• Observer Editor

    “Monarch Migration Festival”: Leslie Science & Nature Center

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    All invited to watch or participate in the release of tagged monarch butterflies. Also, games and other activities to learn about their life cycle and the center’s role as a way station for migrating monarchs. 1–4 p.m. 1831 Traver. $6 (members, $5; babies under 2, free) in advance at discoverscienceandnature.org/monarch & at the door. (734) 997–1553.

  • Observer Editor

    Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv

    Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
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    Sept. 1, 12, 19, & 26 (different locations). All age 16 & up invited to learn about and participate in improv games in a fun, relaxed, and judgment-free setting. No experience necessary. The Sept. 19 meeting is followed by an hour-long skills session discussing and practicing a specific improv skill. 7–9 p.m. (Tues.) & 2–4 p.m. (Sat.), Riverside Arts Center (Sept. 1, 12, & 26), 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi; & Riverside Park, (Sept. 19), 5 W. Cross, Ypsi. Tickets $8 (Sept. 12, free; Sept. 19, $15) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv or in cash at the door.

  • Observer Editor

    “A Tribute to Queen”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company

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    Sept. 11–13. An ensemble of local musicians performs songs written and originally performed by the British rock band Queen and its legendary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Featuring their hits “We Will Rock You,” the spine-tingling “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” and more. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $39–$58 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.

  • Observer Editor

    “Code Five”: Forge Theater

    “Code Five”: Forge Theater
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    Sept. 11–13. Brian Cox directs a drama by local playwright Marc Holland that explores the emotionally and morally complex aftermath of a mass shooting on one of its survivors. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 3000 Packard, ste. B. $12 in advance at forgetheatercollaborative.com, & (if available) at the door. (734) 219–9434, [email protected].

  • Community Listing

    “Chill on the Hill” Celebration: Ann Arbor Elks

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    Annual End of Summer Celebration
    Fundraiser with music and dancing. Two DJs, one outside and one downstairs in the bar. Drawing for prizes, and more.
    Hosted by Daisy Chain Temple 212
    Catfish dinners and social activities!
    Dinners are $20 (includes two sides and desert)
    Saturday, September 12th, 3 PM
    Ann Arbor Elks Pratt Lodge
    220 Sunset Road
  • Community Listing

    Sound Bath: The Mix Studios

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    306 N River St., Ypsilanti, MI

    Join Shari in an hour long experience. that blends sacred sound, yoga nidra, meditation, and gentle movement to revive your body, mind, and spirit. Start with conscious breath-work and movement flowing into a yoga nidra meditation. Then bathe in sounds of ancient mantras for peace and wellbeing, vibrations of the harmonium, singing bowls, chimes and cymbals. The experience will close with a grounding Ayurvedic drink, leaving you rejuvenated.

    $30
  • Observer Editor

    High Holidays Observance: Ann Arbor Jewish Cultural Society

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    All invited to this secular celebration of Rosh Hashanah, with readings, meditation, and music. Also, a free Tashlich observance (Sept. 12, 4 p.m., Gallup Park Maas Shelter) features a secular ceremony celebrating the Jewish New Year with participants encouraged to “let go of shortcomings” by tossing flower petals into the river. The Kol Nidre observance (Sept. 20, 7 p.m., JCC) includes time for reflection on the Day of Atonement while listening to haunting melodies. Yom Kippur observance (Sept. 21, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m., JCC) brings the Jewish New Year to a close with a ceremony and potluck breaking of the fast. 7 p.m., 2935 Birch Hollow. $10 (family, $25) suggested donation per observance for nonmembers; no one is turned away because of inability to pay. Registration required at jewishculturalsociety.org. [email protected].

  • Observer Editor

    “Live Harp Pairing”: Bløm Mead + Cider

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    Tasting of Bløm brews paired with live music by harpist Beth Henson, a U-M alum, who plays a program of music to complement each flavor. 4–5:30 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. $36, preregistration required at drinkblom.com/events. (734) 548–9729.

  • 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.

  • Community Listing

    Little Feet/Big Beats: Kid Dance Party: Cluster Museum

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    307 N. Main St., Ann Arbor MI

    Bring those dancing feet to CLUSTER Museum for the Little Feet/Big Beats kid dance party!

    Featuring DJ dads and DJ moms spinning tunes for kids ages 3-9 years, a glow face-painting station, collage drawing wall, and a fabulous dance floor with a disco ball and rainbow dance party lights!

    Attire: Come dressed to dance in your best party attire! (There will be black lights!)

    $5 for 1 child or $10 for a family: Each kid receives a juice box, popcorn bag, glow stick. Face paint station is free.

    Pre-register or pay at the door.

    https://clustermuseum.org/events/littlefeetbigbeats2026

    $10
  • Nightspots

    H.O.M.E.S. Project.: North Star Lounge

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

    Jazz trio led by U-M music professor Stephen Rush that uses depth data from various Great Lakes as the basis for their compositions. 6:30–7:45 p.m. $15.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Passion of the Christ”: Fathom Entertainment

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    (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). 

    Sept. 10–17: “The Passion of the Christ” (Mel Gibson, 2004). Graphically violent dramatic depiction of the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. 6:30 p.m. Cinemark only.

  • 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

    “Frank’s Drive-in Double-Feature”: Michigan Theater

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    Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

    Sept. 12: “Frank’s Drive-in Double-Feature.” Projectionist and film historian Frank Uhle, author of Cinema Ann Arbor, curates a trip to the drive-in, with 2 rarely seen classic features, vintage trailers, and old-time snack bar ads. The features, unnamed until showtime, are a wild 60s sci-fi movie and a spicy early 70s R-rated gem. 7 p.m.