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Events in July 2026
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August 1, 2026
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July 11, 2026
“2026 One Helluva Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Over 1,000 bicyclists are expected to participate in this ride sanctioned by the League of American Wheelmen. Options of 21, 41, 62, & 100 miles on paved roads and 38 miles on gravel roads. Due to road conditions, routes will not pass through the town of Hell this year. Rest stops include snacks and beverages. Post-ride lunch buffet by Slows Bar BQ provided at Chelsea High School. Safety measures include a SAG wagon to bring in riders with problems and on-duty mechanics. Kids must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Riders may leave the starting point any time between 6:45 & 10 a.m.; group rides depart at 9 & 10 a.m., Chelsea High School, 740 N. Freer, Chelsea. $75 in advance only by July 5 at aabts.org (kids 15 & under, free). No day-of-ride registration. [email protected].
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Observer Editor
Every Mon., Thurs., & Sat. (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.), 901 W. Eisenhower; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
“Ann Arbor Tri”: Epic Races
Observer Editor
All invited to compete in triathlons & duathlons—including a relay triathlon—of different lengths. Awards, medals for finishers, T-shirts, & more. 7:30 a.m. (registration opens at 5:45 a.m.) Half Moon Lake Beach, 8725 Hankerd, Dexter Twp. $152–$169 in advance at annarbortri.com. $15 additional USA Triathlon fee for non-USAT members. $14 annual state park pass required. (734) 585–7101, [email protected].
Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club
Observer Editor
July 10–12 & July 31–Aug. 2. Equine competition combining artistry and technical abilities highlighted by graceful freestyle routines set to music. No pets. Concessions. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., 11500 Glenn at Katz (west off Mount Hope Rd. from I-94 exit 150), Grass Lake. Free. [email protected].
parkrun USA
Observer Editor
Every Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 7:45 a.m. [email protected].
Michigan Celtic Festival
Observer Editor
July 10 & 11. This celebration of Saline’s sister city, Brecon, Wales, formerly known as the Saline Celtic Festival, features food, vendors, beer and clan tents, kids activities, and Celtic music and dance on several stages by visiting and local performers. Popular annual events include jousting, corgi races, sheep herding, and the ever-popular “Mr. Pretty Legs” kilt-wearing competition. The performance lineup (full schedule TBA) includes thundering bagpipe and drum group Pictus, Detroit Celtic rock band The Kreellers, high-energy Grand Rapids sextet CrossBow, Ypsi Americana singer-songwriter Shannon Lee, renowned touring student ensemble Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, folk traditionals by the Ben Traverse Band, progressive Celtic folk duo Ironwood, and a performance by Motor City Irish Dance. No pets. 5–11:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sat.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Fri. $8 (kids age 17 & under, free) at the gate only. Sat. $14 in advance until June 30 at mi-celtic.org & $18 (seniors age 65 & over, $10; youth ages 6–17, $5; kids age 5 & under and active military, free) at the gate. mi-celtic.org.
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].
“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.
“Meals in Motion: Summer Food Truck Rally”: Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels
Observer Editor
Fundraiser to benefit Meals on Wheels featuring Live music: RFD Boys (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) and the R and R Band (1:15-3 p.m.). Also, local food trucks, and activities for all ages, including tie-die crafting, games, and a bounce house. Community partners include Growing Hope, The Farm at Trinity, and Eat Safe Fish (an MDHHS program). Ticket includes choice of food & beverage package, small plates or entrée. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1110 W. Cross, Ypsi. Tickets $29–$35 (kids, $16–$22; families up to 2 adults & 2 kids, $80–$105) at mealsinmotion.givesmart.com & (if available) at the gate. ymow.org.
Splash Pad Dedication: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation
Observer Editor
All invited to this opening party for Bicentennial Park’s new splash pad, with a dedication by Michigan Olympians and Paralympians. All kids welcome to play on the splash pad and inflatable water slide, use a foam cannon, and to take part in competitions and games against each other and former Olympians. Also, a chalk and bubble station, a DJ, a food truck, and cold treats. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Bicentennial Park (formerly Southeast Area Park) 2901 E. Ellsworth. Free. (734) 794–6627, [email protected], linktr.ee/annarborparks.
