Events
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Free
Observer Editor
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
MoreEvery Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Dozer Coffee (7 a.m. Tues. & 8 a.m. Sun.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022 & Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
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Free
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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Free
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
MI Postcards for Patriots
MoreSept. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30. All invited to drop-in to volunteer to help turn out the vote for the November 2026 election by writing postcards and other activities. 1–3 p.m., York Food & Drink, 1928 Packard. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. [email protected], equalityingov.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Inside the Writer’s Study”: Ann Arbor District Library Smell & Tell
MoreSept. 8 & 9 (different times). Local writer and fragrance expert Michelle Krell Kydd, creator of the award-winning flavor and fragrance blog Glass Petal Smoke, leads a guided smelling of 7 mystery scents. 6–7:30 p.m. (Sept. 8) & 1:30–3 p.m. (Sept. 9), AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
U-M Center for Emerging Democracies Lectures
MoreSept. 9 & 16. Talks & panel discussions by visiting scholars. Sept. 9: The State and the Soldier: A History of Civil-Military Relations in the United States. American Enterprise Institute fellow Kori Schake discusses her new book. Sept. 16: “Democracy Against Workers?” A panel discussion with Vanderbilt University political science professor Noam Lupu, Duke University public policy professor Nicholas Carnes, and George Washington University political science professor Adam Dean. 4–6 p.m., Michigan Union, Kuenzel Rm. Free. (734) 764–0351.
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Free
Observer Editor
Board Game Night: Argus Farm Stop
MoreSept. 9 & 23. 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.
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Free
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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Free
Observer Editor
Data Center Community Town Hall: U-M Government Relations
MoreMembers of the Ypsilanti Township community are invited to learn more about a new high-performance research computing center being built in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory. The format is guided discussion followed by a Q&A and comment period. 5-7 p.m., Ann Arbor Marriott, 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Preregistration required at govrel.umich.edu/community-relations/town-hall. Also available via livestream.
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Free
Observer Editor
Board Game Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
MoreEvery Wed. All invited to play popular board games. Use provided games or bring your own. 5–10 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery 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.
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Nightspots
Mikey Abbasspour.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborEclectic local singer-songwriter & classical guitarist. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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Observer Editor
“Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
MoreEvery Wed. Food- and agriculture-related discussions and demos.
Sept. 2: “Harvest to Pantry.” Dehydrating vegetables with Tantré Farm co-owner Deb Lentz. Free.
Sept. 9: “Herbal Syrups.” Making syrups for drinks and teas with Unity Vibrations cofounder Rachel Kanaan. $7.
Sept. 16: “Seasonal Salad Dressings.” Food Hub instructor Robin Lehman teaches simple, adaptable recipes. Free.
Sept. 23: “Wet Felting Basics.” With local fiber artist and shepherd Mitch Fehrle. $15.
Sept. 30: “Black Walnut Revival.” Billy Sullivan covers collecting and processing black walnuts for the table. Free.
6–7 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Cost varies. Preregistration required for all events at tinyurl.com/a2-foodhub. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Painting with Watercolor Pencils”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreCraft activity for adults & teens. 6–7 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Exploring the Mind: Who Do You Trust?”: U-M Psychology Department/Ann Arbor District Library
MoreU-M psychology professor David Dunning discusses trust at the personal, community, and society level. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. 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
“A2 Crokinole Club”: Lowertown Bar & Cafe
MoreEvery Wed. All invited to play this century-old Canadian game. Players flick discs across concentric scoring rings on a circular hardwood board. All skill levels welcome; boards provided. On the patio, weather permitting. 6–8 p.m., 1031 Broadway. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. lowertowna2.com/events.
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Nightspots
Dennis Gregg.: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiAcoustic folk-rock covers and some originals by this local singer-guitarist.
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Free
Observer Editor
Group Runs: A2 Runners
MoreEvery Wed. & Mon. Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced 3- to 5-mile group run, followed by socializing at a downtown coffee shop. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Kerrytown Clock Tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Beyond Honeybees: An Introduction to the Astonishing Diversity of Native Pollinators”: Ann Arbor Wild Ones
MoreTalk by local entomologist and photographer David Cappaert. 6:30–8 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free, metered parking. annarbor.wildones.org.
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Observer Editor
Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
MoreSept. 9 & 23. All skill levels welcome to draw a live model. Bring your own art supplies. Light refreshments. 6:30–9 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. $10 to pay model. Preregistration required by the Mon. before the event. dzanchouse.org.
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Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery 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.
