Events
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Observer Editor
Autumnal Equinox Celebration: Michigan Friends Center
MoreBonfire with singing, storytelling, and discussion. Bring a favorite verse, story, song, or bit of seasonal lore to share. Also bring a flashlight, wear long sleeves, and dress for the weather. Potluck 5:30–6:45 p.m. (bring food to share and your own place setting). 7–9 p.m., 1000 Long Lake Rd., Chelsea. Donations welcome. Preregistration requested at [email protected].
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Nightspots
Jake Reichbart.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborSolo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
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FreeObserver Editor
Women’s A Cappella Chorus Rehearsal: Voices in Harmony
MoreEvery Tues. Women singers invited to join a rehearsal of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. 7–9:30 p.m., UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile, Ypsi. Free to visitors (dues for those who join). (734) 765–3611, [email protected], voicesinharmonychorus.org.
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Observer Editor
Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
MoreEvery Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught and prompted; no complicated steps, and no partner or experience needed. Bring clean, flat, nonslip shoes. First-timers asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Suggested donation $8–$12 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country.
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Observer Editor
“Swan Lake”: World Ballet Company
MoreThis L.A.–based company presents Tchaikovsky’s beloved tragic ballet about a prince who falls in love with a swan-maiden in a production highlighted by 50 dancers, over 150 costumes, and elaborate, hand-painted sets. Age 5 & up. 7 p.m., Michigan Theater. $40–$107 in advance at marquee-arts.org/calendar.
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Observer Editor
The Jeff Hamilton Trio: Kerrytown Concert House
MoreThis celebrated L.A.–based jazz percussionist is known for his unusually melodic drumming and for the crisp swing and drive of his rhythms. His new trio—with pianist Tadataka Unno and bassist Jon Hamar—just released A New Chapter, a live album of standards and originals that Jazz Weekly calls “lyrical and tasty,” with “timeless time keeping.” 7:30 p.m., 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $35–$80 (students, $25–$40) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com & at the door. (734) 769–2999.
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Nightspots
Cousin Curtiss.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborExuberant, vibrant blues- and folk-style songs about small-town life by this Northern Michigan singer-songwriter who accompanies himself on guitar and harmonica, with splashes of kazoo, beat-boxing, and scat singing. Free; nonperishable donations for Food Gatherers accepted.
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Nightspots
Will Schneider Trio.: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiLocal jazz ensemble.
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Nightspots
Chinese Football.: Blind Pig
MoreBlind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann ArborAll ages. Upbeat indie pop-punk and dizzying math rock by this popular band from Wuhan, China, known for its instrumental virtuosity, with complex, arpeggiated guitar riffs and shifting time signatures. It’s name is a playful nod to the highly influential emo band American Football. $25.
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Observer Editor
“The Transformers: The Movie”: 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).
Sept. 17–23: “The Transformers: The Movie” (Nelson Shin, 1986). Animated sci-fi action based on the popular television series about a war between 2 robotic clans. Various times; see website.
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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 (7 a.m. Tues. & 8 a.m. Sun.), 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
“Heaven in Stone and Glass”: 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).
Sept. 20 & 23: “Heaven in Stone and Glass” (Rob Kaczmark & Branden J. Stanley, 2026). Religious documentary exploring sacred mysteries built into Gothic cathedrals. Various times; see website.
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Observer Editor
JLC Book Sale
MoreSept. 23–26. Local family-run sale of over 30,000 used books, as well as DVDs, audiobooks, video games, puzzles, and board games. Also, a presale on Sept. 23 from 4–8 p.m. for teachers and homeschool families. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, bldg. A, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free admission. jlcbooksale.com.
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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 (sight, hearing, and smell) 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
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun., Sept. 12–Nov. 21; and Wed.–Fri., Sept. 16–Oct. 30. 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 and donuts available. Also, on Sept. 12 & 13, the season opens with a food truck rally, and on Sept. 19 & 20, view classic cars at the Fall Car & Jeep Show. 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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FreeObserver Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.). Free. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
MI Postcards for Patriots
MoreSept. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30. All invited to drop-in to volunteer to help turn out the vote for the November 2026 election by writing postcards and other activities. 1–3 p.m., York Food & Drink, 1928 Packard. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. [email protected], equalityingov.org.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Asian/Americanist Takes on Techno-Empire, Chinamaxxing, and the ‘American Century of Humiliation’”: U-M Digital Studies Institute
MoreA panel of technology policy experts discuss Chinese techno-culture, the interplay between the U.S. and Asia, and the roots of “Chinamaxxing” in U.S.-China relations. 4–5:30 p.m., Weiser Hall, 10th fl., 500 Church. Free, but preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/um-disco-9-23-26. (734) 764–3356.
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FreeObserver Editor
Board Game Night: Argus Farm Stop
MoreSept. 9 & 23. All invited to participate in a relaxed evening of board games. If you want, bring a game to share. 4–7 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. (734) 997–5448, argusfarmstop.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery Mon.–Thurs. (except Sept. 7). The U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel field, across the street from the old Elbel field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
