• Observer Editor

    U-M Football vs. MSU

    More

    Sold out. Time TBA, Michigan Stadium. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com/sports/football.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    University Lowbrow Astronomers

    More

    A chance to join local astronomy buffs for a look at the sky through instruments, including the observatory’s 24-inch McMath classical Cassegrain telescope. Participants encouraged to bring their own telescopes. Visitors must turn off all electronic equipment (car radios, transmitters, phones, etc.) at the observatory entrance. Canceled if sky is overcast at sunset or if the weather is extremely inclement. If in doubt, call after 4 p.m. day of event. Rain date is Nov. 14. Sunset–12:30 a.m. or as long as the sky remains clear, Peach Mountain Observatory, 10296 North Territorial (about 1¼ miles west of Hudson Mills Metropark), Dexter. Free. (734) 975–3248.

  • Observer Editor

    Kirchweihfest: Ann Arbor Schwaben Verein

    More

    This annual fall festival features a German dinner followed by dancing to German polkas and other European dance music by Fort Wayne–based Jay Fox & the Jammin’ Germans and Fort Wayne Tänzer. 6:45–10:30 p.m. (doors, 6 p.m.), Plumbers & Pipefitters Hall (UA Local 190), 7920 Jackson Rd., Dexter. Tickets $40 (includes dinner & beverages) in advance only; text Mark MacArthur at (734) 474–7017 or email [email protected] by Nov. 1.

  • Observer Editor

    Annual Hometown Show: Chelsea House Orchestra

    More

    This ensemble of 32 Chelsea High School students celebrates its 30-year anniversary in this concert of traditional Scottish and Irish jigs and reels, along with other folk-inspired music. Openers: the Beach (Middle School) Fiddle Club and the North Creek Fiddlers, a Chelsea traditional American string quartet. All CHO alumni are invited to the stage to perform at the end of the concert. 7–9:30 p.m., Chelsea High School Auditorium, 740 N. Freer, Chelsea. Tickets $15 (students & seniors, $10) in advance at tinyurl.com/y87xbes8 & (if available) at the door. (734) 475–1957, chelseahouseorchestra.org.

  • Observer Editor

    “National Theatre Live: Golden Boy”: Michigan Theater

    More

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

    Nov. 7: “National Theatre Live: Golden Boy.” Broadcast of a taped 2026 National Theatre (London) production of Clifford Odets’ acclaimed 1937 drama, directed by Sam Yates. It’s about a prizefighter, played by Josh O’Connor, who, when his dream of becoming a professional violinist is shattered by an injury, becomes increasingly vicious in the ring. Tickets $17. 7 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    Julian Lage Quartet: University Musical Society

    More

    Jazz guitar virtuoso Lage, a former child prodigy who has performed with Gary Burton, David Grisman, Béla Fleck, Charles Lloyd, and others, is both a master improviser and a prolific songwriter. His sound so blends composition and improvisation that it is hard to tell if he is improvising or not. Lage’s new quartet is touring following the release of their first album together, Scenes From Above, reviewed as “gently sad yet searching” and “a gentle triumph” by Jazzwise. The quartet gives voice to Lage’s incisive, emotional compositions in a focused, dynamic back-and-forth between musicians. With bassist Jorge Roeder, keyboardist John Medeski, and drummer Kenny Wolleson. 7:30 p.m. Michigan Theater. Tickets $30–$67 ($15–$20 students) in advance at tickets.ums.org, & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.

  • Observer Editor

    “Family Pains”: PTD Productions

    “Family Pains”: PTD Productions
    More

    Nov. 5–8 & 11–14. Marie Jones directs local actors in the premiere of Michigan playwright Erin Osgood’s new family comedy-drama about a young woman who surprises her conservative family by bringing her new Black wife to Thanksgiving dinner. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15; Thurs., pay what you can), in advance at ptdproductions.com, by phone, & at the door. (734) 483–7345.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Skin of Our Teeth”: U-M Rude Mechanicals

    More

    Nov. 6–8. This U-M student theater troupe performs Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize–winning 1942 satirical allegory, which he called “a history of mankind in comic strip.” The Antrobus family barely survives the Ice Age only to be plunged into Noah’s Flood and washed up onto a postapocalyptic wasteland. The tragedies are put on hold when the actors break character and poke fun at the notion of a play, and the family’s ditzy maid adds a flirty comic touch, but the sinister, slow evolution of the family’s bratty boy into a mindless, militaristic possible murderer adds considerable darkness to this work that Wilder said “mostly comes alive under conditions of crisis.” 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. Tickets $15 (students & seniors, $10) in advance at muto.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 763–1107, [email protected].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Witch”: U-M Residential College Players

    More

    Nov. 6 & 7. RC students perform Jen Silverman’s 2018 dark comedy, a feminist retelling of the 1621 Jacobean tragicomedy The Witch of Edmonton, about the real-life trial and execution of Elizabeth Sawyer, an impoverished English woman who is not actually a practitioner of witchcraft, but rather a brilliant, defiant cynic who refuses to sell her soul cheaply. 8 p.m., East Quad Keene Theater, 701 East University. Free; donations accepted. (734) 647–4354.

  • Observer Editor

    Peter Madcat Ruth’s C.A.R.Ma Quartet: Rancho Tranquilico: Acoustic Routes

    More

    World-renowned veteran local harmonica wiz Peter Madcat Ruth leads this all-star ensemble in an eclectic mix of traditional and improvisational music. With tabla player John Churchville, bassist Brennan Andes, and guitarist Dan Ripke. Tonight’s show is a send-off party for Stony Lake Brewing which will be closing for business next week. 8 p.m., Stony Lake Brewing, 447 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. $25 in advance at stonylakebrewing.com & at the door. (734) 316–7919.

  • Observer Editor

    “La Rondine (The Swallow)”: U-M Voice & Opera Department

    More

    November 5–8. U-M opera students, accompanied by the University Symphony Orchestra, perform Puccini’s bittersweet love story about a French courtesan and an idealistic young man who offers an alternative to her life of excess. Sung in Italian, English supertitles. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), and 2 p.m. (Sun.), Power Center. Tickets $29–$35 (students, $16) in advance at smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 615–3204. tickets.smtd.umich.edu/6978/6979

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

    More

    Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20, except Nov. 26. Rhiannon Ragland directs retired Detroit newscaster and playwright Devin Scillian’s family comedy-drama about a conflict between brothers—an aging country rocker and a buttoned-down finance guy—after their mother’s death. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Wed.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.

  • Observer Editor

    Jason Jamerson: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

    Jason Jamerson: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
    More

    Nov. 5–7. Rising, versatile Detroit native with an amusing, wide-ranging act covering diverse topics, from attending a birthday party thrown by overly religious relatives to his annoyance at weed smokers. Opening act TBA. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Thurs., $15) at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “13: The Musical”: U-M Basement Arts

    “13: The Musical”: U-M Basement Arts
    More

    Nov. 6 & 7. This U-M student theater troupe performs Dan Elish and Robert Horn’s 2008 coming-of-age Broadway musical about a young Jewish boy who moves to a sleepy Indiana town from NYC following his parents’ divorce. Desperate to fit in as he navigates the social hierarchies of his new middle school, he sets out to win friends by turning his Bar Mitzvah into the coolest party ever. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 11 p.m. (Fri.), U-M Walgreen Drama Center, Newman Studio, 1226 Murfin. Free. instagram.com/basement_arts.

  • Observer Editor

    “Original A2 Turkey Trot”: Epic Races

    More

    Chip-timed 5K, 10K, and “Iron Turkey” (both 5K and 10K) races around Hudson Mills Metropark. Also, a family-friendly “Mashed Potato Mile” fun run and various races for kids 12 & under. 5-deep awards in 5-year age divisions. Finisher’s medals, awards, T-shirts, race photos. 9 a.m. (registration begins at 7:45 a.m.), Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter. $45 & up (fun run, $35; other kids races, free) in advance only at a2turkeytrot.com; prices increase after Oct. 31. Metroparks pass or $10 vehicle entry fee required. Nonperishable food and fresh produce donations accepted for Food Gatherers. (734) 585–7101.

  • Observer Editor

    Ypsi Flea Market

    More

    Show and sale of vintage items ranging from the early 1930s to the 90s, featuring clothing, jewelry, furniture, records, and more. Concessions. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsi. Free admission & parking. [email protected], facebook.com/ypsifleaswap. 

  • Observer Editor

    Elemental Ecstatic Dance

    Elemental Ecstatic Dance
    More

    Every Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing to a variety of recorded music, from EDM to classical and ambient to world music. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m., A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce. $20 (age 11 & under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “It Takes a Village”: First Presbyterian Church

    More

    Talk about assisting people coming home from prison by former Detroit city council chair Charles Pugh. Formerly incarcerated, he is now the director of reentry support nonprofit Nation Outside. 11 a.m.–noon, First Presbyterian Church Lewis Rm., 1432 Washtenaw Ave. Free. [email protected], nationoutside.org.