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Observer Editor
“RiffTrax Live: Sting of Death”: 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. 9 & 13: “RiffTrax Live: Sting of Death” Broadcast of a prerecorded “riffing” performance by former Mystery Science Theater 3000 stars Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett, who aim their comic heckling at a screening of William Grefé’s cheesy sci-fi horror about deadly jellyfish. Wed. 7 p.m. (both theaters). Sun. 2:15 p.m. & 5 p.m. (Emagine) and 4:15 p.m. (Cinemark). $15.
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Observer Editor
Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center
MoreSept. 9 & 23. All musicians invited to bring acoustic instruments to play bluegrass-style music. Vocalists welcome. Inclement weather cancels. Call by 3 p.m. on the day of the jam with any questions. 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), 1320 Baldwin. $5. (734) 794–6250, a2blugrass.com.
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Nightspots
Jacob Hart Piano Duo.: Blue LLama
MoreBlue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann ArborEnsemble led by this award-winning 17-year-old Detroit pianist. Free.
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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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Observer Editor
Ann Arbor Bridge Club
MoreEvery Wed. All invited to play friendly, competitive ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Arrive 20 minutes early if coming without a partner. Call before coming to check that the game is being held. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline (park in marked spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline). $6 per person. (734) 945–6021.
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Free
Observer Editor
“The MIvoter Website”: Pittsfield Union Grange
MoreCharles Roth introduces this website for voters that contains information about Michigan’s elected offices. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a potluck; bring a dish to pass. 7:15 p.m., 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free. (734) 274–0773.
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Observer Editor
“Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor
MoreEvery Wed. Lindy Hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to recorded music. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low-grip shoes. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Michigan League Vandenberg Rm. $5 (free for members and lesson attendees) at the door.
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Nightspots
“Let It Be(atles Night).”: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborTwo sets of Beatles songs covers by North Star Lounge favorite performers TBA. 7:30 & 8:45 p.m. $15.
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Observer Editor
“An Adventure in Good Music: The Karl Haas Legacy”: Kerrytown Concert House
MoreIn a tribute to his father, pianist Jeff Haas hosts a screening of the half-hour documentary film An Adventure in Good Music: From Nazi Germany to the Radio Hall of Fame about Detroit WJR classical radio icon Karl Haas, and plays a work composed by his father and himself, “May the Words.” Also, a performance by a local wind quintet of a Haas favorite, Samuel Barber’s “Summer Music,” with flutist Amy Porter, oboist Mark Doerr, clarinetist Tianyi Shen, bassoonist Jeffrey Lyman, and horn player Scott Strong. 7:30 p.m., 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $32–$42 (students, $20–$30) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 769–2999.
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Nightspots
“Sound Invaders.”: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiShowcase of ambient and electronic music. Hosted by the local synthwave ambient artist Omo.
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Nightspots
Advance Base.
MoreThe stage name of Owen Ashworth, a soft-rock singer-songwriter from Illinois who writes melancholic electronic story songs. Openers: Brawny Lad, an Ypsi acoustic trio whose sound blends a number of American musical traditions, and Jim Cherewick, a versatile veteran local postpunk rock ’n’ roll singer-songwriter.
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Nightspots
Jake Nellett.: Blind Pig
MoreBlind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann ArborU-M student indie pop singer-songwriter. Openers: fellow U-M student bands Superego and The Quartet. $14.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
MoreEvery Thurs., Sept. 3–Oct. 29. WBNA members lead a hike through the Arb to look for fall warblers and other southbound migrants. Birders of all skill levels welcome. 8–11 a.m., meet in the cul-de-sac at the end of Riverview. (off Geddes near the east end of Dow Field). Free. washtenawbna.org.
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Community Listing
Ms. Rachel Storytime: Starbright Entertainment LLC and Recess Cafe
MoreRecess Cafe, 208 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor
This Ms. Rachel inspired storytime will have young fans moving, playing, and learning! Sing and dance to some of Ms Rachel’s favorite songs like “Hop Little Bunnies” and “Icky Sticky Bubble Gum”, play movement games, and read interactive stories with Starbright Entertainment’s own “Ms Rachel”!
https://www.starbrightentertainmenta2.com/store/p/msrachel-storytime
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Observer Editor
First Presbyterian Church Mature Ministries Lunch & Learn
MoreTwo talks with lunch. Journalist Scott Savitt, who spent 2 decades in China, including reporting on the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, on “Traditional China’s Relevance to the 21st Century” (11 a.m.), and BetterMyMeds pharmacist Betty Chaffee discusses how to “Take Charge of Your Health: Secrets to Playing a More Active Role on Your Health Care Team” (12:40 p.m.). 11 a.m.–1:45 p.m., First Presbyterian Church social hall, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. $12 includes lunch. Preregistration required at fpca2.org/matureministries. (734) 662–4466.
