• Free
    Observer Editor

    University Lowbrow Astronomers

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    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. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet

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

  • 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

    H.A.C. Ultimate

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    Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Arts & Crafts Supply Swap: Ann Arbor District Library

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    A chance to pick up gently used art supplies the library has collected. Donations accepted before Aug. 2 at all AADL branches. Noon–2 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory

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    Every Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on Aug. 2, game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board and card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. sylvanfactory.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos

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    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. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Wonder Walks: Identifying What’s Around You”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens

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    All invited to join iNaturalist representative and MBGNA intern Austin Melancon for an introduction to this nature identification app and a walk to try out skills. Bring your smartphone with the free iNaturalist app installed. Dress for the weather. Arrival 15 minutes early recommended. 1–2 p.m., Matthaei lobby, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. (734) 647–7600, mbgna.umich.edu/events.

  • 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

    Shape Note Singing: Ann Arbor Sacred Harp

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    All invited to join an afternoon of shape note, or sacred harp, singing, an early American form of communal hymn singing. Songbooks available, but singers are encouraged to bring their own. 1–4 p.m., the Ark, 316 S. Main. Free. (734) 478–3394, (734) 995–2519, [email protected].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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    Every Sun. Thirty-minute tour that uses the museum’s specimens to tell the story of prehistoric whales and dolphins, who had 4 limbs and walked on land. 1:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Sunday Drop-in Tour: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

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    Aug. 9, 23, & 30. Docent-led tours exploring “Highlights of the Kelsey” (Aug. 9 & 30) and “Favorite Objects and Surprising Stories” (Aug. 23). 2–3 p.m., 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos

    More

    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. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Ypsi Photo Walk”: Dzanc House

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    Photographers of all skill levels with any kind of camera invited to walk together around Ypsi and take pictures. 3–4 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. dzanchouse.org/all-events. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Drag Bingo”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    All invited to play a fun-filled round of bingo hosted by local drag queen Jadein Black. Prizes. 3–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Underwater Landscape in a Jar”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults & teens invited to hot glue animal figurines, fake plants, sea shells, and other tiny objects to create an underwater scene in a glass jar. 3–4:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. 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

    “You Know, for Kids”: 8-Ball Movie Night

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    8ballmovienight.weebly.com. All age 21 & older are invited to watch 2 films each night, with trivia about each at intermission. Prizes. Free snacks. 8 Ball Saloon (201 S. First St.). 7 p.m.–midnight, preshow starts at 6:30 p.m.

    Aug. 9: “You Know, for Kids.” Two movies about twisted toy companies: Toys (Barry Levinson, 1992), surreal comedy starring Robin Williams about a hi-tech toy factory that falls into the hands of an army general; and The Hudsucker Proxy (Joel & Ethan Coen, 1994), about a naive but ambitious business school graduate (Tim Robbins) who is installed as president of a manufacturing company as part of a stock scam. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

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

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    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.