Observer Editor
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Events in May 2026
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May 8, 2026
Commuter Challenge 2026: GetDowntown Ann Arbor
Observer Editor
May 8, 14, & 19. Various events to encourage commuters to choose sustainable transportation (walking, biking, carpooling, and public transit) over travel by single occupancy car. On “Bike to Wherever Day” (May 8, 7–10 a.m.), pop-up commuter stations all over town offer free food, drinks, games, and more to bikers. At the “Carpool Connect Mixer” (May 14, 5–7 p.m., Venue, 1919 South Industrial), all are invited to meet potential carpool partners and enjoy appetizers. At the “Get to Know Transit Lunch” (May 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Neutral Zone, 310 E. Washington), all are invited to have lunch and learn about transit options. Various times & locations. Free, preregistration requested at getdowntown.org/events.
Beginning Birders Series: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
Observer Editor
Every Fri., except May 29. Club member Gaia Stanley leads a hike through the Arb to observe and identify birds commonly found in town. All welcome, but geared towards birders with no experience. Bring binoculars if you have them. 9–11 a.m., U-M Arboretum, meet at the Dow Prairie entrance at Riverview Dr. Free. washtenawbna.org.
“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Delhi Metro Park parking lot (left of the tollbooth), E. Delhi Rd. off Huron River Dr. Free. [email protected].
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. 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.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
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.). Free. [email protected].
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (noon) follows an intrepid Dolichorhynchops osborni (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history; The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores 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.) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence). Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $8 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
“Midday Morsel Drop-in Tour”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Fri., Tues., & Thurs. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri. & Tues.) 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].
“Springtime Invitational Competition”: Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club
Observer Editor
May 14–17: Skaters from beginners to seniors compete in freestyle, ice dance, pairs, and showcase categories. Also, in preparation for the competition, AAFSC skaters exhibit their solo ice dance routines (May 8, 4:15 p.m.–7:05 p.m.) and their freestyle routines (May 12, 6:15 p.m.–8:05 p.m.). 9 a.m.–8 p.m. (May 14–16) & 9 a.m.–noon (May 17), Ann Arbor Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley Dr. Free. (734) 213–6768.
“Intro to Laser Engraving: Engraving Hand-Drawn Designs”: Ann Arbor District Library
Tony Pinnell: Argus Farm Stop Packard Cafe
Observer Editor
May 8 & 15. Versatile local singer-guitarist with country-rock roots who plays an eclectic mix of acoustic rock, indie pop-folk, and world music covers. Featuring guest vocalist Lizzie Randolph. 5:30–7 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. Tips welcome. (734) 997–5448, argusfarmstop.com/events-1.
“Tyler, the Creator’s Hip-Hop Revolution: Transmedia Journeys Beyond Gangsta”: Ann Arbor District Library
“Upcycled Mini Journals”: Ann Arbor District Library
D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
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., 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
“Euchre Change a Life!”
Observer Editor
May 8 & 22. Five-game euchre tournament. Sign up with a partner, or get paired with one by the organizers. Prizes. Food and beverages available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Haitian children via Haitian Christian Outreach. 6:30–9 p.m., HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plz. $15 (HOMES members, $10). [email protected], tinyurl.com/a2euchrechange.
“Wombat Waiting”: Ann Arbor District Library/Literati Bookstore
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.
“A Tribute to Billie Holiday”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
May 7–10. An ensemble of local musicians performs songs by jazz great Holiday, whose vocal style, strongly influenced by jazz instrumentalists, inspired a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. Although she was primarily known as a vocalist, she wrote or co-authored many of her most iconic songs, including “God Bless the Child,” “Don’t Explain,” “Fine and Mellow,” and “Lady Sings the Blues.” 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $34–$56 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & at the door. (734) 268–6200.
“Little Buddha”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center
Observer Editor
1129 Oak Valley Dr. Concessions. jewelheart.org. (734) 994–3387. Free.
May 8: “Little Buddha” (Bernardo Bertolucci, 1994). Gorgeously shot drama about a Tibetan monk who believes a Seattle boy is the reincarnation of a great Buddhist teacher, interspersed with the story of the Buddha’s life. Keanu Reeves, Chris Isaak, Bridget Fonda. Discussion follows. 7 p.m.
“The Sonic Temple”: Crazy Wisdom Bookstore
Halfway to Halloween Expo
Observer Editor
May 8 & 9. Horror-themed craft show with over 140 vendors offering a wide variety of scary holiday decorations, art, costumes, prints, jewelry, taxidermy, and custom pieces. Entertainment includes a haunted house, live performances TBA, and a hearse show. Food & drink for sale. Costumes encouraged. Friday 18+ only; Saturday all ages. 7–11 p.m. (Fri.) & noon–7 p.m. (Sat.), Washtenaw Farm Council grounds buildings, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Tickets $10–$25 (kids 12 & under, free) at halfwaytohalloweenmi.com & at the door.
