Observer Editor
Community Listing
Online Event
Creative Washtenaw Event
Free Event
Donation Suggested
Hybrid Event
Events in August 2025
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
August 17, 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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Swim to the Moon”: Epic Races
Observer Editor
5K, 10K, 1.2-mile, and half-mile open water races. Awards, medals for finishers, T-shirts, & more. Proceeds benefit North Star Reach, a camp for kids with life-threatening medical conditions. Races begin at 6:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. (registration opens at 5:45 a.m.) Halfmoon Lake beach, 8725 Hankerd, Dexter. $180–$200 in advance at swimtothemoon.net; prices increase on race weekend. Michigan Recreation Passport, or $13 park pass purchase at the gate required for each vehicle. (734) 585–7101.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
Observer Editor
Every Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. 8 a.m. (Sun.) & 7 a.m. (Tues.), Dozer Coffee, 112 Jackson Plz., and 7 p.m. (Wed.), Fleet Feet, 123 E. Liberty. Free. (734) 929–9022 (Sun. & Tues.) & (734) 769–5016 (Wed.). fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club
Observer Editor
Aug. 1–3 & 14–17. 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].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Pop-Up Makerspace”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. All invited to drop in and try a hands-on engineering or garden design activity. 10 a.m.–noon & 2–4 p.m., AAHOM, 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom, (734) 995–9439.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Natural Dye Workshop: The Natural Dye Company
Community Listing
Bundle dyeing is the perfect way to start your dye journey! It is a simple form of eco-printing where you roll flowers and other natural dyestuffs within a textile, tie it and place it above hot steam. The naturally-occurring pigments within the plants will bind to the textile and create gorgeous dyes and patterns. It is a creative and fascinating way to appreciate the beauty, color and also, the impermanence of flora. We will talk about what dyestuffs work the best, how to preserve the color as long as possible, and artistic approaches such as composition and technique. Come with curiosity, wonder and a good attitude and get ready to learn something new!
Registration is required for this event and based on a sliding scale. All materials are included. Children are welcome to register, but must be accompanied by an adult. If you are accompanying a registered child and would like to make a bandana of your own, please register yourself as well.
13013 ROEPKE RD ,GREGORY, MI. https://square.link/u/4BCBAL0f Sliding Scale $35 - $60. [email protected] https://the-natural-dye-company.square.site/Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Elemental Ecstatic Dance”: Our Play Ground
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing. Flow toys, hula hoops, and other props provided. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stockinged feet. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce Blvd. $20 (age 13 and under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. [email protected]. bit.ly/ecstatic-dance-a2.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Wall Crawl Mural Tours”: Ann Arbor Art Center
Observer Editor
Aug. 14 & 17. An A2AC curator TBA leads a quarter-mile guided tour of the city’s vibrant downtown murals, discussing each artist’s process and concept. The Aug. 14 tour is for age 21 and up only, and attendees can carry an alcoholic drink through the downtown social district, where it is legal. 5:30–6:30 p.m. (Aug. 14) & 11–11:45 a.m. (Aug. 17), Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty. $10 each (kids age 5 and under, free on Aug. 17). Preregistration required at annarborartcenter.org/events (space limited).
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Sunday Artisan Market
Observer Editor
Every Sun. through Dec. 21. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 34th year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. (734) 913–9622.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
H.A.C. Ultimate
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. [email protected], (734) 846–9418.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some desert animals (1 & 4 p.m.), including a kangaroo, a black-throated monitor, and a baby emu. Also, an animal keeper talk about the leopard tortoise (2 & 3 p.m.), and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only (no longer available online). (734) 929–9324. thecreatureconservancy.org.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
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. lesliesnc.org, (734) 997–1553.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
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. Noon (Sun.) and 6:30 p.m. (Mon. & Wed.), meet at the Kerrytown clock tower. Preregistration requested at.meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on Aug. 3, game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board and card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Free. [email protected].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Out of the Water and Back Again: A Whale’s Tale”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Aug. 30 & 31). Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for ages 5 and up about the evolutionary history of whales and what the museum’s fossil whales and other related species reveal. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Chesstastic”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults and kids age 5 and up invited to drop in and play chess. All skill levels welcome. Instruction not provided. Chess sets provided. 1–3 p.m., AADL Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Drop-In Art Demos: Ann Arbor Art Center
Observer Editor
Aug. 9 & 17. All invited to watch artists work and discuss their process. “Painting in the Style of Bob Ross” (Aug. 9, 12–3 p.m.) by certified Bob Ross instructor Ted Simpson. “Marbling & Polymer Clay Jewelery“ (Aug. 17, 1–5 p.m.) by artists Irene Mokra and Alexandra Daniels. Art for sale. 12–3 p.m., Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty. Free. annarborartcenter.org/events.
