Observer Editor
Events for July 23, 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.
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.
“Parker Mill Tour”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
July 7, 23, & 24. All invited to tour the historical cabin and learn about the Parker family’s daily life in the 19th century. Activities for all ages. 4–7 p.m. (Tues. & Fri.) and 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (Thurs.), Parker Mill County Park, 4650 Geddes. Free. tinyurl.com/wcparc-summer2026.
“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.
Sonic Lunch: Bank of Ann Arbor
See 2 Thursday. Today: Devon Gilfillian, young Nashville-based soul singer whose smooth, gospel-tinged falsetto evokes Al Green or Marvin Gaye with a contemporary hip-hop sensibility and phrasing. Opener: Detroit singer-songwriter Al Bettis, whose music blends jazzy acoustic guitar with thoughtful, complex R&B lyrics. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Liberty Plaza, E. Liberty at S. Division. Free. soniclunch.com.
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].
“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.
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.
Ice Cream Social: St. Mary’s Manchester
Free ice cream, pie, and cake on the lawn, with lawn games for kids. Also, mac & cheese, hot dogs, chips, and beverages for sale. 4:30–7:30 p.m., St. Mary Parish Center, 108 Madison, Manchester. Free. stmarymanchester.org.
Riso Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
All invited to use analog tools to create a 2-color design for a 2026 calendar and print it with the lab’s Risograph duplicator, a digital screen printer similar to a photocopier. 5–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“The Side Questers”: Fine Print Bookshop
Author J.J. Kochmanski discusses his latest fantasy/sci-fi novel about two nonplayer characters in a video game who break free from their programming. 6 p.m., 109 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. Admission: purchase of a $5 gift card or the cost of the book. fineprintbookshop.com.
“The Collected Schizophrenias”: Ann Arbor District Library Mental Wellness Book Club
All invited to join a discussion of San Francisco–based writer and advocate Esmé Weijun Wang’s 2019 collection of essays that explores her experience with schizoaffective disorder. Presented in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Washtenaw County. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
“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: contemporary country by CoalTrain (Palmer Commons), the Johnny Cash tribute band Cash is King (E. Middle), folk-rock singer-guitarist Bret Maynard (Collins off Main), the Chelsea bluegrass and country-folk quartet Kedron (Clocktower Gazebo), and swamp rock by the Detroit band Ladyship Warship (Rumpus Room). 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.
“History of the World, Part I”: 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 23: “History of the World, Part I” (Mel Brooks, 1981). Brooks stars as Moses, King Louis XVI, and other world figures in this broad comedic parody of various epic film genres. With Sid Caesar, Dom DeLuise, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, Cloris Leachman, and others in Brooks’s company of players. 7 p.m.
“Salty Summer Sounds Live Music Series”: Saline Main Street
See 2 Thursday. Tonight: Beatles tribute band Dig A Phony. 7–9 p.m.
“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
July 9, 23, & 30. Performances by up to 12 aspiring and established area stand-up comics. 7:15 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at aacomedy.com & $6 at the door. (734) 996–9080.
“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.
“Playing Around: Festival of New & Original Works”: Forge Theater
July 23–26. Performances of new theater pieces by area playwrights. Tonight: A Shop in the Darkness, Jacquelyn Priskorn’s dark comedy about a young girl who stumbles into the shopping district of a dark dimension. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 3000 Packard, ste. B (entrance on Platt behind Little Caesars). Tickets $15 in advance at forgetheatercollaborative.com & at the door. (734) 219–9434.
“A Night with the Stars Summer Pops Concert”: Washtenaw Community Concert Band
Associate Conductor Pam Klena leads this 80-member ensemble in a patriotic program that celebrates the stars of the American flag through music that honors the country’s history and the people who helped shape it. 7:30 p.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg. atrium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free, donations accepted. wccband.org.
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.