Observer Editor
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Events in August 2025
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August 7, 2025
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages, including the new T. Rex (2 p.m.), an exploration of the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history that contains scenes of dinosaur violence. Also, Sea Monsters (noon) follows a curious dolichorhynchops (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history. The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. 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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“Cavanaugh Lake Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 20 to 30 miles, along the less-traveled roads west and north of Chelsea. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Cavanaugh Lake County Park, 33 Cavanaugh Lake Rd., Chelsea. Free. [email protected], (734) 649–9762.
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Used Book Sale: JLC Book Sale
Observer Editor
Aug. 6–9. Local family-run sale of several hundred books, as well as DVDs, audiobooks, video games, puzzles, and board games. Also, a presale on Aug. 6 from 4–8 p.m. for teachers and homeschool families. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, bldg. E, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free admission. jlcbooksale.com
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80th Manchester Community Fair
Observer Editor
Aug. 5–9. Midway rides (Wed.–Sat.), carnival games, concessions, livestock shows, live music, beer tent, and more. Special events include an opening parade (Aug. 5, 6:30 p.m.), classic & antique tractor pulls (Aug. 6, noon & 4 p.m.), Insane Wrestling Revolution (Aug. 6, 7 p.m.), a “Battle of the Bands” (Aug. 7, 6:30 p.m.), a cornhole competition (Aug. 8, 6 p.m.), a Bump and Run Demolition Derby (Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m.), and bull riding & rodeo (Aug. 9, 7 p.m.). For complete schedule, see manchesterfair.org. 5–10 p.m. (Tues.), 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), & 3–10 p.m. (Fri.), Alumni Memorial Field, Vernon & Wolverine, Manchester. Admission: Tues. & Wed., $5; Thurs., free; Fri. & Sat. $10 (Sat. before noon, $5); 5-day pass, $25. Kids age 5 & under, free. [email protected], (734) 260–1019.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Sun. All age 6 and 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.
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“Sonic Lunch”: Bank of Ann Arbor
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., June 5–Aug. 28. Musical entertainment by local, area, and national performers. Today: Andrew Horowitz & Friends, an eclectic rock band fronted by Tally Hall composer-keyboardist Horowitz, a U-M grad. Opener: Casey Shea & More, a folk-rock band fronted by Shea, a NYC singer-songwriter whose stage presence was described by MTV News as “equal parts James Brown, Elvis Presley, and Bono.” 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Liberty Plaza, E. Liberty at S. Division. Free. soniclunch.com, (734) 662–1600.
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John and Susanne Stephenson Sculpture Garden: Stephenson Ceramic Studio
Community Listing
The Sculpture Garden, Studio and Gallery featuring 2 guest artists; Katie Shulman and Dennis Nahabetian, welcomes visitors of all ages. Katie’s gestural, woven fiber installations and Dennis’s meticulously crafted metal sculptures have taken over the gallery. Over 50 sculptures are curated into the landscape for the summer months. Explore 60 years worth of innovative and cutting edge ceramics and sculpture. Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 12-4 through October 25th. Group Tours available thru our website.
4380 Waters Road, Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] www.stephensonceramicstudio.com 7343951540.
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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Fri., Tues., & Thurs. 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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Summer Game Food & Drink Tasting: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Aug. 7 & 8. Tasting of food and nonalcoholic beverages provided by Zingerman’s Deli (Thurs.) & Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (Fri.). Also, activities for AADL Summer Game players. 1–2 p.m., AADL Westgate Courtyard, 2503 Jackson Ave. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Bert and Trixie Visit the Vet”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., June 20–Aug. 31. Rhiannon Ragland directs the premiere of Michigan actor-playwright Matt Letscher’s comedy about 4 pets in a veterinarian’s waiting room who plan an escape when they begin to suspect one of them is in danger. Adult language and subject matter. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat., Wed., & Thurs.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $45.15 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and (734) 433–7673, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
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Town Cruise Nights: Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Old car cruise with kids activities, including a hula hoop contest (7 p.m.) by the clock tower. Music spun by a DJ, art works and crafts for sale, and an ice cream truck. 5–8 p.m., E. Cross St. between Rice St. and N. River St., Ypsilanti. Free. tinyurl.com/fb-depot-town-cruise-nights, [email protected].