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. 1–3 p.m. (Sun.) & 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.), Spun, 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
SASHA Farm End-of-Summer Celebration & Annual Humane Fair: SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary
Community Listing
Join us for our Annual Humane Fair at SASHA Farm! This fun, family-friendly event is a special opportunity for supporters of all ages to connect with local vendors, eat delicious food, and enjoy the animals. Take a guided tour to meet our animal residents and spend the day on the peaceful SASHA Farm grounds. Enjoy a delicious vegan lunch under the big tent, provided by VEG-N, Plant Based Coneys, Cinnaholic, and more! Be sure to check out our Vegan Bake Sale, Kids' Corner, and new SASHA Merch!
17901 Mahrle Rd ,Manchester. https://givebutter.com/L6qOyh Adult $25 (pre-sale) $30 (door); Children (ages 6-12) $15; Children (ages 5 and under) Free. [email protected] www.sashafarm.org 7342188897.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Sea Shanty Singalong: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Local traditional folk singer Ben Traverse discusses the history of this maritime singing tradition, which experienced a popular revival in the form of viral videos during the Covid-19 pandemic. Followed by a sing-along of popular shanties. 1–2:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Sundays at Cobblestone: Cobblestone Farm Museum
Observer Editor
All invited to tour the house and farm, as well as to join docents and board members in inventorying & cataloging items and cleaning the museum. 1–3 p.m., CFM, 2718 Packard. Free. cobblestonefarm.org.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
U-M Women’s Soccer
Observer Editor
Exhibition game vs. Pittsburgh. The U-M has regular season home games this month against Detroit Mercy (Aug. 17, 1 p.m.) and WMU (Aug. 31, 1 p.m.). 1 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. $6 & $8 (groups of 10 or more, $3 per person; kids 5 & under, free). Exhibition games, free. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Thelma & Louise”: 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. 14 & 17: “Thelma & Louise” (Ridley Scott, 1991). Influential feminist road movie about two ordinary women who become outlaws. Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis. 7 p.m. (Thurs.) & 1:30 p.m. (Sun.).
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Sun. (except Aug. 31). Thirty-minute tour that uses the museum’s specimens to tell the story of prehistoric whales and dolphins, who had 4 limbs and walked on land. 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
“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.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Moon Over Buffalo”: PTD Productions
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Aug. 14–23. Daniel Dye directs local actors in Ken Ludwig’s 1995 madcap farce about a washed-up B-movie acting couple touring the 50s theatrical circuit. They get an unexpected last stab at stardom when they learn that the famous director Frank Capra plans to attend one of their performances, but everything that could go wrong does, including a love triangle, a show-within-a-show, and a visit from the wife’s stage-manager mother. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15) in advance at ptdproductions.com and at the door. (734) 483–7345.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Ordinary Days”: Penny Seats Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Aug. 8–23. Phil Simmons directs local singer-actors in Adam Gwon’s 2008 sung-through musical (a musical with little or no spoken dialogue) about 4 young New Yorkers: an optimistic artist, a depressed grad student, a grieving girlfriend, and her romantic boyfriend. Their lives intersect as they search the big city for fulfillment, happiness, love, and cabs. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $20 (students, $15; kids 12 and under, $14; seniors, $18), in advance at pennyseats.org and (if available) at the door. (612) 210–7329, [email protected].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Pop-Up Makerspace”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. All invited to drop in and try a hands-on engineering or garden design activity. 10 a.m.–noon & 2–4 p.m., AAHOM, 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom, (734) 995–9439.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Radical Empathy”: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun., Aug. 1–24. Briana O’Neal directs the premiere of local playwright David Wells’s play, based on a true story, about the connection between an American college professor and an Iraqi man. When the professor’s TED Talk on empathy goes viral, he meets virtually an Iraqi man who becomes a fixture in his online classroom. When the brutality of the U.S.-led invasion hits the Iraqi man directly, the professor is forced to explore radical empathy in earnest. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), and 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 and older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org & at the door. (734) 635–8450.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Dharma Disc Golfers: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center
Observer Editor
All invited to play 9 or 18 holes. Discs available for those who don’t have them. Weather permitting; ground may be muddy. 2–4 p.m., Mary Beth Doyle Park, 3500 Birch Hollow. Free. [email protected]. jewelheart.org.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Farmstead Tours: Pittsfield Township Historical Society
Observer Editor
Guided tours of the historic 1832 Sutherland-Wilson farmstead. Also, in the house, The Needles Art: A Historic Journey Through Samplers and Stitches, an exhibit mounted by the local chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America, and, in the barn, a weaving demo. 2–5 p.m., Sutherland-Wilson Farm, 797 W. Textile Rd. Free. pittsfieldhistory.org, [email protected].
