Observer Editor
Community Listing
Online Event
Creative Washtenaw Event
Free Event
Donation Suggested
Hybrid Event
Events in January 2026
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
January 24, 2026
Observer Editor,
“Wildflower Winter Sowing”: Stewardship Network Seeds to Community
Observer Editor
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].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
U-M Men’s Lacrosse
Observer Editor
Match vs. Robert Morris. The U-M opens its season with an exhibition match. This month’s home schedule also includes a game vs. Mercyhurst (Jan. 31, time TBA). Time TBA, U-M Lacrosse Stadium, 2500 S. State. Ticket price TBA in advance at mgoblue.com & at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Sat., Mon., & Tues. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.), either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.), or an interval-based training run (Tues.). 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower; 7 a.m. (Sat.) & 6 p.m. (Tues.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; and 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
parkrun USA
Observer Editor
Every Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. In the winter, course adjustments for the best footing may move the run to Lillie Park North or Hanselman Dr. Check facebook.com/lillieparkrun for the final location. 9 a.m., Lillie Park South at the northeast corner of the soccer fields, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/register and arrive at 8:45 a.m. [email protected], parkrun.us/lillie.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Community Listing
Invasive Species Removal at Trinity Health Ann Arbor: Huron River Watershed Council
Community Listing
Please join us at Trinity Health Ann Arbor's ecological stewardship workday! We'll be removing invasive shrubs on hilly topography to promote the native plants and animals in this amazing woodland. Meeting location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PXE9zut3PzTcBPYT9
Please make sure to:
- Wear closed toe shoes
- Dress for the weather
- Bring drinking water
- Bring gloves if you have them
- Bring sunscreen and bug spray
5251 McAuley Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 ,Ypsilanti. Free. [email protected] https://huronriverwatershedcouncil.my.salesforce-sites.com//registerVolunteerEvent2024?cid=701PB00000WIjHBYA1& 7347358573.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
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.). Kerrytown Market. Free. [email protected].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“Adult Open Hours & Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Observer Editor
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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“How to Become a Fossil”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Observer Editor
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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Big Deal”: 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.
Jan. 24: “Big Deal” (Choi Yun-jin, 2025). Set during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, two men do battle for control of a renowned soju company in this drama. FREE. Korean, subtitles. 1 p.m.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“Learn to See Winter Trees”: Hudson Mills Metropark
Observer Editor
Hudson Mills park interpreters lead participants age 10 & up on a walk to learn how to identify trees in winter by looking at their bark and buds. 1–2 p.m., Hudson Mills River Grove Picnic Shelter, 8801 North Territorial Rd., Dexter. $5 ($3 ages 3–17; free, age 2 and under). Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/hm-wintertree-1-26 by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Metroparks pass or $10 vehicle entry fee. (734) 426–8211.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Oops! All Clay”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults and kids grade 2 & up invited to sculpt with a variety of air-dry and oven-bake clay. Instructional videos provided. Supplies limited. 1–2:30 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Screen Printing Lab”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Modati Studios representatives show adults & teens how to screen print. Materials provided, including tote bags to print on; bring other items to print on if desired. 1–3:30 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Splatoon 3: Hyper-Local Splatfest”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
All invited to play a tournament version of this popular Nintendo Switch video game. Participants may bring their own Switch handheld consoles or borrow one from the library. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
