Observer Editor
Events for July 22, 2026
Youth Show: Washtenaw County 4-H
July 19–24. Six days of farm animal shows and auctions, plus crafts, exhibits, all-day equestrian competitions, and assorted contests from animal decorating to a goat milk-out. Highlights include the popular “Llama Leaping Contest” (July 22, 2 p.m.), the livestock auction (July 23, 4:30 p.m.), an archery contest (July 24, 1 p.m.), the “Animal Decorator Contest” (July 24, 1:30 p.m.), and the “Ag Olympics” (July 24, 2:30 p.m.) in which 4-H youth engage in Olympic-style competitions involving water, mud, and agricultural products. For complete daily schedule, see bit.ly/4hwashtenaw2026. 8 a.m.–evening, Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free. (734) 222–3877.
“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.
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.
“The Merry Widow”: Fathom Entertainment
(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events & at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline).
July 22: “The Merry Widow.” Rebroadcast of a 2015 Metropolitan Opera production of Franz Lehár’s popular operetta about love, intrigue, and misadventures in turn-of-the-century Vienna. A prince is ordered to court a rich widow lest her millions be lost to his country’s treasury. Reluctant at first, he soon finds he is falling in love. The score is characterized by delightful, lilting melodies and many familiar arias—among them “Maxim’s,” “Vilja,” and “The Merry Widow Waltz.” Stars Renée Fleming, Nathan Gunn, and Kelli O’Hara. 1 p.m. Cinemark only.
“Getting Lost in a Book: Adventures in SmellLiterature”: Ann Arbor District Library Smell & Tell
July 8 & 22 (different times). Local writer and fragrance expert Michelle Krell Kydd, creator of the award-winning flavor and fragrance blog Glass Petal Smoke, leads a guided smelling of 6 scents referenced in literature. 6–7:30 p.m. (July 8) & 1:30–3 p.m. (July 22), AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“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.
Board Game Night: Argus Farm Stop
July 8 & 22. All invited to participate in a relaxed evening of board games. If you want, bring a game to share. 4–7 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. (734) 997–5448, argusfarmstop.com.
“West Side Nite Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Every Wed. Slow/moderate-paced ride, 10 to 30 miles, along the B2B Trail to Hudson Mills Metropark and/or Dexter-Huron Metropark with a possible visit to the Dexter Dairy Queen. This ride is a favorite with newcomers and casual riders. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 5 p.m. sharp, meet at Forest Lawn Cemetery parking lot, corner of Broad & Grand, Dexter. Free. (734) 426–5116.
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.
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.
Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center
July 8 & 22. All musicians invited to bring acoustic instruments to play bluegrass-style music. Vocalists welcome. Inclement weather cancels. Please call by 3 p.m. on the day of the jam with any questions. 5–9 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.), 1320 Baldwin. $5. (734) 794–6250, a2blugrass.com.
Board Game Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
Every Wed. All invited to play popular board games. Use provided games or bring your own. 5–10 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
“Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
Every Wed. Food- and agriculture-related discussions and demos.
July 1: “Berry Jam Preserving.” Experienced canner Jessica Read leads a hands-on, beginner-friendly session of small-batch jam canning. Free.
July 8: “Love Your Liver.” Vegan chef Val Wilson, founder of Macro Val, leads a discussion on supporting liver health through local foods and healing teas. Recipe handouts. $7.
July 15: “Lightbridge Academy.” Intro to this new early childhood education center for parents, with hands-on activities for kids.
July 22: “Knitting with Local Yarn.” Mitch Fehrle of Michigan Fibershed leads a hands-on session for beginning knitters. Supplies provided. $10.
6–7 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Cost varies. Preregistration required for all events at tinyurl.com/a2-foodhub. thewashtenawfoodhub.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.
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.
Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
July 8 & 22. All skill levels welcome to draw a live model. Bring your own art supplies. Light refreshments. 6:30–9 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. $10 to pay model. Preregistration required by the Mon. before the event. dzanchouse.org/register-for-events.
“Japanese Maples”: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society Monthly Meeting
Bonsai Unearthed (Nashville, TN) owner Owen Reich discusses this tree celebrated for its delicate leaves, graceful branching, and dramatic color changes. 6:30–9 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, rm. 125, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. [email protected], annarborbonsaisociety.org/events.
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
Every Wed., Sun., & Tues. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
“Spirited Away”: 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 22: “Spirited Away” (Hayao Miyazaki, 2002). Thrilling and strange Oscar-winning Studio Ghibli Japanese anime fantasy about a girl who must rescue her parents from a haunted bath house. Japanese, subtitles. 7 p.m.
Summer Sight Reading Nights: Dexter Community Orchestra
July 22 & Aug. 26. All musicians invited to sight read and play orchestral music with the DCO in an open-air setting. Participants are asked to download the music ahead of time and bring their own music stand. Chairs provided. 7–9 p.m., Dexter American Legion Picnic Pavilion, 8225 Dexter-Chelsea Rd., Dexter. Free. Preregistration required at dextercommunityorchestra.org. (734) 223–2841, [email protected].
Fiber Meet Up: Cluster Museum
All invited to join other fiber enthusiasts to work on their crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and other fiber arts. Includes a short skillshare session. 7–9 p.m., 307 N. Main. Free. clustermuseum.org/events.
Ann Arbor Bridge Club
Every Wed. All invited to play friendly, competitive ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Arrive 20 minutes early if coming without a partner. Call before coming to check that the game is being held. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline (park in marked spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline). $6 per person. (734) 945–6021.
“Music in the Park”: Ann Arbor Civic Band Summer Concert Series
See 1 Wednesday. Tonight: In their final concert of this summer’s series, the band presents “All Too Familiar,” a program of crowd favorites featuring Mendelssohn’s Wedding March; Jack Bullock’s A Tribute to Gershwin; John Williams’ Star Wars Epic, Suite #1; Percy Grainger’s Irish Tune; Jerry Brubaker’s medley of classical hits featured in Bugs Bunny cartoons; What’s Up With the Symphony; and more. Also, EMU student Emilio Sanchez contributes a euphonium solo to a performance of Jean-Baptiste Arban’s The Carnival of Venice. 7:30–8:30 p.m.
“Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor
Every Wed. Lindy Hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to recorded music. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low-grip shoes. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Michigan League Vandenberg rm. (July 1, 8, & 29), and Michigan Union Anderson, ABCD Rm. (July 15 & 22). $5 (free for members and lesson attendees) at the door.
“Blacklighting”: Scio Township
All invited to this naturalist-led outing to attract and examine moths and other fascinating insects that can only be seen at night using blacklight on white sheets. 9:30–10:30 p.m., Van Curler Preserve, 6393 W. Joy, Dexter. Free. Preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/scio-moth-7-26. [email protected].