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Events in April 2026
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April 14, 2026
“Free College Week”: WCC
Observer Editor
Apr. 13–18. Presentations, both in person (on Apr. 18) and via Zoom, by WCC instructors on technology, finance, psychology, science, the arts, history, entrepreneurship, health sciences, and other topics. On Apr. 18 only, campus tours, games, registration, and more. Various times, online at wccnet.edu/events/free-college-week.php. Preregistration required. Free. [email protected].
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
Observer Editor
Every Wed., Sun., & Tues. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty; and Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz. Free. & (734) 769–5016 (Wed.) & (734) 929–9022 (Sun. & Tues.). fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
“What Does the Success of New Obesity Medications Tell Us About How Our Body Weight Is Regulated?”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Alfred Gourdji Distinguished Lecture Series
Observer Editor
U-M medicine professor Randy Seeley discusses how GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic work to help individuals lose weight. Third in a series of 4 monthly lectures. 10–11:30 a.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg., Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. $25 (members, $15); $105 (members, $55) for the 4-lecture series in advance at olli-umich.org (create an account) & at the door. First OLLI event, free. Membership, $50 a year. (734) 998–9351.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun., except Apr. 11. 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.
Carillon Concert Series: U-M School of Music
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Fri. through Apr. 21 (different locations). Performances by U-M carillon faculty and students. The carillons are open to visitors during the recitals; earplugs recommended. For a complete schedule see smtd.umich.edu/events. Burton Tower (noon), 230 N. Ingalls; and Lurie Tower (1:20 p.m.), 1230 Murfin. Free. (734) 615–3204.
Noon Lecture Series: U-M Center for Chinese Studies
Observer Editor
Apr. 7, 14, & 21. Talks by visiting scholars.
Apr. 7: “Yuan Architecture: Where Are the Mongols?” University of Pennsylvania East Asian art professor Nancy Steinhardt discusses why 12th-century Chinese didn’t adopt the architecture of the occupying Mongols.
Apr. 14: “Explaining the Sexual Empowerment of Married Women in China.” University of Washington sociology professor Bill Lavely discusses recent changes in Chinese marital roles.
Apr. 21: “Building a Small Hydropower Station in Mao-era China.” Harvard University Chinese history professor Arunabh Ghosh discusses the construction of one of the approximately 90,000 hydropower stations built across China in the 1960s & 70s.
Noon–1 p.m., Weiser Hall, 10th fl., 500 Church St. Livestream available at ii.umich.edu/lrccs. Free. (734) 764–6308.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. 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. (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $9 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].
“Introductory Woodcarving: Simple Rabbits”: Ann Arbor District Library
“Is There a Path Forward? Two Views from the Gaza Border”: U-M Raoul Wallenberg Institute
Observer Editor
Panel discussion with University of Gaza political science professor Mkhaimar Abusada and Hebrew University (Jerusalem) modern history professor Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of a recently released Israeli hostage. 4 p.m., Michigan Union, Anderson Rm. Free. [email protected].
Embroidering with Ribbon: Ann Arbor District Library
Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Apr. 10, 14, 23, & 28. (different times). All invited to work on their own projects using the library’s tools, including soldering equipment and electronic components (Apr. 10), silhouette cutting machines, die cutters, embossers, and button makers (Apr. 14), 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (Apr. 23), and sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (Apr. 28). 5–7:30 p.m. (Apr. 10, 14, & 28) and 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (Apr. 23), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“All That Breathes”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Apr. 14: “All That Breathes” (Shaunak Sen, 2022). Documentary about brothers in New Delhi who rescue and treat injured birds. Followed by a guided discussion about birds on the U-M campus. Hindi, subtitles. FREE. 6 p.m.
“Inside the Local Music Community”: Ann Arbor District Library
“Service Ready: A Story of Love, Restaurants, and the Power of Hospitality”: Zingerman’s Roadhouse
Observer Editor
North Carolina restaurateur Molly Irani, cofounder of the James Beard Award–winning Indian restaurant Chai Pani, is joined by Zingerman’s founder Ari Weinzweig to discuss her new book about running a people-friendly food business. Snacks. 6–8 p.m., 2501 Jackson Ave. (Westgate). $45 in advance at zingermansroadhouse.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 663–3400.
