• Observer Editor

    2026 Saline Community Fair

    2026 Saline Community Fair
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    Sept. 2–6. Old-fashioned community fair featuring agricultural and craft exhibits, carnival rides every day (open at 4 p.m. weekdays, 1 p.m. weekends), and a variety of special events, including a dog of the year contest (winners announced 5:30 p.m. Fri.), touch a truck (10 a.m. Thurs.), an instrument petting zoo (11 a.m.–1 p.m. Thurs.) led by members of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, a talent show (6:30 p.m. Fri.), a rodeo (7 p.m. Fri.), the USA Auto Cross Championship Derby (7 p.m. Sun.), livestock shows & auctions, tractor & draft horse pulls, a reptile show, a euchre tournament, and more. Live music includes popular Michigan-based a cappella comedy & music quartet Three Men and a Tenor (6 p.m. Sat.), renowned touring student fiddle ensemble the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic (3 p.m. Sun.), and more. See salinefair.org for complete schedule. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Wed.–Sat.) & 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $5 (Wed.) & $10 (Thurs.–Sun.). Ride armbands $22–$25. [email protected].

  • 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 (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.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy

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    Fri. Sept. 4 & 18 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some barnyard buddies, including a Highland cow, a chicken, a Flemish giant rabbit, and a miniature donkey at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show the cow, chicken, and rabbit at 1 & 4 p.m., and the donkey at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) and noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Hiveside Chat”: Community Farm of Ann Arbor

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    Beekeeper Eileen Dickenson leads a hands-on introduction to biodynamic beekeeping. 1–3 p.m., 1525 S. Fletcher, Chelsea. Free. communityfarmofannarbor.com.

  • Observer Editor

    International Vulture Awareness Day Celebration: Leslie Science & Nature Center

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    All invited to learn about the important role vultures play in the ecosystem through talks and hands-on activities. Also, a “Bald Is Beautiful” photo booth, a vulture-themed relay race, vulture trivia, and a chance to meet a live turkey vulture. 14 p.m. 1831 Traver. Tickets (price TBA) in advance at discoverscienceandnature.org/calendars & at the door. (734) 9971553.

  • Observer Editor

    “Anything Goes”: Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan

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    Sept. 3–6. Megan Wright-Jones directs young local actors in grades 2–12 in Cole Porter, Guy Bolton, and P.G. Wodehouse’s 1934 madcap musical comedy set aboard an ocean liner and involving a nightclub singer, a lovestruck stowaway, and a zany cast of passengers. Featuring Cole Porter hits like “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and “Anything Goes.” 7 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), and noon (Sun.). Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20–$30 in advance only at pytmi.com/tickets.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Rumble of the Bumble

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    Street festival highlighting environmental issues and the plight of pollinators, featuring live outdoor wrestling matches (8–10 p.m.) on a stage on the street. Also, a puppet parade (2 p.m.), dancers, acrobats, and other street performers, games, vendor booths, interactive art installations, art for sale, and a kids area with activities. At the Freighthouse, live music TBA and a storytime. Food for sale. 2–10 p.m., Depot Town, E. Cross between N. River St. & N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free, donations welcome. For event details, go to rumbleofthebumble.org. m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Pittsfield Open Band: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance

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    Sept. 5 & 19. Jam session open to all musicians interested in working on jigs, reels, and waltzes to have fun, learn tunes, and develop contra dance music skills. All instruments welcome. Bring the Ruffwater Fakebook, the Portland Collection, and the Waltz Books if you have them. The band also hosts a workshop this month, Contra Play for Acoustic Musicians (Sept. 6, 7 p.m., Gretchen’s House 2340 Oak Valley Dr., $15) with the band Raven and Goose (Corwin and Grace). 3–5 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Masking optional. Free. (734) 709–8748, [email protected].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Side Questers”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event

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    Local author J.J. Kochmanski reads from & discusses his debut sci-fi fantasy about a pair of video game side characters who team up to prove to themselves—and their creators—that they can be heroes too. Signing. 4–5:30 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Nightspots

    Rounding Third.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Local folk-rock quartet with bluegrass & Irish music flavors whose instrumentation features guitars, banjo, flute, and keyboard. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    Keegan Jacko.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Mainstream country covers, and some originals, by a band led by this Detroit-area singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

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    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.

  • Nightspots

    Fred & Dan.: Sam Hill

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    Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.

    Duo that plays cover songs from a variety of genres.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 1”: 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 and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline). 

    Sept. 5: “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 1” (Francis Lawrence, 2014). The third installment in the Hunger Games series. 6:30 p.m. (Cinemark) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).

  • Observer Editor

    “Saturday Night Improv: Double Header”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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    Every Sat., except Sept. 26. Rotating lineup of two local improv troupes. On Sept. 5, the show is followed by Tony & Friends (8:30–9:30 p.m.), featuring Hear.Say owner Tony DeRosa and other improv comics TBA performing long-form comedy. 7–8 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.

  • Nightspots

    Isis Damil.: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Jazz ensemble led by this Detroit singer-songwriter with a sultry, soulful mezzo voice whose jazzy R&B songs seamlessly blend spirituality and sensuality.

  • Nightspots

    Paul Sprawl.: Moonwinks Tavern

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    Moonwinks Tavern 5151 Plymouth Rd. (734) 994-5151.

    Rootsy blues- and folk-style singer-songwriter from California known for his wry, quirky lyrics and inventive guitar style that incorporates lots of alternate tunings and rhythmic tapping.

  • Nightspots

    Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder.: JD’s Stage

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    JD’s Stage 117 ½ S. Main, Chelsea, Michigan, United States

    7-piece multi-generational sacred steel family band from Toledo with a sound the Toledo Blade describes as “crisp, harmonious perfection, a mixture of church-ready gospel music and down home, gritty blues.” Sacred steel is a style of gospel music built around the steel guitar.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 1”: 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 and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline). 

    Sept. 5: “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 1” (Francis Lawrence, 2014). The third installment in the Hunger Games series. 6:30 p.m. (Cinemark) & 7 p.m. (Emagine).

  • Observer Editor

    “Anything Goes”: Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan

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    Sept. 3–6. Megan Wright-Jones directs young local actors in grades 2–12 in Cole Porter, Guy Bolton, and P.G. Wodehouse’s 1934 madcap musical comedy set aboard an ocean liner and involving a nightclub singer, a lovestruck stowaway, and a zany cast of passengers. Featuring Cole Porter hits like “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and “Anything Goes.” 7 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), and noon (Sun.). Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20–$30 in advance only at pytmi.com/tickets.

  • Nightspots

    Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle

    Rick Burgess Trio.
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    Earle 121 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Jazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.