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Events in July 2026
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August 1, 2026
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July 8, 2026
“Seasonal Market Produce”: Ann Arbor Farmers Market Cooking Demonstration
“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 lets participants try out simulated snake senses to experience the world as if they were a snake. Also, models of snake brains available to examine, but no live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
“Classic Arcade Week 2026”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
July 5–9. All invited to drop in and play vintage arcade game cabinets, including Donkey Kong, Frogger, Galaga, The Simpsons, Space Invaders, and more. With a high score tournament on Thursday (qualification play begins at 10 a.m.). No quarters required. Noon–7:45 p.m., AADL Warehouse, 265 Parkland Plz. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“TriviaTime! with Katie and Abbie: Percy Jackson and Other Riordan Myths”: Ann Arbor District Library
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
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. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. We Are Stars (noon) explores the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins, connecting life on Earth to the evolution of the universe; 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.
“Fiddler on the Roof”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Thurs.–Sun., June 4–July 19. Dan Cooney directs this local professional company in the 1964 musical, an adaptation of stories by celebrated Yiddish writer Sholem Aleichem with a book by Joseph Stein and Sheldon Harnick and music by Jerry Bock. The plot concerns life in a 1905 Jewish Ukrainian shtetl before a pogrom forces an exodus. Starring Broadway veteran Daniel Friedman as Tevye. 7 p.m. (some Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (some Thurs., Sat., & Sun.). Encore Maas Main Stage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $34–$65 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.
“Introductory Woodcarving: Skill-Building with Fish”: Ann Arbor District Library
“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. Kate Thomsen directs longtime Purple Rose resident playwright Carey Crim’s comedy-drama about a group of old friends gathered to celebrate their friend Emma’s fourth wedding. Together, they revisit their memories of each of her previous three weddings to “the one.” 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.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
“West Side Nite Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Wed. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 10 to 30 miles, along the B2B Trail to Hudson Mills Metropark and/or Dexter-Huron Metropark with a possible visit to the Dexter Dairy Queen. This ride is a favorite with newcomers and casual riders. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. (734) 426–5116.
Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Observer Editor
July 8 & 22. 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. 5–9 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.), 1320 Baldwin. $5. (734) 794–6250, a2blugrass.com.
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. (except July 4). All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
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.
Wonder Walk: Slow Roll of Summer: Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Community Listing
July is for slow, easy-going strolls, close-up curiosity, and simple sketching. Gather at the front entrance and take a lightly guided walk to some favorite shady spaces. We’ll explore the world around us with sketch pads and watercolors, for all-age art play.
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Matthaei Botanical Gardens hosts free guided Wonder Walks on select Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the season, with occasional additional walks and special-topic programs offered on other days. Walk themes, times, and formats may vary.
Wonder Walks are designed for all ages to inspire curiosity and learning from each other through activities that encourage observation, exploration, and connection with nature. If we have a sizeable mixed-age group, we may split into two groups to deliver the same content at different engagement levels.
Wednesday walks begin at 5:00 pm. Sunday walks begin at 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted. We recommend gathering about 10 minutes before the start — inside the lobby at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, or outside the Reader Center for walks held at Nichols Arboretum.
1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 ,Ann Arbor. Free. https://mbgna.umich.edu/event/wonder-walk-slow-roll-summer“Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
Observer Editor
Every Wed. Food- and agriculture-related discussions and demos.
July 1: “Berry Jam Preserving.” Experienced canner Jessica Read leads a hands-on, beginner-friendly session of small-batch jam canning. Free.
July 8: “Love Your Liver.” Vegan chef Val Wilson, founder of Macro Val, leads a discussion on supporting liver health through local foods and healing teas. Recipe handouts. $7.
July 15: “Lightbridge Academy.” Intro to this new early childhood education center for parents, with hands-on activities for kids.
July 22: “Knitting with Local Yarn.” Mitch Fehrle of Michigan Fibershed leads a hands-on session for beginning knitters. Supplies provided. $10.
