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Events in September 2025
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September 11, 2025
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. (except Sept. 1-5). Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages, including the new T. Rex (noon), an exploration of the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history that contains scenes of dinosaur violence. Also, 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, and Tales of the Maya Skies (2 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics. 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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“Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Aug. 28–Oct. 30. WBNA members lead a hike through the Arb to look for fall warblers and other southbound migrants. Birders of all skill levels welcome. 8–11 a.m., meet in the cul-de-sac at the end of Riverview Ct. (off Geddes near the east end of Dow Field). Free. washtenawbna.org.
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Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club
Observer Editor
Sept. 10–14. Equine competition combining artistry and technical abilities highlighted by graceful freestyle routines set to music. No pets. Concessions. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Waterloo Hunt Club, 11500 Glenn at Katz (west off Mount Hope Rd. from I-94 exit 150), Grass Lake. Free. [email protected].
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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 cancelations or delays. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Cavanaugh Lake County Park, 33 Cavanaugh Lake Rd., Chelsea. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].
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“India Unveiled”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Sept. 11–Oct. 16 (except Oct. 2). Series of 5 weekly talks.
Sept. 11: Stanford University religious studies professor Elaine M. Fisher on “The Public Face of India’s Religions.”
Sept. 18: Wilson Center (Washington, D.C.) South Asia analyst Michael D. Kugelman on “What to Expect for U.S.-India Relations in Trump 2.0: Convergences & Complications.”
Sept. 25: U-M business professor Aneel Karnani on “Overview of Business and Economics in India.”
Oct. 9: Temple University political science professor Adam Ziegfeld on “Making Sense of India’s Political Landscape.”
Oct. 16: Detroit Institute of Arts Asian Arts curator Katherine Kasdorf on “Sight, Sound, and Scent: Collecting and Presenting South Asian Art at the Detroit Institute of Arts.”
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Sept. 11) & 10–11:30 a.m. (all other dates), Washtenaw Community College Towsley Auditorium (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $105 (members, $70) for the 5-lecture series. $25 per lecture (members, $15). Membership, $35 a year. (734) 998–9351.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–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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“A Love Affair with Local Flowers”: Ann Arbor Farm & Garden (AAF&G)
Observer Editor
Presentation by MSU entomology researchers Jen Roedel and Karma Thomas, who colead the MSU Bee Urban Growers (BUG) community-science project. Doors open at 11:30 p.m. for the noon lunch. 1 p.m., Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $5 (AAF&G members, free; $20 includes lunch). Preregistration required by Sept. 4 at tinyurl.com/aafg-9-11-25.
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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 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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“Painting in Nature”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Observer Editor
All invited to learn best practices for successful watercolors with WCC instructor Deb Guidot. Bring your own art supplies. 2–4 p.m., Matthaei, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; registration required at mbgna.umich.edu/events; metered parking. (734) 647–7600, mbgna.umich.edu.
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U-M Eisenberg Institute for Historical Studies Lecture Series
Observer Editor
Sept. 11 & 25 (different times). Talks by U-M & visiting scholars.
Sept. 11: U-M history professor Kira Thurman on “Pop after Empire: Disco, Decolonization, and the Re-Making of a Music Industry.”
Sept. 25: Hamilton College (Clinton, NY) history professor Mackenzie Cooley on “The Nature of Spanish Empire.”
4–6 p.m. (Sept. 11) & 4:45–6:45 p.m. (Sept. 25), 1014 Tisch Hall, 435 S. State. Free. (734) 615–7400.
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Michigan Marching Band Practice
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Thurs. (except Sept. 1). 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. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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“Barley, BBQ, & Beats Fundraiser”: Arbor Hospice
Observer Editor
Strolling dinner with live performances by the Detroit-based blues band Motor City Josh and The Ragbirds, an inventive local band that mixes country-rock with elements of world music, groove rock, and edgy pop. Each ticket includes 3 servings of BBQ and 3 cocktails (extra tokens available for purchase). Sides, vegetarian, and vegan options included. Silent auction. Proceeds support access to hospice care. Age 21+ only. 5–9 p.m., Revel Run, 555 S. Dancer Rd., Chelsea. $65 in advance at arborhospice.org/bbb & $75 at the door.
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“Inside the Firings and the Future of the Federal Workforce”: U-M Wallace House Hovey Lecture
Observer Editor
U-M Knight-Wallace fellow Andrea Hsu, an NPR labor and workplace correspondent, discusses the consequences of the Trump administration’s recent firing of tens of thousands of federal employees. 5 p.m., U-M Wallace House Gardens, 620 Oxford. Free; preregistration required at wallacehouse.umich.edu. (734) 998–7666.
