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Events in October 2025
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
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Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
October 7, 2025
“Grow”: 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, Ypsilanti) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), various times.
Oct. 3–9: “Grow” (John McPhail, 2025). Tenderhearted comedy-drama about a young English girl with an ability to sense plants’ feelings who enters a pumpkin-growing contest. Various times; see website.
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Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
Observer Editor
Every Wed., Sun., & Tues. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. 7 p.m. (Wed.), Fleet Feet, 123 E. Liberty; and 7 a.m. (Tues.) & 8 a.m. (Sun.). Dozer Coffee, 112 Jackson Plz. Free. (734) 769–5016 (Wed.) & (734) 929–9022 (Sun. & Tues.). fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. 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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Carillon Concert Series: U-M School of Music
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Fri. (different locations). Performances by U-M carillon faculty and students. The carillons are open to visitors during the recitals; earplugs recommended. For a complete schedule see smtd.umich.edu/events. Noon, Burton Tower, 230 N. Ingalls & 1:20 p.m., Lurie Tower, 1230 Murfin, North Campus. Free. (734) 764–0583.
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U-M Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies Noon Lecture Series
Observer Editor
Every Tues. (except Oct. 14). Talks by U-M and visiting scholars.
Oct. 7: University of Pennsylvania sociology professor Emily Hannum on “Children’s Ambient Heat Exposures, Family Adaptation, and Early Developmental Outcomes.”
Oct. 21: Harvard University East Asian legal studies professor Lobsang Sangay on “Beyond Spiritual Succession: The Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation and Its 21st-Century Geopolitics.”
Oct. 28: “New Discovery of Datong Music Society ‘Ancient Musical Instruments’ Collection in Munich: Towards Modeling an Invention of ‘Heritage’ in Chinese Musical Modernity.” National Taiwan Normal University ethnomusicology professor Joys H.Y. Cheung discusses musical revivalism and reformism in early 20th-century China.
Noon–1 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. (734) 764–6308, [email protected].
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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. 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. $8 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected] beforehand.
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“Skeleton Bead Keychains”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults & kids grade 5 & up invited to make skeleton keychains out of pony beads. 2–3:30 p.m., AADL Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Middle School Fall Festival: Area Youth Ministry
Community Listing
Games, booths, snacks, prizes.
Slauson Middle School ,1019 W Washington St.. free.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Critically Capitalist: The Spirit of Asset Capitalism in South Korea”: U-M Nam Center for Korean Studies
Observer Editor
Vanderbilt University Asian Studies professor Bohyeong Kim discusses Korean investment culture and how it is that many Koreans critique capitalism while dedicating themselves to asset accumulation. 4–5:30 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. (734) 764–1825, [email protected].
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Babies & Brews at Bløm: Bløm
Community Listing
Look, we’ve been the parents of an itty bitty and a toddler trying to figure out where we could take them to relax, meet other humans, and not feel like we were constantly chasing. The first few years can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be! This is a community space, and that includes the youngest members. So we’re doubling down with a weekly time for the parent, cool uncle, craft beer gramma, or any other caregiver to come hang for a bit.
Food, bevvies and N/A options available for purchase.
100 S 4th Ave Suite 110 ,Ann Arbor. Free. https://www.drinkblom.com/events/Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Michigan Marching Band Practice
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Thurs. (except Oct. 13 & 14). The U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel field, across the street from the old Elbel field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. Also, at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, the band hosts its monthly free Open Stadium Rehearsal at Michigan Stadium. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club
Observer Editor
Every Tues. All invited to play the classic word game, using the 5th-edition Scrabble dictionary. Bring your own set, if you like. 5–9 p.m., Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. Free. [email protected], meetup.com/ann-arbor-scrabble-meetup.
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“Deepfakes: How Artificial Intelligence Is Powering a New Age of Disinformation”: U-M Institute for Data & AI in Society
Observer Editor
Talk by U-M law lecturer, former U.S. Attorney, and NBC news analyst Barbara McQuade, author of Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America. 6–7:30 p.m., 1040 Dana Bldg., 440 Church St. Free, but preregistration required at midas.umich.edu/news-events/events. [email protected].
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“Undivide Us”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Occasional free screenings in the Downtown Branch lower level program rm., and other locations as noted. (734) 327–4200.
Oct. 7: “Undivide Us” (Kristina Kendall, 2024). Feature-length documentary that follows 6 focus groups across 3 American cities to explore the twisted landscape of toxic polarization, revealing how it drives us to places fundamentally un-American. Followed by discussion. Sponsored by the U-M Community Scholars Program. 6 p.m.
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APSIA's International Affairs Graduate School Fair: APSIA
Community Listing
Thinking about a Masters or PhD Program? Want to advance an international career in the private, public, or non-governmental sector?
