• Free
    Observer Editor

    Fall Open House: International Neighbors

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    Area women invited to join women from more than 80 countries to learn about and sign up for various activities throughout the year, including beginning and advanced English conversation, foreign language discussion groups, tea groups, and special interest groups such as hiking, quilting, and cooking. International Neighbors is a 67-year-old group of local women who welcome women from other countries during their stays in Ann Arbor. Light refreshments. Kids welcome. 1–2:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty. Free. inannarbor.org. 

  • Observer Editor

    Ikebana International

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    All invited to learn about and practice this Japanese style of flower arranging. Floral materials provided upon request, bring your own container and tools. 1–3 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Rd. $25. Preregistration required at [email protected]. More info at ikebanaannarbor.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Third Thursdays at the Library”: U-M Library

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    Monthly open house featuring rotating highlights from the library’s Special Collections Research Center, maps from the Clark Library, and items from other collections. Curators on hand to answer questions.

    Today on the 6th fl.: “One Hundred Years in the One Hundred Acre Wood: Winnie-the-Pooh Has a Birthday.” Original editions of A.A. Milne’s beloved children’s stories, along with pop-up versions and other tales.

    Today on the 4th fl: “Democracy in Motion: The Advancement of Democracy in Korea and the Students at the Frontline.” Items that trace the history and major milestones of Korean democracy, with particular focus on the role of student movements.

    Today on the 2nd fl.: “Down in Ann Arbor Town: Pictorial Maps, Campus Traditions, and the Women Who Made Them.” A chance to view the library’s new exhibit (see Galleries).

    4–6 p.m., Hatcher Library, enter from the Diag. Free. (734) 936–2309.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “A2Zero Clothing Swap”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations

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    All invited to bring up to 5 washed and in-good-condition clothing items and accessories and find new-to-you treasures to take home. You can take clothing without bringing anything or bring clothing without taking anything. 4–7 p.m., Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. Free. luma.com/a2zeroclothingswaps. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Party for Democracy”

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    Resource and engagement fair to help community and university members learn about and participate in local democratic and civic engagement resources. Free food & swag. Part of U-M Democracy Week (complete calendar at democracyweek.umich.edu/calendar). 4–7 p.m., Regents Plaza, next to the Cube. Free. democracyweek.umich.edu/calendar. 

  • 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 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “We Hold These Truths …”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series

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    (See preview) Washington, D.C.–based performance artist Holly Bass discusses her career and work, including her new exhibition (opening Oct. 3) which explores how Americans have celebrated and reimagined the nation’s founding across three anniversary years (1876, 1976, and 2026) and examines how national ideals and histories are passed between generations. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671, stamps.umich.edu.

  • Community Listing

    Glaze-A-Tile: Gutman Gallery

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    118 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor

    When: Thursday, September 17, 2026. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    Where: Gutman Gallery
    118 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

    This workshop will be held at the Gutman Gallery (not at the Motawi studio).

    Workshop participants will receive step-by-step instruction in Motawi’s signature bulb-glazing process. We’ll provide two bisque (unglazed) tiles, bulbs filled with our rich glaze colors, and a suggested glazing guide. Follow our recommendations or unleash your creativity and create your own unique colorways!

    During the Saturday, September 12 workshop, participants will glaze two 4×4 Pine Forest tiles in their choice of two exclusive workshop colorways.

    https://www.motawi.com/collections/motawi-glaze-a-tile-workshop/products/gutman-gallery-glaze-a-tile-workshop-thursday-september-17-2026

    $135
  • 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. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Babylonia”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Book Club

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    All invited to join a discussion of Costanza Casati’s 2025 novel about the rise to power of the Assyrian Empire’s only female ruler, Semiramis. Light refreshments. 6–7 p.m., 434 S. State, rm. 125, 434 S. State. Preregistration required; see lsa.umich.edu/kelsey. Free. (734) 764–9304

  • 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.  

  • Observer Editor

    Elin Hilderbrand: Literati Bookstore

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    This bestselling mystery-romance writer is joined by her daughter and cowriter Shelby Cunningham to discuss The Thoroughbreds, their new beach read about social drama at an elite prep school. 6 p.m., 124 E. Washington. $38 (includes a copy of the book) in advance only at literatibookstore.com. (734) 585–5567.