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Events in January 2026
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
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January 25, 2026
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“Wildflower Winter Sowing”: Stewardship Network Seeds to Community
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Jan. 24 & 25 and Feb. 21 & 22. All invited to sow native seeds and take home ready-to-grow setups to place outside for the cold period they need to sprout in spring. All experience levels welcome; supplies and seeds provided, but bring milk jugs if you have them. Choose one date and time slot. 10 a.m.–noon or noon–2 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. $6 suggested donation at the door; metered parking. Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/um-wildflower-winter. [email protected].
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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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“Winter Wander”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
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WCPARC naturalist Kelsey Dehring leads a hike to enjoy towering trunks in a frozen forest, and identify trees, wildlife, and hopefully tracks in the snow. 10 a.m.–noon, Scio Woods Preserve, 4000 Scio Church Rd. Free. Preregistration required (capacity limited) at washtenaw.org/registerparks (#811009). Email [email protected] with questions.
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Elemental Ecstatic Dance
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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. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce Blvd. $20 (age 11 and under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2.
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National Skating Month Celebration: Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club.
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Freestyle, ice dance, and synchronized team skating exhibitions by the club’s skaters. Also, an open skate, on-ice games, prizes, and a raffle. 10:45 a.m.–12:35 p.m., Ann Arbor Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley. Free. (734) 213–6768. annarborfsc.org/events.
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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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H.A.C. Ultimate
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Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pick-up 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].
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“Adult Open Hours & Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
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Fri., Jan. 2 & 16 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show off some representatives of at-risk species, including an axolotl, a wood turtle, a clouded leopard, and a blue-throated macaw at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. and Sun., the first three animals are presented at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper talks about the blue-throated macaw 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.), CC, 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.
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Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
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Every Sat. & Sun. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
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Group Runs: A2 Runners
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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. (Mon. & Wed.), meet at the Kerrytown clock tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected]
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Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
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Every Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on Jan. 4, 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., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Free. [email protected].
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“How to Become a Fossil”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
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Every Sat. & Sun. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for age 5 & up about how fossils form and what they can tell us about ancient animals’ behaviors and diet. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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“PokéBattle Sunday”: Ann Arbor District Library
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Adults and kids grade 3 & up invited to compete in a livestream Pokémon tournament. Participants may bring their own Nintendo switch consoles or use one of the library’s. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Preschool Expo”: Ann Arbor District Library
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Representatives from area preschools are on hand to answer questions from parents of prospective preschoolers. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Restoration Workday”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
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All invited to help improve bird habitats by maintaining trails and clearing invasive shrubs at the WBNA Searles Nature Preserve. Dress for the weather; bring leather work gloves and water. Tools and know-how provided; bring your own tools, if you’d like. 1–3 p.m., Searles Nature Preserve; park along Bolla Rd., ¼ mile west of Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi. Free. washtenawbna.org.
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“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”: Fathom Entertainment
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(734) 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi.) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), various times.
Jan. 18 & 25: “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (Peter Jackson, 2003). Extended version of the conclusion of this fantasy trilogy in which Frodo, Sam, and Gollum overcome many obstacles, including the corrupting influence of the powerful ring they carry, as they travel towards a culminating battle against the evil Sauron. 1 p.m.
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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
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Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages, including Expedition Reef (noon), which reveals the secrets of coral reefs, the Earth’s most vibrant and endangered marine ecosystems; The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.), an exploration of 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.), an exploration of the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history that contains scenes of dinosaur violence. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
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“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
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Every Sun. Thirty-minute tour that uses the museum’s specimens to tell the story of prehistoric whales and dolphins, who had 4 limbs and walked on land. 1:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
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“Which Family Tree Grows Best? A Comparative Look at Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage”: Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County
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Talk by Adam Oster. Followed by Small Group Sessions (3:15 p.m.), on the topics of Ancestry, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage. 1:30 p.m., via livestream; for URL email [email protected] no later than 3 days before the meeting. Free.
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Community Listing
Being in the Actual: Workshop Series: Cluster Museum
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"Send Love Let Go" is the first in a 5-part workshop series called Being in the Actual, lead by artist and philosopher Hannah Burr.
Part 1: Send Love Let Go
What is it like to imbue familiar physical objects with deeper meaning and intention? Can art be personally transformative on a deep level? In this two hour experience, explore art projects and practices along this theme, and participate in a playful, transformative, contemplative practice that builds an installation while quietly clearing your own relational field.
No prior experience or knowledge required. Bring your journal.
See all 5 workshops at www.clustermuseum.org/events
307 N. Main St. ,Ann Arbor MI. https://clustermuseum.org/events/beingintheactualseriespart1 60. [email protected] www.clustermuseum.orgAdd this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Free
“American Sampler: Activating the Archive”: UMMA Exhibition Tour
Free
Artist and curator Julie Ault leads a tour of and discussion about her work on UMMA’s new exhibit (see Galleries) about the histories of social movements in the U.S. 2–3 p.m., UMMA, 525 S. State. Free, preregistration required at umma.umich.edu/events. (734) 764–0395.
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“Michigan Counties and the Revolutionary War Figures They’re Named For”: Pittsfield Township Historical Society/StoryPoint-Saline
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Talk by local Daughters of the American Revolution member Judy Van Poperin. 2 p.m., StoryPoint, 6230 S. State, Saline. Free. info@pittsfieldhistory.
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Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild: via Zoom
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All invited to listen to guild members swap stories or bring their own to tell. 2–4 p.m., via Zoom. To get the url, email [email protected]. Free. annarborstorytelling.org.
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Sunday Drop-In Tour: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
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Jan. 11, 18, & 25. Docent-led tours exploring ancient superstitions in “Dangers Lurking Around Every Corner” (Jan. 11), “Highlights of the Kelsey Museum” (Jan. 18), and everyday life in ancient Egypt in “Walk With an Egyptian: A Journey Through Time” (Jan. 25). 2–3 p.m., Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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U-M Women’s Basketball
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Game vs. Minnesota. The U-M also has home games this month against Wisconsin (Jan. 11, 2 p.m.), Illinois (Jan. 15, 7 p.m.), & USC (Jan. 25, 2 p.m.). 6:30 p.m., Crisler Center. Tickets $8–$12 in advance at mgoblue.com and at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
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“Girl on Girl”: Bløm Mead + Cider Book Club
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All invited to discuss Atlantic staff writer Sophie Gilbert’s 2025 nonfiction critique of how modern misogyny has been shaped by a mass culture attuned to male desire and all-pervasive pornography. 2:30–3:30 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food and drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729.
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“How to Become a Fossil”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
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Every Sat. & Sun. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for age 5 & up about how fossils form and what they can tell us about ancient animals’ behaviors and diet. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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“Crafting with the Pantone 2026 Color of the Year”: Ann Arbor District Library
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All invited to make pom-poms, origami, and other crafts using the Pantone Color Institute’s Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, a soft and billowy white that signifies clarity, quiet optimism, and a collective need for reset. 3–4:30 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Social Tango Dances: Michigan Argentine Tango Club
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Every Sun. (except Jan. 11). Tango dancing to music spun by a DJ. No partner necessary. The Jan. 25 dance is preceded at 2 p.m. by a Tango Foundations class ($5) in the Michigan Union 1st fl. Atria. The club also hosts a series of informal classes for beginners on Jan. 15, 22, & 29 (7–9:30 p.m.) that include one-on-one instruction and open dancing. 2–5 p.m. (Jan. 4 & 18) & 3–6 p.m. (Jan. 25), Michigan Union Movement Studio or Anderson Rm. $10 (students, free). [email protected].
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U-M Life Sciences Orchestra
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Nicholas Bromilow conducts this ensemble of musicians from the U-M medical and life sciences staff in Lili Boulanger’s biting yet impressionistic D’un matin de Printemps, Aaron Copland’s sweeping and pastoral Tender Land Suite, and Danish composer Carl Nielsen’s Inextinguishable Symphony, a work composed during WWI that blends a sense of violent struggle with a stunning and triumphant musical expression of what Nielsen called “the elemental will to live.” 4–6:30 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 936–ARTS.
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Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
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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.
2070 W. Stadium Blvd ,Ann Arbor. Free (tipjar for the band). [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz 734-663-1202.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
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Ann Arbor Morris
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Every Sun. 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., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Free. [email protected].
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“Mic Drop”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
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Experienced improvisers take part in a fully improvised singing competition show with live accompaniment. Followed at 7:30 p.m. by a Musical Improv Jam: All invited to sing or move in musical/comical improv games and exercises, led by a facilitator and accompanist. No experience required. Spectators welcome. 6:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events, $18 (if available) at the door. [email protected].
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“Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club
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Every Sun. Popular board games, played online. Participants help decide which game to play at the beginning of the night. Have a pencil and paper handy. 7 p.m., for URL email [email protected]. Free.
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“Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club
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Every Sun. Popular board games, played online. Participants help decide which game to play at the beginning of the night. Have a pencil and paper handy. 7 p.m., for URL email [email protected]. Free.
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Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M
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Every Sun., except Jan. 4. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including foxtrots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 6 p.m. by beginning lessons and practice. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Union Ballroom. $5 ($10 includes lessons). (734) 763–6984.
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Bil Lepp: The Ark
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A Charleston (WV) storyteller and 5-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest, Lepp spins humorously outrageous tall tales about everyday life that often contain morsels of truth while presenting universal themes in clever and witty ways. One Charleston Gazette reviewer described him as “a cross between Dr. Seuss and film noir.” 7:30 p.m., The Ark, 316 S. Main. Tickets $29 in advance at theark.org, and $25 (if available) at the door. (734) 761–1818.
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