• Observer Editor

    “The Transformers: The Movie”: Fathom Entertainment

    Various Times
    More

    (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. 17–23: “The Transformers: The Movie” (Nelson Shin, 1986). Animated sci-fi action based on the popular television series about a war between 2 robotic clans. Various times; see website.

  • Community Listing

    Jesus is Lord women’s Conference: New Arbor Bible Church

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    8318 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti

    Sign up by August 30th for an extra prize!!

    ✨ You’re invited—no pressure, no pretending ✨

    If you’ve ever felt confused about faith… hurt by church… or you love Jesus and just want to grow deeper—this is for you.

    What does it really mean to say “Jesus is Lord”—and how does that shape our everyday lives?

    Join us for a one-day women’s gathering in Ann Arbor 💛
    A safe, honest space to ask questions, grow in your faith, or simply come and be.

    🗓 September 19
    🕙 10AM–6PM (doors open at 9)
    📍 New Arbor

    A full day of:
    • live worship
    • real, relatable messages
    • honest conversations (no pressure to share)
    • a powerful personal story
    • space to reflect, pray, or just be

    Lunch is provided 🥗
    Come alone or with a friend—you’ll be welcomed either way.

    Whether you’re searching, healing, or growing—you belong here 🤍

    💬 Questions or want to come? Message me or sign up here: https://subspla.sh/67bjx2w

    $10
  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every Sat. & Sun., Sept. 12–Nov. 21; and Wed.–Fri., Sept. 16–Oct. 30. A carnival atmosphere with a variety of family-oriented fall activities on this family farm, including wagon rides, a petting farm, a corn maze, and more. For an extra charge on Sat. & Sun., an apple cannon, paintball, apple or pumpkin picking, and other activities available. Cider and donuts available. Also, on Sept. 12 & 13, the season opens with a food truck rally, and on Sept. 19 & 20, view classic cars at the Fall Car & Jeep Show. No pets. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., 5565 Merritt. (east of Carpenter), Ypsi. Weekend admission: $27.50 (babies under 2, free). Weekday admission: $18 (babies under 2, free) online only at wiards.com. (734) 482–7744.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Annual Ann Arbor Russian Festival: St. Vladimir Russian Orthodox Church

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    Sept. 19 & 20. Slavic food and drinks, including blini, borscht, and more. Live entertainment by bell ringers, St. Vladimir’s Choir, traditional dancers, and others. Also, a tearoom with Russian sweets, church tours, and a kids corner with a bounce house, petting zoo, games, and more. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. (Sat.) & 1–7 p.m. (Sun.), St. Vladimir Church, 9900 Jackson Rd., Dexter. Free admission. (734) 475–4590, annarborrussianfestival.org.

  • Observer Editor

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
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    Every Fri.–Sun., Sept. 19–Nov. 1. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits to allow for routes of various lengths. Also, a U-Pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. On Sept. 27, Family Fun Day (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) features ice cream, balloon art, kids activities, and live music from the Saline Fiddlers. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), & 5–9 p.m. (Fri.), 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.

  • Observer Editor

    21st Annual Oktoberfest: Saline Main Street

    21st Annual Oktoberfest: Saline Main Street
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    Sept. 18 & 19. This old-fashioned Oktoberfest kicks off with the annual “tapping of the golden keg” on Friday and features a beer garden with German brews and traditional German food, and live music TBA. Saturday’s events include wiener dog races, children’s activities and games, and live music TBA. 5–11 p.m. (Fri.) & noon–11 p.m. (Sat.), downtown Saline. $10 after 5 p.m. on Fri. and 3 p.m. on Sat. for those age 21 & over; free otherwise. Details at salinemainstreet.org/calendar.

  • Observer Editor

    Just Between Friends Sale

    Just Between Friends Sale
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    Sept. 16–19. Semi-annual consignment sale, eagerly anticipated by parents of young children, offering a chance to buy & sell used maternity items, baby & children’s clothes, toys, and baby gear. Prices drop Sat. at 2 p.m. Doors shut 30 minutes before closing. 3–9 p.m. (Wed., tickets required), noon–9 p.m. (Thurs.), 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Fri.), and 9–11 a.m. & 2–7 p.m. (Sat.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free if reserved online, $3 at the door; $5–$25 early access. For preregistration, discounts, and to sell items, go to annarbor.jbfsale.com.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Football vs. Texas–El Paso

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    Sold out. 3:30 p.m., Michigan Stadium. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com/sports/football.

  • Observer Editor

    Miss Washtenaw County Pageant

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    Contestants compete in talent, responses to on-stage questions, fitness, and evening wear categories. The winner goes on to the 2026 Miss Michigan Pageant. Also, the Miss Washtenaw Teen Pageant. 4 p.m., Manchester High School, 20500 Dutch, Manchester. Tickets $20 (kids age 5 & under, $10) in advance at misswashtenawcounty.com; $5 more at the door (cash or Venmo).

