Observer Editor
Community Listing
Online Event
Creative Washtenaw Event
Free Event
Donation Suggested
Hybrid Event
Events in February 2026
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
February 19, 2026
“Biomedical Research & Technology: Creation, Development, and Applications”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Jan. 29–Feb. 26. Series of 5 weekly talks.
Jan. 29: U-M biomedical engineering professor Paul Cederna on “Cyborgs: The Future is Now.”
Feb. 5: U-M neurosurgery professor Maria Castro on “Advances in Cancer Immunotherapy.”
Feb. 12: U-M bioengineering professor Joseph Potkay on “Groundbreaking Advancements in the Robert H. Bartlett Extracorporeal Life Support Laboratory.”
Feb. 19: U-M Institute for Critical Care Research director Kevin Ward on “The Commercialization of Critical Care Technology.”
Feb. 26: U-M biomedical engineering professor Brian Fowlkes on “Tiny Bubbles: Harnessing Their Power in Medicine.”
10–11:30 a.m., Washtenaw Community College Towsley Auditorium (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $105 (members, $70) for the 5-lecture series. $15 per lecture for members. Membership, $35 a year. (734) 998–9351.
Open Stitching: Embroiderers’ Guild of America
Observer Editor
Stitchers of all abilities and interests are invited to socialize and work on their own projects. 10 a.m.–noon, Panera Bread, 903 W. Eisenhower. Free. [email protected].
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Leveraging AI to Focus on What Really Matters: Women's Exchange of Washtenaw
Community Listing
Most business leaders know AI exists but don't know where to start or which tools to use for what purpose. This practical workshop cuts through the confusion by giving you a clear foundation in AI basics, showing you exactly which tools work best for different business tasks, and teaching you how to get better results through effective prompting.
We'll start with the fundamentals - what AI actually is, how Large Language Models work, and what's available to you right now. Then we'll dive into the practical side: which tool to choose for creative work versus research versus analysis, and how to craft prompts that get you useful results instead of generic responses.
You'll learn a simple framework for communicating with AI tools effectively, address any concerns about integrating AI into your workflow, and leave with a customized AI assistant built specifically for your business needs.
This isn't about replacing human judgment - it's about delegating routine cognitive tasks so you can focus on strategy, relationships, and the uniquely human aspects of leadership that drive real business results.
What You'll Learn:
1. Foundation Knowledge: Understanding of AI basics - what LLMs are, how they work, and the landscape of available tools.
2. Tool Selection Skills: Learn which AI tool is best for what (creative work, research, analysis, etc.) so you can choose the right option for each business task.
3. Practical Prompting: Master a simple framework to get better, more useful results from any AI tool you use.
4. Custom AI Assistant: Build one personalized tool tailored to your specific business needs that you can start using immediately.
1919 S Industrial Hwy ,Ann Arbor, MI, US, 48104. Ready to stop feeling behind and start feeling empowered? Register at wxwbusiness.com Cost: $30 Early-Bird Pricing until Feb 17th, $35 After Feb 17th Ticket includes a delicious lunch.. [email protected] https://wxwbusiness.com/events/leveraging-ai-to-focus-on-what-matters/ 517-257-6858.“We Are Black Jews”: Ann Arbor Jewish Book Series
Observer Editor
Reading and talk (via Zoom) by author Roni Malkai about her new account of the story and history of Beta Israel, the Ethiopian Jewish community. Kosher lunch served. Noon–1 p.m., JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow. $12.50 per person, preregistration required at jlive.app/events/14125. (734) 971–0990, jccannarbor.org.
U-M Center for Japanese Studies Noon Lecture Series
Observer Editor
Feb. 5 & 19. Talks by visiting scholars.
Feb. 5: “Distant Listening: Conceptions of Sound and Language in Japanese Sinitic Poetry.” A talk by Brandeis University East Asian literature professor Matthew Fraleigh on classical Chinese poetry composed by Japanese writers who didn’t necessarily speak Chinese.
Feb. 19: “Remembering the University of Michigan’s Wartime Japanese American Workers.” A talk by University of Southern California history grad student Brad Hammond on how formerly interned Japanese Americans came to work as janitors, cooks, and hospital orderlies at U-M during WWII.
Noon–1:30 p.m., Weiser Hall, 10th fl., 500 Church. Free. (734) 764–6307.
