• Observer Editor

    a2Tech360: Ann Arbor Spark

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    Sept. 22–Oct. 2. Almost 2-week-long tech festival, with pitch competitions, a hackathon (two days of intensive coding), talks, panel discussions, a career fair, start-up demos, workshops, networking events, and more. Various times & locations. A mix of free and ticketed events. See full schedule at a2tech360.com.

  • Community Listing

    Candle-Making Workshop: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation

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    701 W Ellsworth Rd, , Ann Arbor

    An experience designed for trying something new, getting creative, and having a really good time.

    Join us for a relaxed candle-making workshop where beautiful scents, hands-on creation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere come together. Laugh, connect, and enjoy the process — no experience needed.

    Whether you’re coming with friends or treating yourself, this workshop is all about slowing down, creating something with your hands, and leaving with a candle you’ll love (and a great memory).

    ✨ What’s Included
    • A guided candle-making workshop using 100% pure soy wax
    • All candle-making materials provided
    • One handcrafted candle
    • A cozy, welcoming atmosphere to relax and connect

    ✨ What to Expect
    • 6:00–6:15 – Arrival & Welcome: Settle in and get comfortable.
    • 6:15–7:15 – Candle-Making Workshop: Learn the candle-making process and create your own custom soy candle, infused with intention and your favorite scent.
    • 7:15–7:30 – Connect & Play: While your candle begins to set, we’ll play a fun round of Candle-Maker Bingo with small prizes for a few lucky guests.
    • 7:30–8:00 – Candle Decoration: Decorate your candle to make it uniquely yours!

    ✨ Why Join?
    • Try something new and creative — no experience needed
    • Play with scents and create a candle that feels uniquely yours
    • Enjoy a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere with great company
    • Slow down, laugh, and be present for a couple of hours
    • Leave with a handmade candle you’ll actually love — and a really good memory

    ✨ Meet the Host
    Renata – Candle Maker & Wellness Facilitator – @the.universe.stuff

    Renata is the heart and hands behind The Universe Stuff, a holistic wellness brand rooted in mindfulness, creativity, and intention. She handcrafts soy candles and other wellness products designed to support balance and self-care, and she hosts workshops that invite people to slow down, connect, and create. Based in the Ann Arbor area, Renata loves bringing people together through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

    ✨ About the Space
    Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation – https://pittsfield-mi.gov/

    This workshop will take place at Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation, a welcoming community destination in Pittsfield Township, Michigan. Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation offers a variety of recreational programs, community events, classes, activities, and opportunities for residents and visitors to connect, learn, and enjoy time together.

    Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation is more than just a place for recreation — it’s a welcoming community space created to bring people together. Through its diverse programs, facilities, and community activities, the organization provides opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, explore new interests, and participate in meaningful experiences.

    With its welcoming atmosphere and strong focus on community connection, Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation provides a wonderful backdrop for slowing down, getting creative, and connecting with others. We’re excited to gather in a space that celebrates community, creativity, connection, and enjoying new experiences together.

    https://apps.daysmartrecreation.com/dash/x/pittsfield/activity-finder/programs/67/levels/448

    $60
  • Observer Editor

    “Rivalry Ride”: Active Against ALS

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    Bike ride to raise funds for ALS research from Spartan Stadium in East Lansing or from Stockbridge to Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Riders and their bicycles are transported from Ann Arbor to East Lansing for the ride back to Michigan Stadium. A half-ride is also available. Lunch provided at the halfway point in Stockbridge. 6:30 a.m., bus leaves from Pioneer High School. $85 ($40 for half-ride participants who don’t need transportation). Preregistration required at activeagainstals.org/rivalryride.

  • 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Trash Talk”: Washtenaw Zero Waste Coalition

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    See 26 Saturday. Today: A walking tour of the Michigan Stadium (8:30 a.m., meet at gate 1) showcases its zero waste measures, and a Zero Waste Fall Festival (noon–3 p.m., Kiwanis Thrift, 100 N. Staebler), with live music TBA, games, crafts, refreshments, free clothing repair, and tours of the facility. 8:30 a.m., various locations. Preregistration required for each separate event at trashtalktour.org. Free; donations appreciated.

  • Observer Editor

    Elemental Ecstatic Dance

    Elemental Ecstatic Dance
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    Every Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing to a variety of recorded music, from EDM to classical and ambient to world music. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce. $20 (age 11 & under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2. 

  • Community Listing

    Native Plant Sale: ReLeaf Michigan, Inc

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    158 Enterprise Dr. , Ann Arbor, Mich

    Native Plant Sale
    ReLeaf Michigan is hosting our semi- annual Native Plant Sale on September 27th at Guardian Tree Experts in Ann Arbor from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Orders must be placed by 9/20; Walk-ins welcome!
    Location: Guardian Tree Experts, 158 Enterprise Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103

    www.releafmichigan.org

    Free
  • 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

    Sunday Artisan Market

    Sunday Artisan Market
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    Every Sun. Juried market of local handmade arts & crafts, now in its 35th year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Kerrytown Farmers Market pavilion. Free admission. (734) 913–9622. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Art Under the Sun”

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    Outdoor show and sale of glass artwork by Janet Kelman. Also, Tim Berla & Relics of the Future play their quirky jazz and country tunes from 1–3 p.m., and local contemplative poet R.J. Hejna signs copies of his new collection, Emblems of Earth and Light. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., 1410 Barnard. Free. (734) 353–5859, [email protected]. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    H.A.C. Ultimate

    H.A.C. Ultimate
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    Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Volleyball

    U-M Volleyball
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    Match vs. South Carolina. The U-M also has regular season home matches this month against LSU (Sept. 2, 7 p.m.), EMU (Sept. 17, 7 p.m.), a doubleheader against Cornell (Sept. 19, noon; Sept. 20, 1 p.m.), Penn State (Sept. 25, 7 p.m.), & Washington (Sept. 27, noon). 6:30 p.m., Crisler Center. $8 & $10 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

  • Observer Editor

    “Critters Up Close!”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

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    Leslie Science & Nature Center staff show live animals TBA. Also, animal-oriented hands-on activities for all ages. Noon–3 p.m., 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom.

  • 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.