  • Observer Editor

    “Rasa Festival 2026”: Akshara

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    An evening of traditional Indian dance and music with performances by local dancers Sreyashi Dey, Asha Subramanian, Sandhya Sree Atmakuri, and Asa Willoughby. 4 p.m., Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $25 (students & seniors, $15) in advance at a2tix.com & at the door. (734) 223–5715, [email protected].

  • 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.

  • Nightspots

    AJ Lynn.: Sam Hill

    More
    Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.

    Detroit folk-rock singer-guitarist.

  • Nightspots

    Four Roses.: North Star Lounge

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

    Local rock cover band. 6:30–7:45 p.m. $20.

  • Observer Editor

    “Preservation Fall Fest”: HOMES Campus

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    112 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor

    Local craft beer, food, and live music by a lineup of indie Michigan bands, including Detroit pop-rock singer-songwriter Bandeau (7 p.m.), Detroit folk-rock duo Jackamo (8 p.m.), Grand Rapids lo-fi “space travel” jam band Normal Mode (9 p.m.), a solo acoustic performance by frontman of Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers Joe Hertler (9:45 p.m.), and Detroit psychedelic art-rock trio Sonic Smut (11 p.m.). 6:15–11:45 p.m., 112 Jackson Plz. $30 in advance only at tinyurl.com/a2-homes-pres. (734) 369–9268, [email protected].

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-preservation-fall-fest-the-homes-campus-tickets-1992886007696

    $30 – $75
  • 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Music of Studio Ghibli”: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

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    Guest conductor Wilburn Lee, music director of the Missouri Symphony, leads the A2SO in a performance of Joe Hisaishi’s scores to Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved Japanese anime films, including My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and others. 3 & 7:30 p.m., EMU Pease Auditorium, W. Cross at College Pl., Ypsi. $15–$85 in advance at a2so.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 994–4801.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Drummunity!”

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    Local drum teacher Lori Fithian leads a drum circle. Instruments provided, or bring your own. Kids welcome. 7 p.m., Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth, 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Free, but donations welcome. (734) 4267818.

  • Nightspots

    David Janeway Trio.: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    NYC-based jazz ensemble, led by veteran Detroit-bred pianist Janeway, that plays bright and measured original tunes in the style of Bill Evans.

  • Nightspots

    Luvplanet.: Moonwinks Tavern

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

    A psychedelic-tinged mix of rock, pop, and blues by this veteran Bay Area band led by singer Nicole Sutton and lead guitarist Mark McGee, a former sideman for Gregg Allman and Joe Satriani.

  • Nightspots

    Leslie Vincent.: JD’s Stage

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

    Minneapolis jazz singer known for her joyful stage presence and wide ranging jazz interpretations of songs from the Great American Songbook, musical theater, and contemporary rock & pop.

  • Observer Editor

    “Art & Animals: Paint Night”: The Creature Conservancy

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    Conservancy staffers present and discuss a Burmese python, indigo snake, and jungle carpet python. Followed by a hands-on painting session led by local artist Sandra Steutzler using the snakes as models. Art supplies provided. BYO snacks and nonalcoholic beverages. For age 18 & up only. 7–10 p.m., 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Tickets $40 each. Preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org.

  • Observer Editor

    “Inaugural Comedy Show”: Craftsman Club #4 Benefit

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    Detroit comedian J. Bell, who has appeared on Comedy Central, hosts a stand-up show with other area comedians TBA to raise money for the purchase and distribution of winter coats for area kids in need. 7 p.m., Zal Gaz Grotto, 2070 W. Stadium. $25 in advance at craftsmanclub4.org/#events. [email protected].

  • 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.

     

  • Community Listing

    The Fallout Shelter 5 Year Anniversary – Day 4: Ziggy's

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    206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti

    For 5 years running, the Fallout Shelter has brought some of the best DJs in the midwest and beyond to Ypsilanti and supported local talent from beginners to seasoned pros.

    Resident DJ, the Silent Ech0, has grown the event from humble beginnings to a community staple with the help of the Wax Kings collective.

    Ech0labs Light Industries and Wax Kings present 4 days of sets in a variety of genres including house, techno, bass, and other dance music.

    Saturday September 19 – Ziggys – $10
    12:00am – Chris Lora (Chicago)
    11:00pm – DJ 45
    10:00pm – Super Will
    9:00pm – Resident’s Choice
    8:00pm – Agent 99
    7:00pm – LJ4J

    https://www.facebook.com/falloutshelterypsi

    $10
  • Observer Editor

    “Night Terrors”: Wiard’s Orchards

    “Night Terrors”: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Sept. 19, 25, & 26. A haunted hayride, an asylum, and three more scary attractions, all bristling with scores of costumed monsters. Refreshments available from the Wiard’s Country Store. Recommended for ages 12 & up. 7:15–11:30 p.m., 5565 Merritt, Ypsi. Tickets $36–$65 in advance only at hauntedhousemichigan.com. (734) 390–9212.

