Events
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Observer Editor
Fall Conference: Argus Museum
MoreOct. 8–10. All invited to this annual gathering of enthusiasts of the original Argus camera company, which operated in Ann Arbor 1936–1969. Events include presentations, exhibitions (see Galleries), a field trip to the Henry Ford Museum, meals, photo contests, and auctions. Thurs. 3–8 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m., 525 W. William. $50 (members, $40) suggested donation. Preregistration required at argusmuseum.org/fall-conference. (313) 499–0551.
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Observer Editor
“Adore Him: He Is Here”: 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).
Oct. 4–8: “Adore Him: He Is Here” (Don Johnson, 2026). Religious docudrama about Eucharistic adoration. 4:30 p.m. (Sun. only) & 6 p.m. Cinemark only.
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FreeObserver Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery Mon.–Thurs., except Oct. 19 & 20. 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. Also, at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, the band hosts its monthly free Open Stadium Rehearsal at Michigan Stadium. 4:45 p.m., Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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Observer Editor
30th Annual Edgefest: Kerrytown Concert House
MoreOct. 7–10. One of the world’s 50 top jazz/avant music festivals, according to DownBeat, this annual event includes multiple shows over 4 days. Today: A Conversation with Roscoe Mitchell (5 p.m., Community High School auditorium, 401 N. Division) is followed by a performance by the local experimental & improvisational Creative Arts Orchestra featuring Edgefest honoree master Detroit saxophonist Mitchell, one of the great jazz innovators of the post-Coltrane, post-Ayler era. Includes the world premiere of a composition by Michael Malis. At the Kerrytown Concert House: Ken Kozora’s “Birds of a Feather” (7 p.m.) is a world fusion ensemble led by multi-instrumentalist Kozora, a veteran local jazz luminary. The quartet Dimensionality (8 p.m.) features improvisational singer Andrea Wolper. The West Michigan quartet Teiku (9 p.m.) is known for its experimental jazz improvisations on ancestral Jewish melodies. Improvisation-centered ensemble the Michael TA Thompson Quintet (10 p.m.) is led by New York–based postbop and free jazz drummer Thompson and includes vocalist Deanna Relyea. 5, 7, 8, 9, & 10 p.m., Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $20 per show (students, age 18 & under, $10) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com & (if available) at the door. $70 day passes (Saturday, $100) and 240–390 full festival passes in advance only online & by phone. (734) 769–2999.
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FreeObserver Editor
Jaswinder Bolina: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series
MoreReading by this Chicago-born, Florida-based Punjabi American poet and essayist, whose writings blend politics and metaphysics, exploring the intersections of language, race, and the South Asian immigrant experience. His work has been featured in the New Yorker, Poetry, the Paris Review, and other journals. Q&A and signing. Also, tomorrow Bolina gives a free craft lecture (10–11 a.m., Michigan League, Henderson Rm.). 5:30–6:30 p.m., UMMA, Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State. Free. [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
“Presence as Practice”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series
MoreMultidisciplinary installation and performance artist Amy Franceschini discusses her work, an overarching theme of which is conflict between humans and nature, between individuals and communities. She is also the founder of the art collective Futurefarmers. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671, stamps.umich.edu.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Introductory Woodcarving: Pumpkins”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreOct. 8 & 15 (different times). Adults & teens invited to learn woodcarving basics, then carve a small pumpkin to take home. 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Oct. 8) & 2–4 p.m. (Oct. 15), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
Bad Decisions Track Club
MoreEvery 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.
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FreeObserver Editor
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
MoreEvery 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.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Decorative Rustic Brooms”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults & kids grade 3 & up invited to use tree branches and twine to craft a small decorative broom that’s perfect for autumn decor or a Halloween scene. 6–7 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Community ListingFree
What is a Constitutional Convention?: Bentley Historical Library
More1150 Beal Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 49109
Every 16 years, Michigan voters are asked whether to dig into the state’s constitution and make edits in what’s known as a Constitutional Convention, or Con-Con. But what would a Con-Con actually look like? And what can voters understand about past Con-Cons that will help them say yes or no on this year’s ballot?
This fall, on November 3, it will be on Michigan ballots as “Proposal 1.”
If voters say yes to Proposal 1, that would begin the process of holding a constitutional convention – or “Con-Con.”
During a Con-Con, delegates can make changes to the state constitution.
