Observer Editor
Community Listing
Online Event
Creative Washtenaw Event
Free Event
Donation Suggested
Hybrid Event
Events in July 2022
Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
July 29, 2022
Damon Williams: Original Cottage Inn.
July 29 & 30. This relatable Chicago-based comic has fresh observations on such topics as thugs wearing flip-flops and how to stretch a gallon of gas. He has opened for the Kings of Comedy tour, appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, and starred in Not Another Black Movie, and more. Alcohol is served. 7 & 9 p.m., Cottage Inn, 512 East William St. $60 (table for 2)-$120 (table for 4) reserved seating in advance at bit.ly/damon-cottage
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily, except July 4. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Expedition Reef (12:30 p.m.) reveals the secrets of the “rainforests of the sea,” the world’s most vibrant and endangered marine ecosystems. The Sky Tonight (1:30 & 3:30 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. Tales of the Maya Skies (2:30 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Maya scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics that enabled them to predict solstices, solar eclipses, weather patterns, and planetary movements. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Check ummnh.org for the latest Covid protocols. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
Youth Show: Washtenaw County 4-H.
July 24-29. Six days of farm animal shows and auctions, plus crafts, exhibits, all-day equestrian competitions, and assorted contests from animal decorating to a goat milk-out. Highlights include the popular “Llama Leaping Contest” (July 27, 2 p.m.), the livestock auction (July 28, 6:30 p.m.), an archery contest (July 29, 1 p.m.), the “Animal Decorator Contest” (July 29, 1:30 p.m.), and the “Ag Olympics” (July 29, 2:30 p.m.) in which 4-H youth compete in Olympic-style games involving water, mud, and agricultural products. For complete daily schedule, see bit.ly/4hwashtenaw2022. 8 a.m.-evening, Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free. 222-3877.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Fri., Tues., & Thurs. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri., Tues.), or a 499er game (Thurs.). 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:50 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $6 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email kahanae@yahoo.net or ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand.
“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter for coffee or breakfast. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird Rd. Free. a2dan@sbcglobal.net.
“Family Nature Adventures: Sumac Lemonade”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance shows families with kids age 2 & up how to forage for and make sumac lemonade, a traditional Native American drink that’s a bit sweet, a bit tart, and a bit bitter. County Farm Park, 2230 Platt Rd. Free. Preregistration required at bit.ly/wcprc2022 (activity #841002), severances@washtenaw.org.
“Olson Park Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.
Every Fri. Slow/moderate-paced 18-mile gravel road ride with a rest stop at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northfield Twp. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Olson Park, 1515 Dhu Varren. Free. aabts.org.
City Park Walks: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
Every Friday. Weekly guided 1-mile walk at a different city park each week. Preregister at mfulton@a2gov.org or 794–6250. Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
Sounds & Sights Festival
Sounds & Sights Festival is an annual summer weekend event in historic Chelsea, Michigan. The event started over four decades ago and is a highlight of summer that draws visitors from all over the state and beyond.
In 2022 the festival will be held July 29th & 30th and it will feature live music and social tent, kids' entertainment and activities, a classic car show, art market, and much more.
Each year features exciting changes and annual favorites that keep people coming back again and again. All performances and activities are held in downtown Chelsea, Michigan.
Beginner Qigong & Tai Chi: Ann Arbor Senior Center.
Every Wednesday & Friday. Gentle stretching both in-person and via Zoom (call 794–6250 for Zoom sign-up), Ann Arbor Senior Center (1320 Baldwin Ave., 794–6250). Free. Check meeting status before coming.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Every Fri., Sat., & Wed. 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. (Fri. & Wed.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. ofGlobal@aol.com.
Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Mon., Wed., & Fri. 30 min. online lesson on gentle Tai Chi for older adults. Beginners welcome. 2401 Plymouth Road. For URL, go to bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. For more information, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Via Zoom. For URL, go to bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. For more information, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
Back-to-School Supplies and Denim Drive: Briarwood Mall
In collaboration with Michigan Foster Care Closet, Briarwood Mall invites shoppers during the busy back-to-school season to drop off their denim-exclusive clothing to be recycled along with any essential school supplies.
Customers will be able to contribute any type of like-new and new denim apparel items to the Do Good with Denim drive; jeans, jackets, shirts, skirts and more. Customers can drop denim and school supplies off at designated donation bins in the Macy’s Court near Coach. All donated products will then be sent to the Michigan Foster Care Closet to help local youth and their foster families in Michigan.
100 Briarwood Circle , Ann Arbor, MI. Free. https://www.simon.com/mall/briarwood-mall/stream/do-good-with-denim-back-to-school-drive-6203409 .Bridge: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Every Tues. & Fri. Some experience necessary. No partner needed. 2401 Plymouth Road. Free. Call 998-9353 if interested, info.tswp@umich.edu.
Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library.
Every Mon.—Fri. (except July 4). Half hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2—5 (with caregiver). Mon. 10:30 a.m. (Pittsfield), Tues. 11 a.m. (Downtown), Wed. 10:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Thurs. 11 a.m. (Traverwood), Fri. 1 p.m. (Westgate).
Kids Crafts: Ann Arbor District Library.
