• Observer Editor

    2026 Saline Community Fair

    2026 Saline Community Fair
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    Sept. 2–6. Old-fashioned community fair featuring agricultural and craft exhibits, carnival rides every day (open at 4 p.m. weekdays, 1 p.m. weekends), and a variety of special events, including a dog of the year contest (winners announced 5:30 p.m. Fri.), touch a truck (10 a.m. Thurs.), an instrument petting zoo (11 a.m.–1 p.m. Thurs.) led by members of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, a talent show (6:30 p.m. Fri.), a rodeo (7 p.m. Fri.), the USA Auto Cross Championship Derby (7 p.m. Sun.), livestock shows & auctions, tractor & draft horse pulls, a reptile show, a euchre tournament, and more. Live music includes popular Michigan-based a cappella comedy & music quartet Three Men and a Tenor (6 p.m. Sat.), renowned touring student fiddle ensemble the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic (3 p.m. Sun.), and more. See salinefair.org for complete schedule. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Wed.–Sat.) & 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $5 (Wed.) & $10 (Thurs.–Sun.). Ride armbands $22–$25. [email protected].

  • Free
    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

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
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    Every Thurs. & Mon., except Sept. 7. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.) and non-sanctioned (Mon.). Noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9) & 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every Mon.–Thurs. (except Sept. 7). The U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel field, across the street from the old Elbel field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 12 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Sign Making Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and kids age 5 & up invited to drop in and create a custom sign. 5–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Nature Nerds Book Club”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation

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    All invited to share outdoor memories and read aloud from Barbara Kingsolver’s 2000 novel, Prodigal Summer. 5:30–6:30 p.m., Natural Area Preservation Office, 3875 E. Huron River Dr. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected].

  • Nightspots

    Deacon Earl.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Lansing blues singer-songwriter who accompanies himself on guitar and harmonica. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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    Every Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Bad Decisions Track Club

    Bad Decisions Track Club
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    Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Bug Art!”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults & teens invited to make a large bug using the same processes used in tying flies for fly fishing. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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    Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 9805277.  

  • Nightspots

    Jeff Bainter.: El Limon

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    El Limon 2709 Plymouth

    Parodies of familiar tunes by this local singer-guitarist.

  • Nightspots

    Open Mic.: Sam Hill

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    Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.

    All performers invited. Hosted by Mike Gentry. Sign-up at 5:30 p.m.