Every Sat., Mon., & Thurs. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.) or a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.). AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi; and AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.  

Every Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].

Every Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 7:45 a.m. [email protected].

Aug. 22–23. Display of more than 100 bonsai grown by club members. Also, a demo by Wyrdwood Bonsai (Lexington, KY) owner David Cutchin, other bonsai demos, expert advice, and a sale of bonsai materials and accessories. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Admission $3. Metered parking. (734) 647–7600, [email protected], mbgna.umich.edu.

Aug. 18–22. Midway rides (Wed.–Sat.), carnival games, concessions, livestock shows, live music, beer tent, and more. Special events include an opening parade (Aug. 18, 6:30 p.m.), classic & antique tractor pulls (Aug. 19, noon & 4 p.m.), pro wrestling by Insane Wrestling Revolution (Aug. 19, 7 p.m.), a Bump and Run Demolition Derby (Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m.), a cornhole competition (Aug. 21, 6 p.m.), and bull riding & rodeo (Aug. 22, 7 p.m.). For complete schedule, see manchesterfair.org. 5–10 p.m. (Tues.), 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), & 3–10 p.m. (Fri.), Alumni Memorial Field, Vernon & Wolverine, Manchester. Admission: Tues., $5; Wed., Thurs., & Sat., $10 (Sat. before noon, $5); Fri., free. Kids age 5 & under, free. (734) 260–1019, [email protected].

Every Sat., Fri., & Wed. 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. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.). Free. [email protected].

Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

Aug. 19 & 22: “My Neighbor Totoro” (Hayao Miyazaki, 1988). Acclaimed Japanese anime tale about two girls who move to the countryside and befriend strange and delightful nature spirits. Japanese, subtitles, 7 p.m. (Wed.) & dubbed, 11 a.m. (Sat.).

Every Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses to experience the world as if they were a snake. No live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.

Community festival in the park with live R&B, soul, and gospel music TBA, and performances by local drill teams. Also, children’s activities, food & merchandise vendors, and tabling by nonprofit resource organizations. No grills, alcohol, or dogs. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Parkridge Park, 791 Harriet, Ypsi. Free. facebook.com/celebratingourcommunity, tinyurl.com/parkridgefest2026.

Aug. 8, 15, & 22 (different times). Docent-led tours exploring ancient Greek and Roman demi-gods in “Centaurs and Sirens and Satyrs, Oh My!” (Aug. 8), ancient female images in “Women in the Kelsey” (Aug. 15), “Daily Life in Ancient Rome” (Aug. 22, 11:15 a.m.), and “All That Sparkles: Egyptian Jewelry” (Aug. 22, 2 p.m.). 11:15 a.m.–noon (Aug. 8 & 22) & 2–3 p.m. (Aug. 15 & 22), 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.

Classic monster truck action featuring giant mechanical beasts, each weighing up to 15,000 pounds with 2,000 horsepower, competing against one another on a dirt track, crushing cars, and performing aerial stunts. Also, a quad bike race and a Powerwheel race for kids 3–9 (preregistration & parental supervision required). A pre-rally Pit Party (VIP tickets for an additional $10 fee required) beginning 2 hours before each show offers a chance to ride in a monster truck and meet the drivers. Food and beverage for sale (cash only). Hearing protection strongly recommended. Noon & 6 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Tickets $30 (VIP, $40; Pit Party add-on, $5; kids 3–12, $15; kids 2 & under, free) at monstertrucks.fun or (if available) at the gate. (480) 881–2375.

Community gathering celebrating Ukrainian independence and freedom; attendees are welcome to bring a dish to share. Noon, County Farm Park, Main Pavilion, 2230 Platt Rd.

Every Sat. & Sun., except Aug. 16. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.  

Every Sat. & Sun. and Fri. Aug. 7 & 21. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers present and give insights into some animals with superpowers, including an African crested porcupine, a three-banded armadillo, and a frilled dragon at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows a Gila monster at 2 & 3 p.m. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show all four animals at 7:30 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) & 7–9 p.m. (Fri.), 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.

Aug. 22 & 23. Guided tours of this sanctuary for around 200 rescued farm animals. 12:30–2:30 p.m., $25 (kids age 5–10, $10; kids under 5, free), requested donation, preregistration required. 17901 Mahrle, Manchester. (734) 218–8897, [email protected], sashafarm.org.

All invited to play a tournament version of this popular Nintendo Switch video game. Participants may bring their own Switch handheld consoles or borrow one from the library. Prizes for top finishers. The library also hosts a Super Smash Bros. Sparring Soiree at 1–3 p.m. on Aug. 8 at AADL Pittsfield with low-stakes bouts to help prepare for the tournament. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.

