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    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    All invited to play a tournament version of this popular Nintendo Switch video game. Participants may bring their own Switch handheld consoles or borrow one from the library. Prizes for top finishers. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler

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    Every 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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    Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv

    Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
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    Oct. 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. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Pop Pop Boats”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and kids grade 3 & up invited to build a boat with a small working steam engine that will actually move through water. Involves cutting metal and small flames; adult supervision recommended. 3–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

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    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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    Every 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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    “This Land”: Michigan Immigrant Rights Center Fundraiser

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    Performances by the G-Fours String Quartet, harpist and vocalist Gabrielle Pescador, the Chelsea Chamber Players, and the Burns Park String Quartet, playing music by Joplin, Shostakovich, Kon, Ljova, Dvořák, Smetana, Price, and Piazzolla. Proceeds benefit this nonprofit legal resource center. 3–5 p.m., St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, 2309 Packard. $25 requested minimum donation, but all are welcome. Preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/a2thisland.

  • Nightspots

    Wind, Wood, & Steel.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Jazzy folk-rock covers and originals by this local trio whose instrumentation includes guitars, flute, mandola (the ancestor of the mandolin), and keyboard. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    Myke Grayshaw.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Country covers by this Detroit-area singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.

  • 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. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Booster Draft.” Players take turns opening booster packs to create a 40 card deck. $25. Various times & prices, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Nightspots

    Grace Theisen Trio.: North Star Lounge

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

    Blues-oriented Americana ensemble led by Kalamazoo singer-songwriter Theisen. 6:30–7:45 p.m. $20.

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    Apollo’s Troupe Theatre

    Apollo’s Troupe Theatre
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    Oct. 18, 22, & 24, Nov. 1, 5, & 7. Rochester-based veteran poet Frederick Glaysher performs stage adaptations of his epic poems, Into the Ruins of Modernity (Oct. 18 & Nov. 1) and The Parliament of Poets (Oct. 22 & 24, Nov. 5 & 7), each a combination of poetry reading, protest play, and performance art that emphasizes the transformative nature of art and its power to fight fascism & oligarchy, and celebrates human capacities for cooperation and peace. Not suitable for children. 2 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Thurs. & Sat.), Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. $15–$30 (students, $12–$20; seniors, $15–$25) at buytickets.at/apollostroupe or (if available) at the door. Group rates available. (947) 203–0085.

  • Observer Editor

    “Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young Tribute”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company

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    Oct. 23–25. An ensemble of local musicians performs songs written and originally performed by the folk rock supergroup of singer-songwriters David Crosby (of the Byrds), Graham Nash (of the Hollies), Stephen Stills, and Neil Young (both of Buffalo Springfield). They were known for their close singing harmonies and their hits “Woodstock,” “Marrakesh Express,” “Our House,” and others. 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.