• Free
    Observer Editor

    Baroque Chamber Orchestra: U-M Music School

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    This music student ensemble performs a program of baroque works TBA on period and replica instruments. 7:30 p.m., U-M Moore Bldg., Britton Recital Hall, 1100 Baits. Free. (734) 764–0583.

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    “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

    “Come from Away”: U-M Musical Theatre Department

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    Oct. 8–11 & 14–18. Vincent Cardinal directs musical theater students in Irene Sankoff & David Hein’s award-winning 2017 upbeat musical set in the week following the September 11 attacks, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the world, were diverted to the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. Despite culture clashes and language barriers, the local people encourage the stranded travelers with music and an open bar, forming lifelong friendships, and even sparking romances. 7:30 p.m. (Wed. & Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (10 Sat. & Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. Tickets $34–$40 (students, $16) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764–0583.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Fly”: 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. 15: “The Fly” (David Cronenberg, 1986). Sci-fi horror film about a scientist whose body gets disastrously mixed up with a housefly in the teleporter he invented. Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis. 8 p.m.

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    “The Opera Ghost”: Penny Seats Theatre Company

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    October 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].

  • Nightspots

    Prior Art.: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    A mix of originals and 60s-90s rock covers by this local quintet.

  • Nightspots

    Downright Kris.: Ziggy’s

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    Ziggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Detroit-area hip-hop rapper.

  • Nightspots

    The Pherotones.: Last Word

    The Pherotones.
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    Last Word 301 W. Huron, Ann Arbor

    A wide range of jazz and jazzed-up popular music, from the 1920s to the present, by this all-star local quintet. With trumpeter Ross Huff, pianist Giancarlo Aversa, bassist Brennan Andes, violinist Jordan Adema, and drummer Wes Fritzemeier. 

     

  • Nightspots

    Open Mic.: Tap Room

    Open Mic.
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    Tap Room 201 W. Michigan, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    All musicians invited. Hosted by singer-guitarist Brian Brickley.

  • Nightspots

    The Toxhards.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All ages. Quirky L.A.–based alt-rock trio known for their catchy, hook-driven songs, complex arrangements, and theatrical live shows that include 8-foot-tall pig suits. Opener: Kate Cosentino, a Nashville-based pop-rock singer-songwriter. $23.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Men’s Basketball

    U-M Men’s Basketball
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    U-M Men’s Basketball vs. EMU. Exhibition game. The U-M plays another exhibition game this month against Oregon State (Oct. 16). Times TBA, Crisler Center. Tickets TBA at mgoblue.com in advance & at the gate. (734) 764–0247. 

  • 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Piano”: First Baptist Church Ad Libitum Concert Series

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    Visiting pianist Dr. John Mortensen performs improvisation in a variety of historic styles, including those of Bach, Couperin, Rameau, Royer, and Scarlatti. Noon–1 p.m., 517 E. Washington (handicap access on Washington entrance). Free. (734) 663–9376, fbca2.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Real-World Perspectives”: U-M Poverty Solutions Fall Speaker Series

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    Every Fri., except Oct. 9. Talks by scholars and social workers, followed by Q&A.

    Oct. 2: U-M professor of social work and public policy Kristin Seefeldt on “Lessons Learned from Designing and Evaluating Ann Arbor’s Guaranteed Income Pilot.”

    Oct. 16: Wayne State University social work professor Kess Ballentine on “Beyond Silos: An Inter-Institutional Framework for Understanding Poverty and Advancing Social Change.”

    Oct. 23: UCLA architecture professor Dana Cuff on “cityLAB’s Innovations for Affordable Housing.”

    Oct. 30: “Designing for Dignity: Strengthening Food Assistance Amid Policy Threats.” U-M public health professor Kate Bauer in conversation with Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan director Taylor Moore.

    Noon–1:30 p.m., School of Social Work, B780 (basement), 1080 South University. Also via livestream. Free. (734) 929–8027, [email protected], fordschool.umich.edu/events.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Ride Ahead”: U-M School of Education

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    (Dan & Samuel Habib, 2024). Directed by U-M alum and his son, this documentary film tells the story of disabled 21-year-old Samuel as he navigates questions about education, relationships, community, and what it means to live independently. 1-3 p.m., U-M School of Education Schorling Auditorium, 610 East University. Free. In person or online at wihd.org/special-events-at-wihd. Wheelchair accessible; ASL interpretation, live captioning and audio description available.

  • 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.