“Division Street Pipes”: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
“Winter Welcome”: International Neighbors
Observer Editor
Area women invited to enjoy tea and light snacks while learning about the organization and its various special interest, language, and hobby groups. International Neighbors is a 66-year-old group of local women who welcome women from other countries. Kids welcome. 1–2:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty. Free. inannarbor.org.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) and a 499er game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. $9 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].
“A2Zero Clothing Swap”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations
Observer Editor
All invited to bring in up to 10 washed and in-good-condition clothing items and accessories and find new-to-them treasures to take home. You can take clothing without bringing anything, or bring clothing without taking anything. 4–7 p.m., Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., 2nd fl. in City Council chambers. Free. osi.a2gov.org/swapdays.
“Third Thursdays at the Library”: U-M Library
Observer Editor
Monthly open house featuring rotating highlights from the library’s Special Collections Research Center, maps from the Clark Library, and items from other collections. Curators on hand to answer questions. 6th fl.: “Homerathon.” Manuscripts and early printed editions of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. 4th fl.: “Mushi no Utaawase Emaki Scroll.” Display of a portion of a 56-foot-long 19th-century Japanese picture scroll. 2nd fl.: “Go for Gold! Snowy Maps for the Winter Olympics.” Maps and atlases that feature snow sports like skiing and snowmobiling, along with maps of Olympic venues from years past. 1st fl.: “From Itsy Bitsy Spider to Anansi: Tales and Nursery Rhymes Around the World.” Display of nursery rhymes, poems, and songs used to teach children language and impart cultural values and beliefs. 4–6 p.m., Hatcher Library, enter from the Diag. Free. (734) 936–2309.
Collegiate Professorship Inaugural Lectures: U-M College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Observer Editor
Short talks by U-M scholars recently appointed to collegiate professorships, including ecology and evolutionary biology professor Meghan A. Duffy on "How Ecological Interactions Influence Infectious Diseases," psychology and statistics professor Richard D. Gonzalez on "From Invariance to Insight: A Michigan Approach to Modeling Behavior," and Psychology and Neuroscience professor Patricia A. Reuter-Lorenz on "Aging as a Life’s Work: Resilience and Compensation to Counter Cognitive Decline."
4–5:30 p.m., Weiser Hall, 10th fl., 500 Church, or online at https://umich.zoom.us/j/
“Natural Skin Care”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation
Observer Editor
City environmental educator Eleva Potter leads adults age 18 & up in making hand salve and lip balm using natural ingredients (provided). 5–7 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Free, preregistration required (space limited) at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected].
“Creative Consciousness & Spiritual Practice”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series
Observer Editor
Performance artist and sculptor vanessa german discusses her work, in which she uses an array of materials from crystals to beads to wood to create large-scale installations that “transmit healing energy.” Her pieces are inspired by African precolonial traditions. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671.
“A Place for Politics, Protest, & Performance: Exploring the Hidden Histories of Hill Auditorium”: U-M Bentley Historical Library
Observer Editor
Members of the Hill Auditorium Research Team of the U-M’s Inclusive History Projects discuss an array of historic speeches, concerts, and protests that occurred there, both welcomed and opposed by the university community. 6–7:30 p.m., Detroit Observatory, 1398 E. Ann. Preregistration required at detroitobservatory.umich.edu. Livestream available. Free. (734) 764–3523.
“Make Your Own Trading Card Game Cards”: Ann Arbor District Library
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, or any other item they’d like to try to repair or repurpose with the help and guidance of AHA members. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., AHA, basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Livestream available at meetup.com/allhandsactive/events. Free; donations welcome. [email protected].
“The Gentleman’s Gambit”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Book Club
Observer Editor
All invited to join a discussion of Evie Dunmore’s 2023 historical romance about a young Victorian suffragette who falls for a dashing archaeologist. 6–7 p.m., Kelsey Museum, rm. 125, 434 S. State. Preregistration required; see bit.ly/kelseybookclubdfeb26. $20 (students, $10). (734) 764–9304.
Bad Decisions Track Club
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m. Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Observer Editor
Every Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Sat. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), an interval-based training run (Tues.), or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi; 6 p.m. (Tues.) & 7 a.m. (Sat.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; and 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
Themed Trivia: Rom Coms: HOMES Campus
Community Listing
Think you know your Rom Coms? Assemble your trivia team and join us for a post-Valentine's Day Romantic Comedy themed trivia night!
Trivia is free to play with two rounds at 6 and 7pm. Play trivia, win prizes.
Pro tip: arrive early and order Campo Pizza!