But what would a Con-Con actually look like? And what can voters understand about past Con-Cons that will help them say yes or no to Proposal 1?
Michigan’s most recent Con-Con was held in 1961, and the Bentley Library is home to a host of materials related to this pivotal moment in the state’s history – from the papers of politicians and Con-Con delegates to newspaper articles, photos, and more.
You’re invited to join the Bentley Historical Library as we take a look back at the 1961 Con-Con and consider how the work done by delegates shapes our lives today.
October 8, 2026
6pm at the Bentley Historical LibrarySpeakers include:
> Lynn Liberato, author of Michigan’s Con-Con 11: Women and State Constitution-making in 1961
> Michelle McClellan, Bentley archivist working to grow the Library’s Con-Con collections and other political history in the state of MichiganThis event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
https://bentley.umich.edu/learn/event/what-is-a-constitutional-convention/
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Observer Editor
“Adore Him: He Is Here”: 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).
Oct. 4–8: “Adore Him: He Is Here” (Don Johnson, 2026). Religious docudrama about Eucharistic adoration. 4:30 p.m. (Sun. only) & 6 p.m. Cinemark only.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.
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Community Listing
Wine + Candle-Making: York Food and Drink
More1928 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA, Ann Arbor
An evening designed for trying something new, getting creative, and having a really good time!
Join us for a relaxed candle-making experience where beautiful scents, hands-on creation, and a warm tasting room atmosphere come together. Sip wine, 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 handmade candle included
o Upgrade option: Add a second candle (+$15)
• One complimentary glass of wine of your choice
• A cozy, welcoming atmosphere to relax and connect✨ What to Expect
• 6:00–6:15 – Arrival & Welcome: Settle in, grab your wine, 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 – Sip, Play & Connect: Enjoy your wine, games, and conversation while your candle finishes setting.
• 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.stuffRenata 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
York – yorka2.comThis workshop will take place at York, a thoughtfully designed community space in Ann Arbor where creativity, local businesses, and meaningful gatherings come together.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and beautifully curated spaces, York brings together a collection of local vendors, makers, and experiences under one roof. The venue regularly hosts markets, workshops, and community events that celebrate connection, creativity, and collaboration.
With its open, inviting layout and vibrant community energy, York provides the perfect setting for a relaxed and social candle-making experience — where beautiful scents, hands-on creativity, and great conversation come together to create a memorable evening.
https://www.theuniversestuff.com/event-details/wine-candle-making-workshop-york-october
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FreeObserver Editor
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active
MoreEvery Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, or any other item they’d like to try to repair or repurpose with the help and guidance of AHA members. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Free; donations welcome. [email protected], meetup.com/allhandsactive/events.
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FreeObserver Editor
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
MoreEvery Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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FreeObserver Editor
Michigan Secretary of State Debate: U-M Ford School of Public Policy
MoreOne-hour debate between Michigan lieutenant governor Garlin Gilchrist II (D) and Macomb county clerk Anthony Forlini (R). 6:30–7:30 p.m., Weill Hall, Annenberg Auditorium, 735 S. State. Free. Preregistration required (space limited) at tinyurl.com/UM-MIsos-debate.
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Community ListingFree
GriefShare: St. Luke Lutheran Church
More4205 Washtenaw Ave.
Find hope and healing after the death of a loved one. You are encouraged to join us on any week. Sessions are self-contained.
The group meets on Thursdays starting at 6:30 PM for one-and-a-half hours, ending at 8:00 PM.
Each meeting consists of a video seminar, a discussion, and your personal workbook.
Each week you can expect to view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your workbook.
Get more information and register here: https://find.griefshare.org/groups/297677
Questions? Contact: [email protected]
First meeting: Thurs., Sept. 10
Last meeting: Thurs., Dec. 10Free -
FreeObserver Editor
“Don’t Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance”: Gerald Ford Presidential Library
MoreFormer presidential aides Jean Becker & Tom Collamore discuss their new book, a collection of firsthand accounts behind presidential events from advance staffers who worked to set up events for every modern-day administration from Lyndon Johnson to Barack Obama. Signing. 6:30–8 p.m., Ford Library Auditorium, 1000 Beal. Free. (734) 205–0555.
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FreeObserver Editor
“The Smallest Mistake We Call Human”: Literati Bookstore
MoreDetroit poet Isaac Pickell discusses his new collection of poems exploring the complicated, unresolved places that keep our lives together. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