  • Observer Editor

    “Comedy Night”: Bløm Mead + Cider

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    Stand-up comedy by Jacob Barr and other local comics. Usually sells out. 7:30–9 p.m. 100 S. Fourth Ave. $10 (includes one 12-oz. pour of mead, cider, or nonalcoholic beverage) in advance at drinkblom.com/events & (if available) at the door. (734) 548–9729.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Music of John Coltrane: Africa/Brass”: University Musical Society Ypsi Freighthouse Residency

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    U-M jazz trumpet professor Kris Johnson and Detroit saxophonist Marcus Elliot lead a 10-piece brass section and rhythm players in reimagining Coltrane’s seminal 1961 large ensemble composition. Age 12 & up. 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

    3rd Saturday Contra Dance: Pittsfield Union Grange

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    Rick Szumski calls to live music by Debbie Jackson and friends. Bring clean shoes for dancing. Beginners’ intro at 7 p.m. 7:30–10:30 p.m., 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $10–$15 suggested donation (pay what you can). (734) 274–0773.

  • Nightspots

    Shade Zero.: The Arboretum

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    The Arboretum 984 E. Michigan Ave., Saline

    Detroit-area alt-rock band.

  • Nightspots

    Laith Al-Saadi.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    This veteran local singer-guitarist, a former finalist on The Voice, plays an eclectic mix of roots Americana, classic rock, and blues, including many originals. Guitar World calls him “a cross between Danny Gatton and Buddy Guy at their best.”

  • Nightspots

    Rory Nevins.: Mash (Ypsilanti)

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    Mash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, Ypsilanti

    Mid-Michigan singer-guitarist who plays mainly acoustic classic rock covers.

  • Nightspots

    “Fallout Shelter.”: Ziggy’s

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    Ziggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Freeform electronic music night with rotating DJs spinning a mix house, techno, bass, and dance music.

  • Observer Editor

    Fustercluck & Friends: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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    Performance by an ensemble of 4 Detroit-area improvisers with over a century of combined experience. 8:30–9:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.

  • Nightspots

    Slothrust.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All ages. Boston-area alt-rock band led by singer-guitarist Leah Wellbaum, an engaging performer and versatile songwriter known for her cheeky lyrics and grungy choruses. Opener: The Velveteers, a polished female-fronted heavy alt-rock band from Colorado. $25.

  • Nightspots

    Yellowhammer.: Habitat Lounge

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    Habitat Lounge 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor

    Local quartet, led by Pherotones trumpeter Ross Huff, that plays jazz standards, retro lounge music, and funk.

  • Nightspots

    Esh Schaden Trio.: North Star Lounge

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

    Local jazz ensemble led by pianist Schaden. 9–10:15 p.m. $20.

  • Nightspots

    Fangs & Twang.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Ypsi trio of Black Jake & the Carnies members that plays twangy, high-energy country rock, with songs about vampires, mummies, and other fantastical creatures. 9:30–11:30 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Transformers: The Movie”: Fathom Entertainment

    Various Times
    More

    (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. 17–23: “The Transformers: The Movie” (Nelson Shin, 1986). Animated sci-fi action based on the popular television series about a war between 2 robotic clans. Various times; see website.

  • Observer Editor

    “Heaven in Stone and Glass”: Fathom Entertainment

    Various Times
    More

    (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. 20 & 23: “Heaven in Stone and Glass” (Rob Kaczmark & Branden J. Stanley, 2026). Religious documentary exploring sacred mysteries built into Gothic cathedrals. Various times; see website.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
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    Every 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.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    “Ann Arbor’s 9/11 Heroes Run”: U-M Nichols Arboretum

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    This Sunday, September 20, the Michigan 9/11 Heroes Run will be held at the University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor, marking 25 years since the attacks. Since 2021, student veterans from the Armed Forces Association at Michigan’s Ross School of Business have organized the event, bringing the University and Michigan communities together to honor those lost on 9/11 and the service members who served in the wars that followed.

    Every participating veteran was impacted by 9/11 and served in some capacity during the War on Terror. Now, they’re back in the classroom at Michigan, alongside a generation with no firsthand memory of the attacks. The Ann Arbor 9/11 Heroes Run is one of over 100 races the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) is holding nationwide this month, honoring 1stLt Travis Manion, a Marine killed in Iraq in 2007, and working to carry forward the legacy of service that followed 9/11.

    WHAT: A 5K honoring those lost on September 11 and those who served in the wars that followed

    WHERE: Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor, 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor MI

    WHEN: Sunday, September 20 at 10:00 AM

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Bubble Fest: Broadway Park West

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    A bubble machine, bubble blowing, and kids activities. Surprises TBA from the Detroit Circus. Pizza and ice cream for sale. 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 841 Broadway. Free. lowertowna2.org/events.