Free
Observer Editor

“Cavanaugh Lake Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 20 to 30 miles, along the less-traveled roads west and north of Chelsea. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Cavanaugh Lake County Park, 33 Cavanaugh Lake Rd., Chelsea. Free. (734) 717–9583.  

Free
Observer Editor

Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

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July 9, 16, 22, & 30 (different times). All invited to work on their own projects using the library’s tools, including silhouette cutting machines, die cutters, embossers, and button makers (July 9); 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (July 16); sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (July 22); and soldering equipment and electronic components (July 30). 5–7:30 p.m. (July 9, 22, & 30) & 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (July 16), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

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

Art Fair Entertainment

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July 16–18. Live music and other performances on 3 stages, along with informal busking-style performances around the fair. For a complete schedule see theannarborartfair.com. Today:

Ingalls Mall Fountain Stage (between E. Washington & North University.): a dance performance by the Warehouse Cloggers (11 a.m.), the local acoustic pop-folk duo Dino Time (noon), acoustic classic rock covers by Vicalely & The Non Music Majors (1 p.m.), local alt-country singer-songwriter Kevin Brown (2 p.m.), steel drums by Joe Groves Instrumental Resonance (3 p.m.), the Brooklyn (MI) Americana-Celtic string band Railcar Graffiti (4 p.m.), golden-voiced Chelsea country- and folk-based Americana singer-songwriter Rochelle Clark (5 p.m.), the local country-folk and Americana supergroup Lucky 17 (6 p.m.), and the veteran local rockabilly & Americana band Delta 88 (7 p.m.). 

Music on Maynard (William & Maynard): guitar-driven covers by Esteban Morales & Friends (noon), local classical harpist Laurel Federbush (3 p.m.), the Carl & Shawn Duo (4 p.m.), the local funk-flavored pop-rock quintet Marissa & the Starter Packs (6 p.m.), and the Steve Somers Jazz Combo (7 p.m.).

The Ark Stage (Palio parking lot at E. William & S. Main): the local klezmer-funk collective Schmaltz (6 p.m.) and the Jill Jack Band (7:30 p.m.), a local ensemble led by Jack, a sultry-voiced Detroit folk-rock singer-songwriter whose music also draws freely on jazz and country flavors.

11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) & noon–8 p.m. (Sat.), downtown Ann Arbor. Free. (800) 888–9487. 

Free
Observer Editor

Woven Hearts: Ann Arbor District Library

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Adults and kids age 5 & up invited to learn how to make traditional Scandinavian paper hearts called flätade hjärtan. 3–4 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

Free
Observer Editor

A2 Summer Streets Music Series: Main Street Area Association

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Every Thurs.–Sun., June 4–Sept. 28. Local musicians TBA perform at several locations along Main St. downtown. Also, storytime, fitness classes, and interactive art activities. Rain cancels. 4 p.m. Thurs.–Sun., S. Main between E. Washington & W. William. For the complete lineup, go to mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets. Free.

Free
Observer Editor

Depot Town Cruise Nights: Ypsilanti Auto Museum

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Every Thurs. Old car cruise, kids activities, and free ice cream. Artwork, crafts, & antiques for sale. 5:30–8:30 p.m., E. Cross between Rice and N. River St., Ypsi. Free. [email protected], facebook.com/depot-town-cruise-nights. 

Free
Observer Editor

“Hills of Ann Arbor”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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Every Thurs. Fast-paced 30-mile ride focused on climbing the hills north and east of Ann Arbor. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Washtenaw Community College parking lot no. 6A (near the pond), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. New riders text Tom Chettleburgh at (734) 5521025. Free.  

Free
Observer Editor

Bad Decisions Track Club

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Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.  

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.

Donation
Free
Observer Editor

“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active

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Every Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, or any other item they’d like to try to repair or repurpose with the help and guidance of AHA members. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Free; donations welcome. [email protected], meetup.com/allhandsactive/events.

Free
Observer Editor

“Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights”: Chelsea Area Festivals & Events

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See 2 Thursday. Tonight: funky blues and rock by the Blaine Luis Band (Palmer Commons), the veteran local alt-country band Corndaddy (E. Middle), the veteran local wife-and-husband singer-songwriter duo Annie & Rod Capps (Collins off Main), classic rock by Coach Dean (Clocktower Gazebo), and Fangs & Twang (Rumpus Room), an Ypsi trio of Black Jake & the Carnies members that plays twangy, high-energy country rock, with songs about vampires, mummies, and other fantastical creatures. 6:30–8:30 p.m.

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

Drum Circle: Oz’s Music Environment

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All invited to drum with renowned local percussionist Maruga Booker, who has played with the likes of George Clinton, Jerry Garcia, and Weather Report. 7 p.m., 1922 Packard. Free. (734) 662–8283.