Events
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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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Community Listing
Lowertown Artist Collective- “Homecoming” Pop-Up Market
MoreLowertown Bar & Cafe, 1031 Broadway St, Ann Arbor, MI , Ann Arbor
The Lowertown Artist Collective has been out and about in Ann Arbor this past year, and we are thrilled to “come home” for a very special community event featuring local artists, live music, activities and creation stations.
Please join us at Lowertown Bar & Cafe from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm for a morning of art and celebration for the whole family!
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Community ListingFree
Ecological Steward Skills Training: WREN
MoreIndependence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189,
The classes are good for both the beginner who has a few invasives in their yard as well as experienced stewards looking to broaden their knowledge base.
These classes will focus more on invasive species removal education and conversation than typical restoration workdays. Participants will learn the fundamentals of identifying and managing woody invasives. Participants will gain practical field experience in effective techniques; both with and without herbicide.
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Community ListingFree
All-Day Shapenote Singing: Riverside Arts Center
More76 N Huron St, Ypsilanti
Join us for a special all-day singing from THE SACRED HARP (2025). No experience necessary–just bring your voice and your curiosity! Some books will be available to borrow. We sing from 10 AM- 3PM, with a potluck lunch in the middle. You are invited (but not required!) to bring an item for the traditional potluck lunch.
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Community Listing
Scio Farms Hosting – Psycho Farms Craft Show: SCIO Farms - Crystal Collins, Michelle Giffin and Tori
More6655 Jackson Rd, Club House, Ann Arbor (Scio Township)
Craft Show – Local Artisans – Bake Goods, Crochet Items, T-shirts, Jewelry, Wood Working and much more
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Community Listing
Taste of Greece Gyro Fundraiser: AHEPA
More“AHEPA TASTE OF GREECE GYRO DRIVE-THRU” AHEPA is sponsoring a Gyro Drive-Thru fundraiser at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Ann Arbor (3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103) on Friday, October 2, from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm and on Saturday, October 3, from 11:00 am -7:00 pm. Dinner is $20 and includes a Gyro Sandwich, Spanakopita, Greek Salad, and a Bottle of Water. Baklava will be available for $6 or 2 for $10. All net proceeds will go toward AHEPA Charitable initiatives and St. Nicholas Church. -
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
“Così fan tutte”: 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. 3 & 7: “Così fan tutte.” Live (Sat.) and prerecorded (Wed.) broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera production of Mozart’s comic opera, a rare blend of high-spirited farce with psychological acuity and emotional depth. This production sets the story—about 2 soldiers who decide to test their sweethearts’ faithfulness by wooing them disguised as foreigners—in a carnivalesque environment inspired by 1950s Coney Island. Italian, subtitles. 1 p.m. $24.
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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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Observer Editor
“Barbara Forever”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm 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.
Oct. 3: “Barbara Forever” (Brydie O’Connor, 2026). This documentary explores the life and legacy of pioneering lesbian experimental filmmaker Barbara Hammer, largely using archival footage. 3 p.m.
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Observer Editor
“The History of Concrete”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm 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.
Oct. 3 & 6: “The History of Concrete” (John Wilson, 2026). Following the finale of his acclaimed HBO series How To with John Wilson, the filmmaker looks to his beloved New York City for inspiration, setting out to make the definitive documentary on concrete. 6:30 p.m. (Sat. & Tues.)
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Community ListingFree
Red/Black Art Exhibit Opening: Power Center for the Performing Arts
More121 Fletcher, Ann Arbor
“Red/Black” fills the lobby of the Power Center with large-scale, highly animated murals and canvases painted in red and black by artist/dancer Peter Sparling.
The lobby is open to the public one hour before and during performances in October (tickets to events not required for entry):
10/3, 6:30-9 pm
10/4, 1-3:30 pm
10/23, 6:30-9 pm
10/24, 6:30-9 pmArtist’s Statement:
Although black is considered not a color but a shade and does not appear with red on the color wheel, I would propose that black makes red redder, and red makes black a color.I am drawn to these two bold, intensely saturated colors for the power they radiate and provoke in juxtaposition and their potential for strong graphic patterns, alone or together. By limiting my palette for this exhibit to red and black, I challenged myself to “exhaust the limits of the possible” and create a set of paintings that worked both autonomously and as a noisy kind of dialogue or unfolding pictorial panorama.
Influences? Meanings by juxtaposition, association or coincidence? The textile tapestry by Picasso, “Volutes”, that has hung in this lobby since 1970, the dance work by guest artist Shamel Pitts on stage early this month, the novel by Stendhal I have yet to read, or least likely the team colors of Atlanta Falcons, AC Milan, Alabama State University (representing pride and resilience), or Detroit Red Wings (when they throw in black to highlight the red wing)?
Is it that I am literally seeing red in these trying times, enraged by the rampant greed of large institutions, parties and predators of every shape and size? Perhaps the paintings abstract metaphors for the sheer pleasures of form in motion and the stroke of the paint brush (the dancer/choreographer in me). Titles help by serving like titles of poems: you hope not to give the work away but rather draw the reader/viewer in and suggest a tone or point of view that acts as both overture and summation or amen in retrospect. May they serve in this way to guide you, the viewer into and out of the pictures.
