Free
Observer Editor

Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club

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July 1012 & July 31Aug. 2. Equine competition combining artistry and technical abilities highlighted by graceful freestyle routines set to music. No pets. Concessions. 8 a.m.5 p.m., 11500 Glenn at Katz (west off Mount Hope Rd. from I-94 exit 150), Grass Lake. Free. [email protected]. 

Free
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“Olson Park Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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Every Fri. Slow/moderate-paced 18-mile gravel road ride with a rest stop at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Olson Park, 1515 Dhu Varren. Free. (412) 302–9960.  

Free
Observer Editor

“Investigate Labs”: 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 to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses to experience the world as if they were a snake. Also, models of snake brains available to examine, but no live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.  

Free
Observer Editor

Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops

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Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. 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. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].

Observer Editor

U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

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Every Tues.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. We Are Stars (noon) explores the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins, connecting life on Earth to the evolution of the universe; The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own; and T. Rex (2 p.m.) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence). Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $8 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org. 

Observer Editor

Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club

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Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri. & Tues.) and a 499er game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $9 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].

Free
Observer Editor

“Summer Drop-in Artmaking”: U-M Stamps Gallery

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July 10 & 24. All invited to a printmaking activity inspired by the current exhibit Marianetta Porter: Breath, Fragment, Return. No experience necessary, all supplies provided. 2–4 p.m., 201 S. Division. Free, preregistration recommended at stamps.umich.edu/events.

Free
Observer Editor

“Teen and Young Adult Outdoor Skills: Shelter”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Environmental Education

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Teens and young adults invited to learn how to make different types of shelters with large sticks, logs, and leaves. Materials provided. Dress for the weather. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Inclement weather cancels. 5–6:30 p.m., Bird Hills Nature Area parking lot, 1850 Newport. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected].

Free
Observer Editor

Letterpress Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

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July 10, 15, 21, & 26 (different times). A chance for adults to learn the basics of printing with movable type. 5–7 p.m. (July 10, 15, & 21) & 1–3 p.m. (July 26), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

Observer Editor

Michigan Celtic Festival

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July 10 & 11. This celebration of Saline’s sister city, Brecon, Wales, formerly known as the Saline Celtic Festival, features food, vendors, beer and clan tents, kids activities, and Celtic music and dance on several stages by visiting and local performers. Popular annual events include jousting, corgi races, sheep herding, and the ever-popular “Mr. Pretty Legs” kilt-wearing competition. The performance lineup (full schedule TBA) includes thundering bagpipe and drum group Pictus, Detroit Celtic rock band The Kreellers, high-energy Grand Rapids sextet CrossBow, Ypsi Americana singer-songwriter Shannon Lee, renowned touring student ensemble Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, folk traditionals by the Ben Traverse Band, progressive Celtic folk duo Ironwood, and a performance by Motor City Irish Dance. No pets. 5–11:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sat.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Fri. $8 (kids age 17 & under, free) at the gate only. Sat. $14 in advance until June 30 at mi-celtic.org & $18 (seniors age 65 & over, $10; youth ages 6–17, $5; kids age 5 & under and active military, free) at the gate. mi-celtic.org.

Free
Observer Editor

“Friday Night Geology Hike: Prairie Fen”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

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WCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance leads a hike to explore the uniquely beautiful wetland habitat that occurs in the glacial interlobate adjacent to the sandy soils left behind by melting glaciers thousands of years ago. 6–8 p.m., Park Lyndon North, 18801 North Territorial, Chelsea. Free. Preregistration required (#841009) at washtenaw.org/registerparks. [email protected].

Observer Editor

D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory

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Every Fri. All invited to play the current official campaign of the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game, using 5th-edition rules. Kids under 13 must have adult accompaniment. 6–10 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

Observer Editor

Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

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Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. (except July 4). All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG.

Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.

Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.

Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.

Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary.

Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

Observer Editor

“Euchre Change a Life!”

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July 10 & 24. Five-game euchre tournament. Sign up with a partner, or get paired with one by the organizers. Prizes. Food and beverages available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Haitian children via Haitian Christian Outreach. 6:30–9 p.m., HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plz. $15 (HOMES members, $10). [email protected], tinyurl.com/a2euchrechange.

