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Events in August 2026
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August 2, 2026
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., (734) 929–9022 & Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club
Observer Editor
July 31–Aug. 2 & Aug. 13–16. 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].
Equestrian Competition: Cobblestone Farms at Revel Run
Observer Editor
July 31–Aug. 2. As many as 250 horses and riders enter this U.S. Equestrian Federation competition. Features dressage and stadium jumping, along with a cross-country phase that involves a mile-long gallop and jumping into water over barriers called “questions,” including logs, boulders, ditches, and banks. Refreshments. Pets must be on leash. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Revel Run, 555 S. Dancer, Chelsea. Free. (734) 395–2633.
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. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce. $20 (age 11 & under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2.
“Nature Lab”: 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. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses 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.
Ann Arbor Taco Fest
Observer Editor
July 31–Aug. 2 (different programs). Mexican American cultural festival featuring over 30 taco trucks, two bars, lucha libre pro wrestling, kids activities, contests, and live music on two stages. 5–10 p.m. (Fri.), 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (Sat.), & 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Tickets $8 in advance ($10 at the gate; parking pass, $5) at annarbortacofest.com.
Today: Dance party spun by DJ Cisco (noon), mariachi by Mariachi Jalisco de Detroit (1:15 p.m.), Latin rock from Detroit area band Expedition (4:15 p.m.), Detroit jazz vocalist Sheila Landis (5:30 p.m.), and Afro-Cuban jazz by Detroit-area sextet Tumbao Bravo (6 p.m.). 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
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].
“Community Music Making with NeuroArts”: Ann Arbor District Library
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. and Fri. Aug. 7 & 21. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers present and give insights into some animals with superpowers, including an African crested porcupine, a three-banded armadillo, and a frilled dragon at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows a Gila monster at 2 & 3 p.m. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show all four animals at 7:30 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) & 7–9 p.m. (Fri.), 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.
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
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 Aug. 2, 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.
Postcard Collage: HOMES
Community Listing
Create your own collaged postcards with support from local collage artist Riley Peterson!
$15 includes all materials for collaging, and guests can make as many postcards as they want within the two-hour workshop timeframe. All ages and collaging abilities are welcome.
Grab a coffee from Dozer or a beer from HOMES and get crafty!
112 Jackson Plaza ,Ann Arbor. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/collage-workshop-tickets-1993631754244?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true&fbclid=IwY2xjawTB5btleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTY1FGcmNHenk2OXJIUm9kc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjMHrcZ0kI-Frg0g0q7PieCZpnbNLCYGl1PmkC9E7SoBcMSi9NhGVAL4AxMZ_aem_eGZg7jQl_r8NjAeW6CkQxg $15. [email protected] https://www.homescampus.com/campusevents“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Ann Arbor Pride Brunch: Sidetrack Bar & Grill
Observer Editor
Headliner is drag performer Latrice Royale, who has competed on RuPaul's Drag Race. With local performers Erika Norell, Teri Vanessa Coleman, Shae Shae LaReese, Natalie Cole, and Avalisa D. Colby. Hosted by Jadein Black and Dominique Jackson. Seating at noon. Age 18 & up. 12:30 p.m., 56 E. Cross, Ypsi. Tickets $45 at tinyurl.com/a2pride-dragbrunch.
“Humane Fair”: SASHA Farm Fundraiser
Observer Editor
A chance to meet the farm’s rescued animals. Games & activities. Vegan lunch and baked goods. All funds go to support this farm animal sanctuary. No dogs. 1–4 p.m., 17901 Mahrle, Manchester. $35 (kids ages 5–10, $10; kids 4 & under, free) in advance at sashafarm.org or at the gate. (734) 218–8897, [email protected].
“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”: 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).
Aug. 2 & 5: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (Mel Stuart, 1971). Delightfully unsettling musical fantasy about a little boy who visits a magical candy factory run by the thrilling, dangerous Willy Wonka, played by Gene Wilder. Sun. 4 p.m. (Cinemark) & 1 p.m. (Emagine). Wed. 6:30 p.m. (Cinemark) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).
“Network”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Aug. 2: “Network” (Sidney Lumet, 1976). This pitch-black comedy written by Paddy Chayefsky depicts a fictional television network struggling with poor ratings when the erratic behavior of its news anchor makes his program a surprise hit. Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway. 1:30 p.m.
“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
“Athena”: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun., July 17–Aug. 9. (See review) Shelby R. Seeley directs Gracie Gardner’s play about two competitive teenage girl fencers training for the Junior Olympics. As they spar and navigate a tricky new friendship, each grows in both athletic ability and self-confidence. The New York Times calls it “hugely appealing and stealthily moving.” 3 p.m. (Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 & older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org/season11 & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.
“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. (See review) 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. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 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.
“The Sound of Music”: Father Gabriel Richard High School Dramalums
Observer Editor
July 30–Aug. 2. Elizabeth Champion directs Gabriel Richard students and recent grads in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved 1959 musical set in 1938 Austria about an irrepressible novice nun assigned to be governess to the children of a stern widower with whom she unwittingly falls in love. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Milan High School, 200 Big Red Dr., Milan. Tickets $15 (kids, $7; families, $25) in advance at fgrhs.org/drama & at the door. [email protected].
“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Vinyl Record Pop-Up: HOMES Campus
Community Listing
Stop by Campus Sunday, August 2nd and check out vinyl records from Perdurable Rotations! Grab a beer and find your new favorite album. Turntable on premises to listen to your picks!
This pop-up is free to attend.
112 Jackson Plaza ,Ann Arbor. free. https://www.homescampus.com/campusevents#calendar-d1cb82c8-d1da-4b26-8e02-7a37ccdbdf1d-event-76a5dcf2-0cda-4eab-90cc-216c09c5312c“Cosplay Wig Styling”: Ann Arbor District Library
“What Did the Vikings Eat?”: Ann Arbor District Library
“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”: 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).
Aug. 2 & 5: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (Mel Stuart, 1971). Delightfully unsettling musical fantasy about a little boy who visits a magical candy factory run by the thrilling, dangerous Willy Wonka, played by Gene Wilder. Sun. 4 p.m. (Cinemark) & 1 p.m. (Emagine). Wed. 6:30 p.m. (Cinemark) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).
“Animation August”: Marquee Arts Community Film Club
Observer Editor
Discussion, trivia, games, and a costume contest. Followed by the 7 p.m. screening of a movie (at the Michigan Theater’s regular ticket price) to be chosen by Film Club vote; vote when you reserve a spot. 5 p.m., Michigan Theater Screening Rm. Free, preregistration required at marquee-arts.org/calendar.
LEGO Contest Awards Ceremony: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Announcement of the winners of the 21st annual AADL LEGO Contest in 6 categories: adult, preschool, and grades K–2, 3–5, 6–8, & 9–12. Also, public display (4–6:30 p.m.) of all the entries, which must be delivered to the Sheraton Hotel, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. today. Rules and guidelines available at aadl.org. 6 p.m., Sheraton Hotel, 3200 Boardwalk. Free. (734) 327–4200.