Free
Observer Editor

Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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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.

Free
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parkrun USA

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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].

Free
Observer Editor

Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club

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July 1012 & July 31Aug. 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]. 

Free
Observer Editor

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops

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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].

Free
Observer Editor

Splash Pad Dedication: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation

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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) 7946627, [email protected], linktr.ee/annarborparks.

Free
Observer Editor

“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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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.  

Free
Observer Editor

Group Sketch. Ann Arbor Urban Sketchers.

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All invited to join this group of sketchers who meet to sketch and share what they’ve done. Noon–2 p.m., Jiffy Mix, 201 W. North St., Chelsea. Free. check facebook.com/groups/uskannarbor for details.

Free
Observer Editor

Saturday Open House: U-M Detroit Observatory

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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.

Free
Observer Editor

“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos

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Every Sat. & Sun., except July 5. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for kids age 5 & up that uses museum specimens to explore paleontology and what can be learned from giant bones and fossils. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.

Free
Observer Editor

Walking Tours: U-M Detroit Observatory

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July 11 & 24. 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.

Times & meeting locations vary. Free, preregistration required at detroitobservatory.umich.edu. (734) 763–2230.

Free
Observer Editor

Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History

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Every Sat. Thirtyminute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. 1:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.

Free
Observer Editor

“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos

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Every Sat. & Sun., except July 5. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for kids age 5 & up that uses museum specimens to explore paleontology and what can be learned from giant bones and fossils. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.

Free
Observer Editor

Paul Keller Jazz Quartet: First Presbyterian Church Jazz Vespers

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Veteran local bassist Keller leads his ensemble in jazz performances on the church lawn, interspersed with spiritual readings. Moves to the sanctuary if it rains. 5 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. Free. fpca2.org.

Free
Observer Editor

Student Chamber Music Concerts: U-M Center Stage Strings

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July 11, 15, 16, & 17. Students from this U-M music school performing arts summer program perform chamber works TBA. 7 p.m., Britton Recital Hall, 1100 Baits. Free. centerstagestrings.com.

Free
Observer Editor

Open Mic: Third Mind Books

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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] 

Free
Observer Editor

University Lowbrow Astronomers

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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.

Community Listing
Free

Bicentennial Park Solar-Powered Movie Night: Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations

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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/