Events
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Nightspots
Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborLocal 10-piece big band led by tubaist Chris Smith that specializes in the old-time big band music of the late 1920s and early 1930s associated with Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver.
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Observer Editor
“Adore Him: He Is Here”: 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).
Oct. 4–8: “Adore Him: He Is Here” (Don Johnson, 2026). Religious docudrama about Eucharistic adoration. 4:30 p.m. (Sun. only) & 6 p.m. Cinemark only.
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Observer Editor
“The Last Picture Shows”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm 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. 4: “The Last Picture Shows” (Rustin Thompson, 2026). The filmmaker travels through the American West in search of what was once the center of small-town life: the movie theater. 6 p.m.
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FreeObserver Editor
Ann Arbor Morris
MoreEvery Sun., except Oct. 11. (See My Town, pg. 29.) All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish morisca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Free. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
“Sip & Solve Sundays”: Washtenaw Literacy
MoreFast-paced hangman-type word puzzle play in a pub quiz format on the first Sunday of every month. Bring your own team or get matched up. All proceeds fund adult literacy. 6–8 p.m., 734 Brewing, 15 E. Cross, Ypsi. $10/person at the door. washtenawliteracy.org.
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Nightspots
The Now Trio.: Blue LLama
MoreBlue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann ArborDetroit ensemble that plays standards and originals, along with lesser-known arrangements by prolific composers. With pianist Ben Maloney, bassist Jeff Pedraz, and drummer Travis Aukerman.
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Observer Editor
“Extra Credit”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreThree 10-minute academic lectures by U-M researchers on topics TBA, each followed by a 10-minute improv comedy set on the topic by experienced improvisers. 6:30–7:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
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Observer Editor
“Twin Peaks Season 2: Episodes 8 & 9”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm 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. 4: “Twin Peaks Season 2: Episodes 8 & 9” (David Lynch, 1990). Screenings of the most highly rated episodes of season 2 of this surreal prime-time television show continue, as idiosyncratic FBI agent Dale Cooper deepens his investigation of the murder of high school student Laura Palmer. 7 p.m.
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Observer Editor
“The Opera Ghost”: Penny Seats Theatre Company
MoreOctober 2–17. Brandy Joe Plambeck directs local actors in Joseph Zettelmaier’s new gothic drama. Deep beneath the famed Palais Garnier Opera House, a mysterious masked man recalls the events of his ghoulish life, which is nearing its end. Adult topics. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 7 p.m. (Sun.). Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (students, $20; seniors, $25), in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 926–5346, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M
MoreEvery Sun. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including foxtrots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 6 p.m. by beginning lessons and practice. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Union Ballroom. $5 ($10 includes lessons). (734) 763–6984.
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FreeObserver Editor
Traditional Irish Session: Conor O’Neill’s
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to join or listen to an instrumental jam session. 7–9 p.m., 318 S. Main. Free. (734) 665–2968.
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Observer Editor
“Night Terrors”: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun. A haunted hayride, a ghostly mental asylum, and three more scary attractions, all bristling with scores of costumed monsters. Refreshments available from the Wiard’s Country Store. Recommended for ages 12 & up. 7:15–11:30 p.m., 5565 Merritt, Ypsi. Tickets $36–$65 in advance only at hauntedhousemichigan.com. (734) 390–9212.
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Observer Editor
“Donnie Darko”: 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).
Oct. 2–4: “Donnie Darko” (Richard Kelly, 2001). Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this dark, original, and somewhat incoherent psychological sci-fi thriller about a hallucinating teen. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore. 7:30 p.m. Cinemark only.
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Nightspots
Lindsay Lou.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborMichigan-bred, Nashville-based Americana singer-songwriter best known locally as the frontwoman of the former Michigan bluegrass band The Flatbellys. Rolling Stone calls her “an artist who has been deftly weaving bluegrass into ethereal, indie-folk explorations.” $29.
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Nightspots
Jazz Jam Session.: Ann Arbor Funhouse
MoreAnn Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann ArborJazz ensemble led by veteran local drummer Pete Siers and saxophonist Kenji Lee (see Blue Llama).
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Observer Editor
AI and Mental Health Conference 2026: U-M Institute for Data & AI in Society
MoreA day of panel discussions, talks, and interactive discussions open to anyone interested in the future of AI and mental health. Speakers include American Psychological Association senior director of health care innovation Vaile Wright, Slingshot AI head of research Caitlin Stamatis, and others TBA. Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom, 530 S State St. Free; preregistration required at midas.umich.edu/events/aimh-conference-2026.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Independence Lake Gravel Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Mon. Slow/moderate-paced 23-mile ride to Independence Lake on mostly dirt roads. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Old St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free. (412) 302–9960.
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FreeObserver Editor
AI and Mental Health Conference 2026: U-M Institute for Data & AI in Society
MoreThe public is welcome to attend all or part of this day of panels, talks, and interactive discussions open to anyone interested in the future of AI and mental health. Speakers include American Psychological Association senior director of health care innovation Vaile Wright, Slingshot AI head of research Caitlin Stamatis, and others TBA. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom, 530 S. State. Free; preregistration required at midas.umich.edu/events/aimh-conference-2026.
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FreeObserver Editor
Weekly Rehearsal: Washtenaw Women’s Community Chorus
MoreEvery Mon. All invited to join this independent local women’s chorus to sing an eclectic program, including classical, folk, Broadway, pop, and jazz. Joshua Marzan directs. 9:30–11:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, rear ground level, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. Free to visitors ($175 per semester for those who join; partial scholarships available). [email protected].
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Nightspots
Hard Candy.: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater.
MoreHear.Say Brewing + Theater. 2350 W. Liberty.Chelsea rock band, led by Spark vocalist Robin Grant, that covers lesser-known bands and deep cuts, along with some familiar hits.
