Events
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Nightspots
Vinylvara
MoreThe Arboretum 984 E. Michigan Ave., SalineLocal pop-rock cover band.
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Nightspots
Bill Kirchen
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborAn Ann Arbor native, now based in Austin, who first gained fame as the guitarist in Commander Cody’s Lost Planet Airmen, Kirchen and his band play a rowdy mix of rockabilly, honky-tonk, blues, swing, and truck-driving songs. Kirchen’s “no-nonsense diesel guitar attack, powered by great booming, bottom-heavy licks still covered with axle grease, is undoubtedly the real thing,” writes the Austin American-Statesman. “Scattering scorching guitar runs in all directions, it’s all immediate, in your face, and more than a little dangerous.” Tonight Kirchen is joined by a pair of veteran Texas sidemen—bassist Jack Saunders and drummer Rick Richards—to celebrate the release of his brand-new album, Cat Out of the Box. $29.
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Observer Editor
“Saturday Night Improv: Double Header”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreEvery Sat. Rotating lineup of two local improv troupes. 8:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $10 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $12 (if available) at the door.
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FreeObserver Editor
University Lowbrow Astronomers
MoreA chance to join local astronomy buffs for a look at the sky through instruments, including the observatory’s 24-inch McMath classical Cassegrain telescope. Participants are welcome to bring their own telescopes. Visitors must turn off all electronic equipment (car radios, transmitters, phones, etc.) at the observatory entrance. Canceled if the sky is overcast or the weather is inclement. If in doubt, call after 4 p.m. on the day of the event. Rain date Aug. 15. 8:30–11:55 p.m. or as long as the sky remains clear, Peach Mountain Observatory, North Territorial (about 1¼ miles west of Hudson Mills Metropark), Dexter. Free. (734) 975–3248.
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Nightspots
AgawDilim
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborDetroit-area trio that performs a mesmerizing blend of exotic world rhythms with contemporary jazz-inspired riffs. 9–10:15 p.m. $20.
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Nightspots
“Rock Against Data Centers.”
MoreAnn Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann ArborWith the area punk bands 3 the Hard Way, Screen Tear, Infariot, and Puppy Teeth.
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Nightspots
Habitat Jazz Collective
MoreHabitat Lounge 3050 Jackson Rd., Ann ArborJazz originals and standards by a local ensemble led by singer-bassist Rob Crozier.
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Observer Editor
Mike O’Keefe: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreAug. 7 & 8. This quick-witted observational comic, a Detroit native, engages in “self-deprecating jackassery” on such topics as his Irish family, the dangers of living in Chicago, and wild business ideas. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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FreeObserver Editor
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
MoreEvery Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Dozer Coffee (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022 & Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
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Observer Editor
Ypsi Flea Market
MoreShow and sale of vintage items ranging from the early 1930s to the 90s, featuring clothing, jewelry, furniture, records, and more. Concessions. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market, Ypsi. Free admission & parking. [email protected], facebook.com/ypsifleaswap.
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Observer Editor
Elemental Ecstatic Dance
MoreEvery Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing to a variety of recorded music, from EDM to classical and ambient to world music. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce. $20 (age 11 & under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses to experience the world as if they were a snake. No live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
Sunday Artisan Market
MoreEvery Sun. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 35th year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Kerrytown Farmers Market pavilion. Free admission. (734) 913–9622.
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FreeObserver Editor
H.A.C. Ultimate
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Contact Improv
MoreAll invited to try this interactive, free-form dance style that involves a rolling point of contact between two or more people through which dancers give and share weight. No partner required; beginners welcome. Preceded at 10:30 a.m. by a lesson. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Gretchen’s House, 2340 Oak Valley Dr. $15 ($25 includes lesson). Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2-contact-imp-su2026. [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
Arts & Crafts Supply Swap: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreA chance to pick up gently used art supplies the library has collected. Donations accepted before Aug. 2 at all AADL branches. Noon–2 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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DonationObserver Editor
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun., except Aug. 16. 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
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun. and Fri. Aug. 7 & 21. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers present and give insights into some animals with superpowers, including an African crested porcupine, a three-banded armadillo, and a frilled dragon at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows a Gila monster at 2 & 3 p.m. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show all four animals at 7:30 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) & 7–9 p.m. (Fri.), 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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FreeObserver Editor
Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on Aug. 2, game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board and card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. sylvanfactory.com.
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Observer Editor
16th Annual Ton-Up Motorcycle & Music Festival: Café Racer
MoreDisplay of motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters, with awards in a variety of different categories at 5:30 p.m. Live music at times TBA by local bands, including local high-octane neo-rockabilly quartet the Atomic BombCatz, retro roots rock ’n’ roll from the Palatinos, greasy garage rock ’n’ roll by Las Drogas, and biker boogie riffs by Electric Huldra. Emceed by WCBN FM DJ Del Villarreal. With vendors, food concessions, & raffles. Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Noon–7 p.m., Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. $10 for bike show entries (at the gate only); free admission. tinyurl.com/ypsi-ton-up-2026.
