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Events in August 2022
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August 26, 2022
“Love a Park Days”: City of Ann Arbor Give 365 Volunteer and Outreach Program.
Aug. 3, 16, 26, & 28. All invited to pick up trash, weed playgrounds, spread woodchips, and help city staffers with other minor beautification projects. Wear long pants, and sturdy closed-toed shoes; bring water; tools and gloves provided. Olson Park (Aug. 3, 10 a.m.–noon). Evergreen Park (Aug. 16, 2–4 p.m.). White Oak Park (Aug. 26, 9–11 a.m.). Leslie Park (Aug. 28, 10 a.m.–noon). Various locations. Free. Preregistration required at volunteer@a2gov.org or 794–6445.
“The Territory”: Michigan Theater.
Opens Aug. 26: “The Territory” (Alex Pritz, 2022). Intense and acclaimed documentary following a young indigenous leader who fights back against farmers occupying protected areas in the Amazon rainforest.
Various times. 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.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily. 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.
“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.
“Clague School 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 Clague Middle School, 2616 Nixon. Free. aabts.org.
Annual Chelsea Community Fair: Chelsea Fairgrounds.
Aug. 21–27. Fair rides and concessions (Wed. & Thurs. 3–10 p.m., Fri. noon.–10 p.m., Sat. 1–10 p.m.), a bingo tent, livestock shows, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derbies (Tues. & Wed. 7:30 p.m.), Lost Nations Rodeo (Thurs. 7:30 p.m.), a fair queen contest, exhibits of baking, canning, floriculture, arts and hobbies, and “Nature’s Creation of Life,” an exhibit of calves, piglets, lambs, and chicks, some likely to be born during the fair. The fair opens on Sunday with a youth horse show, but officially kicks off with a Children’s Parade (Tues. 5:30 p.m.) for ages 3—12 on decorated bikes & wagons or on foot from the municipal lot behind Common Grill to the fairgrounds, and ends with the Chelsea Fair Parade (Sat. 1 p.m.). Complete schedule available at chelseafair.org. 10 a.m.—10 p.m., Chelsea Fairgrounds, Old US-12 at Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea. $10 daily admission; $30 5-day pass (middle and high school students & seniors 65 & older, $20; kids age 10 & under, free). Free admission for seniors age 65 & over on Thurs. before 5 p.m., for active or inactive U.S. service members with I.D. on Fri., and for families on Fri. from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $5 day pass for women on Fri. before 11 a.m. 475–1270 chelseafair@gmail.com, chelseafair.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.
“Lunch and Learn”: Temple Beth Emeth.
Every Fri. All invited to bring lunch and join TBE Rabbi Josh Whinston outside under a big tent for an informal discussion about religion. Noon, TBE, 2309 Packard. 665-4744.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
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. (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.
(Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m.) via Zoom. For URL, go to bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. For more information, email info.tswp@umich.edu or call 998-9353.
“Hand-Sewn Scrunchies”: Ann Arbor District Library.
AADL staffers show adults and kids age 9 & up how to make scrunchies using basic hand-sewing techniques. Materials provided. 1–2 p.m., AADL Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley. Free. 327–4200.
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.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 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.
Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library.
Every Mon.–Fri. (except Aug. 1): Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library. 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). Free. 327–4200.
U-M Clements Library Tour.
Aug. 2 & 24-26. Hour-long docent-led tour of the Clements’s early American history collection featuring Benjamin West’s iconic painting The Death of General Wolfe, a Revolutionary War-era trunk that once housed British commander-in-chief Thomas Gage’s papers, the student-curated exhibit Navigating Disability in 19th-Century America, and more. 4:15 p.m., Clements Library, 909 South University. Free, preregistration required at myumi.ch/Aw9Zb. 649–3370.
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
Every Fri. All age 16+ invited to play Dungeons and Dragons role-playing games with dungeon master Jeff. 6–10 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. $10. Preregistration recommended. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
“Friday Night Magic”: Sylvan Factory.
Every Fri. All invited to play Magic: The Gathering in a rotating draft environment. Cost and prizes vary; weekly updates on Facebook. 6–10 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
“American Fever”: Literati Bookstore/Ann Arbor District Library.
