• Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance

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    Every 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.

  • Community Listing

    Ms. Rachel Storytime: Starbright Entertainment LLC and Recess Cafe

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    Recess 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

    $10
  • Observer Editor

    First Presbyterian Church Mature Ministries Lunch & Learn

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    Two 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.

  • 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

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
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    Every Thurs. & Mon., except Sept. 7. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.) and non-sanctioned (Mon.). Noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9) & 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Division Street Pipes: University of Michigan and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

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    306 N. Division Street, Ann Arbor

    Division Street Pipes concerts features talented students and faculty of the U-M Organ Department every Thursday at 12:15pm on the Richards-Fowkes organ at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. These 30-minute performances are free and open to the public, and audience members are invited to enjoy their lunch while listening. The series is co-sponsored by the University of Michigan Organ Department and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in an effort to bring organ music to local audiences while connecting U-M organ students with the wider community. Concerts offer attendees the opportunity to hear the versatility of the pipe organ beyond a worship setting.

    https://smtd.umich.edu/department/organ/

    Free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every 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 12 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • Nightspots

    Out Ensembe.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    A new local wind quintet committed to increasing the representation of LGBTQ+ composers. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Observer Editor

    “Flutter: Celebrating Our Pollinators”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum & Leslie Science & Nature Center Joint Fundraiser

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    Seated 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) 9971553.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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    Every 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. 

  • Community Listing
    Free

    How Do You See the World?: Arts Healing Within & Across Communities

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    Nichols 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.

    Free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Bad Decisions Track Club

    Bad Decisions Track Club
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    Every 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.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Chicken Scratch Embroidery”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults & 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    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. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every 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) 9805277.  

  • Nightspots

    Focus: Jazz.: El Limon

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    El Limon 2709 Plymouth

    Jazz favorites by the trio of pianist Jeff Fessler, bassist Will van Campen, and saxophonist Jeff Kopmanis.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    GriefShare: St. Luke Lutheran Church

    GriefShare
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    4205 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. 10

    https://find.griefshare.org/groups/297677

    Free
  • Observer Editor

    “The Passion of the Christ”: 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. 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.

  • “Walk Right In”: Ann Arbor Film Festival

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    All 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

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider

    Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
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    Every 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) 5489729, drinkblom.com/events.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Nerd Nite”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Pitch-a-Friend”: Lowertown Bar & Cafe

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    All 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.

  • Nightspots

    Tariq Gardner & the Evening Star.: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Afro-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).

  • Nightspots

    Lonnie Spangler.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Country and classic-rock covers by this Lansing-area singer-guitarist.

  • Nightspots

    Norm & Sandy.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Local singer-guitarist duo.

  • Observer Editor

    General Meeting: Ann Arbor Ski Club

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    A 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] 

  • Observer Editor

    Thursday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    Square Dance: University Musical Society Ypsi Freighthouse Residency

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    All 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Hot Rod”: 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. 

    Sept. 10: “Hot Rod” (Akiva Schaffer, 2007). Andy Samberg stars as an accident-prone stuntman in this offbeat comedy. 8 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    The Claudettes.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Self-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.

  • Nightspots

    Indie Rock Royalty.: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    An eclectic mix of covers and originals by this local quartet.