• Community Listing
    Free

    Ecological Steward Skills Training: WREN

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    Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189,

    The classes are good for both the beginner who has a few invasives in their yard as well as experienced stewards looking to broaden their knowledge base.

    These classes will focus more on invasive species removal education and conversation than typical restoration workdays. Participants will learn the fundamentals of identifying and managing woody invasives. Participants will gain practical field experience in effective techniques; both with and without herbicide.

    https://www.washtenawren.org/home

    Free
  • Community Listing
    Free

    All-Day Shapenote Singing: Riverside Arts Center

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    76 N Huron St, Ypsilanti

    Join us for a special all-day singing from THE SACRED HARP (2025). No experience necessary–just bring your voice and your curiosity! Some books will be available to borrow. We sing from 10 AM- 3PM, with a potluck lunch in the middle. You are invited (but not required!) to bring an item for the traditional potluck lunch.

    https://www.riversidearts.org/shape-note-singing-ypsilanti/

    Free
  • Community Listing
    Free

    Red/Black Art Exhibit Opening: Power Center for the Performing Arts

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    121 Fletcher, Ann Arbor

    “Red/Black” fills the lobby of the Power Center with large-scale, highly animated murals and canvases painted in red and black by artist/dancer Peter Sparling.

    The lobby is open to the public one hour before and during performances in October (tickets to events not required for entry):
    10/3, 6:30-9 pm
    10/4, 1-3:30 pm
    10/23, 6:30-9 pm
    10/24, 6:30-9 pm

    Artist’s Statement:
    Although black is considered not a color but a shade and does not appear with red on the color wheel, I would propose that black makes red redder, and red makes black a color.

    I am drawn to these two bold, intensely saturated colors for the power they radiate and provoke in juxtaposition and their potential for strong graphic patterns, alone or together. By limiting my palette for this exhibit to red and black, I challenged myself to “exhaust the limits of the possible” and create a set of paintings that worked both autonomously and as a noisy kind of dialogue or unfolding pictorial panorama.

    Influences? Meanings by juxtaposition, association or coincidence? The textile tapestry by Picasso, “Volutes”, that has hung in this lobby since 1970, the dance work by guest artist Shamel Pitts on stage early this month, the novel by Stendhal I have yet to read, or least likely the team colors of Atlanta Falcons, AC Milan, Alabama State University (representing pride and resilience), or Detroit Red Wings (when they throw in black to highlight the red wing)?

    Is it that I am literally seeing red in these trying times, enraged by the rampant greed of large institutions, parties and predators of every shape and size? Perhaps the paintings abstract metaphors for the sheer pleasures of form in motion and the stroke of the paint brush (the dancer/choreographer in me). Titles help by serving like titles of poems: you hope not to give the work away but rather draw the reader/viewer in and suggest a tone or point of view that acts as both overture and summation or amen in retrospect. May they serve in this way to guide you, the viewer into and out of the pictures.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Prior Art: OHMHA Fall Festival

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    At Thurston Pond next to OHAC Pool, 2300 Yorktown Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

    Oct 4 2026, Sunday, 1-3 PM: Prior Art appears at the Orchard Hills – Maplewood Homeowners Association (OHMHA) Fall Festival. Local rock band playing a mix of 60’s – 90’s rock covers and originals. Prior Art is Vocalist Rachel Arnsdorf, Alan Balkany on Guitar, Ryan Matthews on Bass, Alan Warmanen on Vocals & Drums, and Doug Wochna on vocals/sax/keys.

    Past OHMHA Fall Festivals included displays of a Fire Engine and a Police car, displays of animals from the Leslie Science Center, Face Painting, musical performances, donuts and cider.
    Cost: Free, but donations to the tip jar are appreciated

    Priorartband.com

    Free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance

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    Every Thurs., Sept. 3–Oct. 29. WBNA members lead a hike through the Arb to look for fall warblers and other southbound migrants. Birders of all skill levels welcome. 8–11 a.m., meet in the cul-de-sac at the end of Riverview. (off Geddes near the east end of Dow Field). Free. washtenawbna.org.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    What is a Constitutional Convention?: Bentley Historical Library

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    1150 Beal Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 49109

    Every 16 years, Michigan voters are asked whether to dig into the state’s constitution and make edits in what’s known as a Constitutional Convention, or Con-Con. But what would a Con-Con actually look like? And what can voters understand about past Con-Cons that will help them say yes or no on this year’s ballot?

