• Free
    Observer Editor

    Game Night: Sylvan Factory

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    Every Tues. All invited to play one of a selection of board games, assemble a puzzle, paint miniatures, or try a tabletop role-playing game, all in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Also, at 6 p.m., RPG One Shots, introductory games of different tabletop role-playing games perfect for beginners, finished after one session (see website for this week’s game, preregistration strongly encouraged at sylvanfactory.square.site). 5 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Letterpress Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Aug. 8, 11, 18, & 29 (different times). A chance for adults to learn the basics of printing with movable type. Noon–2 p.m. (Aug. 8), 5–7 p.m. (Aug. 11 & 18), and 1–3 p.m. (Aug. 29), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Dog and Suds Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Tues. Moderate-paced ride, 20 to 30 miles, along the less-traveled roads west and north of Chelsea. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Start location occasionally changes. Free. (734) 662–0205.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

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    Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 1–3 p.m. (Sun.) & 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867. 

  • Observer Editor

    Tuesday Night Workouts: Ann Arbor Track Club

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    Every Tues. Runners of all skill levels ages 14 & up invited to participate in short, intense interval workouts. Arrive at 6:20 p.m. to warm up. 6:30 p.m., Ferry Field, 1150 S. State. Visitors free; $30/year membership for regular participants. Preregistration required at aatrackclub.org/interval-workouts. 

  • Observer Editor

    “Only Yesterday”: Fathom Entertainment

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    (734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 3165500 (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. 9 & 11: “Only Yesterday” (Isao Takahata, 1991). Dubbed (Tues.) & subtitled (Thurs.) screenings of this Japanese anime drama about an unmarried workaholic office worker who reminisces about her Tokyo childhood on a trip to the countryside. Tues. 4 & 6:45 p.m. (Cinemark) and 4 & 7 p.m. (Emagine). Thurs. 6:45 p.m. (Cinemark) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).

  • Observer Editor

    “The Player”: Michigan Theater

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    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. 11: “The Player” (Robert Altman, 1992). Satire about a Hollywood studio executive who murders an aspiring screenwriter he believed was sending him death threats. Tim Robbins, Greta Scacchi, Vincent D’Onofrio. 7 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society

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    Every Tues., except Aug. 18. Singers of all ages and genders invited to join rehearsals of this award-winning a cappella chorus. 7–8:45 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4001 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free to visitors; call ahead or check website (dues for those who join). (734) 796–7467, [email protected], hvharmonizers.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Shape Note Singing: Ypsi Shape Note Group

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    Aug. 11 & 25. All invited to join an evening of this early American form of hymn singing that uses musical notation with distinct shapes to make learning easier. Songbooks available, but singers encouraged to bring their own. No experience required. 7–9 p.m., Riverside Arts Center, Off Center Bldg., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. (734) 480–2787, riversidearts.org/shape-note-singing-ypsilanti.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Single Box Management”: Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers

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    Talk by Mike Sautter, a veteran beekeeper who manages over 100 colonies and specializes in hive inspections and troubleshooting. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a beginners’ Q&A session. 7–9 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Also available online at home. Free; metered parking. a2b2club.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Women’s A Cappella Chorus Rehearsal: Voices in Harmony

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    Every Tues. Women singers invited to join a rehearsal of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. 7–9:30 p.m., UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile, Ypsi. Free to visitors (dues for those who join). (734) 765–3611, [email protected], voicesinharmonychorus.org.

  • Donation
    Observer Editor

    Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance

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    Every Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught and prompted; no complicated steps, and no partner or experience needed. Bring clean, flat, nonslip shoes. First-timers asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Suggested donation $8–$12 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops

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    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].

  • Observer Editor

    “Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Board Game Night: Argus Farm Stop

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    Aug. 12 & 26. 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.