Whether you’ve just started your search or have a shortlist in mind, join representatives of APSIA’s top international affairs and public policy graduate schools at our grad school fair!
Meet admissions officers from APSIA member schools
Discuss admissions requirements, curricula, financial aid packages, joint degree programs, and career opportunities
Collect application information
Exhibitors:
American University School of International Service
Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy
George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs
Georgetown University Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs
Texas A&M University Bush School of Government & Public Service
Tufts University The Fletcher School
UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy
University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies
University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
More to come!
Completed registrations will be put in a raffle for a $25 Amazon gift card. The winner will be announced at the fair!
*By registering you agree to share your information with APSIA and its members for the purpose of sharing graduate school information and related events.
https://bit.ly/apsiamich25 ,Michigan League Ballroom, Ann Arbor, MI. Free. [email protected] www.apsia.org 2025595831.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Drop-In Knitting: Spun
Observer Editor
Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), Spun, 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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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 (Mon. & Thurs.), 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, Ypsilanti. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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Heat Press Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
A chance for adults to use the AADL heat press to make a design using provided materials, then transfer it onto a provided tote bag, or bring a T-shirt or other fabric material to print on. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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International Affairs Graduate School Fair: Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs
Community Listing
The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) is hosting an International Affairs Graduate School Fair on Tuesday, October 7, 6-8pm at the University of Michigan’s Michigan League Ballroom (911 North University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48104). This event is an opportunity for prospective students to discuss curricula and financial aid, learn about careers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, and explore degree options at many top international affairs graduate schools in the world. The fair offers students, young, and mid-career professionals the chance to build personal relationships with top graduate schools of international affairs and policy from around the world. Attendees will go beyond what they can read on a website and leave with new information and personal connections to admissions staff. Eleven APSIA member schools will be present to talk about their programs. Individuals can register for the event at: bit.ly/apsiamich25.
Michigan League Ballroom 911 North University Avenue ,Ann Arbor. http://bit.ly/apsiamich25 free. [email protected]Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Very Special Games Night: Moonwinks Tavern
Community Listing
Come to Moonwinks Cafe and Tavern on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month for a night of cozy, in-person gaming. Try out a variety of party games and light strategy games courtesy of Very Special Games, makers of Abducktion, Ransom Notes, Bloomchasers and other hit titles. Or, bring your own favorite game to share! Game designer Tavey Lean is hosting and has a round of drinks for whoever helps playtest his latest invention.
5151 Plymouth Road ,Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected]Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“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 and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Free. For each week’s route, email [email protected].
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“50 Years Later, the Legacy of President Ford’s Signature”: Gerald Ford Presidential Library
Observer Editor
Retired U.S. Air Force officer Kathleen Kornahrens, author of “Bring Me Men…” Brought Women: Marching with the First Female Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, is joined by Gail Colvin, a fellow member of the academy’s 1976 first co-ed class, to discuss the legacy of the law signed by Gerald Ford in 1975 that opened enrollment to women at all U.S. service academies. 6:30–8 p.m., Ford Library Auditorium, 1000 Beal. Free. (734) 205–0555.
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“Burning the Ghost Light”: Literati Bookstore
Observer Editor
New York–based poet Caitlin Conlon discusses her new collection of poems that delve into the ways we perform for others without realizing it, and how those performances shape our identities over time. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
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“The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald”: Schuler Books
Observer Editor
Bestselling local writer John U. Bacon discusses his new book about this fabled Great Lakes shipwreck. Note: The U-M Bentley Historical Library and the Ann Arbor District Library each present programs on this 1975 shipwreck on Oct. 16 (see listings). 6:30 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Free (signed books, $35). Tickets required; available in advance only at mutotix.umich.edu. (734) 662–0600.
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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.
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Tuesday Night Workouts: Ann Arbor Track Club
Observer Editor
Every Tues. Runners of all skill levels, age 14 & up, invited to participate in short, intense interval workouts. Arrive at 6:20 p.m. to warm up. 6:30 p.m., Ferry Field, 1150 S. State. Visitors free; $30/year membership for regular participants. Preregistration required at aatrackclub.org/interval-workouts.
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“Alehouse Poets Open Reading”: The Theater Shop
Observer Editor
All invited to read an original short poem, or a favorite from another writer. Listeners welcome. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. 7–8:30 p.m., Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl, ste. 100, Ypsilanti. Free. facebook.com/thetheatershop.
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“Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story”: 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, Ypsilanti) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), various times.
Oct. 7: “Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story” (Jonathan Cipiti, 2025). Religious documentary about a popular Chicago talk radio personality who experienced a religious conversion after finding a statue of the Virgin Mary in a dumpster. 7 p.m. Emagine only.