    This fall, on November 3, it will be on Michigan ballots as “Proposal 1.”

    If voters say yes to Proposal 1, that would begin the process of holding a constitutional convention – or “Con-Con.”

    During a Con-Con, delegates can make changes to the state constitution.

    But what would a Con-Con actually look like? And what can voters understand about past Con-Cons that will help them say yes or no to Proposal 1?

    Michigan’s most recent Con-Con was held in 1961, and the Bentley Library is home to a host of materials related to this pivotal moment in the state’s history – from the papers of politicians and Con-Con delegates to newspaper articles, photos, and more.

    You’re invited to join the Bentley Historical Library as we take a look back at the 1961 Con-Con and consider how the work done by delegates shapes our lives today.

    October 8, 2026
    6pm at the Bentley Historical Library

    Speakers include:
    > Lynn Liberato, author of Michigan’s Con-Con 11: Women and State Constitution-making in 1961
    > Michelle McClellan, Bentley archivist working to grow the Library’s Con-Con collections and other political history in the state of Michigan

    This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.

    https://bentley.umich.edu/learn/event/what-is-a-constitutional-convention/

    Free
  • Community Listing
    Free

    GriefShare: St. Luke Lutheran Church

    GriefShare
    More

    4205 Washtenaw Ave.

    Find hope and healing after the death of a loved one. You are encouraged to join us on any week. Sessions are self-contained.

    The group meets on Thursdays starting at 6:30 PM for one-and-a-half hours, ending at 8:00 PM.

    Each meeting consists of a video seminar, a discussion, and your personal workbook.

    Each week you can expect to view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your workbook.

    Get more information and register here: https://find.griefshare.org/groups/297677

    Questions? Contact: [email protected]

    First meeting: Thurs., Sept. 10
    Last meeting: Thurs., Dec. 10

    https://find.griefshare.org/groups/297677

    Free
  • Community Listing
    Free

    Birds & Brews: BrightWorks Coworking

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    3027 Miller Rd, Ann Arbor

    It’s Back! – Kick off your morning with freshly ground coffee and great conversation with fellow bird enthusiasts! We will start in our Julia Child’s Kitchen to fuel up and socialize before trekking out to explore the beautiful Botsford Preserve for an enchanting morning of fall bird watching. BYO-Binoculars.

    This event will be led by Bob Maddox of the Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance.

    https://brightworkscoworking.com/events/birds-brews-2/

    Free
  • Community Listing
    Free

    Amateur Radio License One Day Training: ARROW/UM Amateur Radio Club

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    EECS Building, 1301 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI

    In a single day, including six hours of instruction, Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, will teach you everything you need to know to pass the Technician Class amateur radio license exam. ARROW members will administer the test immediately after the class. The text for the class is the No Nonsense Technician Class License Study Guide, which is free from https://kb6nu.com/study-guides.

    https://kb6nu.com/next-tech-class

    $20
  • Community Listing
    Free

    Gun Buyback: Saint Aidan's Episcopal Church

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    1679 Broadway, Ann Arbor

    On October 10th we will be exchanging unwanted firearms for gift cards. Watch as we destroy your unwanted firearm, and thank you with a gift card. You can also turn the pieces into artwork at our craft table

    staidan.org

    free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Coffee Shop Comedy”: Yogi & Bruce Umpstead

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    An interactive comedy show featuring stand-up by booked comics, open-mic spots, and a “Finish-the-Joke” audience game with prizes for the funniest punchlines. Hosted by Yogi & Bruce Umpstead, with performances by Jeff Teed, Paul Artale, and L LaNoue. 7:30 p.m., Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, 123 W. Washington St.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance

    More

    Every Thurs., Sept. 3–Oct. 29. WBNA members lead a hike through the Arb to look for fall warblers and other southbound migrants. Birders of all skill levels welcome. 8–11 a.m., meet in the cul-de-sac at the end of Riverview. (off Geddes near the east end of Dow Field). Free. washtenawbna.org.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    GriefShare: St. Luke Lutheran Church

    GriefShare
    More

    4205 Washtenaw Ave.

    Find hope and healing after the death of a loved one. You are encouraged to join us on any week. Sessions are self-contained.

    The group meets on Thursdays starting at 6:30 PM for one-and-a-half hours, ending at 8:00 PM.

    Each meeting consists of a video seminar, a discussion, and your personal workbook.

    Each week you can expect to view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your workbook.

    Get more information and register here: https://find.griefshare.org/groups/297677

    Questions? Contact: [email protected]

    First meeting: Thurs., Sept. 10
    Last meeting: Thurs., Dec. 10

    https://find.griefshare.org/groups/297677

    Free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Insect ID Day”: Huron River Watershed Council.

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    All invited to help identify the macroinvertebrates gleaned during the Oct. 3 “River Roundup” (see listing). Each child must be accompanied by an adult. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. & 1-3 p.m. (choose one session), 117 N. 1st St., Ste. 100. Free. Preregistration required at hrwc.org/volunteer/id-day/. [email protected]; 769-5123.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Fall Gathering: Many Hands Lifesharing Community

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    1850 Baker Road , Dexter

    Join us at our annual free Fall Gathering on the land at Many Hands

    Come celebrate with us on the land of Many Hands Lifesharing Community and see how we’re transforming 94 acres into tomorrow’s lifesharing model..

    Walk the trails, explore the land, enjoy autumn bites, and connect with others who believe in the power of inclusive community.

    Can’t wait to see you there:

    Explore our trails – make sure to wear confortable shoes
    View our garden
    Enjoy pizza, hot dogs, drinks and more
    Participate in our regenerative farming demonstration
    Partake in family fun activities
    Connect with others in our Lifesharing community
    All ages and abilities are welcome.

    https://manyhandslc.org/

    Free
  • Community Listing
    Free

    UMMA Family Day: CEW+

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    UMMA, 525 S State Street

    Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art for a fun afternoon of indoor activities. Drop in between 3:00-4:30 pm to connect with other families as you explore sculptures and build your own creations. UMMA volunteers will facilitate conversations about the art and guide you through the space.

    https://cew.umich.edu/events/umma-family-day

    Free
  • Community Listing
    Free

    “Come As You Are” Memory Café: Dementia Friendly Services

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    First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor MI

    Memory Cafés are comfortable social gatherings in dementia friendly venues that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize, and build new support networks. Cafés are free and all are welcome. Co-sponsored by AARP Michigan.

    www.dfsmi.org

    Free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance

    More

    Every Thurs., Sept. 3–Oct. 29. WBNA members lead a hike through the Arb to look for fall warblers and other southbound migrants. Birders of all skill levels welcome. 8–11 a.m., meet in the cul-de-sac at the end of Riverview. (off Geddes near the east end of Dow Field). Free. washtenawbna.org.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    GriefShare: St. Luke Lutheran Church

    GriefShare
    More

    4205 Washtenaw Ave.

    Find hope and healing after the death of a loved one. You are encouraged to join us on any week. Sessions are self-contained.

    The group meets on Thursdays starting at 6:30 PM for one-and-a-half hours, ending at 8:00 PM.

    Each meeting consists of a video seminar, a discussion, and your personal workbook.

    Each week you can expect to view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your workbook.

    Get more information and register here: https://find.griefshare.org/groups/297677

    Questions? Contact: [email protected]

    First meeting: Thurs., Sept. 10
    Last meeting: Thurs., Dec. 10

    https://find.griefshare.org/groups/297677

    Free