Observer Editor
Events for July 17, 2026
“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Delhi Metro Park parking lot (left of the tollbooth), E. Delhi off Huron River Dr. Free. [email protected].
“Olson Park Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
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.
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.
“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.
Foodie Fridays: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Every Friday May 15–Sept. 25. Local food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket and chairs to picnic in the park. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., County Farm Park, 2230 Platt. facebook.com/MLMRecCenter.
Art Fair Entertainment
See 16 Thursday. Today:
Ingalls Mall Fountain Stage (between E. Washington & North University): young Detroit-area pop-folk singer-songwriter Lily Bowen (11 a.m.), local alt-folk singer-songwriter Tom Alter (noon), veteran Detroit folk-rock singer-songwriter Mike Ward (1 p.m.), veteran local singer-guitarist John D. Lamb (2 p.m.), an energetic, sophisticated blend of danceable soul, blues, and rock by the Ralph McKee Blues Trio (3 p.m.), the local folk-rock singer-songwriter duo So Say We All (4 p.m.), the Detroit pop-folk singer-songwriter Michelle Held (5 p.m.), the Detroit folk-pop singer-songwriter Emily Rose (6 p.m.), and Misty Lyn & the Big Beautiful (8 p.m.), a veteran local country-inflected folk-rock quintet led by Misty Lyn Bergeron, a singer-songwriter known for her haunting melodies and poetically rich lyrics.
Music on Maynard (William & Maynard): lineup TBA.
The Ark Stage (Palio parking lot at E. William & S. Main): The Rupple Brothers (6 p.m.), a Saginaw-area acoustic pop-folk trio with an air of psychedelia, and Bobby Alu (7:30 p.m.), a Samoan-Australian singer-songwriter, drummer, and ukulele player whose music blends elements of tropical folk, roots reggae, and Polynesian rhythms. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
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].
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 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].
“Thunder Over Michigan”: Michigan Flight Museum
July 17–19. One of the nation’s largest “warbird” events, this giant drive-up show of WWII-era and later vintage fighter aircraft includes everything from a squadron of P-51s to the immense C-17 Globemaster III. The program includes performances by the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team and the British Royal Air Force Red Arrows. Also, a chance to meet warbird pilots, a kidzone, and Huey helicopter rides ($125/person). 3–10 p.m. (flights begin at 6:30 p.m.), Willow Run Airport (off I-94), Ypsi. Tickets $75 & up (parking $35 per vehicle); kids 5 & under, free; tailgate parking $225 per vehicle (includes admission for all occupants) in advance at miflightmuseum.org & (if available) at the gate. (734) 483–4030.
“Fix-It Friday”: Maker Works
All invited to bring anything that needs fixing—chairs, sweaters, radios, whatever. Maker Works members and staff on hand help with repairs. Handy people invited to assist. Repairs not guaranteed. Also, toy adaptations to make off-the-shelf toys more accessible for people with disabilities. 4–6 p.m., 3765 Plaza. Free. Preregistration required at maker-works.com/fixitfriday, (734) 222–4911.
47th Annual Festival: St. Joseph Church Dexter
July 17–19. The festival begins tonight with a spaghetti dinner ($10; kids 10 & under, $5; families, $25) and live music by the Christian folk-rock band Everlight Worship. Also, additional music and events on Sat. & Sun. (see listings). 5–9 p.m. (Fri.), noon–10 p.m. (Sat.), & 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Sun.), Mast at North Territorial, Dexter. Free admission. stjos.com/festival.
D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
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.
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
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.
Oberun 5K: Bell’s Beer
A 5K race along a scenic route that ends at a beer garden serving Bell’s Oberon. Also, fire pits, sand volleyball, and cornhole. Bottle opener medals for finishers. Food trucks. Beer garden proceeds help finance the Border to Border Trail. Rain or shine. 6:30 p.m., Wiard’s Orchard, 5565 Merritt, Ypsi. $44 in advance only at runoberun5k.com until full (space limited). Virtual race option also available. (734) 929–9027, [email protected].
Music in the Park: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce
See 3 Friday. Tonight: Petty Thieves, a Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks tribute band. 6:30–9 p.m.
“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.
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.
“Music Discovery Night”: All Hands Active
July 3, 17, & 31. All invited to play a favorite recorded song, describe why you like it, and discuss it with the group. Songs must be available on streaming platforms or stored on a flash drive or device you bring. Computer, speakers, and a big screen for lyrics provided. 7–9 p.m., basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Preregistration required at meetup.com/allhandsactive/events. Free; donations welcome. [email protected].
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
Fri. July 3 & 17 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers present and give insights into some local animals, including a woodchuck, skunk, and a common snapping turtle at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers present the first three animals at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows an opossum at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) & noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.
“Crafting the Sky”: U-M Detroit Observatory
All invited to learn how photographers, artists, and scientists work together to create visual images of the universe. Then, create your own 3D models from images taken through Observatory telescopes. 7–9 p.m., 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.
“New Moon Hike”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
LSNC staff lead a family-friendly hike through Black Pond Woods to enjoy the nighttime darkness and do some science experiments on the trail. Followed by moon-themed stories & poems around a campfire. 7:30 p.m., 1831 Traver. $5 (under age 2, free). Preregistration required at lesliesnc.org or (734) 997–1553.
“The Rise and Fall of an Astronomical Fact”: University Lowbrow Astronomers Monthly Meeting
Talk by retired U-M history & astronomy professor Rudi Lindner. 7:30 p.m., U-M Detroit Observatory, 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free. (734) 975–3248.
Friday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
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.
“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.
“Athena”: Theatre Nova
Every Fri.–Sun., July 17–Aug. 9. Shelby R. Seeley directs Gracie Gardner’s play about two competitive teenage girl fencers training for the Junior Olympics. As they spar and navigate a tricky new friendship, each grows in both athletic ability and self-confidence. The New York Times called it “hugely appealing and stealthily moving.” 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 and older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org/season11 & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.
CANCELLED: Tumbao Bravo: Rancho Tranquilico
Cancelled due to poor air quality.
Barn concert by this veteran local Afro-Cuban jazz band led by multi-instrumental reeds player Paul Vornhagen. BYOB. No tobacco products or pets. 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.), 11300 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. Parking is in neighboring Ruhlig’s Country Market driveway. $25 in advance only (space limited) via Venmo: @paul-vornhagen or PayPal: @[email protected]. (734) 223–2321, [email protected].
“Femme Feedback” Comedy Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
A variety of women and trans comics try out new material with a veteran comic presiding to offer feedback. 8–10 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food and drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
“KissME”: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance/Riverside Swings/Friday Night Swing
July 17–19 (different programs & locations). Swing and blues dancing to live and recorded music spread out over 3 days, culminating in an outdoor dance at Island Park. Tonight: Dancing to the award-winning Detroit-area big band Planet D Nonet, a self-styled “space-age swing band” founded by drummer RJ Spangler and trumpeter James O’Donnell. Followed at midnight by dancing to a DJ. 8 p.m.–midnight and beyond, Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. $30 in advance at kissmeinannarbor.com & at the door. Weekend pass: $85 (students & AACTMAD members, $75). [email protected], kissmeinannarbor.com.
Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
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.
“Telescope Observing”: U-M Detroit Observatory
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.
“The Descent”: Michigan Theater
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 17: “The Descent” (Neil Marshall, 2005). In this British horror film, 6 women enter an uncharted cave system, discover monstrous creatures, and must fight them to survive. 9:30 p.m.
“Comedy Gauntlet”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Ninety-second sets by 16 area stand-up comics, advancing tournament-style until a winner is decided. 9:30–10:45 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.