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Events in January 2026
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January 23, 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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Lane 9 Women’s Running Group
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Every Fri. All men & women invited to join this women-focused running group on a 3-mile loop run. All paces (including walking) welcome. 6:45 a.m., meet outside Argus Farm Stop, 1600 Packard. Free, preregistration required by emailing [email protected]. lane9project.org.
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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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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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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
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Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri., except Jan. 2. 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].
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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
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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.
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D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
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Every Fri. All invited to play the current official campaign of the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game, using 5th-edition rules. Kids under 13 must have parent or guardian accompaniment. 6–10 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended at sylvanfactory.com/events. (734) 929–5877.
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“Euchre Change a Life!”
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Every Fri., except Jan. 2. Five-game euchre tournament. Sign up with a partner, or get paired with one by the organizers. Prizes. Proceeds benefit Haitian children via Haitian Christian Outreach. 6:30–9 p.m., HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plz. $15 (HOMES community members, $10). [email protected].
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“Friday Night AI: Deepfakes, AI, and the Future of Trust”: U-M Artificial Intelligence Lab/Ann Arbor District Library
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U-M AI Lab faculty discuss the implications of recent advances that have made it easier to generate convincing synthetic audio and video. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200, ai.engin.umich.edu/events/friday-night-ai.
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“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”: Fathom Entertainment
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(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. 16 & 23: “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (Peter Jackson, 2001). Extended version of the first of the epic adventure movie trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic 3-volume fantasy series concerning a humble hobbit trying to save the world of Middle-earth by destroying the one ring of power. 6:30 p.m. (Ann Arbor 20) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).
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Candlelight Concert: Kalkaska String Quartet
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Jan. 23 & 30 (different programs). This Detroit-based ensemble presents candlelight concerts. Tonight: “A Tribute to Queen and the Beatles” (6:30 p.m.) features instrumental arrangements of music by these two popular rock bands; and “A Tribute to Coldplay and Imagine Dragons” (8:45 p.m.), highlights arrangements of music by these 2 early 21st-century rock bands. Age 8 & up. 6:30 & 8:45 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. $28–$62 per show. Preregistration required at feverup.com/en/ann-arbor/candlelight.
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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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“Half His Age”: Literati Bookstore
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Writer and former child actor Jennette McCurdy, author of the bestselling memoir about her relationship with her overbearing mother, I’m Glad My Mom Died, discusses her debut novel, a poignant yet funny character study of a 17-year-old girl in love with her creative writing teacher. 7 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Tickets $38 (includes a signed copy of the book) in advance at literatibookstore.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 585-5567.
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“Melodies & Morsels: France”: Kerrytown Concert House
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The first of a new KCH music and food culture series in collaboration with Zingerman’s Deli. Guided by a Zingerman’s French food and wine expert, attendees sample a tasting box of three French nibbles paired with an assortment of French wines, while veteran Ludington ensemble Third Coast Swing featuring violinist Grant Flick explores the music of swing-era Gypsy jazz from Django Reinhardt’s Hot Club of France. With guitarists Steve and Kaedin Plummer, and bassist Tom Knific. 7 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $40–$60 (students, $30–$50) in advance only by Jan. 20 at kerrytownconcerthouse.com. (734) 769–2999.
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Love is the Devil: Cluster Museum Film Series: Cluster Museum
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CLUSTER Museum Film Series kicks off with 1998’s Love is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon, directed by John Mayberry, with a post Q&A with journalist and MI NPR Stateside radio host April Baer.
Set in the 1960’s NYC art scene, Love is the Devil is a portrait of famed British painter Francis Bacon and his complex relationship with a small time thief & subsequent lover, George Dyer. With music by Ryuichi Sakamoto, the film offers a glimpse into the 1960’s high Art world of parties, drugs, and lives un-separated from Art as Bacon’s career blossoms and Dyer descends into manipulation and jealousy.
THEN stay for a post-Q&A with pop culture & film enthusiast, reporter April Baer.
Sliding scale donation $5-$10 at the door.
BYOB/Drink + free popcorn.
Love is the Devil is rated R, best for ages 16+ years.
307 N. Main St. ,Ann Arbor. donation at the door donation. [email protected] www.clustermuseum.org/eventsAdd this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
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Louis Katz: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
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Jan. 22–24. Highly regarded veteran L.A. comic with a dark, self-deprecating style that has been described as “cerebral filth.” Opening act TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Thurs., $15) at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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Free
“From Countryside to Concert Hall”: Telegraph Quartet (U-M Music School)
Free
This acclaimed San Francisco–based chamber ensemble, currently U-M music school artists-in-residence, performs a program of works that incorporate elements of folk music, including Haydn’s String Quartet in C Major, contemporary American composer Derrick Skye’s American Mirror, Part 1, and Béla Bartók’s String Quartet no. 2. 7:30 p.m., U-M Walgreen Drama Center Stamps Auditorium, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Free. (734) 763–2538.
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Friday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
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Every Fri. Performance by Eleven Non-Blondes, a house team of experienced improvisers. 7:30–9 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events, $18 (if available) at the door. [email protected].
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“Friends of Dorothy”: Out Loud Chorus
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Jan. 23 & 24. Dusty Francis directs this 135-member volunteer chorus for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their friends, in a program telling the story of L. Frank Baum’s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from a queer perspective. The program includes songs from Broadway and Hollywood, choral music, and pop songs ranging from Elton John to Katy Perry. Accompaniment by pianist Casey Baker. 8–10 p.m., Lincoln High School, 7425 Willis Rd., Ypsi. Tickets $23 (students, seniors, or anyone in need, $15) in advance at olconline.org/events and at the door. Livestream available for $25. (734) 265–0740.
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“Pop-Up Comedy”: Don’t Tell Comedy Show
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Both the lineup of stand-up comics and the location are not revealed until the day of the show. Age 21+. Drinks for sale. 8 p.m. (doors open 30 minutes before showtime), Burns Park neighborhood indoor location. Tickets $30 in advance only at donttellcomedy.com/cities/ann-arbor.
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Billy King: Rancho Tranquilico
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House concert by this veteran local singer-songwriter guitarist who plays catchy, blues-inflected folk-rock with direct and thoughtful lyrics. 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.), 11300 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. Park along the driveway. $25 in advance only (space limited) via Venmo at william-king-673 & PayPal at [email protected]. (734) 223–2321, [email protected].
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U-M Men’s Basketball
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Game vs. USC. The U-M also plays home games this month vs. Wisconsin (Jan. 10, 1 or 2 p.m., sold out), Indiana (Jan. 20, 7 p.m.), Ohio State (Jan. 23, 8 p.m., sold out), & Nebraska (Jan. 27, 7 p.m.). 7 p.m., Crisler Center. Tickets from $33 in advance at mgoblue.com. (734) 764–0247.
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“Tree Town Stand-Up Showcase”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
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Performances by 6 area stand-up comics TBA. 9–10:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events and $18 (if available) at the door. [email protected].
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Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
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Every Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience required. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 and 8 p.m. by hour-long lessons. Followed by a “late night blues-&-fusion” dance. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Fridays include a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., RAC, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.
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“Bad Boys II”: Michigan Theater
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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.
Jan. 23: “Bad Boys II” (Michael Bay, 2003). Action comedy starring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith as Miami detectives. 9:30 p.m.
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