Free
Events for August 6, 2026
“Wildflowers in Michigan Gardens”: Good Thyme Garden Club
Talk by master gardener Cheryl English, who also shows off some of her garden pottery. 10 a.m., Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr. Free. [email protected].
“Outstanding Orthoptera”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
WCPARC naturalist Elle Bogle leads an expedition to catch, examine, and learn about the insect order that includes crickets, grasshoppers, and katydids. 10 a.m.–noon, Northfield Woods Preserve, 150 E. Northfield Church Rd., Whitmore Lake. Free, but preregistration required (#841009) at washtenaw.org/registerparks. Space is limited. [email protected].
“Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History
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.
Sonic Lunch: Bank of Ann Arbor
Every Thurs., June 4–Aug. 27. Musical entertainment by local, regional, and national performers. Today: Michigander, band led by Jason Singer, a Nashville-based Midland-born singer-songwriter & guitarist known for his soaring melodies and lush instrumentation. Opener: Metal Bubble Trio, deceptively named septet headed by Andrew Dost (formerly of Anathallo and “Fun.”) performs bossa nova, doo-wop, and indie pop with a country rock tinge. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Liberty Plaza, E. Liberty at S. Division (if inclement weather, check website for new location). Free. soniclunch.com.
“Yarn-Wrapped Cardboard Letters”: Ann Arbor District Library
Adults and kids grade K & up invited to make a colorful decoration by wrapping different colors of yarn around a precut cardboard letter. 2–3 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“Inhabitants & Architects: The Homes of Indian Village”: Ann Arbor District Library
Michigan photographer and architectural historian Dale A. Carlson presents a slide-illustrated talk on the homes, architects, and residents of this Detroit neighborhood that was home to many of the city’s wealthy automakers, industrialists, and financiers. 2–3:15 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.
A2 Summer Streets Music Series: Main Street Area Association
Every Thurs.–Sun., June 4–Sept. 28. Local musicians TBA perform at several locations along Main downtown. 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.
Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Aug. 6, 13, 19, & 27 (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 (Aug. 6); 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (Aug. 13); sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (Aug. 19); and soldering equipment and electronic components (Aug. 27). 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Aug. 6, 13, & 27) & 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Aug. 19), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Depot Town Cruise Nights: Ypsilanti Auto Museum
Every Thurs. Old car cruise, kids activities, and free ice cream. Artwork, crafts, and antiques for sale. 5:30–8:30 p.m., E. Cross between Rice & N. River St., Ypsi. Free. [email protected].
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
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.
“Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.
Bad Decisions Track Club
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.
Touch Rugby: U-M Rugby Football Club
Every Tues. & Thurs. All invited to play a low-contact version of rugby. Beginners welcome. 6–7:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 1000 Canal. Free. [email protected].
“When Squirrels Fly” Book Launch
Local writer D.E. Carr reads from and discusses her new cozy mystery novel, set in Ann Arbor. It’s about a woman who drops everything to search for her missing aunt. In the process, she encounters attack drones, wormholes, quantum entanglement, and dream-based warnings from angry flying squirrels. 6–7:30 p.m., in the former Mark’s Carts lot, 211 W. Washington. Free.
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 1–3 p.m. (Sun.) & 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active
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.
Annual United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Block Party: Destination Ann Arbor
Live music by the Milwaukee Tool Shed Band, a 14-piece jam band of Milwaukee Tools employees. Food available for sale from area restaurants, with dining tables in the street. 6–10 p.m., Main between Liberty & William. Free. [email protected], annarbor.org/welcome-ua.
“Lady Gaga Studies”: Ann Arbor District Library
Milwaukee-based historian Vince Tripi presents a detailed analysis of the music video for Lady Gaga’s hit “Born This Way,” exploring themes of identity, queerness, and literature. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“The Murder at World’s End”: Booksweet Thursday Murder Mystery Book Club
All invited to a discussion of Ross Montgomery’s 2025 locked-room mystery set at a remote English manor house. 7–8 p.m., Booksweet, Courtyard Shops, 1729 Plymouth Rd. Free. Preregistration requested at shopbooksweet.com.
Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
Every Thurs. Bløm staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia. Teams or single players welcome. Prizes. 7 & 8 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
“Salty Summer Sounds Live Music Series”: Saline Main Street
Every Thurs., June 25–Aug. 29. Downtown concerts by area bands. Kids activities. Outdoor seating and dining, as well as dancing. Tonight: Ransom Jones, a veteran local jazz-funk-rock quintet led by singer-guitarist Jim Dana. 7–9 p.m., W. Henry parking lot (across the street from Carrigan Cafe), Saline. Free. More information at salinemainstreet.org/events. (734) 717–7406.
“Golden Hour Nature Hike”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance leads a meditative hike through the tranquil settings of West Lake Preserve as the sun sets. 7:30–8:30 p.m., West Lake Preserve, 21520 Waterloo, Chelsea. Free. [email protected], washtenaw.org/registerparks.