Observer Editor
Events for July 16, 2026
“Cavanaugh Lake Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 20 to 30 miles, along the less-traveled roads west and north of Chelsea. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Cavanaugh Lake County Park, 33 Cavanaugh Lake Rd., Chelsea. Free. (734) 717–9583.
The Ann Arbor Art Fair
July 16–18. Our perennial multiday tent city within a city houses more than 1,000 artists from Michigan and around the nation in 3 separate fairs. Also, live music (see daily Art Fair Entertainment listings, beginning below), an art activity zone for kids, art making demos, a collaborative street chalk mural (Maynard & William), and chalk art demos by well-known street artist David Zinn with chalk available for participation by anyone. For a complete list of times & locations see theannarborartfair.com. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) & 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Sat.), downtown Ann Arbor. Free admission. (800) 888–9487.
Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
July 9, 16, 22, & 30 (different times). All invited to work on their own projects using the library’s tools, including silhouette cutting machines, die cutters, embossers, and button makers (July 9); 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (July 16); sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (July 22); and soldering equipment and electronic components (July 30). 5–7:30 p.m. (July 9, 22, & 30) & 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (July 16), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“Investigate Labs”: 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 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.
Art Fair Entertainment
July 16–18. Live music and other performances on 3 stages, along with informal busking-style performances around the fair. For a complete schedule see theannarborartfair.com. Today:
Ingalls Mall Fountain Stage (between E. Washington & North University.): a dance performance by the Warehouse Cloggers (11 a.m.), the local acoustic pop-folk duo Dino Time (noon), acoustic classic rock covers by Vicalely & The Non Music Majors (1 p.m.), local alt-country singer-songwriter Kevin Brown (2 p.m.), steel drums by Joe Groves Instrumental Resonance (3 p.m.), the Brooklyn (MI) Americana-Celtic string band Railcar Graffiti (4 p.m.), golden-voiced Chelsea country- and folk-based Americana singer-songwriter Rochelle Clark (5 p.m.), the local country-folk and Americana supergroup Lucky 17 (6 p.m.), and the veteran local rockabilly & Americana band Delta 88 (7 p.m.).
Music on Maynard (William & Maynard): guitar-driven covers by Esteban Morales & Friends (noon), local classical harpist Laurel Federbush (3 p.m.), the Carl & Shawn Duo (4 p.m.), the local funk-flavored pop-rock quintet Marissa & the Starter Packs (6 p.m.), and the Steve Somers Jazz Combo (7 p.m.).
The Ark Stage (Palio parking lot at E. William & S. Main): the local klezmer-funk collective Schmaltz (6 p.m.) and the Jill Jack Band (7:30 p.m.), a local ensemble led by Jack, a sultry-voiced Detroit folk-rock singer-songwriter whose music also draws freely on jazz and country flavors.
11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) & noon–8 p.m. (Sat.), downtown Ann Arbor. Free. (800) 888–9487.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
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.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
Every Thurs. & Mon. Play open to all skill levels age 18+, both ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.) and non-sanctioned (Mon.). Noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs.) and 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon.), 1320 Baldwin. $9 (Thurs.) & $5 (Mon.); $1–$2 less for AASC members. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
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].
“Fiddler on the Roof”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
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.
“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
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.
Woven Hearts: Ann Arbor District Library
Adults and kids age 5 & up invited to learn how to make traditional Scandinavian paper hearts called flätade hjärtan. 3–4 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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. Also, storytime, fitness classes, and interactive art activities. 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.
“A2Zero Clothing Swap”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations
All invited to bring in up to 10 washed and in-good-condition clothing items and accessories and/or find new items to take home. Also, help with mending. 4–7 p.m., Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. Free. luma.com/a2zeroclothingswaps.
Depot Town Cruise Nights: Ypsilanti Auto Museum
Every Thurs. Old car cruise, kids activities, and free ice cream. Artwork, crafts, & antiques for sale. 5:30–8:30 p.m., E. Cross between Rice and N. River St., Ypsi. Free. [email protected], facebook.com/depot-town-cruise-nights.
“Hills of Ann Arbor”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Thurs. Fast-paced 30-mile ride focused on climbing the hills north and east of Ann Arbor. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Washtenaw Community College parking lot no. 6A (near the pond), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. New riders text Tom Chettleburgh at (734) 552–1025. Free.
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.
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Every Mon., Thurs., & Sat. (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.), 901 W. Eisenhower; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
“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.
“Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights”: Chelsea Area Festivals & Events
See 2 Thursday. Tonight: funky blues and rock by the Blaine Luis Band (Palmer Commons), the veteran local alt-country band Corndaddy (E. Middle), the veteran local wife-and-husband singer-songwriter duo Annie & Rod Capps (Collins off Main), classic rock by Coach Dean (Clocktower Gazebo), and Fangs & Twang (Rumpus Room), an Ypsi trio of Black Jake & the Carnies members that plays twangy, high-energy country rock, with songs about vampires, mummies, and other fantastical creatures. 6:30–8:30 p.m.
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.
Student Chamber Music Concerts: U-M Center Stage Strings
July 11, 15, 16, & 17. Students from this U-M music school performing arts summer program perform chamber works TBA. 7 p.m., Britton Recital Hall, 1100 Baits. Free. centerstagestrings.com.
Drum Circle: Oz’s Music Environment
All invited to drum with renowned local percussionist Maruga Booker, who has played with the likes of George Clinton, Jerry Garcia, and Weather Report. 7 p.m., 1922 Packard. Free. (734) 662–8283.
“Salty Summer Sounds Live Music Series”: Saline Main Street
See 2 Thursday. Tonight: Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, the renowned Saline student folk and Celtic fiddle ensemble. 7–9 p.m.
Open Mic: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
All musicians invited to play a 1- to 3-song set. Material should be family friendly. Hosted by local singer-songwriter Don Digirolamo. Sign up on arrival. 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. $5 suggested donation. (734) 327–0270, interfaithspirit.org.
“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
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.
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.