6–7 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Cost varies. Preregistration required for all events at tinyurl.com/a2-foodhub. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
“Getting Lost in a Book: Adventures in SmellLiterature”: Ann Arbor District Library Smell & Tell
Observer Editor
July 8 & 22 (different times). Local writer and fragrance expert Michelle Krell Kydd, creator of the award-winning flavor and fragrance blog Glass Petal Smoke, leads a guided smelling of 6 scents referenced in literature. 6–7:30 p.m. (July 8) & 1:30–3 p.m. (July 22), AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“Paddle the Huron River”: Hudson Mills Metropark
Observer Editor
All age 18 & up invited to paddle the Huron by kayak to enjoy the scenery and discuss the wildlife with a park naturalist. Skip’s Canoe Livery provides the gear. Park at the main parking lot at Delhi Metropark and take the walking path to Skip’s to catch the shuttle to Dexter-Huron Metropark. Participants must be able to carry 20 lbs. and use both arms through a full range of motion. 6–8 p.m., Delhi Metropark, 3902 E. Delhi. $30 per person. Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/huron-paddle-7-8-26 by 4 p.m., July 7. (734) 426–8211.
Heat Press Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. (except July 4). All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
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.
Sharing the Spirit of America: U-M U.S. at 250
Community Listing
On July 8 at 6:00 PM, communities across the world will simultaneously read the Declaration of Independence aloud — marking the exact date of its first public reading in 1776. Americans in all 50 States and 16 Territories of the United States will read the Declaration of Independence as part of 'Sharing the Spirit of America.'
At the University of Michigan, the event will take place on the Diag (inclement weather location TBA). The reading will start promptly at 6:00pm -- arrive early to get a red, white, and blue popsicle and U-M U.S. at 250 stickers! President Grasso will kick off the reading of the Declaration, which all schools have been invited to have a representative participate in reading. A social opportunity with popsicles and music will continue after the event until 7:00pm.
University of Michigan Main Campus Diag ,Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] https://events.umich.edu/event/148813“Like Home”: Fine Print Bookshop
Observer Editor
Author Michele Feeney discusses her latest novel. A family drama set in the Great Depression in rural Michigan, it’s a follow-up to her 2024 book, Like Family. 6:30 p.m., 109 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. Admission: purchase of a $5 gift card or the cost of the book. fineprintbookshop.com.
Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
Group Runs: A2 Runners
Observer Editor
Every Wed. & Mon. 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. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Kerrytown Clock Tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].
Guided Tree Walk: Wild Ones
Observer Editor
Naturalist Sean Reynolds leads a walk focused on identifying and learning about tree species. Cosponsored by the City of Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovations. 6:30–8 p.m., Wurster Park play structure, 525 W. Madison. Free. [email protected], annarbor.wildones.org/events.
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. (except July 4). All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
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.
“Citizen Kane”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events & at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline).
July 5 & 8: “Citizen Kane” (Orson Welles, 1941). A perennial candidate for recognition as the best film of all time, a story of the rise and fall of a dashing, devil-may-care newspaper baron and eventual mogul who reveals his greatest treasure on his deathbed. 4 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Wed.).
“Tales from Earthsea”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
July 8: “Tales from Earthsea” (Gorō Miyazaki, 2006). Japanese anime epic fantasy film loosely based on the first four books of Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series. 7 p.m.
Ann Arbor Bridge Club
Observer Editor
Every Wed. 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 Wed., Sun., & Tues. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
“Music in the Park”: Ann Arbor Civic Band Summer Concert Series
Observer Editor
See 1 Wednesday. Tonight: “A Little Bit of This … a Little Bit of That,” a mix of popular band music, includes Chen Qian’s A Lovely Rose, Brant Karrick’s Bayou Breakdown, Leonard Bernstein’s The Wrong Note Rag, and other works. Also, Neal Hefti’s Cute features a solo by EMU percussion professor Will Alderman. 7:30–8:30 p.m.
“Rest Easy, the Continentals Are on the Field”: Michigan Flight Museum Historic Presentation Night
Observer Editor
MSU history professor Roger Rosentreter discusses the origins of the American Continental Army and how it grew into a disciplined force capable of defeating the British. 7:30 p.m., MFM, Willow Run Airport (off Ecorse from Beck via I-94 exit 190), Ypsi. $10 (members, free). (734) 483–4030.
“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. (July 1, 8, & 29), and Michigan Union Anderson, ABCD Rm. (July 15 & 22). $5 (free for members and lesson attendees) at the door.
Ann Arbor Festival of Song: Kerrytown Concert House
Observer Editor
July 8–10 (different programs). This annual festival celebrates classical art songs and cabaret songs. Tonight, a lineup of singers from Michigan and Ohio TBA present “C’est Magnifique/Chansons d’Amour: Songs of Love and Loss En Français,” French art songs and music from the classic chanson tradition of French vocal music. 7:30 p.m., 415 N. Fourth Ave. Costs vary. Tonight is free (donations accepted). (734) 769–2999, kerrytownconcerthouse.com.