Events
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Free
Observer Editor
U-M Physics Department Saturday Morning Physics
MoreOct. 3, 17, & 31. A popular series of talks aimed at general audiences by U-M and visiting scholars.
Oct. 3: “Do People Really Believe That? The Science of Survey Research.” U-M communication professor Yanna Krupnikov discusses how seemingly small survey design decisions can have big consequences when measuring public opinion.
Oct. 17: “Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and Einstein’s Cosmological Constant.” Kansas State University physics professor Bharat Ratra discusses the astronomical data that persuades cosmologists that dark matter and the as-yet-undetected dark energy are by far the main components of the universe.
Oct. 31: “Spooky, Spectacular Halloween Demo Show.” Family-friendly Halloween-themed physics demonstrations by U-M physics faculty.
10:30 a.m., 170 Weiser Hall, 500 Church St. Also via livestream; see bit.ly/saturdayphysics. Free. (734) 764–4437.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Handmade Felt Ghost Garlands”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreCraft activity for adults and kids grade K & up. 11 a.m.–noon, AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun., starting Oct. 21. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program examines how membranes can help solve water shortages. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
“The Monster Mash-Up”: The Guild of Artists & Artisans
MoreDrawing demo by local artist and U-M professor Reggie Jackson, who uses various styles and materials to draw scary characters. Sweet treats. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Gutman Gallery, 118 N. Fourth Ave. Free admission. shopgutmangallery.com.
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Observer Editor
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreEvery Wed.–Sun. 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 & donuts available. Also, on Oct. 3 & 4, local artisans & crafters sell their items at the Craft Show Weekend, and on Oct. 24, young entrepreneurs sell homemade items at the Kids Market (noon–4 p.m.). 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.
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Observer Editor
Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
MoreEvery 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.
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Observer Editor
Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits. Also, a u-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. The corn maze is illuminated and guests get a free glow stick on Glow Maze Nights (Oct. 9, 16, & 23, 5–9 p.m.). On All You Can Carry Pumpkin Day (Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.), for $10 you can purchase all the pumpkins you can successfully stack and carry down the lane. On Pumpkin Smash Day (Oct. 30, 5–9 p.m.), each guest receives a free pumpkin to smash, which is then composted or fed to the farm’s animals. Costumes encouraged for the Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 31, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.). 5–9 p.m (Fri.), 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.). 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.
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Observer Editor
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
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Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreFri. Oct. 2 & 16 and every Sat. & Sun. (See review) During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some animals that live in the rainforest, including a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, an iguana, and a red-footed tortoise at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, and an iguana at 1 & 4 p.m., and a red-footed tortoise at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) and noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Marvelous Magnets”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun., except Oct. 3 & 4. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for age 5 & up that explores magnetism, magnetic fields, and what they have to do with everyday life. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
“Aviary After Dark”: Aviary Aerial & Circus Arts
MoreOct. 30 & 31. Aerial artists from this local training studio present a Halloween- and horror-themed performance featuring silks, trapeze, and other aerial disciplines. Parental discretion advised. 6 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Sat.). Aviary Studio, 2875 Boardwalk, ste. A. Tickets $28 in advance at a2aviary.com/liftoff & at the door. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
MoreEvery 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Sat. Thirty-minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M biological sciences research projects. 1:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Sun. Thirty-minute tour that uses the museum’s specimens to tell the story of prehistoric whales and dolphins, who had 4 limbs and walked on land. 1:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
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Free
Observer Editor
U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler
MoreEvery Sat., except Oct. 3 (different times). Hour-long docent-led tours exploring “Magic in the Ancient World” (Oct. 10, 11:15 a.m.), “Egyptian Gods and Animals” (Oct. 10, 2 p.m.), “Egypt 101” (Oct. 17, 11:15 a.m.), “Spooky, Weird, and Magical: Halloween with the Kelsey” (Oct. 24, 2 p.m.), and “Dangers Lurking Around Every Corner” (Oct. 31, 2 p.m.), a look at artifacts that people in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Rome believed could help protect them from various diseases and dangers. Various times, 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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Observer Editor
Halloween Concert: U-M School of Music
MoreA rowdy affair, this annual tradition features the University Symphony Orchestra and the University Philharmonia Orchestra hamming it up in costume while performing such ghoulish works as Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre or Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain. A large portion of the audience comes in costume. Note: Tickets usually sell out well in advance. 2 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $11–$25 in advance at the Michigan League & tickets.smtd.umich.edu, & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.
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Observer Editor
Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
MoreOct. 6, 10, 17, 24, & 31. 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 Oct. 17 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, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $8 (Oct. 17, $15) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv or in cash at the door.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Marvelous Magnets”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun., except Oct. 3 & 4. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for age 5 & up that explores magnetism, magnetic fields, and what they have to do with everyday life. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
“Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20. Rhiannon Ragland directs retired Detroit newscaster and playwright Devin Scillian’s family comedy-drama about a conflict between brothers—an aging country rocker and a buttoned-down finance guy—after their mother’s death. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Wed.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Goodbye Politicians, Hello Democracy”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreOccasional free screenings in the Downtown branch lower level program rm., and other locations as noted. (734) 327–4200.
Oct. 31: “Goodbye Politicians, Hello Democracy” (Adam Cronkright, 2026). Feature-length documentary that follows 30 Michiganders who were chosen by lottery in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic to form a citizen assembly and attempt to agree on a public health response. Followed by discussion. Sponsored by the Braver Angels of Washtenaw County. 3 p.m.
