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Events in August 2026
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August 1, 2026
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Observer Editor
Every Sat., Mon., & Thurs. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.) or a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.). AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi; and AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
“Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].
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].
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].
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.
“Morning Music @9:29”: Northside Community Church
Observer Editor
Pianist Samantha Mecca performs works by Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter, Erik Satie, and Leoš Janáček. Coffee & refreshments. 9:29 a.m., 929 Barton. Free, donations or breakfast goodies welcome. [email protected].
“Vet Fest”: Washtenaw Community College
Observer Editor
Outdoor festival with live country & Americana music by Detroit singer-songwriter Gavin Flynn. Also, carnival games, kids activities, martial arts demos, military dog training demos, and more in celebration of U.S. military veterans. Free food. Info: tinyurl.com/wcc-vetfest-2026. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free. (734) 677–5295.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
Every Sat., Fri., & 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. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.). Free. [email protected].
“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.
“Back to School Bash”: Ypsilanti Community Schools
“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.
“Pride Craft Carnival”: Ann Arbor Art Center
Observer Editor
All age 7 & up invited to join this drop-in crafting event to make block printed bandanas, ceramic worry stones, or buttons, guided by A2AC artists. Supplies provided. Noon–2:30 p.m., 117 W. Liberty. $15 (one project), $25 (both bandana & worry stone projects), or free (buttons only) at the front desk only. Space limited; no preregistration and no admission after 2 p.m. (734) 994–8004.
6th Annual River Rhythm Music & Arts Festival
Observer Editor
July 31 & Aug. 1. Two days of music on a private riverside property near Manchester. Also yoga, craft sales, songwriting & drumming workshops, face painting, henna, food trucks, and more. Camping available (tents, free; RVs, $12). Today: Michigan neo-soul and R&B singer Raven Rae (noon), the local country-inflected folk-rock quintet Misty Lyn & the Big Beautiful (1:30 p.m.), harmonically intricate originals by the local acoustic Americana ensemble The Wildflowers (3 p.m.), the Chelsea bluegrass and country-folk quartet Kedron (4:30 p.m.), the Northern Michigan indie folk-rock duo The Fridays (7 p.m.), the Grand Rapids country-folk & Americana band Nicholas James and the Bandwagon (8:30 p.m.), and the Gasoline Gypsies (10 p.m.), a polished Port Huron rock ’n’ roll quartet known for its tasty rhythms, dual lead guitars, and 4-part harmonies. 3–10 p.m. (Fri.) & noon–11 p.m. (Sat.), location provided after ticket purchase. Weekend pass, $92 (kids 15 & under, $12); Sat. only, $62, in advance only at riverretreatsllc.com. [email protected].
Ann Arbor Pride: Jim Toy Community Center
Observer Editor
One of Michigan’s largest Pride celebrations, this annual LGBTQ+ community party features drag performer Latrice Royale, who has competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Dominique Jackson, who appeared on the FX series Pose and was the NYC Pride 2026 grand marshal. Michigan drag performers include Mutha Auroara Manifesto, Crystal Harding, Vivian Aphrodisia, and many others. Also, live music by the Out Loud Chorus, sets by DJ Maxx T and other DJs, and burlesque performances. For kids, drag story time and a kids zone until 6 p.m. Food vendors. Full schedule at annarborpride.com. Noon–9 p.m., intersection of Main and Liberty, & east on Liberty. Free. annarborpride.com.
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Jig Backup for Strummers: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
Observer Editor
Acoustic strummers of all experience levels are invited to learn how to back up a jig, especially for contra dance tunes. Slumberjack Radio multi-instrumentalist Steve Pasque leads listening and technique development exercises, along with an exploration of rhythm-playing for contra dances. 12:30–2:20 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 or pay what you can. Free. (734) 709–8748.
“Embracing the Imperfect: Creating Texture on Press”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Detroit print shop Signal Return founder Liz Isakson-Dado and printmaker Maddy Underwood discuss how to create textured backgrounds for letterpress posters. Followed by a chance to make an original print. Adults only. This program will take the entire time to complete. 1–5 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Union Base Ball Club of Dexter
Observer Editor
Game vs. vs. Wyandotte Stars Base Ball Club. This 14-year-old club plays baseball using 1860s-era rules against similar teams from around the region, today against Wyandotte’s 19-year-old team. The month’s remaining home games include one against the Monitor Base Ball Club of Chelsea (Aug. 8), and the Wahoo Base Ball Club of Royal Oak (Aug. 29). 1 p.m., Webster Township Hall, 5665 Webster Church Rd., Dexter. Free. [email protected], unionbbc.com.