“Tour de Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
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].
“Emerging Writers Workshop: Eight Things Writers Don’t Need”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Local editor Alex Kourvo and young adult novelist Bethany Neal share writing tips. Also, the two host an open writing session at 6:30 p.m. on Apr. 14, and an open house for writers to connect with one another and/or work on their projects at 6:30 p.m. on Apr. 20. 6:30–7:45 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
”Fast Food for Thought”: U-M Food Literacy for All
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.
“Legends of the Lost Ark”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline).
Apr. 12, 14, & 15: “Legends of the Lost Ark” (Stephen Pettit, 2026). Religious documentary that follows an archaeologist as he searches for the Ark of the Covenant. 1:30 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Tues. & Wed.).
“Nights of Cabiria”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Apr. 14: “Nights of Cabiria” (Federico Fellini, 1957). Bittersweet Oscar-winning tale of an optimistic waiflike prostitute who dreams of a better life. Stars the radiantly expressive Giulietta Masina. Italian, subtitles. 7 p.m.
“Sound & Silence”: Canterbury House
“Swarms and Swarm Control”: Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers
Observer Editor
Club president Michael Nardelli discusses the natural process of honeybee swarming—why it happens, how to recognize the signs in overwintered colonies, and what beekeepers can do to manage or prevent it. Q&A for new beekeepers begins at 6:30 p.m. 7–9 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, auditorium, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. a2b2club.org.
Fantasy and Science Fiction/Theory Reading Group: U-M English Department
Observer Editor
All age 21 & over invited to discuss (via Zoom) The Lathe Of Heaven, Ursula K. LeGuin’s 1971 sci-fi classic about an ordinary man in a dystopian future Portland who discovers that his dreams have the ability to alter reality, and the unscrupulous psychiatrist who wants to exploit his gift. 7–9 p.m., For questions, virtual access: [email protected].
Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society
Observer Editor
Every Tues. Singers of all ages and genders invited to join rehearsals of this award-winning a cappella chorus. 7–8:45 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4001 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free to visitors; call ahead or check website (dues for those who join). (734) 796–7467, [email protected], tinyurl.com/hvharmonizers.
Shape Note Singing: Ypsi Shape Note Group
Observer Editor
Apr. 14 & 28. 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., Riverside Arts Center, Off Center bldg., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. riversidearts.org/shape-note-singing-ypsilanti.
Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
Observer Editor
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.
Voices in Harmony
Observer Editor
Every Tues. Women singers invited to join a rehearsal of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. 7–9:30 p.m., UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile, Ypsi. Free to visitors (dues for those who join). (734) 765–3611, [email protected].
“Open Mic at the Freighthouse”: University Musical Society
“The Dream of Gerontius”: Life Sciences Orchestra (LSO) & UMS Choral Union
Observer Editor
LSO music director Nicholas Bromilow conducts this ensemble of musicians from the U-M medical and life sciences staff, joined by the 150-member UMS Choral Union and guest solo vocalists, in Edward Elgar’s rarely performed 1900 oratorio. The music, with lyrics adapted from a poem by John Henry Newman, depicts the journey of a pious man’s soul from his deathbed to his judgment before God and Purgatory. Also, assistant conductor Michael Roest leads the LSO in Benjamin Britten’s folk- and jazz-influenced An American Overture. 7:30 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. ums.org.
Baroque Chamber Orchestra: U-M Music School
Observer Editor
Aaron Berofsky & Joseph Gascho direct this music student ensemble in concerti and symphonies by J.S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach, Vivaldi, and others. Featuring period and replica instruments from the U-M Stearns Collection, including natural horn, Baroque oboe, and Baroque bassoon. 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 608 E. William. Free. (734) 615–3204.
The Janzen Boys: Kerrytown Concert House
Observer Editor
This father-and-sons trio of Winnipeg-based folk-country singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists boasts tight 3-part harmonies that have garnered comparisons to artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Young, and the Barenaked Ladies. 7:30 p.m., 415 N. Fourth Ave. $20–$35 (students, $10–$25) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 769–2999.