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Events in January 2026
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January 27, 2026
Observer Editor,
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
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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.
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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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“Rapping Minority-ness: Rap as Vernacular Theory in China”: U-M Center for Chinese Studies Noon Lecture Series
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Talk by U-M Chinese studies grad student Dendi Tso. Noon–1 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. (734) 764–6308.
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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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Gian Bernini: Ann Arbor District Library Art History in the Afternoon
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Local art historian Kathy Gunderson discusses the life and work of this 17th-century Italian sculptor, architect, painter, and city planner. 2–3:15 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Can We Move from October 7 to Peacemaking?”: U-M Raoul Wallenberg Institute
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Panel discussion with Israeli political scientist Shai Feldman and Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research director Khalil Shikaki. 4 p.m., Rackham Amphitheatre. Free. [email protected].
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Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club
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Every Tues. All invited to play the classic word game, using the 5th-edition Scrabble dictionary. Bring your own set, if you like. 4–7 p.m., Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsi. Free. meetup.com/ann-arbor-scrabble-meetup.
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Observer Editor,
“Conquer the Cold Midpoint Mixer”: Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority
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All invited to socialize and get strategies for year-round transportation options. Part of a local cold weather commuting challenge that runs Jan. 12–Feb. 12. 5–7 p.m., Detroit Street Filling Station, 300 Detroit St. Free. Preregistration encouraged at conquerthecold.org.
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Community Listing
Museums in Time of Polycrisis: The Promise of Cultural Institutions: U-M Museum Studies
Community Listing
As a global polycrisis continues to impact modern day life, perhaps no other institution is experiencing the impact of rapid change more than the American museum. In this talk, Dr. Moore will identify and name the challenges to museums and the impact on visitors, communities, and museum professionals. What is the value of the museum in the 21st century? How can those who love museums fight back to preserve the positive benefits of museums as these institutions work hard to preserve memory, archive human activity, and work to tell inclusive, truthful, and powerful stories? Dr. Moore will outline the promise of cultural institutions and discuss how we need museums now more than ever to help us make meaning of our lives, create places of respite and refuge, and foster welcoming for all communities; especially those with histories of oppression and marginalization.
Dr. Porchia Moore is the Associate Director of the Center for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship and Associate Professor and Director of Museum Studies at the University of Florida. She is the Co-Director of the international collaboratory, The Incluseum, and the co-founder of the Visitors of Color Project. Her scholarship examines the relationship between digital technologies, race, identity, and communities.
Sponsored by the U-M Museum Studies Program, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum, and Department of Afroamerican and African Studies
5670 Haven Hall ,Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] https://ummsp.rackham.umich.edu/ 734-936-6678.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
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“Intro to Laser Engraving: Hand-Drawn Designs”: Ann Arbor District Library
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Adults & teens invited to use a laser cutter to turn their own hand-drawn design into a laser engraving. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Collage and Chill”: Dzanc House
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Jan. 13 & 27. All invited to make collages. Supplies provided, but bring your own if you like. 6–8 p.m., Dzanc House, 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Free; donations accepted. dzanchouse.org.
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“New Initiatives for a New Year: Paving a Path for Sustainability Progress in 2026”: City of Ann Arbor Sustainability Forum
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Office of Sustainability & Innovations representatives discuss new sustainability initiatives, programs, and commitments coming to Ann Arbor in 2026. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 794–6000, a2gov.org/sustainability.
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Community Listing
Adult & Child: Do You Want to Build a Cookie?: Ann Arbor Public Schools Rec & Ed
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Bundle up and join us for a sweet winter cookie decorating class! ⛄🍪
In this hands-on class, parents and kids will learn simple icing techniques and work together to decorate adorable snowman-themed cookies. All supplies are provided — just bring your creativity and get ready to have snow much fun decorating side by side!
Community Education & Recreation, 1515 S. Seventh St. ,Ann Arbor. https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/aareced/activity/search/detail/64244?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true $59.00. [email protected] aarecedonline.com (734) 994-2300 ext. 0.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
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Every Thurs., Sat., Mon., & Tues. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.), either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.), or an interval-based training run (Tues.). 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower; 7 a.m. (Sat.) & 6 p.m. (Tues.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; and 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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“Tour de Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
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Every Tues. 20- to 35-mile ride along Chelsea-area dirt roads. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6:15 p.m., meet at Aberdeen Bike, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Free. For each week’s route, email [email protected].
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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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“A Half-Century of Recovery Efforts”: Michigan Botanical Society
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Retired Michigan Tech environmental science professor Terry L. Sharik, a U-M grad, discusses efforts aimed at the recovery of the endangered Virginia round-leaf birch (Betula uber). Q&A. 7 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens Auditorium, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. michiganbotanicalsociety.org/huron-valley-chapter.
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Community Listing
Dips & Spreads for your Super Bowl (or any) Party! (Milan Public Library): Milan Public Library
Community Listing
Keegan C. Rodgers, owner of The Lakehouse Bakery in Chelsea, leads this lively talk on how to get started or up your dip and spread game! Learn about the basics of making a good dip or spread from bases like yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream and avocado to riffs on hummus, sour cream and onion, seven-layer dip and more! Call Milan Public Library, at (734) 439-1240, to reserve your spot.
The Center, 45 Neckle Ct. ,Milan, MI 48160. Free. [email protected] https://milanlibrary.org/ (734) 439-1240.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
Shape Note Singing: Ypsi Shape Note Group
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Jan. 13 & 27. All invited to join an afternoon of shape note, or sacred harp singing, an early American form of hymn singing that uses musical notation with distinct shapes to make learning easier. Loaner songbooks available. No experience required. 7–9 p.m., RAC, Off Center bldg., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. riversidearts.org/shape-note-singing-ypsilanti.
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Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
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Every Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught and prompted; no complicated steps, and no partner or experience needed. Bring clean, flat, nonslip shoes and your own water bottle. First-timers asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Suggested donation: $8–$12 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country.
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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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“Comedy Gauntlet”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
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Every Tues. Ninety-second sets by each of 16 area stand-up comics, advancing tournament-style until a winner is decided. Followed at 9 p.m. by “Say What?” Comedy Open Mic hosted by local comics Ned Rice and Jeff Teed. All 18 & up invited to sign up for 6-minute sets. 8 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at crowdwork.com/e/comedy-gauntlet, $18 (if available) at the door. 9 p.m. show, free. [email protected].
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Crafty Hour: Bløm Mead + Cider
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Every Tues. All invited to bring and work on their non-messy crafting projects (knitting, collage, etc.). 8–10 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. $1 off all 12-oz. pours. (734) 548–9729.
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