Observer Editor
Events for July 24, 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.
“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.
“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.
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].
“Summer Drop-in Artmaking”: U-M Stamps Gallery
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.
2026 Chelsea Classic Cruisers Car Show: Chelsea Area Festivals & Events
Show of classic and vintage autos. All invited to bring their classic autos to display (registration 2–5 p.m., E. Middle off Madison, $10 entry fee). Awards chosen by the participants (presentation at 7:30 p.m.). Also, live music on the corner of Middle & East streets (4–7 p.m.) with bands TBA, and in the social tent on Main (7–11 p.m.) by the 60s tribute band Magic Bus and the 80s pop tribute band the Square Pegz. 3–11 p.m., E. Middle, East St., & Harrison, downtown Chelsea. Free to view. chelseamich.com/annual-events/ssf/car-show.
“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.
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.
Morgan Wallen Concert: AEG Productions
July 24 & 25. Concerts on his “Still the Problem” tour by this Sneedville (TN)-bred country music star, known for blending traditional country with modern trap and rock. Openers July 24: Thomas Rhett, Hudson Westbrook, and Blake Whiten. On July 25: HARDY, Hudson Westbrook, and Blake Whiten. Followed by fireworks. 5:30 p.m., Michigan Stadium. $88 up at tix.axs.com.
Walking Tours: U-M Detroit Observatory
July 11 & 24. Student docents lead walks to historically rich areas of the U-M campus.
July 11 (1–2:30 p.m): “Invisible to Indispensable: Black Legacies at Michigan.” In honor of Juneteenth, a tour focusing on the legacy of Black students and academics and the social movements they led on campus.
July 24 (6–7:30 p.m.): “Creating Michigan: Key Moments in U-M’s Early History.” A tour of the original 40-acre campus and stories of U-M’s history in the early 1800s.
Times & meeting locations vary. Free, preregistration required at detroitobservatory.umich.edu. (734) 763–2230.
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.
“Age of Aquarius: A Musical Variety Concert”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
Performance by Armand & Angelina, a classical pop duo best known as contestants on Season 6 of America’s Got Talent. Also, on July 15 at 7 p.m., the duo lead a “Native-Flute Playshop” ($20 suggested donation) with a chance for participants to play traditional Native American wooden flutes. 6:30 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. $20 suggested donation. (734) 327–0270, interfaithspirit.org.
“Euchre Change a Life!”
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.
Music in the Park: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce
See 3 Friday. Tonight: Billy Mack & the Juke Joint Johnnies, a local roots-rock quartet, led by former Starlight Drifters singer-guitarist Mack, whose repertoire includes originals and rockabilly, early rock ’n’ roll, Western swing, and hillbilly bop covers. 6:30–9 p.m.
“Astro Image Processing”: U-M Detroit Observatory
All invited to a workshop exploring how how modern-day cameras, a 170-year old telescope, and computers work together to create images of our celestial neighbors. The evening includes viewing images of asteroids and comets taken through the Observatory’s historic Fitz telescope followed by night sky telescope observing (weather permitting). 7–9 p.m., 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.
Keith Lenart: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
July 24 & 25. Genial Detroit native known for clever one-liners on an array of subjects as well as character work that nails regional U.S. accents. He has appeared on Last Comic Standing, NBC’s So You Think You’re Funny, and Comcast’s Comedy Spotlight. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
“Playing Around: Festival of New & Original Works”: Forge Theater
See 23 Thursday. Tonight: Pockets, Linda Ramsay-Detherage’s tender drama about a newly divorced older woman who discovers she has a very special talent. 7:30 p.m.
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.
“Tree Town Stand-up Showcase”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Performances by 6 area stand-up comics TBA. 9–10:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & (if available) at the door.
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.