Observer Editor
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Events in May 2026
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May 10, 2026
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
Observer Editor
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. Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz. and Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty. Free. (734) 929–9022 (Sun. & Tues.) & (734) 769–5016 (Wed.). fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
“Apple Blossom Bliss”: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
Observer Editor
See 8 Friday. Today: New England Tunes Workshop (9–9:50 a.m.) with the Stringrays. Challenging Contras (10–10:50 a.m.) with Gaye Fifer calling to Stringrays. Farewell Contra 1 (11 a.m.–noon) with Sam Smith calling to Big Fun. Farewell Contra 2 (12:30–2 p.m.) with Gaye Fifer and Sam Smith calling to Stringrays. Bring clean shoes for dancing. 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
https://aactmad.org/appleblossombliss
“Mother’s Day Time to Teal Run”: Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance Fundraiser
Observer Editor
All invited to compete in a 5K race, or to join a 1-mile fun run/walk through Rolling Hills County Park. After-party at the park pavilion features music by a DJ, photo ops with actors dressed as pop culture characters, a coffee truck, and treats. Note location change from last year. 9 a.m., Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi Twp. $43 (5K; 1 child age 10 and under, free), $21 (1 mile) in advance at tinyurl.com/timetoteal, $5 increase day of race. [email protected].
Spring Plant Sales: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Observer Editor
May 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 30 & 31. Includes a “Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale” (May 9 & 10) of hanging baskets and container plants grown and designed by Matthaei staff and volunteers. Also, a “Kitchen Favorites Plant Sale” (May 16 & 17) of veggies, herbs, and other selections grown by U-M Campus Farm volunteers, and a “Native Plant Sale” (May 30 & 31) of native seedlings grown in Matthaei’s greenhouses. 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Sun.), 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free admission; metered parking. (734) 647–7600, mbgna.umich.edu/spring-plant-sales.
“Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Observer Editor
Mothers, mother figures, and families invited to come learn about native spring wildflowers. Short presentation followed by an easy outdoor hike to learn basic identification skills and folklore surrounding some plants. Followed by a Mother’s Day celebration with lemonade or iced tea and cookies. 10:30 a.m.–noon & 1–2:30 p.m., 1831 Traver. $7 (moms & kids 2 and under, free). (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
Third Space Sundays
Observer Editor
Every Sun., except May 24. All invited to take part in a one-hour ritual of guided exercises to encourage reflection and connection. Kids welcome. Doors open at 10:15 a.m. 10:30–11:30 a.m., York, 1946 Packard. Free. Preregistration required at thirdspacesundays.org. [email protected].
Elemental Ecstatic Dance
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing to a variety of recorded music, from EDM to classical and ambient to world music. On May 17, guest teacher Lucine Eusani leads a 5Rhythms dance session designed to promote a meditative state through dance. Wear loose clothes; barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce. $20 (age 11 and under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2.
“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.
“Mother’s Day Princess High Tea”: Stone Chalet
H.A.C. Ultimate
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
Fri. May 1 & 15 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show off some rescued animals, including a wolf hybrid, a reticulated python, a black vulture, and an axolotl at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers show off the first three animals 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows the axolotl at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) & Noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Group Runs: A2 Runners
Observer Editor
Every Sun., Mon., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced 3- to 5-mile group run, followed by socializing at a downtown coffee shop. Noon (Sun.) & 6:30 p.m. (Wed. & Mon.), meet at the Kerrytown clock tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].
Mother's Day Open House on the Flower Farm: Marilla Field & Flora
Nick Masters: The Blue LLama Mother’s Day Brunch
Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on May 3, game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board and card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. sylvanfactory.com.
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.
“All About Owls”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
“Hand Felted Flowers”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Local fiber artist Barb Schutzgruber demonstrates basic hand felting techniques, primarily wet felting. Followed by a chance to use raw fiber and wool roving to felt flowers to take home. This program will take the entire time to complete. 1–3 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Observer Editor
Mothers, mother figures, and families invited to come learn about native spring wildflowers. Short presentation followed by an easy outdoor hike to learn basic identification skills and folklore surrounding some plants. Followed by a Mother’s Day celebration with lemonade or iced tea and cookies. 10:30 a.m.–noon & 1–2:30 p.m., 1831 Traver. $7 (moms & kids 2 and under, free). (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
Puzzle and Board Game Swap: Ann Arbor District Library
Shape Note Singing: Ann Arbor Sacred Harp
Observer Editor
All invited to join an afternoon of this early American form of communal hymn singing that uses musical notation with distinct shapes to make learning easier. Songbooks available, but singers are encouraged to bring their own. 1–4 p.m., the Ark, 316 S. Main. Free. (734) 478–3394, (734) 995–2519, [email protected].
“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
“A Celebration of Women in Jazz”: Kerrytown Concert House
Observer Editor
For her annual Mother’s Day concert, U-M jazz piano professor Ellen Rowe performs tunes made famous by legendary musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald, Ingrid Jensen, Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Terry Pollard. With vocalist Sunny Wilkinson, bassist Marion Hayden, trumpeter Ingrid Racine, and drummer Annie Hayes. 2 p.m., 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $30–$40 (students, $20–$30) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 769–2999.
“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.
“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 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.
“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.
Sunday Drop-in Tour: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Docent-led tours exploring Death and Ritual in Ancient Egypt” (May 3), “Women in the Ancient World: A Mother’s Day Tour” (May 10), a look at smaller artifacts in “Hidden in Plain Sight” (May 17), an exploration of how some artifacts were created in “I Wonder How They Did That?” (May 24), and “Images of Women in the Ancient World” (May 31). 2–3 p.m., 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
“All About Owls”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
“Fried Green Tomatoes”: 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).
May 10 & 13: “Fried Green Tomatoes” (Jon Avnet, 1991). Adaptation of Fannie Flagg’s novel about the friendship between two unconventional Southern women. Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson. 3 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Wed.).
Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
Community Listing
10-piece big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in hot jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. Great for listening or dancing.
Zal Gaz Grotto - 2070 W. Stadium Blvd ,Ann Arbor. Free (tipjar for the band). [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz 734-663-1202.Ann Arbor Morris
Observer Editor
Every Sun., except May 3 & 24. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish morisca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., email [email protected] for location. Free.
Open Mic Night: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center
Observer Editor
All acoustic musicians, storytellers, poets, and spoken word artists invited. Sign-up starts at 5:30 p.m. 6–9 p.m., 1129 Oak Valley Dr. Free. [email protected], jewelheart.org.