Pakistani-born fiction writer Dur e Aziz Amna, a U-M grad, discusses her debut novel about a skeptical teenage Pakistani exchange student in rural Oregon grappling with new friends, a first kiss, racism, Islamophobia, and homesickness. 6:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 343 South Fifth Ave. Free. 585–5567.
“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 at facebook.com/EuchreChangeALife, $20 at the door. EuchreChangeALife@gmail.com.
Summer Concert Series: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.
Every Fri. (Except Aug. 12), June 10–Sept. 2. Entertainment in downtown Dexter. Bring a picnic and blanket and relax on the grass. Tonight: the local roots-rock quartet Billy Mack and the Juke Joint Johnnies. 6:30 p.m., Monument Park gazebo, downtown Dexter. Free. dexterchamber.org. Info@DexterChamber.org.
John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Concert Series.
Every Fri., July 1–Sept. 2. Formerly the Ypsilanti Frog Island Jazz Concert series, now in a larger venue at Ford Lake Park, with outdoor performances by national and area jazz standouts. Veteran local jazz guitarist Lawrence opens each night by playing a piece with the featured artist. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Tonight: an ensemble led by jazz trumpeter Jessie McGuire, an Ypsilanti native and former lead trumpeter for The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the soul band Tower of Power. 7 p.m., Ford Lake Park, 9075 S. Huron River Dr., Ypsilanti. Free. 635–5446, JohneLaw@sbcglobal.net.
“Encanto": Northfield Township Movies Under the Stars.
Aug. 26: “Encanto” (Byron Howard, Jared Bush, 2021). Animated Disney feature about a family living in a magical Colombian village.
Northfield Township Community Park, 9725 Main, Whitmore Lake. Lawn games and concessions begin at 7:30, movie screenings at sundown. Free.
free.
Erin Jackson: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Aug. 26 & 27. This NYC comic’s funny and smart observations on the vagaries of modern life include advice on how to piss off a racist, living with your parents as an adult, and why the U.S. is like the hot girl from high school. She’s appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Conan, and The Last Comic Standing. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 10 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $18 reserved seating in advance at aacomedy.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $20 general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“After Dark Series: Bats & Owls”: Huron Meadows Metropark.
Aug. 26 & 27. Two programs, each a half-mile to 1-mile walk along slightly hilly mixed gravel trails. First, a Huron Meadows park interpreter leads an expedition to look for bats (8–9 p.m.) and explore the importance of Michigan’s native bats in our ecosystem. In the second program, a park interpreter leads participants in looking and calling for common owls (9–10 p.m.) and discusses how they live. Various times, Huron Meadows Metropark, Cedar Ridge Picnic Shelter, 8765 Hammel Rd., Brighton. $5 (kids, $3). Preregistration required at bit.ly/owlsandbats by 4 p.m. the day before the program. $10 vehicle entrance fee.
“One Slight Hitch”: PTD Productions.
Every Wed.-Sun., Aug. 18-27. Laura Bird directs local actors in comedian Lewis Black’s wry 2013 romantic farce about a young bride-to-be whose ne’er-do-well ex-boyfriend shows up on her parent’s doorstep on her wedding day. Unaware of her engagement, his clothes dirty from a hiking adventure, the unwanted guest avails himself of the family’s laundry and wanders the house in his underwear, running into various family members with increasingly awkward, and hilarious, results. 8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti. Tickets $18 (students & seniors, $12; Thurs., pay what you can) in advance at ptdproductions.com and at the door. 483-7345.
“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. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (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.
“Astronomy Night Open House”: U-M Detroit Observatory.
The chance to learn about the Observatory’s antique telescopes, hear presentations on a range of astronomical phenomena, and (weather permitting) observe the night sky through the historic Fitz telescope as well as modern supplemental telescopes. 8:30–11 p.m., U-M Detroit Observatory, 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Preregistration required at detroitobservatory.umich.edu. Free. 764-3482.
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.
Riverside Swings: Swing Ann Arbor.
Aug. 12, 19, & 26. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience needed. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 8 p.m. by a lesson. 9–11 p.m., Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/event/riverside-swings.