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Nightspots
Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborJazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.
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Observer Editor
“Donnie Darko”: 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. 2–4: “Donnie Darko” (Richard Kelly, 2001). Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this dark, original, and somewhat incoherent psychological sci-fi thriller about a hallucinating teen. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore. 7:30 p.m. Cinemark only.
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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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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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Community Listing
Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation’s 44th Historic Home Tour: Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation
More402 S. Washington St, Ypsilanti MI 48197
Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation’s 44th Annual Historic Home Tour – Harvesting Our History
Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PMSince 1977, the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation has proudly celebrated our community’s remarkable architectural heritage by opening the doors to some of Ypsilanti’s most beautiful historic buildings. This year’s tour highlights the historic Southside Neighborhood, showcasing beautifully preserved homes and architectural treasures that tell the story of our city’s rich past and the ongoing commitment to historic preservation.
What to Expect:
Whether you choose the Harvesting Our History VIP Experience or General Admission Home Tour, your day begins at the Ticket Redemption Tent (402 S. Washington St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197), where you’ll redeem your Eventbrite ticket for a commemorative tour booklet and wristband.Using the map found in the booklet, decide where you’d like to start – explore the Dzanc House —a stunning historic home transformed into a literary center, artist residency, and gallery featuring works by local artists, or begin at any of the other historic homes in the Southside Neighborhood.
You’ll embark on a docent-lead tour of six remarkable historic homes throughout the Southside neighborhood. This year’s tour also features the beautiful Downtown Michigan Avenue Library, where you’ll learn about the building’s fascinating history and recent renovations following storm damage.
VIP ticket holders will also have the special opportunity to explore C. King & Co., a historic Downtown Ypsilanti gathering place. As part of your VIP experience, you’ll learn more about the history of the building and have the chance to visit its beautifully renovated upstairs event space. Please note that the upstairs event space is accessible by stairs only.
Every ticket purchased helps preserve Ypsilanti’s histoy. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Towner House Foundation and its ongoing restoration of the historic Towner House at 303 N. Huron Street.
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Ticket Options:
Harvesting Our History VIP Experience – $65
VIP guests will enjoy everything included with General Admission, plus an exclusive hospitality experience hosted by Chef Richard Muszynski at C. King & Co. (101 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti).Your VIP experience includes:
* A thoughtfully curated selection of seasonal hors d’oeuvres inspired by this year’s Harvesting Our History theme.
* A complimentary handcrafted cocktail or mocktail.
* A relaxed opportunity to mingle with fellow guests in one of Downtown Ypsilanti’s beloved historic gathering places before or after your Home Tour.To provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience, VIP tickets are limited and guests will select one of three timed hospitality sessions when purchasing their ticket. Each session gives our guests approximately one hour at C King & Co., allowing plenty of time to enjoy food, drinks, and conversation while exploring the Home Tour at your own pace.
Available VIP Time Slots
* 12:30 PM
* 1:30 PM
* 2:30 PM
Please select your preferred VIP time during registration. Availability is limited and time slots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.-or-
General Admission Historic Home Tour – $30
General Admission includes:
* Entry into all six featured historic homes on the tour.
* Entry into the Downtown Michigan Avenue Library.
* A commemorative Home Tour booklet featuring the history of each tour location.
* A docent-lead experience at your own pace between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.⸻
Whether you’re a longtime preservation enthusiast or discovering Ypsilanti’s historic neighborhoods for the first time, this historic home tour offers a unique opportunity to step inside some of the city’s most treasured homes while helping preserve them for future generations.We look forward to welcoming you for another unforgettable Ypsilanti Historic Home Tour!
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Community ListingFree
Prior Art: OHMHA Fall Festival
MoreAt Thurston Pond next to OHAC Pool, 2300 Yorktown Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Oct 4 2026, Sunday, 1-3 PM: Prior Art appears at the Orchard Hills – Maplewood Homeowners Association (OHMHA) Fall Festival. Local rock band playing a mix of 60’s – 90’s rock covers and originals. Prior Art is Vocalist Rachel Arnsdorf, Alan Balkany on Guitar, Ryan Matthews on Bass, Alan Warmanen on Vocals & Drums, and Doug Wochna on vocals/sax/keys.
Past OHMHA Fall Festivals included displays of a Fire Engine and a Police car, displays of animals from the Leslie Science Center, Face Painting, musical performances, donuts and cider.
Cost: Free, but donations to the tip jar are appreciatedFree -
Observer Editor
“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm 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.
Oct. 4: “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (Peter Jackson, 2003). Extended version of the conclusion of this fantasy trilogy in which Frodo, Sam, and Gollum overcome many obstacles, including the corrupting influence of the powerful ring they carry, as they travel toward a battle against the evil Sauron. 1:30 p.m.
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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.
