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Events in February 2026
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February 17, 2026
“Fences”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
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.
Feb. 17: “Fences” (Denzel Washington, 2016). Screen adaptation by August Wilson of his 1985 family drama about a working-class Black father raising his family in 1950s Pittsburgh. Washington, Viola Davis. Time TBA.
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. 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.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
“Lunchtime Concert”: U-M Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments
Observer Editor
Monthly concert featuring music by Vivaldi, Muffat, and others performed by the music students Baroque Chamber Orchestra on instruments from across the centuries and around the globe. Followed by a demonstration of a Ping-Pong table fitted with resonating bars called a xylopong table. Noon, North Campus Research Complex, bldg. 18, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Free. (734) 417–3899.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 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].
“Soldiers of Song”: State Theatre
Observer Editor
Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Feb. 17: “Soldiers of Song” (Ryan Smith, 2024). Documentary about Ukrainian musicians who continue to create music in the midst of the ongoing Russian invasion. Sponsored by the U-M Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia. English & Ukrainian, subtitles. Free. 5 p.m.
Letterpress Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
“Delicious Resistance”: The Healing Feast
Observer Editor
A ceremonial meal with structured conversation on the themes of pleasure, activism, revelry, and spirituality. Also, musical performances by live vocal looper Ki5 and singer-songwriter Sari Brown and a reading by poet cat h. bradley. Part of the proceeds donated to Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti. Socializing begins at 4:30 p.m. 5:30–7:45 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 120 S. State. Sliding scale $0–$55 in advance only at bit.ly/the-healing-feast-february2026. [email protected].
Museo Moderno: A Values-driven Model that Positions Art as Central to Human Development: U-M Museum Studies Program
Community Listing
How does art lead the way in creating our possible futures? How do the human imagination and the agency and actions of art free the potential for wonder, for hope, optimism and joy, to confront times of agony, trauma and fear? In what ways do artists of all disciplines from around the world dare still to dream of different, alternative futures for humanity, to envision previously unimagined paths forward? How does art furnish humanity with the means to mourn, mitigate, overcome and bring solace and healing to the world’s deep antagonisms and conflicts?
In this lecture, Museo Moderno´s Director Victoria Noorthoorn will describe the values-driven transformation of this vibrant museum of modern and contemporary art in Buenos Aires throughout her leadership over the past 12 years. Noorthoorn has persistently worked towards creating a new model for a public museum in Argentina – and in doing so, she has created a new museum model – that positions art and artists as drivers of educational, social, economic and civic development.
525 S. State Street ,Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] https://ummsp.rackham.umich.edu/ 734-936-6678.“UMS 101: Conduct Like Klaus”: University Musical Society
Observer Editor
Pioneer High School Orchestra conductor Jonathan Glawe discusses both the role and basic techniques of an orchestra conductor, followed by a chance for attendees to conduct a small group of musicians themselves. In anticipation of the upcoming performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with conductor Klaus Mäkelä (see 23 Monday listing). 6–7:30 p.m., Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. $18 at ums.org/performance. Preregistration required. (734) 764–2538.
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Observer Editor
Every Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Sat. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), an interval-based training run (Tues.), or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi; 6 p.m. (Tues.) & 7 a.m. (Sat.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; and 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
“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]
“The Apocalypse of St. John”: 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).
Feb. 15 & 17: “The Apocalypse of St. John” (Simón Delacre, 2024). Dubbed screenings of this Spanish religious drama about the Book of Revelations. 4 & 6:45 p.m. (Sun.), 6:30 p.m. (Tues.). (Cinemark only.)
Food Literacy for All: Food Price Inflation and Tariff Impacts: Food Literacy for All
Community Listing
Talk description:
Food prices shape everyday decisions. This talk examines the drivers and consequences of food price inflation in the United States. The lecture will feature case studies showing how specific tariffs affect food prices, illustrating how trade policy decisions translate into real-world impacts.
Speaker biography:
Dr. David L. Ortega is Professor and Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics & Policy at Michigan State University. His integrated research, teaching, and outreach program examines how consumers, producers, and agribusinesses make decisions to inform policy and marketing strategies. Dr. Ortega’s research spans the U.S., Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, with publications in leading journals such as Food Policy, Journal of Supply Chain Management, World Development, Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Economic Development and Cultural Change. He has testified before the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees and is widely cited for his analysis of food and agricultural markets. His insights appear regularly in major news outlets including The New York Times, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Financial Times, Newsweek, Time, USA Today, and CNN. Dr. Ortega is the recipient of the 2025 Borlaug CAST Communication Award. He earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University.
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.): “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.” 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, SF, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
“Bad Asians”: Literati Bookstore
Observer Editor
Local writer Lillian Li, author of the acclaimed novel Number One Chinese Restaurant, discusses her new book, an epic tale about a group of newly minted college graduates stuck under their parents’ roofs in a hypercompetitive Chinese American community. 7 p.m., Michigan Union Rogel Ballroom. Tickets $32 (includes a copy of the book) in advance at literatibookstore.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 585-5567.
Ann Arbor Camera Club
Observer Editor
Feb. 3 & 17. Club members share their projected digital slides (Feb. 3) and prints (Feb. 17) on various topics, including this month’s assignment, “Art or Sculpture.” Also, members share photos (Feb. 3) and introduce themselves, and club member Alon Yaffe gives a presentation titled “A.I.: The Photography Assistant You Didn’t Know You Needed” (Feb. 17). Guests asked to arrive 15 minutes early. 7–9 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty. Free. [email protected], annarborcameraclub.org.
French Canadian Music Session: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
Observer Editor
All musicians invited to bring acoustic instruments to trade tunes and play the dance music of French Canada: jigs, reels, waltzes, and so-called “crooked” tunes from Quebec, Acadia, and the Métis traditions. Knowledge of French not required. Note new temporary location. 7–9 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Free. aactmad.org/french-canadian-session, [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 (dues for those who join). (734) 796–7467, [email protected], tinyurl.com/hvharmonizers.
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. Female 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].
The Moth StorySlam: U-M Michigan Public
Observer Editor
Feb. 3 & 17. Open mic storytelling competition sponsored by The Moth, the NYC-based nonprofit storytelling organization. Ten storytellers are selected at random from among those who sign up to tell a 3- to 5-minute story on a theme: “Love Hurts” (Feb. 3) or “Zero Chill” (Feb. 17). Stories are judged by 3 people recruited from the audience. Winners compete in a semiannual GrandSlam. Seating limited; arrive early. 7:30–9 p.m. (doors open and sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m.), Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. Tickets $15 general admission in advance only at themoth.org beginning 3 weeks before event. [email protected].
“Comedy Gauntlet”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Tues. Ninety-second sets by each of 16 area stand-up comics, advancing tournament-style until a winner is decided. 8–9 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events and $18 (if available) at the door. [email protected].