• Observer Editor

    Annual Used Book Sale: American Association of University Women

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    Sept. 11–13. Sale of thousands of books in over 60 categories, as well as DVDs. Proceeds support academic scholarships. Preview ($20) on Friday 810 a.m. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Community College (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free admission and parking. annarbor-mi.aauw.net.

  • 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    The Street Art Encounter: Main Street Ann Arbor

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    A chance to watch 16 nationally recognized street artists, including Saginaw muralist John Vasquez, paint murals, create large-scale chalk art pieces, and make other artworks throughout downtown. Also, live music TBA, participatory art-making opportunities, and more. Noon8 p.m., all over downtown. Free. mainstreetannarbor.org/street-art-encounter.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Purpose in the Park: The Borgen Project

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    Burns 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!

    Free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Clements Library Tour

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    Hour-long docent-led tour of the library’s early American history collection, along with a chance to view a new exhibit, Who Counts? A History of Voting in America, a display of ballot boxes, campaign pins, pre-printed party tickets, banners, and other electioneering ephemera. 4–5 p.m., 909 South University. Free, preregistration required at clements.umich.edu. (734) 649–3370.  

  • Nightspots

    Durt.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Local acoustic folk-rock singer-songwriter & guitarist. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Field Hockey

    U-M Field Hockey
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    Match vs. Kent State. The U-M also has home matches this month against Vermont (Sept. 6, 2 p.m.) and California (Sept. 11, 5 p.m.). 5 p.m., Ocker Field, 1202 S. State. Free. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

  • Nightspots

    Jeremy Kratky.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Country covers by this Lansing singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Friday Night Music: Lake Forest Golf Club

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    3110 W. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor

    Bring your friends, bring the family—or make it a date night. A fun, relaxing evening is in store for you at Lake Forest Golf Club. Live music starts at 5:00PM, with happy hour starting at 3:00PM featuring discounts on our most popular appetizers. Check out our happy hour and regular menu from Chef Blake Reetz at Ellsworthannarbor.com. Reservations encouraged, call (734) 994-8580 Ext. 2

    Live music, dinner, drinks, lawn games, fire tables, cozy blankets and one of those Lake Forest sunsets.

    🎹 Louis Johnson – Piano
    🎻 David Stearns – Bass
    🎶 Friday, September 11 | 5–8 PM

    📍 Lake Forest Golf Club
    3110 W. Ellsworth Rd., Ann Arbor
    📞 734-994-8580 ext. 2

    #AnnArbor #AnnArborEvents #LiveMusicAnnArbor #FridayNight #AnnArborFood #ThingsToDoInAnnArbor #LakeForestGolfClub #EllsworthFoodAndSpirits

    www.lakeforestgc.com

    Free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Screen Printing Lab”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Modati Studios representatives show adults and kids age 11 & up how to screen print. Materials provided, including tote bags to print on; bring other items if desired. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Nightspots

    Starfish.: North Star Lounge

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

    Wife-and-husband duo of local harmonica player & vocalist Brigitte Knudson and Randy Tessier, a veteran local bassist-guitarist who’s also a singer-songwriter with a knack for blending genres and spicing his shows with storytelling. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Asian Chip Taste Test: Ann Arbor District Library

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    All invited to sample a variety of potato chip flavors from Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Community Listing

    Spider-Man Kid Rave: Starbright Entertainment LLC and Chelsea Party Loft

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    1115 S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118, Chelsea

    Join Spider-Man and Spider-Gwen for an evening of dancing! Show off your best web-slinging moves as you boogie under the disco ball, take selfies with these superheroes in the 360° Video Booth, and enjoy a night of dance party fun for the whole family! You’ll be getting up close and personal with your favorite web-crawlers, so costumes are encouraged!

    Pizza ($3 a slice), snacks, and beverages will be available for purchase, so dinner plans are taken care of! Ample free parking!

    Kids $15
    Adults $10
    Under 2 free

    Tickets:
    https://www.starbrightentertainmenta2.com/events

    https://www.starbrightentertainmenta2.com/events

    $1
  • Nightspots

    Mike Vial.: Sam Hill

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    Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.

    Local folk-rock singer-songwriter who sings songs about love and life’s transitions.

  • Observer Editor

    D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory

    D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
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    Every Fri. All invited to play the current official campaign of the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game, using 5th-edition rules. Kids under 13 must have adult accompaniment. 6–10 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero”: State Theatre

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    Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

    Sept. 11: “9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero” (Josh Sabey, 2026). Documentary that follows New Yorkers in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks as they use a large town hall process to decide what to do with the site of the towers. Followed by a discussion. Part of U-M Democracy Week. FREE, but preregistration required at tinyurl.com/reclaim-9-11-26. 6:30 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    The Invasion.: Live

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    Live 102 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    Detroit-area British Invasion cover quartet led by singer-guitarist David Roof.

  • Community Listing

    Blue Ribbon Bash: Therapeutic Riding, Inc.: Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

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    3425 E. Morgan Rd., Ann Arbor

    Therapeutic Riding, Inc (TRI) is an adaptive riding center in Ann Arbor where children and adults with a variety of disabilities can fulfill their dreams of riding and interacting with horses. Equestrian sports require balance, mobility, and strength, making them inaccessible to many individuals with disabilities. At TRI, we remove those barriers by providing adaptive equipment, volunteer side-walkers and horse leaders, and certified instructors who create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every participant can succeed. TRI provides opportunities that promote independence, confidence, physical strength, social connection, and a sense of accomplishment.