(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. 24 & 28: “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.” Live (Sat.) & prerecorded (Wed.) broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera’s premiere production of contemporary American composer Mason Bates’s new opera based on Michael Chabon’s sweeping novel about 2 Jewish cousins who create a comic-book superhero, hoping to recruit America into the fight against Nazism. 1 & 6:30 p.m. (Sun., Emagine only). $15.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
(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. 17 & 24: “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (Peter Jackson, 2002). Extended version of this fantasy sequel in which hobbit Frodo Baggins and his loyal companion Sam continue their quest, aided by the treacherous Gollum. 1 p.m.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Sat. 30-minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. 1:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
Drop-In Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
Observer Editor
Every Sat. All age 16 & up invited to learn about and participate in improv games in a fun, relaxed, and judgment-free setting. No experience necessary. 2–4 p.m., RAC, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $8–$10 (spectators, free) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv, and in cash at the door.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler
Observer Editor
Jan. 10, 17, & 24. Docent-led tour exploring “Death and Ritual in Ancient Egypt” (Jan. 10), how the museum acquired its collection in “Where Did All This Stuff Come From?” (Jan. 17), and “Goddesses of the Kelsey” (Jan. 24). 2–3 p.m., Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
U-M Men’s Gymnastics
Observer Editor
The U-M men’s gymnastics team, a perennial national power that won the NCAA championships in 2025, opens its season with a meet vs. Greenville and Simpson. This month also features a home meet against Oklahoma (Jan. 24, 2 p.m.). 2 p.m., Cliff Keen Arena, S. State at Hoover. Tickets (price TBA) in advance at mgoblue.com/tickets and (if available) at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“How to Become a Fossil”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Observer Editor
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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
Family Folk Dance: Pittsfield Union Grange
Observer Editor
Drake Meadow calls dances suitable for children and adults to live music by Susie Lorand, Josh Burdick, and Donna Baird. All ages welcome. Bring clean shoes for dancing. 2:30–4:30 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15/family or $6/person (Grange members, free). (734) 395–7782, (734) 274–0773.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Community Listing
Open House!: Dexter Cooperative Preschool
Community Listing
Join us to learn more about the Dexter Cooperative Preschool on Saturday January 24th from 3:30-5:30pm! Bring your children and let them explore our awesome classroom while chatting with our teachers and current families. There will be information about the 2026-27 school year as well as limited immediate openings. We are located at 8260 Jackson Rd attached to the Peace Lutheran Church (no affiliation). Hope to see you there!
Can't make the event? Reach out to us at [email protected] to schedule a tour or ask any questions.
8260 Jackson Rd ,Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] https://www.dextercoop.com/ (734) 426-2491.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
U-M Women’s Gymnastics vs. Iowa
Observer Editor
The Wolverines are in search of their 28th Big Ten Conference title. 3:45 p.m., Crisler Center. Tickets from $8 in advance at mgoblue.com/tickets and (if available) at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“The Protest Archive: A Conversation on Advocacy, Art, and Dissent”: UMMA
Observer Editor
Discussion between artist and curator Julie Ault and archivist Julie Herrada about UMMA’s new exhibit, “American Sampler: Activating the Archive” (see Galleries), about how research, curatorial practice, and artistic vision come together in the exhibition to explore histories of social movements in the U.S. 4–5:30 p.m., UMMA, Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State. Free, preregistration required at umma.umich.edu/events. (734) 764–0395.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG).
Mon. (6:30 p.m.): “Just Another Modern Monday.” Three rounds using powerful cards, for experienced players, with prizes. $10.
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 Showdown.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.
Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Magic.” Cost and format vary.
