Free
Events for August 8, 2026
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.
“Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].
parkrun USA
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].
Scavenger Hunt Run/Walk: Fleet Feet
Runners and walkers of all ages invited to follow a 3-mile route through downtown on a scavenger hunt. 9 a.m., 123 E. Liberty. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2fleetscav. (734) 929–9022.
Farmers Market Performances: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
Aug. 8, 15, 26, & 29. Chamber music performances by small groups of A2SO musicians. Dexter Farmers’ Market (Aug. 8, 10–11:30 a.m.), 3233 Alpine, Dexter. Ypsilanti Farmers Market (Aug. 15 & Aug. 29, 10–11:30 a.m.), 16 S. Washington, Ypsi. Saline Farmers Market (Aug. 15 & 29, 10–11:30 a.m.), 104 S. Ann Arbor St. #4, Saline. Ann Arbor Farmers Market (Aug. 26, 10–11:30 a.m.), Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Various times and locations. Free. (734) 994–4801, a2so.org/farmers-markets.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Every Sat., Fri., & Wed. 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. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.). Free. [email protected].
“Art & Culture Cafe”: Cluster Museum
Artists with work in Cluster’s current show, Hands in Action (see Galleries) discuss their work, flow, studio practices, and personal revelations that arise through making art. 11 a.m., 307 N. Main. Free. clustermuseum.org/events.
CANCELED: Group Sketch: Ann Arbor Urban Sketchers
This month’s meeting canceled.
All invited to join this group of sketchers who meet to sketch and share what they’ve done. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., location TBA on facebook.com/groups/uskannarbor. Free. urbansketchersannarbor.com.
“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.
U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler
Aug. 8, 15, & 22 (different times). Docent-led tours exploring ancient Greek and Roman demi-gods in “Centaurs and Sirens and Satyrs, Oh My!” (Aug. 8), ancient female images in “Women in the Kelsey” (Aug. 15), “Daily Life in Ancient Rome” (Aug. 22, 11:15 a.m.), and “All That Sparkles: Egyptian Jewelry” (Aug. 22, 2 p.m.). 11:15 a.m.–noon (Aug. 8 & 22) & 2–3 p.m. (Aug. 15 & 22), 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
Letterpress Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Aug. 8, 11, 18, & 29 (different times). A chance for adults to learn the basics of printing with movable type. Noon–2 p.m. (Aug. 8), 5–7 p.m. (Aug. 11 & 18), and 1–3 p.m. (Aug. 29), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Saturday Open House: U-M Detroit Observatory
Aug. 8 & 29 (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 Aug. 29, the observatory is open late to observe the night sky with the 1857 Fitz telescope. Noon–5 p.m. (Aug. 8) & noon–11 p.m. (Aug. 29), 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.
“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Every Sat. & Sun. 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.
Union Base Ball Club of Dexter
Game vs. vs. Wyandotte Stars Base Ball Club. This 14-year-old club plays baseball using 1860s-era rules against similar teams from around the region, today against Wyandotte’s 19-year-old team. The month’s remaining home games include one against the Monitor Base Ball Club of Chelsea (Aug. 8), and the Wahoo Base Ball Club of Royal Oak (Aug. 29). 1 p.m., Webster Township Hall, 5665 Webster Church Rd., Dexter. Free. [email protected], unionbbc.com.
“The Origins of the Law Quadrangle”: U-M Detroit Observatory
Student docents lead a walking tour through the law school campus, with discussion of its architecture and important moments in Michigan Law history. 1–2:30 p.m., meet at the corner of South University & State. Free, preregistration required at detroitobservatory.umich.edu. (734) 763–2230.
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
Every Sat. Thirty–minute 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.
“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Every Sat. & Sun. 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.
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.
“No-Sew Felt Onigiri Plush”: Ann Arbor District Library
Adults and teens invited to make a rice ball–shaped plush toy. 5–6:30 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
University Lowbrow Astronomers
A chance to join local astronomy buffs for a look at the sky through instruments, including the observatory’s 24-inch McMath classical Cassegrain telescope. 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 Aug. 15. 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.