July 6-8, 12, 13, 17, 20-22, & 25-29. AADL staffers lead hour-long workshops for kids ages 5-10. July 6 (1 p.m., Traverwood): “Make a Fairy Doll!” July 7 (1 p.m., Westgate): “Craft-tastic!” Creative crafting using pipe cleaners, pompoms, clothes pins, and more. July 8 (1 p.m., Downtown) & July 20 (1 p.m., Malletts Creek): “Slime Time.” July 12: (2 p.m., Traverwood.): “Origami Paper Wall Hanging.” July 13 (1, 4, & 6:30 p.m., Malletts Creek): “Tie Dye.” Bring a 100% cotton T-shirt or other similarly sized [?cotton?] item. July 17 (noon, Malletts Creek): “Paper Plate Flying Saucers.” July 21 (2 p.m., Traverwood): “Pipe Cleaner Ballet Dancers.” July 22 (2 p.m., Traverwood): “Caped Crusaders.” Chance to make a one-of-a-kind superhero cape. July 25 (2 p.m., Downtown): “Cabbage Juice Chemistry.” July 26 (2 p.m., Pittsfield): “Domino Days.” July 27 (1 p.m., Traverwood): “Knitting Nancies.” Chance to make and use a simple handheld loom. July 28 (1 p.m., Malletts Creek): “Sun Prints.” July 29 (2 p.m., Westgate): “DIY Flashlights!” Free. 327–4200.
Information Session for the Child Development Certificate Program (CDA/CDC) at WCC: Engage@EMU and Early Childhood Education Department at Washtenaw Community College
ONLINE retreat: Mindfulness for Cultivation of Compassion and Wisdom: Insight Meditation Ann Arbor
July 29, 4-6:00 pm July 30, 9-4:00pm
Teacher Nolitha Tsengiwe
We live in times of great instability, loss, trauma, stress and a potential “mental health pandemic.” This is an opportunity to strengthen our capacity to calm the body, heart and mind to be responsive. The retreat session will include silent meditation, dharma talks, heart practices, and community discussions.
Chelsea Sounds & Sights Festival: Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.
July 29 & 30. The festival features a food court on W. Middle Street (Fri. 5–10 p.m. & Sat. noon–10 p.m.) with food from several Chelsea restaurants, a chalk art exhibition and contest on W. Middle Street (10 a.m.–5 p.m.), a KidZone (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) with a variety of activities at Chelsea Palmer Commons (304 S. Main St.), an art market all weekend on the Chelsea District Library lawn, and a social tent ($10 cover, 6-11 p.m.) behind the Common Grill with beer & wine and live music. Tonight’s social tent music: the local honky-tonk band Bovine and the versatile local horn-fired funk sextet Sabbatical Bob. Also, today only, a classic car show (3-8 p.m.) on Middle, East, and Harrison streets, with live R&B and funk music from B!G L & Code Blü (4:30–7 p.m.) at E. Middle & East. Complete schedule available at chelseafestivals.com. 6–11 p.m. (Fri.) & 10 a.m.–11 p.m. (Sat.), Main, Middle, & Park Sts., downtown Chelsea. Free, except for social tent, which is $10 after 6 p.m. No one under age 21 admitted to the social tent after 9 p.m. 475–1145.
“Euchre Change a Life!”
Five-game euchre tournament. Prizes. Food & drink available; bring a snack to share, if you wish. Quarters are collected each time a team gets euchred. Bring a partner or come by yourself and get paired up. Proceeds benefit Haitian children. 6:30-9 p.m. (check-in closes at 6:15 p.m.), 2|42 Community Center, 648 S. Wagner. $10 donation in advance by July 27 at facebook.com/EuchreChangeALife, $20 at the door. EuchreChangeALife@gmail.com.
Oberun 5K: Bell’s Beer.
A 5-km race that ends at a beer garden serving Bell’s Oberon summer brew. Also, fire pits, sand volleyball, and corn hole. Pint glasses and bottle opener medals for finishers and T-shirts for participants. Food trucks. 6:30 p.m., Wiard’s Orchards, 5565 Merritt Rd., Ypsilanti. $46 in advance only by noon on July 27 at runoberun5k.com. Virtual race option also available. 929-9027.
Summer Concert Series: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.
See 1 Friday. Tonight: 50s and 60s classics by Michigan Memories. 6:30 p.m.
John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Concert Series.
See 1 Friday. Tonight: An ensemble led by Detroit smooth jazz saxophonist Daryl Beebe. 7 p.m.
Keith Lenart: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
July 29 & 30. Genial Detroit native known for clever one-liners on an array of subjects as well as character work that nails regional US accents. He has appeared on Last Comic Standing, NBC’s So You Think You’re Funny, and Comcast’s Comedy Spotlight. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 10 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $15 reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $17 general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.–Sun., Apr. 15–Aug. 27. Angie Kane directs the world premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s drama that imagines the Victorian sleuth, aided by Dr. Watson and Irene Adler, solving the disappearance of world-changing inventions by clients Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Cast: David Bendena, Caitlin Cavannaugh, Mark Colson, Sarab Kamoo, Rusty Mewha, and Paul Strobili. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Tickets $25–51 in advance at PurpleRoseTheatre.org and by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. 433–7673.
Social Dance: The Dance Pavilion.
Every Fri. Ballroom dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience necessary. Preceded from 8–8:30 p.m. by a group lesson. Bottled water & chips provided. 8:30–10:30 p.m., Dance Pavilion Studio, 1918 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. $15. TheDancePavilion.com, 369–9700.
“When Marnie Was There”: Michigan Theater.
(Hiromasa Yonebayashi, 2014). Darkly mysterious psychological anime film about the friendship between two girls. It’s been described as “Ghibli Gothic.” 9:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 1:30 p.m. (Sat.). Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