Various times, Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Winter Bird Pastel Portraits”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
All invited to use vibrant powdered pastel pigments to make portraits of winter birds, including cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers. 6–7 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
(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. 24 & 28: “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.” Live (Sat.) & prerecorded (Wed.) broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera’s premiere production of contemporary American composer Mason Bates’s new opera based on Michael Chabon’s sweeping novel about 2 Jewish cousins who create a comic-book superhero, hoping to recruit America into the fight against Nazism. 1 & 6:30 p.m. (Sun., Emagine only). $15.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“Annual Faculty and Guest Artist Choreography Concert”: EMU Dance Department
Observer Editor
Members of EMU’s resident dance ensemble Company E perform a mixed repertoire of new ballet, modern, and contemporary works by Sherry Wilkinson, other EMU dance faculty, and guest choreographers Kassie Kiel, Thayer Jonutz, Ronald Ford, and Marly Speiser-Schneider. 7–9 p.m., EMU Pease Auditorium, W. Cross at College Pl., Ypsi. Tickets $10 in advance at emich.ludus.com and at the door. (734) 487–2849.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“It’s TAPpening!”: RhythM Tap Ensemble
Observer Editor
This U-M student tap dance ensemble showcases its lively and elaborate choreography to up-tempo pop, rock, jazz, and electronic music. Also, guest appearances by the U-M student Blue Bop Jazz Orchestra and other student dance groups, including Impact, Michigan Competitive Dance, Michigan Jump Rope, and VYRL. 7 p.m., Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Ticket price TBA in advance at mutotix.umich.edu & at the door.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Community Listing
Barnstormers Revue Salon Night & Open Mic: Forge Theater
Community Listing
Join Barnstormers Revue for its quarterly Salon Night and Open Mic, featuring an evening of original works around the theme of "Hope in the Dark." Guests are invited to bring five to ten minute stories, songs, monologues, short plays or other performance pieces. Visit Forge Theater Collaborative Community & Studio Space, forgetheatercollaborative.com for more information and submission guidelines.
3000 Packard St. Suite B ,Ann Arbor. https://www.forgetheatercollaborative.com/event-list Free. [email protected] www.forgetheatercollaborative.com 7342237157.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
Louis Katz: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Jan. 22–24. Highly regarded veteran L.A. comic with a dark, self-deprecating style that has been described as “cerebral filth.” Opening act TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Thurs., $15) at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“Mozart & Beethoven”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
Observer Editor
A2SO director Earl Lee conducts this polished local orchestra in a program highlighted by Mozart’s agile and elegant Piano Concerto No. 23, featuring guest soloist Michelle Cann, a Grammy-winning pianist who made her debut at age 14. She has been praised for her virtuosity and palpable joy in performance. La Scena Musicale called her “technically fearless, with a bold attack and an enormous, rich sound.” Also on the program, Mozart’s Overture to Così fan tutte, with its lively, capering entanglements, Beethoven’s amiable Symphony No. 4, and Gabriela Lena Frank’s Elegía Andina, which has influences of Western art music and Peruvian folk music. Preconcert talk at 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $13–$79 in advance at a2so.com & the A2SO office (35 Research Dr., ste. 100), and (if available) at the door. (734) 994–4801.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
“Who Can Say?”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Jan. 10 & 24. Game show–style performance by experienced improvisers responding to prompts and challenges. 7:30–8:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $10 in advance at heardotsay.com/events, $12 at the door. $20 ($23 at door) includes the 8:30 p.m. Saturday Night Improv show (see 3 Sat. listing). [email protected].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor,
“Friends of Dorothy”: Out Loud Chorus
Observer Editor
Jan. 23 & 24. Dusty Francis directs this 135-member volunteer chorus for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their friends, in a program telling the story of L. Frank Baum’s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz from a queer perspective. The program includes songs from Broadway and Hollywood, choral music, and pop songs ranging from Elton John to Katy Perry. Accompaniment by pianist Casey Baker. 8–10 p.m., Lincoln High School, 7425 Willis Rd., Ypsi. Tickets $23 (students, seniors, or anyone in need, $15) in advance at olconline.org/events and at the door. Livestream available for $25. (734) 265–0740.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
Ben Daniels Band: Rancho Tranquilico
Observer Editor
House concert by this Chelsea quintet, led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Daniels. The group plays artful, dynamic rock ’n’ roll whose influences range from Robert Johnson to Dylan to Jack White. 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.), 11300 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. Park along the driveway. $25 in advance only (space limited) via Venmo at @bendband. (734) 223–2321, [email protected].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
Saturday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Sat. House team Destination Unknown improvises based on a scenario suggested by the audience. Two guest troupes open. 8:30–9:45 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events, $18 (if available) at the door. [email protected].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Observer Editor
Louis Katz: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Jan. 22–24. Highly regarded veteran L.A. comic with a dark, self-deprecating style that has been described as “cerebral filth.” Opening act TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Thurs., $15) at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal