Events
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Observer Editor
The State of Homelessness & Affordable Housing: Washtenaw Housing Alliance
MoreThis annual advocacy and education event features a keynote talk (time TBA) by National Homeless Law Center campaign director Jesse Rabinowitz. Check website for complete schedule. 8–11 a.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg., Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. whalliance.org/state-of-homelessness-event.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Delhi Metro Park parking lot (left of the tollbooth), E. Delhi off Huron River Dr. Free. [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
2026 Nobel Symposium: U-M Center for the Study of Complex Systems
MoreU-M scholars TBA discuss this year’s Nobel Prize–winning achievements in 6 fields: physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace, and economic sciences, examining the work of the laureates, the stories behind their achievements, and the broader impact of their contributions. All are invited to hear one or all of the presentations. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Weiser Hall, 10th fl., 500 Church. Free, but preregistration required at events.umich.edu/event/153610.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun., except Nov. 26. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program examines how membranes can help solve water shortages. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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FreeObserver Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery 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. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
“After the War: Vietnamese Memory, Identity, and the Unfinished Stories of Vietnam”: U-M Center for Southeast Asian Studies
MoreTalk by Vietnam-based journalist and documentary filmmaker Lê Vân, a U-M Knight-Wallace journalism fellow. Noon–1 p.m., 110 Weiser Hall, 500 Church St. Free. (734) 764–0448.
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Observer Editor
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (noon) looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago; 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 T. Rex (2 p.m.) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence). Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
MoreEvery Tues., Thurs., & Fri., except Nov. 26. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) and a game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 750 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $9–$11 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
“The Importance of Research and Data for Policy and Social Change”: U-M Poverty Solutions Fall Speaker Series
MorePanel discussion with Detroit health and human services chief executive Luke Shaefer, Michigan deputy director of economic stability Erin Frisch, and Friends of Parkside executive director Zachary Rowe. 1:30 p.m., School of Social Work, ECC rm., 1080 South University. Also via livestream. Free. (734) 929–8027, [email protected], poverty.umich.edu/events-news/speaker-series.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Real-World Perspectives”: U-M Poverty Solutions Fall Speaker Series
MoreNov. 13 & 20. Talks by scholars and field practitioners, followed by Q&A.
Nov. 13 (noon–1:30 p.m.): U-M professor of psychology and organizational studies Catherine Thomas on “Cash Plus Psychosocial Interventions for Economic Mobility.”
Nov. 20 (1:30–3 p.m.): Panel discussion with poverty solutions experts on “The Importance of Research and Data for Policy and Social Change.”
School of Social Work, B780 (basement), 1080 South University. Also via livestream. Free. (734) 929–8027, [email protected], fordschool.umich.edu/events.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Fix-it Friday”: Maker Works
MoreAll invited to bring anything that needs fixing—chairs, sweaters, radios, whatever. Maker Works members and staff on hand help with repairs. Handy people invited to assist. Repairs not guaranteed. Also, toy adaptations to make off-the-shelf toys more accessible for people with disabilities. 4–6 p.m., 3765 Plaza. Free. Preregistration required at maker-works.com/fixitfriday. (734) 222–4911.
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Nightspots
Kari Moore.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborLocal country-rock singer-songwriter. 5 p.m.
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Nightspots
Wood, Wind, & Steel.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborJazzy folk-rock covers and originals by Mark Clevey, Bill Connors and Jeremy Seligman, a local singer-songwriter trio whose instrumentation includes guitars, flutes, piano, and mandolin. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Screen Printing Lab”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreModati Studios representatives show adults and kids age 11 & up how to screen print. Materials provided, including tote bags to print on; bring other items if desired. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
“World Famous Trivia”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAADL staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia aimed at adults. Prizes. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Small Dance Party”: U-M Dance Department MFA Thesis Dance Concert
MoreU-M dance grad student Kei Tsuruharatani presents her original choreography. 6 p.m., U-M Dance Performance Studio, 1000 Baits. Free; capacity limited. (734) 764–9537.
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Community Listing
Drop-in Line Dancing: Pittsfield Recreation Center
More701 W. Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor
Join us on Friday, November 20, 2026, 6 pm- 7:30 pm at the Pittsfield Recreation Center, SW corner of Ellsworth and S. State Street, Ann Arbor, for Drop-in Line Dancing. Adults and well-behaved children, ages eight and up (if accompanied by a parent or grandparent), are invited. Wear comfortable clothes and soft-soled shoes or boots. Learn three or more beginner line dances. The price is $7 if you pre-register at: www.recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov or $10 at the door. For questions or information, call the Pittsfield Recreation Center at 734-822-2120.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Trees & Art,” A2Zero Tree Education Series: Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability & Innovations/Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreAll invited to learn about trees in art from A2Zero staff, with the chance to create your own tree-inspired art, followed by a guided walk. 6–7:30 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2zero-11-20-26-trees.
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FreeObserver Editor
“What the Ancestors Say”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event
MoreAnishinaabe writer Sierra Biidaaban Nadeau is joined by Detroit-based Native American historian Heather Bruegl to discuss her new book about Michigan’s Indian boarding schools. Signing. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Open Mic Extravaganza”: Groundcover News
MoreAll are welcome to share writing, poetry, and stories at this open mic event honoring National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week. 6–8 p.m., TeaHaus, 211 E. Ann. Free.
