• Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival: Small + Indie Press (Ann Arbor District Library)

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    A day of talks by notable small press comic artists, including Vermont-based cartoonist Noah Van Sciver (11:30 a.m.), L.A.-based cartoonist Katie Skelly (3 p.m.), and National Book Award–winning cartoonist Nate Powell (3 p.m.). Signings. Also, exhibits of work by dozens of other comic artists; for a complete list see aadl.org/a2cafsip. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every Wed.–Sun. 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 & donuts available. Also, on Oct. 3 & 4, local artisans & crafters sell their items at the Craft Show Weekend, and on Oct. 24, young entrepreneurs sell homemade items at the Kids Market (noon–4 p.m.). 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.

  • Community Listing

    Taste of Greece Gyro Fundraiser: AHEPA

    Taste of Greece Gyro Fundraiser: AHEPA
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    “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

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
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    Every Fri.–Sun. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits. Also, a u-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. The corn maze is illuminated and guests get a free glow stick on Glow Maze Nights (Oct. 9, 16, & 23, 5–9 p.m.). On All You Can Carry Pumpkin Day (Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.), for $10 you can purchase all the pumpkins you can successfully stack and carry down the lane. On Pumpkin Smash Day (Oct. 30, 5–9 p.m.), each guest receives a free pumpkin to smash, which is then composted or fed to the farm’s animals. Costumes encouraged for the Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 31, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.). 5–9 p.m (Fri.), 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.). 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.

  • Observer Editor

    “MOOnster Mash”: Barn Sanctuary

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    An afternoon of Halloween-themed activities at this local farmed animal sanctuary. Includes a costume contest, face painting, trick-or-treating, and a chance to meet various animals, including a potbellied pig and goats. Also, plant-based food and desserts. No dogs allowed. Noon–4 p.m., 20179 McKernan, Chelsea. Tickets $25 (kids, $10; 2 & under, free) in advance at barnsanctuary.org. (734) 270–6845.

  • Observer Editor

    “Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy

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    Fri. Oct. 2 & 16 and every Sat. & Sun. (See review) During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some animals that live in the rainforest, including a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, an iguana, and a red-footed tortoise at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, and an iguana at 1 & 4 p.m., and a red-footed tortoise at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) and noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Walking Tours: U-M Detroit Observatory

    Walking Tours: U-M Detroit Observatory
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    Oct. 3, 10, 17, 23, & 30. Student docents lead walks to historically rich areas of the U-M campus.

    Oct. 3 (1–2:30 p.m) & Oct. 23 (4–5:30 p.m.): “Key Moments in U-M’s Early History.” A tour of the original 40-acre campus and stories of U-M’s history in the early 1800s.

    Oct. 10 (1–2:30 p.m.): “Invisible to Indispensable: Black Legacies.” Focuses on the legacy of Black students and academics and the social movements they led on campus.

    Oct. 17 (1–2:30 p.m.): “The Origins of the Law Quadrangle.” A visit to the law school campus, with discussion of its architecture and important historical moments.

    Oct. 23 (6–7:30 p.m.): “Paths of Protest: Stories of Campus Activism.” Visits to places on campus that were sites of important protests.

    Oct. 30 (4–5:30 p.m.): “Forest Hill Cemetery.” A trek to the final resting place of numerous figures from U-M history.

    Various times & locations. Free, preregistration required at detroitobservatory.umich.edu. (734) 763–2230.

  • Observer Editor

    “Così fan tutte”: Fathom Entertainment

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    (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.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Softball

    U-M Softball
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    Game vs. Toledo. This month’s home schedule includes a double-header vs. Detroit Mercy (Oct. 3, 1  & 3:30 p.m.), and single games against Bowling Green (Oct. 9, 5 p.m., free). 6 p.m., Alumni Field, 1114 S. State. Tickets $8–$25 at mgoblue.com/tickets & at the gate. (734) 764–0247.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

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    Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. T. Rex (noon) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence); The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own; and Tales of the Maya Skies (2 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Community Clothing & Costume Swap: Argus Farm Stop

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    All invited to exchange clean, gently used clothing items for all ages, as well as family-friendly Halloween costumes and accessories. 1–4 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free. argusfarmstop.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Native Beadwork Necklace Workshop: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and kids age 5 & up invited to learn basic beading techniques, then make a necklace to take home. Led by Saginaw Chippewa instructor Ellie Mitchell. (See 2 Friday listing). 2–3 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Collaborative Concert: Dexter Community Orchestra

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    This volunteer ensemble joins forces with the Skyline and Saline high school orchestras for a performance of music TBA. 3–4 p.m., Saline High School, 1300 Campus Pkwy., Saline. Free. dextercommunityorchestra.org.

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Barbara Forever”: Michigan Theater

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    Film 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.