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
Fri. July 3 & 17 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers present and give insights into some local animals, including a woodchuck, skunk, and a common snapping turtle at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers present the first three animals at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows an opossum 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.
“Cup of Pride”: Ann Arbor Art Center
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Saturday Open House: U-M Detroit Observatory
Observer Editor
July 11 & 18 (different times). All invited to drop in and tour the historic building, view exhibits, participate in astronomy-related activities, and use the Observatory’s telescopes (weather permitting). On July 11, “How the Sun Became a Movie Star” (1–3 p.m.), a presentation on solar research at the U-M, including observation of the sun through modern telescopes. On July 18, the Observatory is open late to observe the night sky with the 1857 Fitz telescope. Noon–5 p.m. (July 11) & noon–11 p.m. (July 18), 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.
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.
“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
“Summer Game Spectacular”: Ann Arbor District Library
How the Sun Became a Movie Star: U-M Detroit Observatory
Community Listing
From stunning eclipse photos to the first motion pictures of the Sun, explore the fascinating history of solar research at U-M. Includes safe solar observation through modern telescopes (weather permitting).
1398 E. Ann Street (entrance on Observatory Street) ,Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] detroitobservatory.umich.edu 7347632230.Monitor Base Ball Club of Chelsea vs. Union Base Ball Club of Dexter
Observer Editor
This 15-year-old club plays baseball using 1860s-era rules against similar teams from around the region. Today, they play the neighboring town’s 14-year-old club. 1 p.m., Timbertown Park, Sibley (west off Main north of downtown), Chelsea. Free. (248) 930–6130, [email protected], chelseamonitors.com.
Walking Tours: U-M Detroit Observatory
Observer Editor
July 11, 24, & 31. Student docents lead walks to historically rich areas of the U-M campus.
July 11 (1–2:30 p.m): “Invisible to Indispensable: Black Legacies at Michigan.” In honor of Juneteenth, a tour focusing on the legacy of Black students and academics and the social movements they led on campus.
July 24 (6–7:30 p.m.): “Creating Michigan: Key Moments in U-M’s Early History.” A tour of the original 40-acre campus and stories of U-M’s history in the early 1800s.
July 31 (6–7:30 p.m.): “Paths of Protest: Stories of Campus Activism at the University of Michigan.” Visits to places on campus that were sites of important protests.
Times & meeting locations vary. Free, preregistration required at detroitobservatory.umich.edu. (734) 763–2230.
“Drunken Master”: 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 11: “Drunken Master” (Yuen Woo-ping, 1978). In this classic Hong Kong martial arts comedy, Jackie Chan plays an irreverent young man forced to study with the master of a martial art style known as the drunken fist. 1:30 p.m.
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
“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.
Responsible AI & Dark Money: Responsible AI
Community Listing
All invited to this open discussion. We will break out into round table discussion groups. Tables will have notetakers summarize positions taken by each table with a call to action.
Suggested reading:
Magnifica Humanitas (https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html) by Pope Leo XIV
What is responsible AI (https://verdantdata.io/what-is-responsible-ai/) by DrRon Suarez
Consider using hand gestures (https://rimarchevole.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/owsstructure.pdf) for facilitating progress and inclusivity, to enable more participatory input during a limited time frame.
https://podcoin.ai
Ann Arbor District Library, Pittsfield 2359 Oak Valley Dr. ,Ann Arbor. Register: https://townhall.community/event/responsible-ai-dark-money/ Free. [email protected] https://townhall.community/collaborate/ 7342393836.“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
“WTO/99”: 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 11: “WTO/99” (Ian Bell, 2025). Documentary that uses archival footage to depict the 4-day clash between the World Trade Organization and 40,000+ people who took to the streets of Seattle in 1999 to protest the effects of globalization. 4 p.m.
“My Neighbor Totoro”: 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 11–15: “My Neighbor Totoro” Dubbed (Sat., Sun., & Wed.) and subtitled (Mon. & Tues.) screenings of this classic Studio Ghibli anime tale about 2 girls who move to the Japanese countryside and befriend strange and delightful nature spirits. 4:15 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) and 6:30 p.m. (Mon.–Wed.).