All invited to join this drop-in crafting event to make small quilt-inspired collages using fabric scraps, patterned paper, and other media. Led by artists and sisters DaJaniere and Gyona Rice who have an exhibit at the A2AC this month (see Galleries). Supplies provided. No sewing experience necessary. Age 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult. 1–4 p.m., 117 W. Liberty. $15 (one project) at the front desk only. Space limited; no preregistration. (734) 994–8004.  

Kids activities, craft vendors, food & drink for sale, and live music. Today’s lineup: Annie Bacon (1–2 p.m.), a local folk-rock & Americana singer-songwriter; Mike Gentry (2:30–3:30 p.m.), a local folk-rock singer-songwriter whom Guitar Player editor Jas Obrecht praises as “brilliant at coffeehouse-approved acoustic music, blistering hard rock, and most styles in between”; James Bourland & the Staches (4–6 p.m.), a local quintet fronted by Bourland, a singer-guitarist who specializes in American roots music; Paledave (6:30–8 p.m.), the stage name of Ypsi indie rock singer-guitarist Dave Buehrer; and Brian Perrone (8:30–10 p.m.), a Livonia-based singer-songwriter with a rich crooning voice who plays a melodic brand of pop-inflected alt-rock. 1–10 p.m., 5151 Plymouth Rd. Free. moonwinksa2.com.

Every Sat. Thirty–minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. 1:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.

Aug. 8, 15, & 22 (different times). Docent-led tours exploring ancient Greek and Roman demi-gods in “Centaurs and Sirens and Satyrs, Oh My!” (Aug. 8), ancient female images in “Women in the Kelsey” (Aug. 15), “Daily Life in Ancient Rome” (Aug. 22, 11:15 a.m.), and “All That Sparkles: Egyptian Jewelry” (Aug. 22, 2 p.m.). 11:15 a.m.–noon (Aug. 8 & 22) & 2–3 p.m. (Aug. 15 & 22), 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.

Local filmmaker Caitlin Reid guides participants through simple prompts and creative exercises exploring topics like camera work, lighting, sound, and visual style. 2–3:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.

All invited to learn how to crochet in the round, then make a coaster in the shape of a slice of lime, lemon, or orange. 2–4 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.

Aug. 4, 8, 15, 22, & 29. All age 16 & up invited to learn about and participate in improv games in a fun, relaxed, and judgment-free setting. No experience necessary. The Aug. 15 meeting is followed by an hour-long skills session discussing and practicing a specific improv skill. 7–9 p.m. (Tues.) & 2–4 p.m. (Sat.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $8 (with skills session, $15) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv or in cash at the door.

Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. (See review) 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. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 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.

One-day festival put on by the organizers of this long-running outdoor concert series. Bands include The Nitpickers (3 p.m.), an Ypsi ensemble led by singer-guitarist John Delcamp which plays an eclectic mix of classic country and folk music; Ypsi singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist Eric Moore (3:45 p.m.); blues- and funk-inflected local folk-rock quintet Anna Lee’s Company (4:30 p.m.); Adam Labeaux & the Legacy, (6:30 p.m.) a band fronted by local singer-songwriter (and event co-organizer) Labeaux, joined by Saginaw-based pop-folk singer-songwriter Amy Petty; rowdy country-folk project Michigan Barstool Anthems (8 p.m.), led by local singer-guitarist Dan Ripke, featuring members of the local acoustic string jam quintet Back Forty; and 90s-inspired Ypsi alt-rock band Head Full of Ghosts (8:45 p.m.). Attendees encouraged to bring their own camp chairs, blankets, & coolers. 3–10 p.m., 6090 Plymouth Rd. (please park off the pavement). Free; tips accepted. facebook.com/a2brokenbranch.

(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). 

Aug. 22–26: “Castle in the Sky” (Hayao Miyazaki, 1986). Dubbed (Sat., Sun., & Wed.) and subtitled (Mon. & Tues.) screenings of this classic Studio Ghibli anime film about 2 children racing to find a flying castle. 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) and 7 p.m. (Mon.–Wed.).

Every Thurs.–Sun., June 4–Sept. 28. Local musicians TBA perform at several locations along Main downtown. 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.