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
4th Annual Bluegrass Jamboree: The Webster Township Historical Society
Observer Editor
Live traditional bluegrass performances by Mount Pleasant–based The Crain Family (2:15 p.m.), The Outfit (3:20 p.m.) from Flint, and Michigan supergroups Uphill River (4:35 pm.) and Wilson Thicket (5:40 p.m.). Attendees are invited to bring acoustic instruments and chairs to join jam circles around the village. Also, children’s activities include one-room schoolhouse sessions and a bluegrass instrument zoo. The historic village buildings are open, with blacksmithing demos, banjo construction demos, a general store, and more. Food concessions. 2–7 p.m., Historic Webster Village, 5583 Webster Church Rd., Dexter. $15 in advance (age 12 & under, free) at webstertownshiphistoricalsociety.org or $20 at the gate. [email protected].
“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
“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.
“Music in the Air”: Chelsea District Library
Observer Editor
Concert of four-hand and solo classical piano music TBA by the Italian brother-sister duo Jacopo & Maddalena Giacopuzzi, each an internationally acclaimed pianist. 3–4 p.m., Chelsea First United Methodist Church, 128 Park, Chelsea. Free. (734) 475–8732, chelseadistrictlibrary.libnet.info/events.
Pittsfield Open Band: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
Observer Editor
Aug. 1 & 15. Jam session open to all musicians interested in working on jigs, reels, and waltzes to have fun, learn tunes, and develop contra dance music skills. All instruments welcome. Bring the Ruffwater Fakebook, the Portland Collection, and the Waltz Books if you have them. 3–5 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Masking optional. Free. (734) 709–8748.
“Rath Yatra”: International Society for Krishna Consciousness Farmington Hills Temple
Observer Editor
Rath Yatra, or the Festival of Chariots, is a centuries-old tradition from eastern India featuring traditional Hare Krishna live music and dance performances, kids games and crafts, vegetarian Indian food for sale, mantra meditation, and henna painting. The highlight is a chance to join other festival goers in pulling an elaborately decorated chariot that holds representations of deities. 5–9 p.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free. iskconfarmingtonhills.com.
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. Today: Dance performances by Ballet Folklórico de Detroit (11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., & 6:30 p.m.), Latin rock from Detroit area band Expedition (12:15 p.m.), classic rock by southwest Detroit band Mondo Kane (2:45 & 5:15 p.m.), Latin favorites spun by DJ Cisco (7:45 p.m.), and a solo mariachi performance by Grand Rapids musician Gabe Estrada. 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.
Gather and Graze: A Rewilding Soirée: Re:wild Your Campus
Community Listing
We’re thrilled to invite you to Gather and Graze: A Rewilding Soirée. Held at the beautiful Marilla Field & Flora, join us to support + learn more about the revolutionary work of Re:wild Your Campus, a women-led non-profit committed to seeing every school in the country transition to organic land care by 2030. Set among the blooms at the height of high summer, this unforgettable evening of local food, connection, and celebration will feature curated seasonal grazing tables and cocktails by local chef Will Brinkerhoff.
Marilla Field + Flora, 10203 Easton Rd ,Dexter, MI 48130. https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/J2vb7zpimxWRKYCqpbk8j $125. [email protected] rewildyourcampus.org 7072175115.Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. 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.
“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].
Drew Thomas: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
July 31 & Aug. 1. Witty, smooth-voiced Jamaica-born comic delivers sharp, observational comedy on topics from dating women with precocious children to why every Black person should have a few white friends. Opening act TBA. 7:15 & 9:45 p.m., 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Sat., $22) at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
“Drum & Dance Jam”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
First Saturday Contra Dance: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
“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.
Jess Merritt: Rancho Tranquilico
Observer Editor
Barn concert by this soulful-voiced local singer-songwriter whose music draws on jazz, classical, pop, and R&B idioms to sustain lyrical journeys of self-discovery. BYOB. No tobacco products or pets. 8 p.m. (gates open at 7:30), 11300 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. Parking is in neighboring Ruhlig’s Country Market driveway. $25 in advance only (space limited) via Venmo: @jess-oberholtzer. (734) 223–2321, [email protected].