Free
Observer Editor

“Independence Lake Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

More

Every Mon. Slow/moderate-paced 23-mile ride to Independence Lake on mostly dirt roads. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Old St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free. (412) 302–9960. 

Free
Observer Editor

Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

More

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

Group Ride: Ann Arbor Velo Club

More

Every Mon. Moderate-paced 20-mile ride to Dexter and back, often with a rest stop along the way. Riders must wear a helmet and bring water and supplies to fix a flat tire. 6 p.m. (nonmembers must come 10 minutes early to sign a club waiver), Barton Nature Area, 1010 W. Huron River Dr. Free. annarborveloclub.org.  

Free
Observer Editor

Drop-in Knitting: Spun

More

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

Group Runs: A2 Runners

More

Every Mon. & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced 3- to 5-mile group run, followed by socializing at a downtown coffee shop. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Kerrytown Clock Tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].

Free
Observer Editor

“All About Romance”: Ann Arbor District Library Emerging Writers Workshop

More

Area writers Elle Wright, Catherine Stein, Darci St. John, and Jordan Bloom discuss writing authentic relationships, avoiding common pitfalls, and finding a unique voice in the world of romance. Moderated by young adult novelist Bethany Neal. Also, Neal and local writer and editor Alex Kourvo host a write-in session at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 12, and an open house for writers to connect with one another and/or work on their projects at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 24. 6:30–7:45 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.

Donation
Free
Observer Editor

Opera by the Glass: Comic Opera Guild

More

Local singers perform arias and art songs by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Gilbert & Sullivan, and others. 7:30 p.m. (seating begins at 6 p.m.), 734 Brewing Company, 15 E. Cross, Ypsi. Free; donations accepted. Buy your own food & drink. Reservations required at bit.ly/operaontapreservations or email [email protected]. (734) 6782782.

Free
Observer Editor

Scandinavian Music Jam

More

Aug. 10 & 24. Bruce Sagan leads an acoustic jam session devoted to traditional music from Sweden and Norway. All instruments welcome, no experience necessary. 7:30–9:30 p.m., location TBA; email [email protected]. Free. 

Free
Observer Editor

Comedy Show: The Blind Pig

More

Every Mon. Performances from up to 15 aspiring stand-up comics from around the state. Local comics emcee. Age 21 & up only. Free candy. 8–9:30 p.m., 208 S. First St. Free. (734) 996–8555.