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.
Paul Keller Jazz Quartet: First Presbyterian Church Jazz Vespers
“Twilight at the Farm”: Domino’s Petting Farm
“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.
“The Audience”: 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 11: NT Live: “The Audience.” Broadcast of a taped 2013 National Theatre (London) production of Peter Morgan’s Olivier and Tony Award–winning drama about Queen Elizabeth II’s private weekly meetings with her British prime ministers. From Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron, the Queen, played by Helen Mirren, advised prime ministers on matters both public and personal. 7 p.m.
AFC Ann Arbor Men’s Team
Observer Editor
Match vs. Oakland County. This local United Soccer League 2nd division semiprofessional team plays the Royal Oak team tonight. This month’s home schedule also includes a match vs. Kalamazoo FC (July 11, 7 p.m.). Food trucks. 7 p.m., Pioneer High School Hollway Field, 601 W. Stadium at Main. Tickets $13 (kids 13 & under, free) in advance at afcannarbor.com or $15 at the gate. Group discounts & season tickets available. (734) 408–1627.
Laz Slomovits & Jennifer Burd: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth Cafe 704
Observer Editor
Local multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Slomovits (half of the nationally known local folk music duo Gemini) is joined by local poet and bowed psaltery player Burd in performances of song settings of her poems. Tonight they are joined by the local wife-and-husband duo of singer-guitarists Mary & Eric Fithian. 7–9 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Sliding scale tickets $10–$20 at the door only. Livestream available (livestream $10 in advance only at interfaithspirit.org/cafe-704-coffeehouse). (734) 657–5384, [email protected].
Student Chamber Music Concerts: U-M Center Stage Strings
Brian Scolaro: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
July 10 & 11. L.A.-based comic and TV actor, known for his stints on Dexter, Abbott Elementary, Mad Men, and many other shows. His high-energy act features observations about life’s absurdities, from being fat in a culture obsessed with thinness to his decision to honestly answer the question “how are you doing?” Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $21 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
“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.
Open Mic: Third Mind Books
Observer Editor
All invited to share short musical performances, stories, comedy, and poetry. Sign up on arrival. 8 p.m., 118 E. Washington. Free. (734) 994–3241, [email protected].
“Saturday Night Improv: Double Header”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
University Lowbrow Astronomers
Observer Editor
A chance to join local astronomy buffs for a look at the sky through instruments. Participants are welcome to bring their own telescopes. Visitors must turn off all electronic equipment (car radios, transmitters, phones, etc.) at the observatory entrance. Canceled if the sky is overcast or the weather is inclement. If in doubt, call after 4 p.m. on the day of the event. Rain date July 18. 8:30–11:55 p.m. or as long as the sky remains clear, Peach Mountain Observatory, North Territorial (about 1¼ miles west of Hudson Mills Metropark), Dexter. Free. (734) 975–3248.
Bicentennial Park Solar-Powered Movie Night: Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations
Community Listing
Join the Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI) at Bicentennial Park (2901 E. Ellsworth Road) on Saturday, July 11 for a free Solar-Powered Movie Night featuring FernGully: The Last Rainforest. The movie begins at 9:15 p.m. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, snacks and nonalcoholic beverages. Free popcorn and ice cream will be provided.
https://www.a2gov.org/news/posts/new-bicentennial-park-splash-pad-opens-1030-am-june-24-community-celebration-event-is-july-11/
Treetown Blues Dance: Hoover Street Studio
Observer Editor
Blues dancing to prerecorded music. No partner or experience needed. Lesson at 8:30 p.m., followed by social dancing. 9–11:30 p.m., 323 E. Hoover. $10 (with student ID, $5) at the door. [email protected], facebook.com/treetownbluesdance.
Brian Scolaro: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
July 10 & 11. L.A.-based comic and TV actor, known for his stints on Dexter, Abbott Elementary, Mad Men, and many other shows. His high-energy act features observations about life’s absurdities, from being fat in a culture obsessed with thinness to his decision to honestly answer the question “how are you doing?” Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $21 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.