112 Jackson Plaza ,Ann Arbor. $0. https://www.homescampus.com/campusevents"Bury Me at Taylor Hollow" - Documentary and Conversation about Conservation Burial Grounds: Jeremiah Commons
Community Listing
Join us in person for a heartfelt documentary (55 min) exploring the origins of Larkspur Conservation Cemetery, a conservation burial ground in Nashville, TN. Afterwards, we'll discuss this eco-friendly, meaningful, and affordable approach to laying loved ones to rest, and Jeremiah Commons' efforts to bring a conservation burial ground and land commons to southern Michigan. Doors open at 6 pm, screening starts at 6:30. Conversation to follow.
New Harvest Church, 11875 Jackson Rd., Dexter, MI 48130 ,Lima Township. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bury-me-at-taylor-hollow-documentary-about-conservation-burial-tickets-1978296811016?aff=oddtdtcreator Free. [email protected] www.jeremiahcommons.org 517-879-7829.Jeremiah Commons
Observer Editor
New Harvest Church, 11875 Jackson Rd., Dexter. Snacks. jeremiahcommons.org. Free, but preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/taylorhollow-2-19-26.
Feb. 19: “Bury Me at Taylor Hollow” (Orion Pahl, 2020). One-hour documentary about mortician John Christian Phifer, who left the conventional funeral industry to establish a natural burial ground in Nashville (TN). Doors open at 6 p.m. Followed by discussion. 6:30–8 p.m.
William D. Lopez & Paul J. Fleming: Schuler Books
Observer Editor
These U-M public health professors discuss their new books. Lopez’s Raiding the Heartland: An American Story of Deportation and Resistance looks at the effects of workplace immigration raids on migrant communities. Fleming’s Imagine Doing Better: Why Policies Backfire and How Prevention Thinking Can Change Everything examines flawed assumptions in policymaking. Signing. 6:30 p.m., SB, Westgate shopping center. Free; preregistration requested at schulerbooks.com/events-ann-arbor. (734) 662–0600.
“Defying Gravity: A Tribute to the Music of Stephen Schwartz”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Feb. 19–22. An ensemble of local musicians performs songs written by composer-lyricist Schwartz for the hit musicals Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, and others. In a career spanning over 5 decades, Schwartz has earned 3 Grammy Awards, 3 Academy Awards, and a Golden Globe. His oeuvre includes such well-known songs as “Day by Day,” “Defying Gravity,” “When You Believe,” “Simple Joys,” and more. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $34–$56 in advance at theencoretheatre.org (with $4 fee) and (if available) at the door (no fee). (734) 268–6200.
“Greenhouse Dance Performance”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Observer Editor
Site-specific dance in the conservatory choreographed by U-M dance and environmental studies student Kaitlyn Wilson. Standing room only. 7–7:40 p.m., MBG, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free. Seating available if requested in advance from [email protected]. Metered parking. mbgna.umich.edu/events.
“Linda Linda Linda”: State Theatre
Observer Editor
Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 and older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Feb. 19: “Linda Linda Linda” (Nobuhiro Yamashita, 2005). Catchy comedy-drama about four teenage girls who form a band to cover songs by the Japanese punk rock band the Blue Hearts. Sponsored by the U-M Center for Japanese Studies. Japanese, subtitles. Free. 7 p.m.
“Melodies & Morsels: Italy”: Kerrytown Concert House
Observer Editor
Part of a new KCH music and food culture series in collaboration with Zingerman’s Deli. Guided by a Zingerman’s food and wine expert, attendees sample a curated tasting of Italian foods and wines with live accompaniment from Cleveland-based sextet Alla Boara, led by vocalist Amanda Powell and drummer-composer Anthony Taddeo, performing original compositions and jazz-inflected arrangements of Italian folk songs. 7 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $40–$60 (students, $30–$50) in advance only at kerrytownconcerthouse.com. (734) 769–2999.
“Proof”: EMU Theatre Department
Observer Editor
Feb. 19–22. Meriah Sage directs EMU drama students in David Auburn’s 2000 Pulitzer-winning drama about love and reconciliation. The play follows a woman, her sister, and an unexpected suitor who appears after their mathematician father’s death. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), EMU Sponberg Theatre, 124 Judy Sturgis Hill Bldg., 1030 E. Circle Dr., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (seniors, $15; students, $12; kids 6–12, $7) in advance at emich.ludus.com, at the box office (10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri.), and (if available) at the door. (734) 487–2282.
