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Events in April 2026
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April 8, 2026
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun., except Apr. 11. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program examines how Michigan animals get along with each other—or don’t. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
Carillon Concert Series: U-M School of Music
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Fri. through Apr. 21 (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. Burton Tower (noon), 230 N. Ingalls; and Lurie Tower (1:20 p.m.), 1230 Murfin. Free. (734) 615–3204.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. 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. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].
Noon Lecture Series: Kempf House Museum
Observer Editor
Apr. 1, 8, 15, & 22. Intimate talks in this restored 19th-century Greek Revival home.
Apr. 1: “Traveling the World.” Speaker George Jabol on his passion for travel.
Apr. 8: “Crime and Punishment: Michigan’s Criminal Past.” Storyteller and historian Susan Nenadic on Michigan’s place as the nation’s leader in 19th-century prison reform.
Apr. 15: “William W. Cook.” U-M law school librarian emerita Margaret Leary on Cook, who advocated for alumni funding of U-M projects.
Apr. 22: “Observing Ann Arbor.” John Hilton, former longtime editor of the Ann Arbor Observer.
Noon–1 p.m., 312 S. Division. Free; donations accepted. (734) 994–4898, kempfhousemuseum.org.
“Murder on the Links”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Apr. 2–May 31. David Bendena directs Steven Dietz’s 2023 farce, based on an Agatha Christie whodunit, in which eccentric Belgian detective Hercule Poirot’s newest client is discovered, dead, on a French golf course. A cast of 6 actors embody a plethora of suspects in this high-energy, comic adaptation. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 3 p.m. (Thurs., Sat., & Wed.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). PRT, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
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.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “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, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
“Porcelains and Power: The Politics of Chinese Art in the Age of American Ascendancy”: UMMA
“Perfumes from La Maison Jacques Fath”: Ann Arbor District Library Smell & Tell
“This Is Not a Film”: State Theatre
Observer Editor
Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Apr. 8: “This Is Not a Film” (Jafar Panahi, 2011). Iranian documentary shot while Panahi was under house arrest. Sponsored by the U-M Institute for the Humanities. Farsi, subtitles. FREE. 6 p.m.
“Twin Peaks: Episodes 1 & 2”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Apr. 8: “Twin Peaks: Episodes 1 & 2” (David Lynch, 1990). In the first 2 episodes of this landmark television drama, when high school student Laura Palmer is found murdered in the idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks, an equally quirky FBI agent arrives to investigate. 6 p.m.
Heat Press Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
The Washtenaw Food Hub
Observer Editor
Every Wed., except Apr. 29. Food- and agriculture-related discussions, demos, and gatherings.
Apr. 1: “The Open Spoon.” Full moon community potluck.
Apr. 8: “Brew’d: Water Kefir.” Rachel Kanaan demonstrates how to brew this tangy fermented beverage.
Apr. 15: “Felted Wool Hot Pads.” Mitch Fehrle of MI Fibershed shows the basics of wet felting. $10 suggested.
Apr. 22: “Multipurpose Leather Strap.” Bliss Ledford shows how to create and customize a leather piece.
6 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free unless otherwise indicated, but preregistration requested for all events at tinyurl.com/a2-wfh-4-2026. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
“Community Science and Native Plant Awareness”: Ann Arbor Wild Ones
“Our Diaries, Ourselves: How Diarists Chronicle Their Lives and Document Our World”: Literati Bookstore
Observer Editor
Chicago-based writer Betsy Rubiner, a Detroit native, is joined by local writer Rachel Wilson-Berg to discuss her new book, a collection of diary entries and social media posts by famous women, including Audre Lorde, Virginia Woolf, Alison Bechdel, and Taylor Swift. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
Group Runs: A2 Runners
Observer Editor
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. 6:30 p.m. (Wed. & Mon.) & noon (Sun.), meet at the Kerrytown clock tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].
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.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “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, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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. Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty; and Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz. Free. & (734) 769–5016 (Wed.) & (734) 929–9022 (Sun. & Tues.). fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Observer Editor
Apr. 8 & 22. All musicians invited to bring acoustic instruments to play bluegrass-style music. Vocalists welcome. Inclement weather cancels. Please call by 3 p.m. on the day of the jam with any questions. 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), 1320 Baldwin. $5. (734) 794–6250, a2blugrass.com.
“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Apr. 8, 15, & 22. Performances by up to 12 aspiring and established area stand-up comics. On Apr. 8, attendees can mingle with the comics before they hit the stage during “Comedy Nerdz Happy Hour” (5:30–6:30 p.m.). 7:15 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at aacomedy.com; $6 at the door. (734) 996–9080.
“Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor
Observer Editor
Every Wed., except Apr. 22. Lindy Hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to recorded music. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low-grip shoes. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Michigan League, Vandenberg Rm. $5 (free for members and lesson attendees) at the door. swingannarbor.com/calendar.
Concert Band: U-M Music School
Observer Editor
Courtney Snyder and grad student conductor Jennifer Hepp lead this music student ensemble in band arrangements of Shostakovich’s Festive Overture and Bach’s My Jesus, Oh What Anguish, along with works by contemporary composers, including Roshanne Etezady’s Anahita, Dana Wilson’s Piece of Mind, and Arturo Márquez’s sultry and exuberant Danzón No. 2. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 615–3204.