Observer Editor

“Fiddler on the Roof”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company

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Thurs.Sun., June 4–July 19. Dan Cooney directs this local professional company in the 1964 musical, an adaptation of stories by celebrated Yiddish writer Sholem Aleichem with a book by Joseph Stein and Sheldon Harnick and music by Jerry Bock. The plot concerns life in a 1905 Jewish Ukrainian shtetl before a pogrom forces an exodus. Starring Broadway veteran Daniel Friedman as Tevye. 7 p.m. (some Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (some Thurs., Sat., & Sun.). Encore Maas Main Stage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $34–$65 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.

Free
Observer Editor

“Wonder”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center

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1129 Oak Valley Dr. Concessions. Free. (734) 994–3387, jewelheart.org.

July 10: “Wonder” (Stephen Chbosky, 2017). This heartwarming family drama/comedy is based on the true story of a boy with a rare medical facial deformity who faces social ostracization. Owen Wilson, Julia Roberts. Discussion follows. 7 p.m.

Free
Observer Editor

“Introduction to Astrosketching”: U-M Detroit Observatory

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All invited to learn how 19th-century astronomers drew pencil images of the night sky in an era before cameras; then, put those techniques to work using images from the Observatory’s historic and modern telescopes. 7–9 p.m., 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.

Observer Editor

Brian Scolaro: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

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July 10 & 11. L.A.-based comic and TV actor, known for his stints on Dexter, Abbott Elementary, Mad Men, and many other shows. His high-energy act features observations about life’s absurdities, from being fat in a culture obsessed with thinness to his decision to honestly answer the question “how are you doing?” Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $21 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.

Observer Editor

Ann Arbor Festival of Song: Kerrytown Concert House

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See 8 Wednesday. Tonight: celebrated Detroit stride pianist and vocalist Alvin Waddles presents Red, White, and ‘Blue,’” a patriotic cabaret with singers from Michigan and Ohio TBA performing cabaret and musical theater hits that celebrate the American experience. 7:30 p.m. $25 (students, $15) cash or check only at the door.

Observer Editor

Friday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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Every Fri. Performance by 11 Non-Blondes, a house team of experienced improvisers. 7:30–9 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.

Observer Editor

“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. Kate Thomsen directs longtime Purple Rose resident playwright Carey Crim’s comedy-drama about a group of old friends gathered to celebrate their friend Emma’s fourth wedding. Together, they revisit their memories of each of her previous three weddings to “the one.” Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 3 p.m. (Thurs., Sat., & Wed.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.

Observer Editor

Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center

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Every Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience required. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 and 8 p.m. by hour-long lessons. Followed by a “late-night blues-&-fusion” dance. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Friday includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.

Free
Observer Editor

“Telescope Observing”: U-M Detroit Observatory

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Every Fri. All invited to drop in to use the Observatory’s 1857 Fitz telescope and other modern instruments. Exhibits are also open regardless of viewing conditions. Last visitors admitted 30 minutes prior to closing. 9–11 p.m., 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free, no registration required. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.

Free
Observer Editor

Moth Night: Legacy Land Conservancy

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Local entomologist and educator David Cappaert leads a short hike and discusses the diverse moth species that call this preserve home. Bring water, a flashlight, and bug spray. Dress for the weather. 9–11 p.m., Sharon Hills Preserve, Sharon Hollow between Tolen & Walker, Manchester. Free. Preregistration required at legacylandconservancy.org. (734) 302–5263.

Observer Editor

“Disc Golf Glow Night”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

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All invited to play disc golf with illuminated course baskets. Bring your own glow discs. 9 p.m.–midnight, Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. $5 walk-up or preregistration (#IL451100) at washtenaw.org/registerparks or tinyurl.com/wcparc-july2026, plus $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. (734) 484–9676.

Observer Editor

“I Ain’t No Joke”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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A blend of stand-up comedy and improv sets by local comics and improvisers, hosted by Jacob Russell. 9:30–10:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events, $18 (if available) at the door.

Observer Editor

“Midsommar”: Michigan Theater

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Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

July 10: “Midsommar” (Ari Aster, 2019). Folk horror film about a couple who travels to an isolated Swedish village for a mysterious midsummer festival. Florence Pugh. 9:30 p.m.