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Events in May 2026
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May 31, 2026
“The Little Mermaid Jr.”: Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan
Observer Editor
May 22–25 & 29–31. Megan Wright-Jones directs local young actors grades 2–12 in a 60-minute version of the 2007 stage musical based on the 1989 animated Disney film and the original fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice in exchange for love. Music and lyrics by Doug Wright, Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Glenn Slater. 6 & 8 p.m. (today), & various times (May 23–25 & 29–31), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20–$30 in advance only at pytmi.square.site/home.
52nd Annual Dexter–Ann Arbor Run: Ann Arbor Track Club
Observer Editor
Since 1974, this race, the area’s biggest running event, draws thousands of runners from throughout Southeast Michigan. Includes a half-marathon (age 13 & up), 10K run (age 9 & up), and 5K run & fitness walk (age 6 & up). All races conclude on Main Street between Miller and Ann. Preceded at 10 a.m. on May 30 by a Kids Run ($10, kids 2-12) at U-M Ferry Field, E. Hoover at S. State. 7:15 a.m. (10K), 220 N. Main; 8:30 a.m. (5K), 2060 Newport; & 8:30 a.m. (half-marathon), Creekside Intermediate School, 2615 Baker Rd., Dexter. Entry fees: 5K, $50 ($52 with stroller); 10K, $70; & half-marathon, $115. Registration in advance only at dxa2.com before 4 p.m. on May 30. Prices increase after enrollment reaches a predetermined limit. [email protected], (419) 356–4881. [7:15 a.m. time slot]
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
Observer Editor
Every Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz. and Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty. Free. (734) 929–9022 (Sun. & Tues.) & (734) 769–5016 (Wed.). fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
Show & Sale: 12 Acre Studio
Spring Plant Sales: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Observer Editor
May 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 30 & 31. Includes a “Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale” (May 9 & 10) of hanging baskets and container plants grown and designed by Matthaei staff and volunteers. Also, a “Kitchen Favorites Plant Sale” (May 16 & 17) of veggies, herbs, and other selections grown by U-M Campus Farm volunteers, and a “Native Plant Sale” (May 30 & 31) of native seedlings grown in Matthaei’s greenhouses. 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Sun.), 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free admission; metered parking. (734) 647–7600, mbgna.umich.edu/spring-plant-sales.
Third Space Sundays
Observer Editor
Every Sun., except May 24. All invited to take part in a one-hour ritual of guided exercises to encourage reflection and connection. Kids welcome. Doors open at 10:15 a.m. 10:30–11:30 a.m., York, 1946 Packard. Free. Preregistration required at thirdspacesundays.org. [email protected].
Elemental Ecstatic Dance
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing to a variety of recorded music, from EDM to classical and ambient to world music. On May 17, guest teacher Lucine Eusani leads a 5Rhythms dance session designed to promote a meditative state through dance. Wear loose clothes; barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce. $20 (age 11 and under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2.
“Annual Taste of Ann Arbor”: Main Street Area Association
Observer Editor
A chance to taste entrées and desserts from more than 30 downtown restaurants and cafés. Also, kids activities and live music TBA. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Main St. between William and Washington streets. Free admission; food tickets $1 each (items range from 1–6 tickets each). (734) 668–7112, mainstreetannarbor.org/taste-of-ann-arbor.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. 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 Michigan animals get along with each other—or don’t. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
“Jewish American Heritage Month: Culture and Arts Fair”: Ann Arbor District Library
H.A.C. Ultimate
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
Fri. May 1 & 15 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show off some rescued animals, including a wolf hybrid, a reticulated python, a black vulture, and an axolotl at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers show off the first three animals 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows the axolotl at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) & 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.
“Critters Up Close!”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Group Runs: A2 Runners
Observer Editor
Every Sun., Mon., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced 3- to 5-mile group run, followed by socializing at a downtown coffee shop. Noon (Sun.) & 6:30 p.m. (Wed. & Mon.), meet at the Kerrytown clock tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].
Letterpress Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on May 3, game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board and card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. sylvanfactory.com.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (noon) follows an intrepid Dolichorhynchops osborni (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history; 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. $8 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
“All About Owls”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
“Bike, Bus, Scoot, and Boogie”: City of Ann Arbor A2Zero Week
Observer Editor
The City kicks off its annual A2Zero Week (May 31–June 6) with this family-friendly bicycling event to celebrate bicycles in general and cargo bikes in particular. Featuring live music by local folk ensemble the Green Things Trio, face painting, games, free ice cream, and cargo bikes to test ride. Also, information tables by various nonprofit groups. 1–4 p.m., 320 Miller Ave. Free. [email protected], urbanrider.bike.
“Ecological Restoration Workday”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
Observer Editor
All invited to help improve bird habitats by maintaining trails and clearing invasive shrubs at the WBNA Searles Nature Preserve. Dress for the weather; bring leather work gloves and water. Tools and know-how provided; bring your own tools, if you’d like. 1–3 p.m., Searles Nature Preserve; park along Bolla Rd., ¼ mile west of Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi. Free. washtenawbna.org.
“Sharon Mills Open House Tour”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Observer Editor
May 17 & 31. Docent-led tour of historic building and grounds along the River Raisin, which includes a hydroelectric generator that was one of many southeast Michigan facilities that comprised Henry Ford’s Village Industry project. 1–5 p.m., Sharon Mills County Park, 5701 Sharon Hollow Rd., Manchester. Free. 971–6337.
“Sweethearts”: Comic Opera Guild
Observer Editor
Thomas Petiet directs members of the guild in a luncheon performance of American composer Victor Herbert’s popular 1913 operetta about a princess, kidnapped as a baby, who is restored to her rightful place by the love of a prince. Many of its joyful melodies became hit songs, including “The Game of Love,” “Pretty as a Picture,” and “Sweethearts.” Herbert is perhaps best known for his operettas Babes in Toyland (1903) and Naughty Marietta (1910). A portion of the proceeds benefits the Washtenaw Area Council for Children. Doors open at noon for socializing and a cash bar. Lunch at 1 p.m. is followed by the performance. 1–4 p.m., Weber’s Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, 3050 Jackson Ave. Tickets $40 (includes lunch) by May 10 at comicoperaguild.org or (734) 973–3264.
“What’s in Your Attic?”: U-M Clements Library Open House
Observer Editor
All invited to share paper examples of Americana, such as vintage maps, letters, journals, books, photographs, and ephemera. Clements staff and collector volunteers share tips about care and storage. Also, a chance to view the library’s new exhibit Up, Up, and Away: A History of Ballooning in America. No appraisals. 1–4 p.m., Clements Library, 909 South University. Free. Preregistration requested at bit.ly/clementsattic26. (734) 649–3370.
“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Mocktail Class: Zero-Proof with The Still Bar: Tammy's Tastings
Community Listing
Whether you call them mocktails or zero-proof cocktails, every home bartender should have a non-alcoholic drink or two at the ready. Packed with flavor, NA drinks can be every bit as interesting as their alcoholic counterparts, and offer a delicious alternative for those who can’t or don’t want to drink. In this class we’ll cover the structural elements that make non-alcoholic cocktails work, and the secret ingredients that will make your NA drinks shine. You’ll learn tips for converting your favorite alcohol-based cocktail to zero proof (and when you shouldn’t even try). We’re also excited to welcome Nathan from The Still Bar, who’ll be joining us to spill all the (zero-proof) tea. He’ll share the magic behind their spiritless creations, walk us through the thoughtful process that brings them to life, and chat about why N/A options are such a fantastic alternative — whether you’re skipping alcohol for the night or for good. Come curious, come thirsty, and come ready to discover that alcohol-free can still bring full flavor and fun.
The Last Word 301 W Huron Street ,Ann Arbor, MI, United States. https://www.tammystastings.com/upcoming-event/zero-proof-w-the-still-bar/ $59. [email protected]“Murder on the Links”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Apr. 2–May 31. David Bendena directs Steven Dietz’s 2023 farce, based on an Agatha Christie whodunit, in which eccentric Belgian detective Hercule Poirot’s newest client is discovered, dead, on a French golf course. A cast of 6 actors embody a plethora of suspects in this high-energy, comic adaptation. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 3 p.m. (Thurs., Sat., & Wed.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). PRT, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
“Once in a Blue Moon”: Waterloo Natural History Association
Observer Editor
Meg Gower, author of 3 children’s books about the Moon (Breakfast Moon and Michigan Moon), leads an interactive program for all ages to learn about our closest celestial neighbor, its size, its phases, its craters, its relationship to life on Earth, and more. 2–3:30 p.m., Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush, Chelsea. $2 (families, $5). Space limited; preregistration required by emailing [email protected] with your name, phone number, and number of attendees. $15 per vehicle recreation passport required ($20 at the gate). wnha.org/events.
“The Last Wide Open”: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun., May 22–June 14. Diane Hill directs the Michigan premiere of Audrey Cefaly’s “love song in three movements,” a multiverse musical about the romance between a weary waitress and an immigrant dishwasher/musician playing out in several different parallel universes. The time-bending plot asks: what if love is less about destiny and more about timing? 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat., except May 23), and 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 and older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org/season11 & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.
Celtic Harp Concert: Webster Township Historical Society Fundraiser
Observer Editor
Local Celtic harpist Carol Kappus is joined by the Ann Arbor Celtic Harpers to play traditional music from Ireland. Light refreshments. 2–4 p.m., Historic Webster Village, 5583 Webster Church Rd., Dexter. $25 in advance only at tinyurl.com/webster-celt-2026. webstertownshiphistoricalsociety.org.
Karaoke: Ann Arbor District Library
Sunday Drop-in Tour: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Docent-led tours exploring Death and Ritual in Ancient Egypt” (May 3), “Women in the Ancient World: A Mother’s Day Tour” (May 10), a look at smaller artifacts in “Hidden in Plain Sight” (May 17), an exploration of how some artifacts were created in “I Wonder How They Did That?” (May 24), and “Images of Women in the Ancient World” (May 31). 2–3 p.m., 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
“All About Owls”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
“Much Ado About Nothing”: Brevity Shakespeare
Observer Editor
May 22–24 & 29–31. This local acting company performs a 90-minute abridged production of Shakespeare’s high-spirited, sharp-tongued comedy about 2 pairs of young lovers. One couple, both disdainful of love, are tricked into acknowledging each other, while the other couple’s love is nearly ruined by deception and suspicion. The play is best known for its charged sexual banter and for the penetrating wit and dark cast of its humor. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2:30 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Ypsilanti Performance Space, 218 N. Adams, Ypsi. Tickets $15 (students & seniors, $10). Limited capacity; reservations recommended at brevityshakespeare.org.
“Songs for the Season”: Ypsilanti Pipe Organ Festival
Observer Editor
Local organist Oliver Steissberg, a recent U-M music grad, performs works by Vincent Lübeck, Mary Beth Bennett, Marcel Dupré, Max Reger, Louis Vierne, and Olivier Messiaen. With guest vocalist Sarah Teske singing works by Thomas Moore and Samuel Barber. 4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti, 300 N. Washington, Ypsi. Free. (734) 579–0380.
Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
Community Listing
10-piece big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in hot jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. Great for listening or dancing.
Zal Gaz Grotto - 2070 W. Stadium Blvd ,Ann Arbor. Free (tipjar for the band). [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz 734-663-1202.Spring Fundraiser 2026: Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County
Observer Editor
Dinner and speakers focused on immigration. Keynote speech by Hispanic/Latino ministry coordinator Rosa Luz from St. Mary’s parish, the U-M Catholic campus ministry. 5–7 p.m., Genesis of Ann Arbor, 2309 Packard. Tickets $45 (child/student, $25; table of 8, $275) in advance only at tinyurl.com/a2irt-5-31-26. [email protected].
“The Open Spoon”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
Observer Editor
May 1 & 31. Two full moon community potlucks. Bring a dish to pass and a story on the theme of “community” (May 1) or “discovery” (May 31) to share. 6–7:30 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free, but preregistration required at luma.com/whwhef6f (May 1) or luma.com/le92mek7 (May 31). thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
Ann Arbor Morris
Observer Editor
Every Sun., except May 3 & 24. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish morisca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., email [email protected] for location. Free.
“Mic Drop”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Experienced improvisers compete by improvising songs with live accompaniment. Followed at 7:30 p.m. by a pay-what-you-want Musical Improv Jam: All invited to sing or move in musical/comical improv games and exercises, led by a facilitator and accompanist. No experience required. Spectators welcome. 6:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events, $18 (if available) at the door.