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“An Artist’s Journey into the Wild”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series
Observer Editor
Painter and multimedia artist Catherine Chalmers discusses her work, which strives to connect viewers with the natural world while drawing attention to the dangers of the current Anthropocene (human-dominated) era. Opening today at the Institute for the Humanities Gallery, her exhibit Conifer Trees, Bark Beetles, and Fire uses materials gathered from nature (including conifer sap and resin and chunks of burnt trees) to depict the complex ecological relationships between these destructive beetles, wildfires, and trees in the Western United States. 5:30–6:30 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671.
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“Artist Trading Cards”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults and teens invited to use paint, glue, stamps, and other supplies to make small cards to trade with other participants and take home. 5:30–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Faux Stained Glass”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
A chance for adults and teens to design a colorful pattern using markers on glass (or use a pre-made design), then add foil to create a gleaming and glinting stained-glass-like effect. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active
Observer Editor
Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, or any other item they’d like to try to repair or repurpose with the help and guidance of AHA members. AHA’s goal is to empower everyone to explore, learn, and repair things. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., AHA, basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Livestream available at meetup.com/allhandsactive/events. Free; donations welcome. [email protected].
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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 post-ride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancelations 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. 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 Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Sat. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), an interval-based training run (Tues.), or a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti; 6 p.m. (Tues.) & 7 a.m. (Sat.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; & 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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Open Mic: Dzanc House
Observer Editor
All invited to share acoustic music, short stories, or poetry. Sign up on arrival. 6–8 p.m., Dzanc House, 402 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Free. dzanchouse.org.
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“Nerd Nite”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults age 21 & up invited to this popular monthly event featuring three speakers TBA (at annarbor.nerdnite.com) who give fun yet informative 20-minute talks about things that interest them, anything from how a trumpet works to the legacy of Louis Pasteur. 7–9 p.m., LIVE, 102 S. First St. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Singing for Comfort”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Observer Editor
All invited to join a sing-along of soothing songs that are easy to learn. No experience necessary. 7–8:30 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Free. (734) 327–0270.
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“Stevie Wonder Tribute”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Sept. 11–14. Local actors and singers Chris Joseph, Gayle E. Martin, Arielle Crosby, and Jason Briggs perform hits from one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, a pioneering influence across a range of genres including R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz. His use of synthesizers during the 1970s reshaped the conventions of contemporary R&B. Hits include “Superstition,” “Living for the City,” “My Cherie Amour,” and more. The singers are backed by a band. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) and 2 p.m. (Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $34–$56 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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Duoplicity Improv Jam: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
All improvisers with some experience are invited to be randomly paired with another improviser to perform a 6-minute scene. Spectators welcome. 7–8 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $7.50 in advance at heardotsay.com/events and at the door. [email protected].
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General Meeting: Ann Arbor Ski Club
Observer Editor
A chance to learn about the club’s upcoming downhill and cross-country ski and snowboarding outings, and other social activities. Followed by dancing to music spun by a DJ. Must be 21 or older. 7–10 p.m., UA Local 190, 7920 Jackson. $10 (members, free). [email protected].
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Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
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. Also, on Sept. 4, the event is preceded by “Comedy Nerdz Happy Hour” (5:30–6:30 p.m.), where attendees have the opportunity to mingle with the comics before they hit the stage. 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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“Guns & Moses”: 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.
Sept. 7–11: “Guns & Moses” (Salvador Litvak, 2025). Action film about an affable small-town rabbi who becomes an unlikely gunslinger after his community is violently attacked. 7:15 p.m. Ann Arbor 20 only.
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“Boot Scootin’”: University Musical Society Ypsilanti Freighthouse Residency
Observer Editor
All ages invited to take part in country line dancing, with instruction, to recorded country music. Cowboy boots or other closed-toe shoes and country flair (hats, bandanas, etc.) encouraged. Alcohol for sale. Doors open at 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti. Pay what you wish. Preregistration required at (734) 764–2538 or ums.org/season.
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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 hosted by local comics Ned Rice and Jeff Teed. All age 18 and up welcome to 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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“The Big Lebowski”: 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.
Sept. 5 & 11: “The Big Lebowski” (Joel & Ethan Coen, 1998). Beloved philosophical comedy starring Jeff Bridges as an L.A. slacker who gets mixed up in some criminal business. John Goodman, Steve Buscemi. 9:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 8 p.m. (Thurs.).
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2025 Michigan Playwrights Festival: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Sept. 11–14. Readings of new full-length plays by emerging Michigan playwrights. Tonight: Josie Herman directs I Am a Sword, veteran award-winning local playwright Joseph Zettelmaier’s drama about the recovery and retraining of an Olympic fencer following a brutal assault. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $10 (festival pass, $30) in advance at theatrenova.org/michigan-playwrights-festival & at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
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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