Free
Observer Editor

Youth Show: Washtenaw County 4-H

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July 19–24. Six days of farm animal shows and auctions, plus crafts, exhibits, all-day equestrian competitions, and assorted contests from animal decorating to a goat milk-out. Highlights include the popular “Llama Leaping Contest” (July 22, 2 p.m.), the livestock auction (July 23, 4:30 p.m.), an archery contest (July 24, 1 p.m.), the “Animal Decorator Contest” (July 24, 1:30 p.m.), and the “Ag Olympics” (July 24, 2:30 p.m.) in which 4-H youth engage in Olympic-style competitions involving water, mud, and agricultural products. For complete daily schedule, see bit.ly/4hwashtenaw2026. 8 a.m.–evening, Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free. (734) 222–3877.

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

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

Board Game Night: Argus Farm Stop

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July 8 & 22. All invited to participate in a relaxed evening of board games. If you want, bring a game to share. 4–7 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. (734) 997–5448, argusfarmstop.com.

Free
Observer Editor

“West Side Nite Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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Every Wed. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 10 to 30 miles, along the B2B Trail to Hudson Mills Metropark and/or Dexter-Huron Metropark with a possible visit to the Dexter Dairy Queen. This ride is a favorite with newcomers and casual riders. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. (734) 426–5116.

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

“Japanese Maples”: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society Monthly Meeting

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Bonsai Unearthed (Nashville, TN) owner Owen Reich discusses this tree celebrated for its delicate leaves, graceful branching, and dramatic color changes. 6:30–9 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, rm. 125, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. [email protected], annarborbonsaisociety.org/events.

Free
Observer Editor

Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet

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Every Wed., Sun., & Tues. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.

Free
Observer Editor

Summer Sight Reading Nights: Dexter Community Orchestra

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July 22 & Aug. 26. All musicians invited to sight read and play orchestral music with the DCO in an open-air setting. Participants are asked to download the music ahead of time and bring their own music stand. Chairs provided. 7–9 p.m., Dexter American Legion Picnic Pavilion, 8225 Dexter-Chelsea Rd., Dexter. Free. Preregistration required at dextercommunityorchestra.org. (734) 223–2841, [email protected].

Free
Observer Editor

Fiber Meet Up: Cluster Museum

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All invited to join other fiber enthusiasts to work on their crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and other fiber arts. Includes a short skillshare session. 7–9 p.m., 307 N. Main. Free. clustermuseum.org/events.

Free
Observer Editor

“Music in the Park”: Ann Arbor Civic Band Summer Concert Series

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See 1 Wednesday. Tonight: In their final concert of this summer’s series, the band presents “All Too Familiar,” a program of crowd favorites featuring Mendelssohn’s Wedding March; Jack Bullock’s A Tribute to Gershwin; John Williams’ Star Wars Epic, Suite #1; Percy Grainger’s Irish Tune; Jerry Brubaker’s medley of classical hits featured in Bugs Bunny cartoons; What’s Up With the Symphony; and more. Also, EMU student Emilio Sanchez contributes a euphonium solo to a performance of Jean-Baptiste Arban’s The Carnival of Venice. 7:30–8:30 p.m.

Free
Observer Editor

“Blacklighting”: Scio Township

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All invited to this naturalist-led outing to attract and examine moths and other fascinating insects that can only be seen at night using blacklight on white sheets. 9:3010:30 p.m., Van Curler Preserve, 6393 W. Joy, Dexter. Free. Preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/scio-moth-7-26. [email protected].