Events
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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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Observer Editor
“The 2026 Midterm Elections: Process, Policy & Consequences”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series
MoreEvery Thurs., Sept. 17–Oct. 15. Series of 5 weekly talks.
Sept. 17: MSU political science professor Eric Gonzalez Juenke on “How to Think About Midterm Elections Like an Expert.”
Sept. 24: U-M communications professor Yanna Krupnikov on “The Impact of Social Media on U.S. Elections”
Oct. 1: MSU political science professor Matthew Grossmann on “Why Policymaking Success Leads to Electoral Failure.”
Oct. 8: U-M Dearborn political science professor Mitchel A. Sollenberger on “Presidential Power and Democratic Resilience: Institutional Change and the 2026 Midterms.”
Oct. 15: Oakland University political science professor David Dulio on “The 2026 Midterms: What the Data Tells Us.”
10–11:30 a.m., Washtenaw Community College Towsley Auditorium (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $120 (members, $70) for the 5-lecture series. $25 per lecture (members, $15). Membership, $50 a year. (734) 998–9351.
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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
“Decorative Hand Lettering”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAll invited to practice 4 different styles of hand lettering, then decorate a bullet journal, poster, comics, grocery list, or correspondence. Noon–1 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Body Camera Footage as Data”: U-M Institute for Social Research
MoreTalk by U-M organizational studies professor Nick Camp about police body-camera footage, the insights it can give into everyday realities of policing, as well as tools for more accountable and just law enforcement. Noon–1 p.m., 1430 ISR, 426 Thompson. Free. (734) 764–365.
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Community Listing
Ann Arbor Club Intro
MoreThe Ann Arbor Club, a historic downtown social club for professionals, is opening its doors for a casual, no-pressure lunch. Come meet like-minded people, swap ideas, and see firsthand what makes our community worth joining. RSVP required @ join.theannarborclub.com; space is limited.
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FreeObserver Editor
U-M Center for Japanese Studies Noon Lecture Series
MoreSept 17 & 24. Talks by visiting scholars.
Sept. 17: “Gathering Fading Voices: Endangered Dialect Research in Japan Today.” A talk by Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology (Japan) informatics professor Joy Taniguchi.
Sept. 24: “Rivers and the Politics of Temporality in Ainu Mosir.” U-M postdoc Michael Ioannides discusses the crucial role that rivers play in the identity of the Indigenous Ainu people.
Noon–1:30 p.m., Weiser Hall (room TBA), 500 Church St. Free. (734) 764–6307.
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Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
MoreEvery Thurs. & Mon., except Sept. 7. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.) and non-sanctioned (Mon.). Noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9) & 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.
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Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
MoreEvery Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) and a 499er game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $9 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
Regent Candidate Forum: U-M Faculty Senate Office
MoreThe 2026 candidates for the U-M Board of Regents present their qualifications, articulate their vision for the University, and respond to questions. 4-5:30 p.m., University Hall, Alexander Ruthven Building, 1109 Geddes. Also available via livestream. Free. Preregistration required at facultysenate.umich.edu/regent-candidate-forum-2026.
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FreeObserver Editor
Wildlife-Friendly Homes Kickoff: Humane Society of Huron Valley
MoreFamily-friendly event for attendees to learn and practice simple ways to create habitats for wildlife at home. Leashed and socialized dogs welcome. 4–6 p.m., Olson Park Pavilion, 1515 Dhu Varren. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. Free, donations welcome.
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FreeObserver Editor
A2 Summer Streets Music Series: Main Street Area Association
MoreEvery Thurs.–Sun., June 4–Sept. 28. Local musicians TBA perform at several locations along Main St. downtown. Rain cancels. 4 p.m. Thurs.–Sun., S. Main between E. Washington & W. William. For the complete lineup, go to mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets.
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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.
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Observer Editor
“Clay Almanac”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Adult Art & Nature
MoreAdults invited to work with air-dry clay and natural materials, shaping them into a wall piece using a circular frame. No experience necessary; all materials provided. 5–7 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $5, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
“Gallery Night”
MoreShow and sale of art at Chris Nordin Studios, Cluster Museum, Gutman Gallery, WSG Gallery, and other local businesses, including TeaHaus, Thistle & Bess, and Found, all within walking distance of each other. Works are in all sorts of media by local artists, some of whom are on hand to answer questions, give short talks, and demonstrate techniques. Also, a group of Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra musicians performs chamber music (5–6:30 p.m.) at 230 N. Fourth Ave. in Sculpture Plaza. 5–8 p.m., 307 N. Main, 111 & 117 E. Ann, and 118, 204, 222, & 415 N. Fourth Ave. Free admission.
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Nightspots
Steff Kayser.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborFolk songs and originals by this singer-guitarist who recently moved to Ypsi from Arizona. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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FreeObserver Editor
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
MoreEvery 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.
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FreeObserver Editor
Touch Rugby: U-M Rugby Football Club
MoreEvery Tues. & Thurs. All invited to play a low-contact version of rugby. Beginners welcome. 6–7:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 1000 Canal St. Free. [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
Bad Decisions Track Club
MoreEvery 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.