Detroit Irish Music Association Seisiún
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. All invited to join members of this local chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for an informal evening playing traditional Irish music on various instruments. Lessons offered. 7–9 p.m., Grace Church, main bldg., 3150 Glazier Way. Free. [email protected], detroitirishmusic.org.
General Meeting: Ann Arbor Ski Club
Observer Editor
All invited to learn about the club’s ski, snowboard, and snowshoe outings and other social activities. Also, a session of musical bingo followed by dancing to music spun by a DJ. Must be 21 or older. 7–10 p.m., UA Local 190 Hall, 7920 Jackson Rd. $10 (members, free). [email protected].
Pitch-A-Friend @ hear.say brewing + theater: Pitch-A-Friend Ann Arbor & hear.say brewing + theater
Community Listing
Pitch-A-Friend is a free, in-person event where friends give a 3-5 minute presentation about their amazing single friends to a live audience in a unique mashup of trivia night energy and matchmaking vibes. After the presentations, stick around for our Single Mingle Mixer! Sign up to pitch at pitch-a-friend.com/annarbor/signup
hear.say brewing + theater, 2350 W Liberty St ,Scio Township. Free. [email protected] pitch-a-friend.com/annarborTom Thakkar: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Feb. 19–21. Brooklyn-based comic known for his engaging observational humor that takes on such topics as being banned from Twitter, and his experiences being a poor, chubby Indian kid in southern Indiana, and being raised by a hard-working, Red Lobster–managing mom. Opening acts TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), AACS, 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Thurs., $15) at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
“Doubt: A Parable”: P.T.D. Productions
Observer Editor
Feb. 12–15 & 18–21. Local actors perform John Patrick Shanley’s award-winning 2006 drama, later adapted into a film, about a Mother Superior who must decide whether to trust her instincts when she suspects the school priest of having sexual relations with a student or to believe his claims of innocence. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (students, seniors, & active military, $15) in advance at ptdproductions.com and at the door. (734) 483–7345.
“The Classic King”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Jan. 29–Mar. 8. Purple Rose founder Jeff Daniels directs the world premiere of Michigan playwright Richard Johnson’s poignant comedy about three veteran used car salesmen at a Metro Detroit dealership, struggling to cope with a changing industry and customers who are digital natives. When a sharp Gen Z salesman joins the team, he proposes a daring scheme to save the dealership—and its “dinosaur” salesmen—from extinction. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), & 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $30–$60 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org & by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available. (734) 433–7673.
“The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum of Charenton Under the Direction of the Marquis de Sade”: U-M Theatre Department
Observer Editor
Feb. 19–22. Malcolm Tulip directs drama students in Peter Weiss’s celebrated 1966 play exploring the limits of politics and the incorrigible perversity of human nature. Set almost entirely as a play within a play, the plot uses the demise of the radical proto-socialist French Revolutionary to fashion an impassioned, often brutally sardonic critique of human aspirations for a better world. Recommended for ages 16 & up. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Power Center. Tickets $29–$35 (students, $16) in advance at smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764-0583.
Baroque Chamber Orchestra: U-M Music School
“Chungking Express”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Film screenings every day. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 and older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Feb. 19: “Chungking Express” (Wong Kar-wai, 1994). Acclaimed anthology romantic crime comedy-drama about two lovesick Hong Kong policemen, each obsessing about his relationship with an unobtainable woman. Cantonese & Mandarin, subtitles. 8 p.m.
Battle of the Bands: U-M Music Matters
Community Listing
Student and local bands will compete on stage at LIVE Nightclub in Ann Arbor, showcasing emerging talent.
ANN ARBOR, MI - February 2, 2026
Join us for an evening of live music as student and local bands take the stage for MUSIC Matters’ annual Battle of the Bands. This year’s lineup will include bands such as Grenadine, Rosehill, Wisdom Drive, and 998,805 Beers, creating a diverse showcase of music and talent. The lineup spans pop, funk, folk, rock and more, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Battle of the Bands will take place on Thursday, February 19th at LIVE Nightclub, located at 102 S 1st St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Doors will open at 7:00PM and music starts at 8:00PM.
About MUSIC Matters
MUSIC Matters (MUSIC being an acronym for Michigan Undergrads Serving in the Community) is a student-run non-profit organization at the University of Michigan that aims to use the unifying power of music to drive social impact in their community. Every year, they host various concerts and social ventures dedicated to celebrating music and fostering a sense of community within Ann Arbor.