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Michigame Design Lab Game Playtesting: Bløm Mead + Cider
Observer Editor
All invited to try out new board and card games from local designers and provide feedback. 2–6 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Sunday Drop-In Tour: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Observer Editor
Aug. 17 & 24. Docent-led tours exploring “Statues” (Aug. 17) and “Pottery, Glass, and Coins in the Ancient World” (Aug. 24). 2–3 p.m., Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Out of the Water and Back Again: A Whale’s Tale”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Aug. 30 & 31). Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for ages 5 and up about the evolutionary history of whales and what the museum’s fossil whales and other related species reveal. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“TriviaTime! with Katie and Abbie: Disney”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults and kids age 10 and up invited to answer trivia questions about Disney movies. Prizes. 3–4 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“The Grateful Dead Movie”: 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. 15 & 17: “The Grateful Dead Movie” (Jerry Garcia & Leon Gast, 1977). Documentary that combines Winterland Ballroom concert footage shot in 1974 with backstage scenes, animation, and interviews, plus a short film of a performance not included in the original film. Billed as a meet-up of Deadheads. 7 p.m. (Fri.) & 4 p.m. (Sun.).
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Cocktail Class: Along the Bourbon Trail: The Last Word
Community Listing
From its roots in Kentucky, bourbon has become one of the quintessential American spirits. Learn about its journey from frontier currency to cult status. Bourbon’s smooth flavor makes it great for sipping on its own, but it also makes for some really tasty cocktails, as you’ll discover in this class.
You’ll taste a few different bourbon whiskeys to explore their unique characteristics, then mix an identical cocktail with each to test the question of “how will these differences play out in a cocktail?” Finally, you’ll mix and sample some of our favorite bourbon cocktails and see if they become yours too! Your booking includes light snacks (pretzels, nuts).
301 W Huron St ,Ann Arbor. https://www.tammystastings.com/upcoming-event/along-the-bourbon-trail/ $59. [email protected] www.tammystastings.comAdd this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
P.O.R.K. - Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
Community Listing
10-piece big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in hot jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. Great for listening or dancing.
2070 W. Stadium Blvd ,Ann Arbor. Free (tipjar for the band). [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz 248-446-0403.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Ann Arbor Go Club
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game. Game materials provided. 5:45 p.m. until whenever, Conor O’Neills, 318 S. Main. Free. For more info, email Drew at [email protected] or check tinyurl.com/a2goclub.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
6th Annual Glee Club Summer Sing: Measure for Measure
Observer Editor
All male singers age 14 and up invited to join this 80-member local men’s chorus to sing 18 men’s glee club standards. 6:30–8:30 p.m., St. Luke Lutheran Church, 4105 Washtenaw. Preregistration requested at measure-for-measure.org. Free. (734) 649–7664.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Mommie Dearest”: 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. 15 & 17: “Mommie Dearest” (Frank Perry, 1981). Biopic about the family life of 1940s film star Joan Crawford, played by an over-the-top Faye Dunaway. Based on the tell-all biography by her adopted daughter Christina, the film is a camp classic. 9:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 7 p.m. (Sun.).
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”: 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. 16–20: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (Steve Barron, 1990). Live action adaptation of the adventure comics about 4 teenage anthropomorphic turtles who battle criminals and alien invaders from their home in the NYC sewers. 1 p.m. (Fri. & Sat. only) and 7 p.m.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop
Observer Editor
Aug. 3 & 17. Performances by aspiring and experienced comics attending former Tonight Show staff writer Chili Challis’s comedy dojo. The humor is appropriate for adults. 7:30 p.m., the Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl, ste. 100, Ypsilanti. Free. facebook.com/unclubshow. [2x]
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Long-Form Improv Jam: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Anyone with some improv experience is invited to join in a 10–15 minute improv set. Not recommended for beginners, but spectators welcome. 7:30–9:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. Pay what you want. heardotsay.com/events.
Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal