Events
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Observer Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery Mon.–Thurs. (except Sept. 7). The U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel field, across the street from the old Elbel field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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Nightspots
Out Ensembe.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborA new local wind quintet committed to increasing the representation of LGBTQ+ composers. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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Observer Editor
“Flutter: Celebrating Our Pollinators”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum & Leslie Science & Nature Center Joint Fundraiser
MoreSeated dinner & specialty cocktails. Also, silent auction, a chance to visit the resident animals, and native plant seedling giveaway. Proceeds benefit local Access for All initiatives, reducing barriers to STEAM and nature-based learning. Age 21 & up only. Garden party attire. 5:30–9 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $225 each or $375 for two (educators & nonprofit workers, $50; table of 10, $1,500) in advance only at discoverscienceandnature.org/flutter. (734) 997–1553.
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Free
Observer Editor
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
MoreEvery Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (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.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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Community ListingFree
How Do You See the World?: Arts Healing Within & Across Communities
MoreNichols Arboretum 1610 Washington Hts, Ann Arbor
This is the first session in a workshop series focusing on the natural, built, and social environments. In this series, we explore what we perceive in our environments, how we treat our environment and the other living beings in it, and hold conversations about our concerns and the future we hope to create.
Concerned about Washtenaw Co’s natural resources or issues related to the built environment?
Concerned about the social environment in our county & its cities/townships?
Interested in the creative arts as a means of healing & resilience?
Want to meet others who want to share their thoughts & feelings through creative activities?Arts & Healing strives to connect individuals and build bridges across local communities by engaging in positive creative activities, exploring art as a means for discovering our common humanity, managing stress and uncertainty, & encouraging action for the common good.
If you are looking for an opportunity to express your thoughts and feelings about the natural, build and social environments, this may be a good fit for you. We strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space and sharing is invited and optional, not required.
Event is FREE, but please register https://tinyurl.com/mr4n45un
The workshop serries “How Do You See the World? and other activities conducted by Arts & Healing are made possible by a grant from UM’s Arts Initiative.
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Free
Observer Editor
Touch Rugby: U-M Rugby Football Club
MoreEvery Tues. & Thurs. All invited to play a low-contact version of rugby. Beginners welcome. 6–7:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 1000 Canal St. Free. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
Bad Decisions Track Club
MoreEvery 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Chicken Scratch Embroidery”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults & teens invited to learn this vintage needlework technique that uses combinations of basic embroidery stitches on gingham fabric to create patterns that resemble lace. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Pittsfield, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Albert Kahn’s Architectural Office in Times of War”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event
MoreKahn biographer Chris Meister discusses how the famed Detroit architect helped create facilities for producing warships, long-range bombers, and tanks in southeast Michigan and beyond during WWII. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
MoreEvery Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active
MoreEvery 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Adult Forest Therapy Walk”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation
MoreAdults age 18 & up invited to take a slow, restorative, guided 1-mile walk to connect with the natural world. 6–8 p.m., Furstenberg Nature Area, 2626 Fuller. Free. [email protected], tinyurl.com/a2parksrec.
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Nightspots
Focus: Jazz.: El Limon
MoreEl Limon 2709 PlymouthJazz favorites by the trio of pianist Jeff Fessler, bassist Will van Campen, and saxophonist Jeff Kopmanis.
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Community ListingFree
GriefShare: St. Luke Lutheran Church
More4205 Washtenaw Ave.
Find hope and healing after the death of a loved one. You are encouraged to join us on any week. Sessions are self-contained.
The group meets on Thursdays starting at 6:30 PM for one-and-a-half hours, ending at 8:00 PM.
Each meeting consists of a video seminar, a discussion, and your personal workbook.
Each week you can expect to view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your workbook.
Get more information and register here: https://find.griefshare.org/groups/297677
Questions? Contact: [email protected]
First meeting: Thurs., Sept. 10
Last meeting: Thurs., Dec. 10Free -
Observer Editor
“The Passion of the Christ”: Fathom Entertainment
More(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline).
Sept. 10–17: “The Passion of the Christ” (Mel Gibson, 2004). Graphically violent dramatic depiction of the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. 6:30 p.m. Cinemark only.
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“Walk Right In”: Ann Arbor Film Festival
MoreAll invited to this 40-minute outdoor screening of award-winning short films from the 64th Ann Arbor Film Festival. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Food and drinks available for purchase. 7-9 p.m., Burns Park, 1300 Baldwin. $5 donation suggested. aafilmfest.org/single-post/walk-right-in-returns-to-burns-park-on-september-10
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Observer Editor
“Singing for Comfort”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
MoreAll invited to join a sing-along of soothing songs that are easy to learn. No experience necessary. 7–8:30 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Free. (734) 327–0270.
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Free
Observer Editor
Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
MoreEvery 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Nerd Nite”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults age 21 & up invited to this popular monthly event featuring three speakers TBA (at annarbor.nerdnite.com) who give fun yet informative 20-minute talks about things that interest them, anything from early voting in America to a dissection of romance novel tropes. 7–9 p.m., Live, 102 S. First St. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Observer Editor
“Pitch-a-Friend”: Lowertown Bar & Cafe
MoreAll 21+ invited to give a 3–5 minute clean, positive match-making slide presentation of their single friends to a live audience. Followed by mingling. Also designed for making platonic friends. LGBTQ+ friendly. 7–9 p.m., 1031 Broadway. Free to attend; to pitch, preregister ($5) at pitch-a-friend.com/annarbor.
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Nightspots
Tariq Gardner & the Evening Star.: Blue LLama
MoreBlue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann ArborAfro-futuristic jazz by this ensemble led by drummer Gardner, a recent U-M music school grad whose music also draws on elements of hip-hop and neo-soul. Dinner shows: $125 (includes drink pairings from Two James Distillery).
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Nightspots
Jake Reichbart.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborSolo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
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Nightspots
Lonnie Spangler.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborCountry and classic-rock covers by this Lansing-area singer-guitarist.
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Nightspots
Norm & Sandy.: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiLocal singer-guitarist duo.
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Observer Editor
General Meeting: Ann Arbor Ski Club
MoreA chance to learn about the club’s upcoming downhill and cross-country ski and snowboarding outings, and other social activities. Followed by dancing to music spun by a DJ. Must be 21 or older. 7–10 p.m., UA Local 190, 7920 Jackson Rd. $10 (members, free). [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Thursday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreEvery Thurs., except Sept. 24. Two structured improv events, both followed by a pay-what-you-want improv jam with a series of games and long-form scenes. Spectators welcome.
Sept. 3 (7:30–8:30 p.m.): Draft Line. Improv students are selected to perform a set with one of the house teams.
Sept. 10 (7:30–8:30 p.m.): Duoplicity. Experienced improvisers are invited to be randomly paired up to perform a 6-minute scene.
Sept. 17 (7–8 p.m.): Super Fresh. Three improv teams perform new and experimental comedy.
Various times, 2350 W. Liberty. $7.50 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $10 (if available) at the door.
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Observer Editor
Square Dance: University Musical Society Ypsi Freighthouse Residency
MoreAll invited to join the Detroit Square Dance Society in an evening of square dancing and line dancing, with live music TBA & non-gendered calling. All dances taught and rehearsed. 7:30 p.m., 100 Market Pl., Ypsi. Tickets $5 (additional donation appreciated) in advance at ums.org/season/2026-27-season & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.
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Observer Editor
“Hot Rod”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm 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.
Sept. 10: “Hot Rod” (Akiva Schaffer, 2007). Andy Samberg stars as an accident-prone stuntman in this offbeat comedy. 8 p.m.
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Nightspots
The Claudettes.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborSelf-styled “garage cabaret” quartet from Chicago whose music fuses New Orleans piano-based blues with the energy of rockabilly and punk and the sultriness of 60s soul. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune calls their sensibility “equal parts James Dean and David Lynch.” $29.
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Nightspots
Indie Rock Royalty.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborAn eclectic mix of covers and originals by this local quartet.
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Nightspots
Fenrot.: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiDetroit-area death–metal band. Openers: fellow Detroit-area heavy–metal acts Sins of Madness and Tyler RG.
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Nightspots
Swan Upon Leda.: Blind Pig
MoreBlind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann ArborU-M student alt-rock band. Openers: fellow U-M student bands The Supreme Court Rejects, Carouselle, Puppy Teeth, and Lanternfly. $14.
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Nightspots
The Pherotones.: Last Word
MoreLast Word 301 W. Huron, Ann ArborA wide range of jazz and jazzed-up popular music, from the 1920s to the present, by this all-star local quintet. With trumpeter Ross Huff, pianist Giancarlo Aversa, bassist Brennan Andes, violinist Jordan Adema, and drummer Wes Fritzemeier.
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Nightspots
Open Mic.: Tap Room
MoreTap Room 201 W. Michigan, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiAll musicians invited. Hosted by singer-guitarist Brian Brickley.
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Free
Observer Editor
Sept. 11 Memorial Services: City of Ann Arbor Police and Fire Departments
MoreMemorial service to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and remember all who lost their lives that day. Fire chief Mike Kennedy, police chief Andre C. Anderson, city administrator Milton Dohoney Jr., mayor Christopher Taylor and U.S. rep. Debbie Dingell all give remarks. 9 a.m., Fire Station No. 1, 111 N. Fifth Ave. Free. a2gov.org/news/posts/ann-arbor-fire-and-police-departments-to-hold-sept-11-memorial-service.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery 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].
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Observer Editor
“Olson Park Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery 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.
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Observer Editor
“Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery 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 (sight, hearing, and smell) 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.
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Observer Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery 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. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.). Free. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
“Translation as Jungle Warfare: How Zhang Guixing’s Novel The Crossing of the Boars Crossed Into English’”: U-M Center for Southeast Asian Studies
MoreUniversity of British Columbia Asian studies professor Christopher Rea discusses translating this 2018 historical mystery set in WWII-era Malaysia. Noon–1 p.m., 110 Weiser Hall, 500 Church St. Free. (734) 764-0448.
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Observer Editor
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. T. Rex (noon) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence); 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 Tales of the Maya Skies (2 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
“Midday Morsel Drop-in Tour”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
MoreThirty-minute docent-led tour of ancient Mediterranean artifacts in the museum collection. 12:30 p.m., 434 S. State (meet at the Maynard entrance). Free. (734) 764–9304.
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Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
MoreEvery Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) 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].
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Community ListingFree
Purpose in the Park: The Borgen Project
MoreBurns Park, 1300 Baldwin Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Ann Arbor
Join us for Purpose in the Park on September 11th at Burns Park to learn more about how The Borgen Project is fighting global poverty! The organization advocates for effective humanitarian and global development aid legislation at the federal level, and has a proven track record of making a real difference in the world. We’ll have snacks for sale, with all proceeds feeding directly into the organization’s advocacy efforts on the ground, but feel free to just stop by and say hi!
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