Free
Observer Editor

“Outstanding Orthoptera”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

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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]

Free
Observer Editor

“Nature Lab”: 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. 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.

Free
Observer Editor

Sonic Lunch: Bank of Ann Arbor

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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.

Free
Observer Editor

“Inhabitants & Architects: The Homes of Indian Village”: Ann Arbor District Library

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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.

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 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.

Free
Observer Editor

Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

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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.

Free
Observer Editor

Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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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.  

Free
Observer Editor

“Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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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) 9805277.

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

“When Squirrels Fly” Book Launch

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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.

Free
Observer Editor

Drop-in Knitting: Spun

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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. 

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

“Lady Gaga Studies”: Ann Arbor District Library

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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.

Free
Observer Editor

Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider

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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) 5489729, drinkblom.com/events.

Free
Observer Editor

“Salty Summer Sounds Live Music Series”: Saline Main Street

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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.