modern dance company, this troupe celebrates its 100th anniversary with 3 unique programs focusing on Graham classics, along with a few new works by contemporary choreographers. Each program uses sets by the Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, who partnered with Graham on over 20 works. Tonight: 3 works by Graham include her 1947 Night Journey, which explores the myth of Oedipus from the perspective of his mother and wife Jocasta, set to music by William Schuman; Immediate Tragedy, to music by Christopher Rountree; and Panorama, to music by Norman Lloyd. Also, a special commission TBA in honor of the company’s anniversary. On Jan. 15 (see listing), the authors of a new book of photography about the company sign books at Literati. From Jan. 16–Feb. 8 (see listing, Galleries), an exhibit of paintings inspired by Night Journey appears in the Power Center lobby. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) and 2 p.m. (Sun.), Power Center. Tickets $46–$97 in advance ($15–$20, students) at ums.org & by phone, and (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
Michigame Design Lab Game Playtesting: Bløm Mead + Cider
Observer Editor
All invited to try out new board and card games from local designers and provide feedback. 2–6 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
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].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
Sunday Drop-In Tour: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Observer Editor
Jan. 11, 18, & 25. Docent-led tours exploring ancient superstitions in “Dangers Lurking Around Every Corner” (Jan. 11), “Highlights of the Kelsey Museum” (Jan. 18), and everyday life in ancient Egypt in “Walk With an Egyptian: A Journey Through Time” (Jan. 25). 2–3 p.m., Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Expat Cookbooks: Expressions of Identity and Community While Living Abroad”: Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor
Observer Editor
Ann Arbor book collector Dan Freidus discusses items from his collection of over 1,500 expatriate cookbooks, which provide snapshots of the lives of people living outside their home country at oilfields, church missions, military bases, Peace Corps outposts, and elsewhere. Q&A. 4–5:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Also via YouTube; get URL at culinaryhistoriansannarbor.org or aadl.org/events. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Community Listing
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 734-663-1202.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
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].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M
Observer Editor
Every Sun., except Jan. 4. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including foxtrots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 6 p.m. by beginning lessons and practice. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Union Ballroom. $5 ($10 includes lessons). (734) 763–6984.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“Long Form Improv Jam”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
All improvisers with some experience are invited to be randomly assigned to a team; each group performs a 10–15 minute set. Spectators welcome. 7:30–9:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. Pay what you can at heardotsay.com/events and at the door. [email protected].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal