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Events in May 2026
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May 27, 2026
“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.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
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.). Free. [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.
“Rooted in Community Board Game Night”: Argus Farm Stop
Bright Minds Collective: BrightWorks Coworking
Community Listing
Bright Minds Collective – a hands-on brainstorming meetup designed to help you think differently and solve smarter.
Each month, we’ll try out different brainstorming styles—whether it’s fast-paced idea sprints or deeper dive group sessions—so you can sharpen your creative problem-solving skills and bring fresh thinking back to whatever you’re working on.
Next Session:
Wednesday, May 27 | 4 pm
BrightWorks on Liberty Facilitator: Kate Arbour, Community Manager – BrightWorks Coworking
Whether you’re stuck on a business issue, navigating a creative block, or just want to expand your thinking toolkit, Bright Minds Collective gives you space to workshop real challenges, connect with other bright minds, and walk away with actionable insights.
What you’ll get:
A hands-on look at different brainstorming techniques, guided by experienced facilitators
Time to work through real-life challenges (yours or someone else’s!)
A chance to connect and network with entrepreneurs, creatives, remote workers & more
Fresh ideas + practical takeaways you can put to work right away
BrightWorks Collective is open to everyone! Walk-ins are welcome, but we’d love it if you RSVP so we know you’re coming. Just bring your brain – we’ll bring the coffee.
BrightWorks on Liberty ,Ann Arbor. https://brightworkscoworking.com/bright-minds-collective-rsvp/ Free. [email protected] https://brightworkscoworking.com/bright-minds-collective-rsvp/“Button Lab”: Ann Arbor District Library
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG).
Tues. (6:30 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.
Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary.
Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
Karaoke: Ann Arbor District Library
“English Paper Piecing with Hexagons”: Ann Arbor District Library
The Washtenaw Food Hub
Observer Editor
Every Wed. Food- and agriculture-related discussions and demos.
May 6: “Mother’s Day Bonbons.” Barbara Wilson of Mindo Chocolate Makers leads participants in making milk chocolate strawberry bonbons. $16 per box.
May 13: “The Magic of Beeswax & Rolled Candles.” Malinda Barr of the Beeswax Barrn discusses the benefits, uses, and history of beeswax and leads participants in making a hand-rolled taper candle to take home. $10 each.
May 20: “Backyard Chickens.” Liz Barney discusses raising chickens in a small space. Free.
May 27: “Brew’d: Making Koji at Home.” Mason Sharpe shows how to use this traditional Japanese method of grain fermentation to produce an intense savory-flavored grain to make soy sauce, miso, and other umami-rich foods. Free.
6 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free unless otherwise indicated, but preregistration required for all events at tinyurl.com/a2-foodhub. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
“Spruces & Firs”: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society Monthly Meeting
Observer Editor
Talk by horticulturist Jaime Whitton, who interviews bonsai artists and demonstrates techniques on the YouTube channel Ranni Bonsai. 6:30–9 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, rm. 125, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. [email protected], annarborbonsaisociety.org/events.
Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
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].
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG).
Tues. (6:30 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.
Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary.
Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
“Legally Blonde”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline).
May 24 & 27: “Legally Blonde” (Robert Luketic, 2001). Comedy about a sorority girl who attempts to win back her boyfriend by attending Harvard Law School, and in the process triumphs as a successful lawyer. Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair. 4:15 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Wed.). Ann Arbor 20 only.
“Michigan Counties Named for Revolution Patriots”: Salem Area Historical Society
Ann Arbor Bridge Club
Observer Editor
Every Wed., except May 13. All invited to play friendly, competitive ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Arrive 20 minutes early if coming without a partner. Call before coming to check that the game is being held. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline (park in marked spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline). $6 per person. (734) 945–6021.
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.
Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Observer Editor
May 13 & 27. All musicians invited to bring acoustic instruments to play bluegrass-style music. Vocalists welcome. Inclement weather cancels. Please call by 3 p.m. on the day of the jam with any questions. 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), 1320 Baldwin. $5. (734) 794–6250, a2blugrass.com.
Composting 101: ZeroWaste.Org
Community Listing
Join Michigan Master Composter Jeff Jackson for a virtual composting info session and interactive Q&A covering every composting scenario — whether you're starting a backyard pile at home, living in an apartment, dropping off organics at a local site, or setting up a composting program for your business. No question is too basic or too niche. Win prize entries for attending and invite your friends and family. Open to all! This event is part of the Scio Food Waste Challenge. More info at zerowaste.org/scio
Virtual ,Ann Arbor. https://zerowaste.org/programs/scio/events/22 Free. [email protected] https://zerowaste.org/programs/scio (347) 276-2823.Half Natural/Half Technological Author Reading Series: Cluster Museum
Community Listing
In May, Cluster Author Series partners with the Kylyn Arts & Cultures Festival.
Corresponds with Cluster’s current gallery exhibition, I Use Technology in Order to Hate it Properly. The event features Jack Cheng, Shannon Daniels, Chenxing Han, Fatema Haque, Linette Lao, Lillian Li, Jihyun Yun, and Bryan Thao Worra.
Cluster Museum 307 N. Main St. ,Ann Arbor. Free.“Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor
Observer Editor
Every Wed. Lindy Hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to recorded music. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low-grip shoes. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Michigan League Vandenberg Rm. (May 13) & Michigan Union Anderson ABCD Rm. (May 6, 20, & 27). $5 (free for members and lesson attendees) at the door. swingannarbor.com/calendar.