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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 transfer their own design onto a provided tote bag, or bring a T-shirt or other fabric material to print on. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.
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Bad Decisions Track Club
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover (may meet elsewhere if the weather is bad). Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.
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Drop-In Knitting: Spun
Observer Editor
Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 1–3 p.m. (Sun.) & 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.), Spun, 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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Fiber Arts Drop-In: Dzanc House
Observer Editor
Aug. 7 & 21. All invited to join in crocheting, knitting, embroidering, etc. 6–9 p.m., Dzanc House, 402 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Free. dzanchouse.org.
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Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Observer Editor
Every Sat., Mon., Tues., & Thurs. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.), a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), or an interval-based training run (Tues.). 7 a.m. (Sat.) & 6 p.m. (Tues.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti; & 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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Touch Rugby: U-M Rugby Football Club
Observer Editor
Every Tues. & Thurs. All invited to play a low-contact version of rugby. Beginners welcome. 6–7:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 1000 Canal. Free. [email protected].
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“Big, Loud & Live 20”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
Fathom Entertainment. (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.
Aug. 7: “Big, Loud & Live 20.” Live broadcast of the Drum Corps International world championship preliminaries in Indianapolis. 6:30 p.m. $18.
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“I'll Look So Hot in a Coffin: And Other Thoughts I Used to Have About My Body”: Literati Bookstore
Observer Editor
Journalist Carla Sosenko discusses her new memoir about living with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, a rare vascular disorder that causes legs of different sizes, a hunched posture, and other idiosyncrasies, and how it has affected her self-image, mental health, relationships, and ambitions. 6:30 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
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“Draft Line Improv”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Performance of a set of long-form pieces by improv students. 7–8 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $7.50 in advance at heardotsay.com/events or (if available) at the door. [email protected].
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“Salty Summer Sounds Live Music Series”: Saline Main Street
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., June 12–Aug. 14. Downtown concerts by area bands. Kids activities. Outdoor seating and dining. Dancing. Tonight: the classic rock band A2Zed. 7–9 p.m., Henry St. west parking lot (across the street from Carrigan Cafe), downtown Saline. Free. More information at salinemainstreet.org/events, (734) 717–7406.
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“The Phantom of the Opera”: 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.
Aug. 7: “The Phantom of the Opera” (Rupert Julian, 1925). Classic silent melodrama stars Lon Chaney as the vengeful composer who lives in the catacombs under the Paris Opera House. Live organ accompaniment. FREE, but reservation required at marquee-arts.org/calendar. 7 p.m.
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“What If …”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
Fathom Entertainment. (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.
Aug. 5 & 7: “What If …” (Dallas Jenkins, 2010). Religious comedy-drama about an angel who shows a high-powered executive what his life would have been like if he had become a preacher and family man. 6:30 p.m. (Ann Arbor 20) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).
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Live Music Series: A2 Summer Streets (Main Street Area Association)
Observer Editor
See 1 Friday. Tonight: late 1930s swing and 1940s R&B by the veteran II-V-I Orchestra. Rain cancels. 7–9 p.m.
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Live Trivia: Bløm Meadworks
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Bløm staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia. Teams or single players welcome. Prizes. 7 & 8 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Performances by up to 12 aspiring and established area stand-up comics. Alcohol is served. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 7:15 p.m., 212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at aacomedy.com; $6 at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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Pub Quiz: Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Popular weekly trivia fest. Come with a team of up to 6 people. Prizes. 7:30 p.m. or so, Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main. $5 team fee that goes to the winning team. (734) 665–2968.
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“Say What?” Comedy Open Mic: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Stand-up comedy open mic emceed by local comics Ned Rice and Jeff Teed. All age 18 and up welcome to come listen, or sign up for 6-minute sets starting at 7:30 p.m. 8–10 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. Free, but preregistration advised at heardotsay.com/events. [email protected].
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Live Trivia: Bløm Meadworks
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. Bløm staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia. Teams or single players welcome. Prizes. 7 & 8 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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