• Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Last Free Women: A Daring Escape from Afghanistan & Coming of Age in America”: U-M Wallace House Center for Journalists

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    Journalists Rebecca Blumenstein & Diana Kapp discuss their new book about Blumenstein’s experience working in Afghanistan for the New York Times during the 2021 American withdrawal where she was deeply involved in the company’s effort to evacuate more than 200 Afghan colleagues and family members. The authors are joined by Mursal Rahim, one of the Afghan women profiled in the book, along with veteran journalist Anna Quindlen. 4:30–6 p.m., Rackham Amphitheatre. Free. (734) 998–7666.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every Mon.–Thurs., except Oct. 19 & 20. 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. Also, at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, the band hosts its monthly free Open Stadium Rehearsal at Michigan Stadium. 4:45 p.m., Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “LGBT History Month Student Film Festival”: State Theatre

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    Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

    Oct. 1: “LGBT History Month Student Film Festival.” A program of films by U-M students that highlight LGBTQ+ experiences and stories. Followed by Q&A with the filmmakers. Free popcorn and queer cinema trivia. FREE, but preregistration required at marquee-arts.org/calendar. 5 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    Tim McNary.: North Star Lounge

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

    Nashville-based indie folk singer-songwriter. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Nightspots

    Khalid Hanifi Quartet.: North Star Lounge

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

    Infectious rock ‘n’ roll by an ensemble led by this veteran singer-songwriter, cofounder with his sister Sophia of the great 80s band Map of the World as well as frontman of the popular local 90s bands Kiss Me Screaming and the Maypops. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Book of Hours”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series

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    Los Angeles–based violinist and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Vijay Gupta discusses his work as the founder and artistic director of Street Symphony, a nonprofit that brings live music to nontraditional audiences and settings, including homeless shelters, jails, psychiatric hospitals, and reentry programs. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671, stamps.umich.edu.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

    Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
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    Oct. 1, 8, 15, & 22 (different times). All invited to work on their own projects using the library’s tools, including silhouette cutting machines, die cutters, embossers, and button makers (Oct. 1); 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (Oct. 8); sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (Oct. 15); and soldering equipment and electronic components (Oct. 22). 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Oct. 1, 15, & 22) & 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Oct. 8), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Observer Editor

    “Trail Raiser for the B2B”: Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative

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    Dinner with open beer & wine bar and live music by Djangophonique, a local quartet led by guitarist Andrew Brown that specializes in vintage jazz in the style of gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt’s 1930s Parisian swing. With lawn games, a wine pull, and silent auction. Fundraiser for the Border to Border Trail. 5:30–8:30 p.m., the Collins Off Main, 120 W. Middle, Chelsea. $125 in advance only at bit.ly/b2btrail-10-1-26.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Bad Decisions Track Club

    Bad Decisions Track Club
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    Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.   

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “World Postcard Day”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and teens invited to write and decorate postcards to mail in celebration of World Postcard Day. Card stock, collage material, and art supplies provided. 6–7 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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    Every Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.   

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Design With Care”: U-M 2026 Whittemore Lecture in Landscape Architecture

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    2026 Whittemore Lecture in Landscape Architecture

    Design With Care: Practicing Landscape Architects Reflect Upon the Impact of Professor Joan Nassauer’s Work in Ecological Design, Aesthetics and Landscape Management.

    Ahead of her retirement in June 2027, U-M Landscape Architecture alumni and practitioners discuss, in 2 panel discussions, how U-M professor Joan Nassauer’s research on landscape care, aesthetics, sustainability and well-being has informed their work and shaped the profession. The dicussions highlight connections between research and practice while celebrating the ecological design accomplishments of U-M alumni and Nassauer’s more than 50 years of research, teaching, engagement and service to the field.

    Additional information here. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested here. 6:00 pm, Dana Building, Rm. 1040, 440 Church Street

     

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Silent Book Club: BrightWorks Coworking

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    3027 Miller Rd, Ann Arbor

    Join us for an hour of silent reading followed by light socializing

    Looking for a relaxing way to unwind and connect with fellow book lovers? Join us for Silent Book Club at BrightWorks!

    Unlike a traditional book club, there’s no assigned reading and no required discussion. Bring whatever you’re currently reading, novels, nonfiction, ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines, or textbooks. If you enjoy reading, you’re welcome here.

    Schedule

    6:00–6:30 PM: Arrive, grab a drink or snack, get comfortable, and chat with fellow readers (optional).
    6:30–7:30 PM: Enjoy a quiet hour of uninterrupted reading.
    7:30–8:00 PM: Stay to socialize, exchange book recommendations, or simply keep reading.

    Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking for a peaceful hour to disconnect, Silent Book Club offers a welcoming, low-pressure space to enjoy books in the company of others.

    Bring your own book and join us for an evening of quiet reading and community.

    https://brightworkscoworking.com/events/silent-book-club-at-brightworks-2/

    Free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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    Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867. 

  • Nightspots

    Sara Lambert.: El Limon

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    El Limon 2709 Plymouth

    Local singer-guitarist whose repertoire includes country tunes, folk songs, and ballads, along with some originals.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Great Cardboard Challenge: Haunted Cat Houses”: Humane Society of Huron Valley

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    All age 18 & up invited to engage in a cutthroat competition constructing spooky cardboard cabins for resident shelter cats. Materials provided (no outside craft materials allowed). Prizes. Includes a tour through the cat area and light snacks. 6–8:30 p.m., 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. $20 per person. Individual registration, but participation as a team encouraged. Preregistration required at hshv.org/events.