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“Ludus Chronalis: Time, Cadence, and Temporality in Keyboard Music and Sacred Spaces”: 2025 U-M Organ Conference
Observer Editor
Oct. 5–7. This conference includes free nightly public performances at Hill Auditorium, along with carillon performances on the bells of Burton and Lurie towers. For a complete schedule see smtd.umich.edu/performances-and-events/organ-conference. Tonight: a solo organ recital by U-M organ professor Nicole Keller. Program TBA. 7 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–0583.
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“Sound & Silence”: Canterbury House
Observer Editor
Every Tues. Regular gathering exploring contemplative music and silence, sometimes led by a guest artist. 7 p.m., Canterbury House, 721 E. Huron St. (Occasionally held in Nichols Arboretum). Free, donations welcome. canterburyhouse.org/soundandsilence.
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“Trivia with Terry!”: Argus Farm Stop
Observer Editor
Oct. 7 & 21. All invited to form teams to answer wacky trivia questions from this longtime Aut Bar trivia night emcee. 7–8:30 p.m., Argus, 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. (734) 997–5448.
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Ann Arbor Camera Club
Observer Editor
Oct. 7 & 21. Club members share their projected digital slides (Oct. 7) and prints (Oct. 21) on various topics, including this month’s assignment, “Water.” Also, local photographer Glenn Taylor gives a presentation on making pinhole cameras (Oct. 7) and club member Raul Campos demonstrates photo editing based on the 80/20 rule (Oct. 21). Guests, please arrive 15 minutes early. 7–9 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty. Free. [email protected], annarborcameraclub.org.
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Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society
Observer Editor
Every Tues. Singers of all genders invited to join this rehearsal. 7–8:45 p.m., Interfaith Center, 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Free to visitors (annual dues for those who join). (734) 796–7467, [email protected], tinyurl.com/hvharmonizers.
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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 partner or experience needed. Wear comfortable clothes and 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 (students, $4; kids age 13 and under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country.
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Voices in Harmony
Observer Editor
Every Tues. (except Oct. 21). 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, Ypsilanti. Free to visitors (dues for those who join). (734) 765–3611, [email protected].
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“Nigamon/Tunai”: University Musical Society
Observer Editor
Oct. 2-5, 7, & 8. Canadian Anishinaabe-Algonquin performance and installation artist Émilie Monnet and Colombian interdisciplinary artist Waira Nina, a member of the Inga nation, perform an immersive ritual mourning the plundering of the planet. The piece incorporates movement, music, dramatic lighting, audio interviews, and sounds of the natural world. When they performed the piece at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2024, the Guardian UK reviewer called it “utterly unique, magnetic, beautiful and sad.” Performed with audience members seated throughout the space on cushions, low stools, and chairs. Accessible seating available. Post-show Q&A. Age 14+. 7:30 p.m. (Wed.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Power Center. Tickets $48 in advance ($15–$20 students) at tickets.ums.org and (734) 764–2538.
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“Vampyr”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Michigan Theater. 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.
Oct. 7: “Vampyr” (Carl Theodor Dreyer, 1932). Moody gothic horror film full of disorienting visual effects. Danish master director Dreyer’s first sound film. 7:30 p.m.
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Fall Orchestra Concert: Pioneer High School
Observer Editor
Jonathan Glawe directs the 4 PHS student orchestras in works by Mozart, Haydn, Coleridge-Taylor, Nubia Jaime-Donjuan, Anne McGinty, Doug Spata, and others. 7:30 p.m., PHS Schreiber Auditorium, 601 W. Stadium. Free. (734) 994-2189, ext. 3.
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“Comedy Gauntlet”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Tues. Ninety-second sets by each of 16 area stand-up comics TBA. 8 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $17 in advance at crowdwork.com/e/comedy-gauntlet and $18 (if available) at the door. [email protected].
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“Ludus Chronalis: Time, Cadence, and Temporality in Keyboard Music and Sacred Spaces”: 2025 U-M Organ Conference
Observer Editor
See 5 Sunday. Tonight: a solo organ recital by U-M organ professor Caroline Robinson. Program TBA. 8 p.m.
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Contemporary Directions Ensemble: U-M Music School
Observer Editor
Jayce Ogren directs this graduate music student ensemble in the suite from Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du soldat and Milhaud’s La Création du monde, along with works by contemporary American composers, including Chris Rogerson’s In Passing, Sarah Gibson’s Soak Stain, and Jessica Meyer’s Released. 8 p.m., U-M Walgreen Drama Center Stamps Auditorium, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Free. (734) 764–0583.
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Crafty Hour: Bløm Mead + Cider
Observer Editor
Every Tues. All invited to bring and work on their non-messy crafting projects (knitting, collage, etc.) together. 8–10 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. $1 off all 12-oz pours. (734) 548–9729.
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