Aug. 22-23. The U.S. Senior Women’s Open, a USGA national championship, hosts a field of 120 of the best women players age 50 and over on the club’s 1922 Donald Ross layout. 4–7 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.–11:30 p.m. (Sun.), Barton Hills Country Club, 730 Country Club Rd. Tickets TBA at championships.usga.org. 

Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. 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.

Match vs. Loyola Chicago. Exhibition game. The U-M has regular season home games this month against Xavier (Aug. 22, 5 p.m.) and Notre Dame (Aug. 27, 7 p.m., $11–$13). 3 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. $9–$11 (groups of 10 or more, $3 per person; kids 5 & under, free). Exhibition games, free. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

Craft sale and “family-friendly rave,” with vendors selling art, clothing, and more. Also, food trucks, live art demonstrations, kids activities, a silent disco, and live music TBA. Neon-themed costumes encouraged. 5–11 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. Tickets $5 (kids 10 and under, free) at the gate. onestopsoulshop.com.

Two roller derby games featuring A2RD travel & local teams vs. Downriver Dolls (Woodhaven) & another visiting team TBA. Food trucks, concessions, & merchandise available. 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.), Buhr Park Ice Rink, 2751 Packard. Tickets $18 at the door or online at a2rollerderby.com. Kids age 12 & under, free with paying adult (limit 3 kids per adult).

Classic monster truck action featuring giant mechanical beasts, each weighing up to 15,000 pounds with 2,000 horsepower, competing against one another on a dirt track, crushing cars, and performing aerial stunts. Also, a quad bike race and a Powerwheel race for kids 3–9 (preregistration & parental supervision required). A pre-rally Pit Party (VIP tickets for an additional $10 fee required) beginning 2 hours before each show offers a chance to ride in a monster truck and meet the drivers. Food and beverage for sale (cash only). Hearing protection strongly recommended. Noon & 6 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Tickets $30 (VIP, $40; Pit Party add-on, $5; kids 3–12, $15; kids 2 & under, free) at monstertrucks.fun or (if available) at the gate. (480) 881–2375.

Dinner served while actors masquerading as fellow diners enact a comical murder mystery in which audience members may find themselves prime suspects. 6–9 p.m., Ann Arbor Marriott, 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsi. $75 includes gratuity. Preregistration required at thedinnerdetective.com. (866) 496–0535.

Aug. 8 & 22. All invited—including artists & photographers—to experience the farm and its animals during the evening. Other attractions open; food for sale. 6–9:30 p.m., 3001 Earhart. $8 (seniors, $5.50; kids under 2, free). pettingfarm.com.

Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

Aug. 22: NT Live: “Les Liaisons Dangereuses.” Broadcast of a taped National Theatre (London) production of Christopher Hampton’s adaptation of the 18th-century Pierre Choderlos de Laclos novel. It’s an exposé of the decadent and manipulative world of French aristocracy, centering on the machinations of two amoral ex-lovers, played by Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner. 7 p.m.

Aug. 21 & 22. A frequent guest on late-night TV, this West Coast comic is known for his engaging personality, expressive face, improv skills, playfully challenging and sparring with his audience, and hilarious railings on all things moronic, including himself. Pardo’s shows often sell out. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m., 212 S. Fourth Ave. $25 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. Special engagement; no passes, discounts or coupons accepted. (734) 996–9080.

Aug. 13–16 & 19–22. Karrie Waarala directs local actors in Cleveland playwright Eric Coble’s 2009 dark satire exploring art, commerce, and censorship. The plot, based on a 1996 staging of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America in Charlotte, North Carolina, follows a theater company in a major Southern city as it puts on a controversial play featuring foul language, homosexual themes, and 7 minutes of full frontal male nudity. Leading up to the premiere, the city’s mayor brings legal action, locals threaten to burn the theater down, and the terrified actors exchange cans of pepper spray as opening night gifts. “The broad laugh-out-loud humor narrows slowly toward a poignant ending, making a fantasy into a reality,” writes one Charlotte Observer reviewer. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15) in advance at ptdproductions.com & at the door. (734) 483–7345.

Game show–style performance by experienced improvisers responding to prompts and challenges. 7:30–8:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $10 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $12 at the door. 

Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. (See review) 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. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 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.

Aug. 7–22. Emily Wilson-Tobin directs local actors in Anthony King and Scott Brown’s 2-man musical about a pair of aspiring playwrights who perform all the parts in a run-through for potential backers of their new, hilariously ill-advised project—a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johannes Gutenberg. Adult themes. 8 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (seniors, $25 & students, $20) in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door.

Every Sat. Rotating lineup of two local improv troupes. 8:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $10 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $12 (if available) at the door.