• Observer Editor

    “Over the Edge”: Friends In Deed

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    All welcome to register to raise $1,000 and rappel down the outside of Hill Tower at EMU. A fundraiser for this and other Washtenaw County nonprofits serving low-income families. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Hill Hall, 1200 Oakwood, Ypsi. Preregistration required at friendsindeedmi.org/events/over-the-edge. (734) 485–7658, [email protected].

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    “Doggy Dip”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

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    All dogs invited to swim in the pool (limit 2 dogs per human; assigned times by dog weight). 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi. $5 per dog; preregistration required at tinyurl.com/wcprc-sept2026 by 4 p.m. Sept. 11. $6 (noncounty residents, $10) vehicle entry fee. (734) 971–6337, ext. 319. 

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    Observer Editor

    International Standard Judged Plant Show & Sale: Southeast Michigan Bromeliad Society/Michigan Cactus & Succulent Society

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    Sept. 12 & 13. Show and sale of bromeliads, cacti, succulents, and air plants. With talks by bromeliad experts Steve Hoppin and Jerry Raack (11 a.m. & 1 p.m. both days). Also, a sale of growing supplies and books. Many vendors are cash only. This is the first show of its kind in the Midwest since the 2004 World Bromeliad Conference in Chicago. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free admission; metered parking. (248) 880–3005, mbgna.umich.edu/events.

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    Annual Used Book Sale: American Association of University Women

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    Sept. 11–13. Sale of thousands of books in over 60 categories, as well as DVDs. Proceeds support academic scholarships. Preview ($20) on Friday 810 a.m. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Community College (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free admission and parking. annarbor-mi.aauw.net.

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    Observer Editor

    Group Sketch: Ann Arbor Urban Sketchers

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    All invited to join this group of sketchers who meet to sketch and share what they’ve drawn. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., location TBA on facebook.com/groups/uskannarbor. Free. urbansketchersannarbor.com.

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    Observer Editor

    “Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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    Every Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses (sight, hearing, and smell) to experience the world as if they were a snake. No live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every Sat. & Sun., Sept. 12–Nov. 21; and Wed.–Fri., Sept. 16–Oct. 30. A carnival atmosphere with a variety of family-oriented fall activities on this family farm, including wagon rides, a petting farm, a corn maze, and more. For an extra charge on Sat. & Sun., an apple cannon, paintball, apple or pumpkin picking, and other activities available. Cider and donuts available. Also, on Sept. 12 & 13, the season opens with a food truck rally, and on Sept. 19 & 20, view classic cars at the Fall Car & Jeep Show. No pets. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., 5565 Merritt. (east of Carpenter), Ypsi. Weekend admission: $27.50 (babies under 2, free). Weekday admission: $18 (babies under 2, free) online only at wiards.com. (734) 482–7744.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Football vs. Oklahoma

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    Sold out. Noon, Michigan Stadium. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com/sports/football.

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    Observer Editor

    Annual Picnic: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance

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    All invited to bring a dish to share, or if you prefer, just your own meal. On-site grills available. Bring your own place setting and beverage. Lawn games and the annual “Wingnut Award” ceremony for birders who have seen the most birds in the county during the past year. Preceded by a migratory bird walk at 9:30 a.m. Noon–3 p.m., shelter B, Dexter-Huron Metropark, 6535 Huron River Dr., Dexter. Free, but $10 vehicle entrance fee. washtenawbna.org.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

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    Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. T. Rex (noon) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence); The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores 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., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.

  • Observer Editor

    “Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy

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    Fri. Sept. 4 & 18 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some barnyard buddies, including a Highland cow, a chicken, a Flemish giant rabbit, and a miniature donkey at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show the cow, chicken, and rabbit at 1 & 4 p.m., and the donkey at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) and noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.

  • Observer Editor

    “Monarch Migration Festival”: Leslie Science & Nature Center

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    All invited to watch or participate in the release of tagged monarch butterflies. Also, games and other activities to learn about their life cycle and the center’s role as a way station for migrating monarchs. 14 p.m. 1831 Traver. $6 (members, $5; babies under 2, free) in advance at discoverscienceandnature.org/monarch & at the door. (734) 9971553.

  • Observer Editor

    Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv

    Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
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    Sept. 1, 12, 19, & 26 (different locations). All age 16 & up invited to learn about and participate in improv games in a fun, relaxed, and judgment-free setting. No experience necessary. The Sept. 19 meeting is followed by an hour-long skills session discussing and practicing a specific improv skill. 7–9 p.m. (Tues.) & 2–4 p.m. (Sat.), Riverside Arts Center (Sept. 1, 12, & 26), 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi; & Riverside Park, (Sept. 19), 5 W. Cross, Ypsi. Tickets $8 (Sept. 12, free; Sept. 19, $15) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv or in cash at the door.

  • Observer Editor

    “A Tribute to Queen”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company

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    Sept. 11–13. An ensemble of local musicians performs songs written and originally performed by the British rock band Queen and its legendary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Featuring their hits “We Will Rock You,” the spine-tingling “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” and more. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $39–$58 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.

  • Observer Editor

    “Code Five”: Forge Theater

    “Code Five”: Forge Theater
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    Sept. 11–13. Brian Cox directs a drama by local playwright Marc Holland that explores the emotionally and morally complex aftermath of a mass shooting on one of its survivors. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 3000 Packard, ste. B. $12 in advance at forgetheatercollaborative.com, & (if available) at the door. (734) 219–9434, [email protected].