    Each year, TRI hosts Blue Ribbon Bash, a fundraising event featuring delicious food from local food trucks, select wines from Sandhill Crane Vineyards, craft beer from Mothfire Brewery, a signature cocktail, live music, a caricature artist, silent auction items, meet and greet opportunities with the horses, adaptive demonstrations, and more. Held at TRI’s barn, the Blue Ribbon Bash is affectionately known as a “blue jean casual gala” reflecting the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere of the barn.

    As a non-profit that does not receive any government funding, TRI relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community partners to provide exceptional programs while caring for our horses, maintaining our facility, and keeping participant fees affordable.

    https://www.therapeuticridinginc.org/brb2026

    $130
  • 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.

  • Observer Editor

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Wisdom Tree”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center

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    1129 Oak Valley Dr. Concessions. Free. (734) 994–3387, jewelheart.org.

    Sept. 11: “The Wisdom Tree” (Marc Forster, 2024). Mystical mystery sci-fi film about a quantum physicist struggling to deal with the aftermath of a mysterious car accident. Discussion follows. 7 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    High Holidays Observance: Ann Arbor Jewish Cultural Society

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    All invited to this secular celebration of Rosh Hashanah, with readings, meditation, and music. Also, a free Tashlich observance (Sept. 12, 4 p.m., Gallup Park Maas Shelter) features a secular ceremony celebrating the Jewish New Year with participants encouraged to “let go of shortcomings” by tossing flower petals into the river. The Kol Nidre observance (Sept. 20, 7 p.m., JCC) includes time for reflection on the Day of Atonement while listening to haunting melodies. Yom Kippur observance (Sept. 21, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m., JCC) brings the Jewish New Year to a close with a ceremony and potluck breaking of the fast. 7 p.m., 2935 Birch Hollow. $10 (family, $25) suggested donation per observance for nonmembers; no one is turned away because of inability to pay. Registration required at jewishculturalsociety.org. [email protected].

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Men’s Soccer

    U-M Men’s Soccer
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    Match vs. Indiana. The U-M also has a home match this month against Oakland (Sept. 29, 7 p.m.). 7 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. $9–$13 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each; kids 5 & under, free). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

  • Nightspots

    Tyreek McDole.: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    This Haitian American vocalist from Central Florida with expressive soulful baritone is only the second man to ever win the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Jazzwise calls his 2025 debut album, Open Up Your Senses, “an instant modern classic and a must-have recording for any lovers of vocal jazz.” $50.

  • Nightspots

    Brad Phillips.: JD’s Stage

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

    Nationally renowned multi-instrumental string virtuoso from Saline whose music embraces a range of genres from old-time, bluegrass, and Celtic to jazz and pop.

  • Observer Editor

    Annual Barn Dance: Salem Area Historical Society

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    Square dancing to live bluegrass, country, and some 1950s pop by the local Picks & Sticks Stringband. Cider and donuts available. Proceeds used to preserve the nearby Jarvis-Stone School and Dickerson Barn. 7–10 p.m., Three Cedars Farm, Six Mile Rd. just west of Curtis. north off North Territorial. $5 donation (SAHS members, $3) at the door only. (248) 437–6651.

  • Observer Editor

    “A Tribute to Queen”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company

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    Sept. 11–13. An ensemble of local musicians performs songs written and originally performed by the British rock band Queen and its legendary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Featuring their hits “We Will Rock You,” the spine-tingling “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” and more. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $39–$58 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.

  • Nightspots

    Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle

    Rick Burgess Trio.
    More
    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.

     

  • Observer Editor

    Mike Green: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

    Mike Green: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
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    Sept. 11 & 12. This popular “mostly clean” comic returns to town with a nervous energy that explodes into bizarre and goofy observations about jumping rope, talking sirens, bar codes, and other pointless things you never stop to think about. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.

  • Observer Editor

    “Echo’s Fragments” Staged Reading: Neighborhood Theatre Group

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    Sept. 11–12. Rodney M. Rice directs local actors in a staged reading of playwright A.M. Dean’s new drama about interspecies communication. Not appropriate for young audiences. Audience members have the opportunity to offer feedback. The Friday performance is followed by a reception. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington, Ypsi. $10 suggested donation in advance at ntgypsi.org & (if available) at the door.

  • Observer Editor

    “Code Five”: Forge Theater

    “Code Five”: Forge Theater
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    Sept. 11–13. Brian Cox directs a drama by local playwright Marc Holland that explores the emotionally and morally complex aftermath of a mass shooting on one of its survivors. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 3000 Packard, ste. B. $12 in advance at forgetheatercollaborative.com, & (if available) at the door. (734) 219–9434, [email protected].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Swift Nights Out”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance

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    Sept. 11–13. All invited to view chimney swifts gathering at dusk and count them as they enter their roosts in a spectacular swirling tornado of birds. Participants choose a known roosting location and report back to WBNA organizers. Part of a national effort to monitor the migration of this bird species and learn its favorite chimneys for overnight roosting. 8 p.m. until the last swift descends into its chimney. Various locations, preregistration required at washtenawbna.org/events. Free.