Events
-
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun., except Nov. 26. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program examines how membranes can help solve water shortages. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Human Rights Reporting: Stories from the Field”: U-M Human Rights Center
MorePanel discussion with U-M Knight-Wallace journalism fellows Tanzil Asif, Erica Hellerstein, and Shan Li. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Michigan League, Koessler Rm. Free. (734) 763–9200.
-
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. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Paper Folding Four Ways”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreA chance for adults & teens to learn various paper art folds, including the petal fold, triangle fold, Turkish map fold, and Victorian puzzle purse fold. 2–3 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Western Sahara: Multi-Scalar Struggles, Recognition, and Change in a Thawing Conflict”: U-M Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies Colloquium Series
MoreUniversity of Exeter (UK) international relations professor Irene Fernández-Molina discusses the ongoing political instability in Northwest Africa. 2–4 p.m., 555 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. (734) 647–4143.
-
Observer Editor
“Family Pains”: PTD Productions
MoreNov. 5–8 & 11–14. Marie Jones directs local actors in the premiere of Michigan playwright Erin Osgood’s new family comedy-drama about a young woman who surprises her conservative family by bringing her new Black wife to Thanksgiving dinner. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15; Thurs., pay what you can), in advance at ptdproductions.com, by phone, & at the door. (734) 483–7345.
-
Observer Editor
“Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20. Rhiannon Ragland directs retired Detroit newscaster and playwright Devin Scillian’s family comedy-drama about a conflict between brothers—an aging country rocker and a buttoned-down finance guy—after their mother’s death. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Wed.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
-
Free
Observer Editor
Board Game Night: Argus Farm Stop
MoreAll 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.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Heritage Forensics: Culture on the Front Lines of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict”: U-M Center for Armenian Studies
MoreTalk by Cornell University Armenian studies professor Lori Khatchadourian. 4:30–6 p.m., 555 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. (734) 763–0622.
-
Free
Observer Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery Mon.–Thurs., except Nov. 24–26. 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., Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
-
Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering: 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. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Booster Draft.” Players take turns opening booster packs to create a 40-card deck. $25. Various times & prices, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
-
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.
-
Nightspots
Patrick Clinton.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborDetroit-area pop-folk singer-songwriter. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Intro to Laser Engraving: Hand-Drawn Designs”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults & teens invited to use a laser cutter to engrave a hand-drawn design. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
-
Observer Editor
“Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
MoreNov. 4, 11, & 18. Food- and agriculture-related discussions and demos.
Nov. 4: “Hand-Rolled Beeswax Candles.” Malinda Barr of the Beeswax Barrn leads participants in making hand-rolled taper candles from beeswax sheets and wicks. $10.
Nov. 11: “Botanical Bath Bombs.” Tiani Body Care owner Violet Whitney leads attendees in decorating bath bombs with natural plant powders, herbs, and dried flowers. $5.
Nov. 18: “Fresh-Hopped Wild Rice Ale.” Rachel Kanaan and Mason Shipe of the Jupiter Fen Kombucha Club lead a follow-up discussion and tasting to their Oct. 28 seasonal beer-making session. Free.
6–7 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Various prices. Preregistration required for all events at tinyurl.com/a2-foodhub. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Countdown Calendars”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults and kids grade K & up invited to create tear-off paper calendars that count down to a birthday, holiday, or other special date. 6–7 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Saving Sibley Prairie”: Ann Arbor Wild Ones
MoreTalk by Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy president Jack R. Smiley about the ongoing efforts to save this unique habitat from development. Sibley Prairie is a 440-acre remnant of a globally rare lakeplain prairie ecosystem south of the Detroit airport. 6–7:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free, metered parking. annarbor.wildones.org.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“A Prairie for a Queen”: Huron Valley Sierra Club
MoreWashtenaw County Parks & Recreation naturalist Shawn Severance discusses her quest to understand the prairie through the eyes of a bumblebee queen. Southeast Michigan is home to about 10 native species of bumblebees. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“In the Belly of AI”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreOccasional screenings in the Downtown Branch lower level program rm., and other locations as noted. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Nov. 11: “In the Belly of AI” (Henri Poulain, 2025). Feature-length documentary about the millions of data workers, often from the developing world, who work in obscurity to train frontier AI models. 6 p.m.
