Free
Events for September 24, 2026
“Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
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.
“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 (sight, hearing, and smell) 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.
“Decorative Hand Lettering”: Ann Arbor District Library
All invited to practice 4 different styles of hand lettering, then decorate a bullet journal, poster, comics, grocery list, or correspondence. Noon–1 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“Body Camera Footage as Data”: U-M Institute for Social Research
Talk by U-M organizational studies professor Nick Camp about police body-camera footage, the insights it can give into everyday realities of policing, as well as tools for more accountable and just law enforcement. Noon–1 p.m., 1430 ISR, 426 Thompson. Free. (734) 764–365.
U-M Center for Japanese Studies Noon Lecture Series
Sept 17 & 24. Talks by visiting scholars.
Sept. 17: “Gathering Fading Voices: Endangered Dialect Research in Japan Today.” A talk by Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology (Japan) informatics professor Joy Taniguchi.
Sept. 24: “Rivers and the Politics of Temporality in Ainu Mosir.” U-M postdoc Michael Ioannides discusses the crucial role that rivers play in the identity of the Indigenous Ainu people.
Noon–1:30 p.m., Weiser Hall (room TBA), 500 Church St. Free. (734) 764–6307.
Regent Candidate Forum: U-M Faculty Senate Office
The 2026 candidates for the U-M Board of Regents present their qualifications, articulate their vision for the University, and respond to questions. 4-5:30 p.m., University Hall, Alexander Ruthven Building, 1109 Geddes. Also available via livestream. Free. Preregistration required at facultysenate.umich.edu/regent-candidate-forum-2026.
Wildlife-Friendly Homes Kickoff: Humane Society of Huron Valley
Family-friendly event for attendees to learn and practice simple ways to create habitats for wildlife at home. Leashed and socialized dogs welcome. 4–6 p.m., Olson Park Pavilion, 1515 Dhu Varren. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. Free, donations welcome.
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 St. 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.
Michigan Marching Band Practice
Every Mon.–Thurs. (except Sept. 7). The U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel field, across the street from the old Elbel field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Every Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
Touch Rugby: U-M Rugby Football Club
Every Tues. & Thurs. All invited to play a low-contact version of rugby. Beginners welcome. 6–7:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 1000 Canal St. Free. [email protected].
Bad Decisions Track Club
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.
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
“Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
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 cancellations 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) 980–5277.
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active
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.
GriefShare: St. Luke Lutheran Church
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
Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
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) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.