Kelly Collette: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
May 8 & 9. Mother’s Day–themed show from this Cincinnati comic and writer whose act covers such “girly” topics as weddings, shopping, and Botox mishaps. Opening acts TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $21 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
“The Hound of the Baskervilles”: PTD Productions
Observer Editor
May 7–10 & 13–16. Local actors perform Tim Kelly’s drama based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Holmes novel in which the brilliant, enigmatic sleuth and his loyal sidekick Dr. Watson travel to the English countryside, where the locals believe a mythic hound is fulfilling an ancient family curse. 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 & at the door. (734) 483–7345.
“Where East Meets West”: Kerrytown Concert House
Observer Editor
Pianist Yuki Mack and Xiao Dong Wei, who plays the traditional Chinese 2-string erhu fiddle, present a program of Western classical music through an Eastern lens and traditional Chinese melodies. With works by Wei Zhou, Vittorio Monti, Gang Chen, Massimiliano Messieri, Franz Liszt, Tianhua Liu, and Wenjin Liu. 7:30 p.m., 415 N. Fourth Ave. $30–$40 (students, $20–$30) in advance online & (if available) at the door. (734) 769–2999, kerrytownconcerthouse.com.
Livingston Taylor: Green Wood Coffee House Series at Grace Church
Observer Editor
Veteran singer-songwriter, brother of James, whose diverse musical output over six decades has remained consistently sweet-tempered, emotionally direct, buoyant, laid-back, and occasionally very humorous. Openers: Alice Howe & Freebo, duo composed of singer-guitarist Howe, who blends soulful vocals with poetic lyrics; and fretless bass player Freebo, best known for his ten years as bassist for Bonnie Raitt. 7:30 p.m., 3150 Glazier Way. Suggested donation $30 in advance at greenwoodcoffeehouse.org & at the door. (734) 645–0944.
“Apple Blossom Bliss”: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
Observer Editor
May 8–10. A weekend of contra dancing to live music and workshops. Tonight: Gaye Fifer and Sam Smith call to music by Big Fun and Stringrays. Bring clean shoes for dancing. 8–11 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. $130 (weekend pass, including Sat. meals), $40 (Fri.), $75 (Sat., including meals), $25 or pay what you can (Sat. 7 p.m.–late night), & $30 (Sun.) in advance (encouraged) at aactmad.org/appleblossombliss & at the door. (734) 695–0225, [email protected].
“Femme Feedback” Comedy Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
“Murder on the Links”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Apr. 2–May 31. David Bendena directs Steven Dietz’s 2023 farce, based on an Agatha Christie whodunit, in which eccentric Belgian detective Hercule Poirot’s newest client is discovered, dead, on a French golf course. A cast of 6 actors embody a plethora of suspects in this high-energy, comic adaptation. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 3 p.m. (Thurs., Sat., & Wed.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). PRT, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
“The Patio Prom”: Neighborhood Theatre Group
Observer Editor
May 8–10 & 15–17. Marisa Dluge directs local actors in the premiere of local playwright A.M. Dean’s new one-act comedy. It’s about a group of outdoor furniture salespeople pushed to the brink of insanity when the Chicago Merchandise Mart, where they are holding a conference, is locked down—forcing them to survive a night of chaos, debauchery, and poorly thought-out revenge plans. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington, Ypsi. Tickets $15 (students, $12) in advance at ticketstripe.com/thepatioprom & (if available) at the door. ntgypsi.org.
Iron & Wine: Live Nation/The Ark
Observer Editor
The stage name of Samuel Ervin Beam, a North Carolina–based singer-songwriter known for his soulful, delicate vocals and melancholic lyrics that explore the passage of time and the nature of love. Iron & Wine’s brand-new album, Hen’s Teeth, offers a lusher, more expansive sound than his earlier stripped-down records, particularly on a pair of standout songs featuring the all-female Americana group I’m With Her. The album “suggests the heyday of Laurel Canyon without quite conjuring any hippie ghosts,” writes one Pitchfork reviewer. “His touch remains too subtle and tasteful to succumb to the temptations of revivalism, yet there’s a distinctly welcoming and wistful breeze wafting through the record.” Opener: Improvement Movement, an Atlanta Americana quartet whose sound is reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. 8 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $51–$101 in advance at (800) 745–3000, ticketmaster.com, & (if available) at the door.
Mike Ward: 9 Live House Concert
Observer Editor
Performance by this veteran Detroit folk-rock singer-songwriter whose lyric-driven and heartfelt songs are influenced by everybody from the Clancy Brothers to Dylan, John Prine, and Bruce Springsteen. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. 8 p.m., somewhere in the Normal Park neighborhood, Ypsi (for exact location and other details email Diane at [email protected]). $20 cash at the door, exact change.
“Telescope Observing”: U-M Detroit Observatory
Observer Editor
Every Fri. All invited to drop in to use the Observatory’s 1857 Fitz telescope and other modern instruments. Exhibits are also open regardless of viewing conditions. Last visitors admitted 30 minutes prior to closing. 9–11 p.m., 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free, no registration required. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.
Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
Observer Editor
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 Friday includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.