-
Free
Observer Editor
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
MoreEvery Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 1–3 p.m. (Sun.) & 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
-
Free
Observer Editor
Crazy Wisdom Bookstore Gathering Series
MoreNov. 11, 13, 18, & 21. Community gatherings and talks by local practitioners.
Nov. 11 (6–8 p.m.): “Witches Night Out.” Group meeting and discussion.
Nov. 13 (6:30–8:30 p.m.): “Tarot, Mocktails, and Witches.” Local author Lindsay Merbaum leads a night of witchery, tarot, and a reading from her new dark fantasy novel, Witches of the Wheel.
Nov. 18 (6:30–8:30 p.m.): “Goddesses of the Arbor.” Discussion geared toward late millennial and Gen X women.
Nov. 21 (11 a.m.–1 p.m.): “Death Cafe.” Frank conversation about death led by Ann Arbor Death Cafe representatives.
Various times, 114 S. Main, upstairs. Free. (734) 665–2757, crazywisdom.net.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Data Are Made, Not Found: A Story of Politics, Power, and the Civil Servants Who Saved the US Census”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event
MoreCornell University communications professor danah boyd discusses her new book about how career demographers created the 2020 census in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and political pressure from the first Trump administration. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Powered by Smart: A Prehistory of Everyday AI”: Literati Bookstore
MoreU-M film professor Sarah Murray discusses her new critical feminist history of the techno-cultural evolutions that made AI possible. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
-
Observer Editor
Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
MoreNov. 11 & 25. 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.
-
Community Listing
EMU Men’s Basketball vs. Great Lakes Christian – Home Opener: Eastern Michigan University Athletics
More799 N. Hewitt Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Eastern Michigan University men’s basketball hosts Great Lakes Christian in the 2026-27 home opener at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Military Appreciation Night with free posters and schedule magnets for fans on Veterans Day. Tickets start at $8; EMU students receive free admission through the Flight Crew program. Buy tickets at https://emueagles.com/tickets or call the EMU Ticket Office at 734-487-3669.
$8 -
Community Listing
EMU Men’s Basketball vs. Great Lakes Christian
MoreGeroge Gervin Game Above Center, 799 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti
Come watch and support the EMU Men’s Basketball team as they take on Great Lakes Christian College for their home opener.
$15 -
Observer Editor
“Rocky”: 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).
Nov. 7–11: “Rocky” (John G. Avildsen, 1976). The classic saga of a small-time Philadelphia boxer who enters in a grueling, blood-soaked title fight. Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith. 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun. only) and 6:40 p.m. Cinemark only.
-
Free
Observer Editor
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
MoreEvery Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes. Rain or shine. 7 p.m., 123 E. Liberty. Free. (734) 769–5016, fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
-
Observer Editor
U-M Volleyball
MoreMatch vs. Ohio State. The U-M also has a home match this month against Purdue (Nov. 14, 6 p.m.). 7 p.m., Crisler Center, 333 E. Stadium. $8 & $10 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.
-
Nightspots
Jake Reichbart.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborSolo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
-
Observer Editor
U-M Men’s Basketball
MoreGame vs. Oakland. The U-M plays home games this month against Marquette (Nov. 11, 7 p.m.) and William & Mary (Nov. 15, 2 p.m.). 6 p.m., Crisler Center. Tickets $18 & up at mgoblue.com in advance & (if available) at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
-
Observer Editor
Battle of the Bands: Glenn Miller & Tommy Dorsey Orchestras: Marquee Arts
MoreBig band music of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s by these two venerable classic jazz ensembles. The Glenn Miller Orchestra, founded in 1938 by the late composer-clarinetist Miller, has been touring continuously since 1956. Its repertoire includes Miller’s hits “In the Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” and “Moonlight Serenade.” The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, known as a stellar dance band, produced such hits as “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” and “Boogie Woogie.” 7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $68–$89 in advance at marquee-arts.org/calendar. (734) 668–8397.
-
Observer Editor
Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center
MoreAll 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. Note: Just one meeting this month. 7–9 p.m. (doors, 6:30 p.m.), 1320 Baldwin. $5. (734) 794–6250, a2blugrass.com.
-
Nightspots
Indie Rock Royalty.: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiAn eclectic mix of covers and originals by this local quartet.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Introducing the Legacy Land Conservancy”: Pittsfield Union Grange
MoreTalk by LLC representative Hannah Weilnau. 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.
-
Observer Editor
“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreNov. 4, 11, & 18. Performances by up to 12 aspiring and established area stand-up comics. On Nov. 4, attendees can mingle with the comics before they hit the stage during “Comedy Nerdz Happy Hour” (5:30–6:30 p.m.). 7:15 p.m. (doors, 5:30 p.m.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at aacomedy.com; $6 at the door. (734) 996–9080.
-
Free
Observer Editor
BFA Dance Concerts: U-M Dance Department
MoreNov. 11–14. Dance majors showcase their original choreography. 7:30 p.m., U-M Dance Performance Studio, 1000 Baits. Free; capacity limited. (734) 764–9537.
-
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.
-
Nightspots
Abigayle Oakley & Fairhazel.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborNashville–based indie folk-rock duo of singer Oakley and multi-instrumentalist Fairhazel. 7:30–10 p.m. $20.
-
Nightspots
Hiss Golden Messenger.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborPopular North Carolina indie folk-rock band, led by MC Taylor, a veteran singer-songwriter whose sound blends country, soul, and gospel influences with deeply introspective, poetic, and politically conscious songwriting. The band’s new album, I’m People, is a reflective collection of songs about resilience, community, radical hopefulness, and quiet human moments. Tonight he is joined by Sam Amidon, an adventurous Americana singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist who specializes in experimental reworkings of traditional Appalachian folk tunes. $29.
-
Community ListingFree
Volunteer Event – Woody Invasive Species Removal: Scio Outside
More6393 W Joy Rd, Dexter
Join us to remove woody invasive species from an ongoing restoration site!
We will be clearing and treating woody invasive species with a goal to eradicate existing populations. This site is undergoing active restoration, and we need your help with invasive species removal!Free -
Observer Editor
“What’s Happening in the Arctic—and Why We Should Care”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series
MoreEvery Thurs., Oct. 22–Nov. 19. Series of 5 weekly talks.
Oct. 22: Norwegian Arctic security expert Gabriella Gricius on “The Arctic Region in the Context of European Geopolitics and Security.”
Oct. 29: Viking Cruises Arctic guide John McCannon on “Four Ages of the North: The Broad Contours of Arctic History.”
Nov. 5: Harvard Arctic Initiative director Jennifer Spence on “The North American Arctic: Myths and Realities.”
Nov. 12: U-M ecology professor George Kling on “Environmental Changes in the Arctic: Local and Global Impacts.”
Nov. 19: Washington D.C.-based Arctic security expert Pavel Devyatkin on “Russian Arctic Policy, Security Strategy and International Cooperation.”
10–11:30 a.m., WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg., Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $120 (members, $70) for the 5-lecture series. $25 per lecture (members, $15). Membership, $50 a year. (734) 998–9351.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun., except Nov. 26. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program examines how membranes can help solve water shortages. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
-
Free
Observer Editor
U-M Center for Japanese Studies Noon Lecture Series
MoreNov. 5 & 12 (different locations). Talks by visiting scholars.
Nov. 5: University of Arizona Japanese Studies professor Joshua Schlachet on “Nourishing Life: Cultures of Food and Health in Early Modern Japan.”
Nov. 12: Cardiff University criminology professor Yutaka Yoshida on “When Self-Empowerment Goes South (or East, More Precisely): Gender, Neoliberalism, and Romance Fraud in Japan.”
Noon–1:30 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. (Nov. 5) & 4448 East Hall, 530 Church. (Nov. 12). Free. (734) 764–6307.
-
Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
MoreEvery Mon. & Thurs., except Nov. 26. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both non-ACBL-sanctioned (Mon.) and ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.). 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5) & noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Division Street Pipes”: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
MoreEvery Thurs. through early Dec., except Nov. 26. U-M organ majors and faculty perform music TBA on the church’s Richards, Fowkes & Co. organ. 12:15 p.m., 306 N. Division. Free. (734) 663–0518, standrewsaa.org.
-
Observer Editor
“Growing Future Gardeners”: Ann Arbor Farm & Garden
MoreTalk by U-M Alumni Association Camp Michigania associate director Kelley Stearns about this transformative summer camp. 12:30 p.m., Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $5. Preregistration required by noon Nov. 5 at annarborfarmandgarden.org.
-
Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
MoreEvery Tues., Thurs., & Fri., except Nov. 26. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) and a game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 750 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $9–$11 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].
