Events
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Free
Observer Editor
U-M Clements Library Tour
MoreOct. 16 & 23. Hour-long docent-led tour of the library’s early American history collection, along with a chance to view a new exhibit, Who Counts? A History of Voting in America, a display of ballot boxes, campaign pins, preprinted party tickets, banners, and other electioneering ephemera. 4 p.m. (Oct. 16 & 23) and 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. (Oct. 23), 909 South University. Free, preregistration required at clements.umich.edu. (734) 649–3370.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Fix-It Friday”: Maker Works
MoreAll invited to bring anything that needs fixing—chairs, sweaters, radios, whatever. Maker Works members and staff on hand help with repairs. Handy people invited to assist. Repairs not guaranteed. Also, toy adaptations to make off-the-shelf toys more accessible for people with disabilities. 4–6 p.m., 3765 Plaza Dr. Free. Preregistration required at maker-works.com/fixitfriday. (734) 222–4911.
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Nightspots
Jim Eddy.: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiDexter Celtic roots singer-songwriter & guitarist. 4:30–6:30 p.m.
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Community Listing
Friday Night Music at Lake Forest Golf Club with Shaun Garth Walker: Lake Forest Golf Club
More3110 West Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor
🍂 Friday Nights Are Getting Cozy at Lake Forest! 🔥🎶
Join us Friday, October 16th for an evening of live music, great food, and all the things we love about fall at Lake Forest.
🎸 Shaun Garth Walker – a local blues-oriented singer-guitarist with an eclectic, wide-ranging repertoire
Come early for Happy Hour from 3–5 PM, then settle in for the evening. Grab a blanket, gather around the fire tables, enjoy the gardens and games, and relax with friends and family !
And come hungry! Chef Blake’s new Fall Menu is here, along with Friday’s special: Take a look at the menu at www.ellsworthannarbor.com
🔥 Fire tables & cozy blankets – in our enclosed pergola!
🎲 Lawn Games for kids & adults
🍁 Gardens & fall views
🍸 Happy Hour 3–5 PM
🎶 Live music at 5 PM
🍽️ New Fall MenuGood music. Great food. Cozy fall nights.
That’s Friday at Lake Forest.Open to everyone — bring your friends, bring the family, and make a night of it!
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Observer Editor
Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
MoreEvery 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.
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Community ListingFree
Poetry Trail: Michelle Smolarski
MoreBluffs Nature Area, 1279 N Main St., Ann Arbor MI 48103
My poems will be found going down the trail straight ahead on red hearts written in calligraphy. Be careful to not step on any! They could be above, to the right, to the left, maybe even down below you. Enjoy your hike!
I will dance at different times around the clock. And have my poetry books for sale. Come enjoy nature and the arts and support a local artist!
Oct 16th-18th 5-9pm call me to reserve a spot at 734-274-3623 at Bluffs Nature Area.Free -
Nightspots
Jaded Ravins.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborSoulful Americana & rock couple based out of a van. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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Free
Observer Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
Super Guitar Bros.: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreThis area duo plays a set of acoustic guitar covers of video game tunes. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Community Listing
Drop-in Line Dancing: Pittsfield Recreation Center
More701 W. Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor
Enjoy Drop-In Line Dancing, Friday, October 16, 2026, 6pm-7:30pm at the Pittsfield Recreation Center, SW corner of Ellsworth and S. State St, Ann Arbor. Adults and children (eight & up, if accompanied by parent or grandparent) are invited! Wear comfortable clothes, soft-soled shoes or boots. Learn three or more “absolute” beginner, line dances. The price is $7 if pre-registered at: www.recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov or $10 at door.
$7 – $10 -
Free
Observer Editor
“Hidden History: Mid-Century Modern Architecture in Grosse Pointe”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreArt historian Dr. Deborah Lubera Kawsky discusses buildings designed by Marcel Breuer, Alexander Girard, William Kessler, Paul Rudolph, Minoru Yamasaki, and others. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Observer Editor
“Self-Guided Lantern Lit Trail”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
MoreSelf-guided hike along about a mile of lantern-lit trail through the woods, followed by a campfire and treats. Dog walkers welcome. 6–8:30 p.m. (check in by 7:30 p.m.), Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi. $15 per household (up to 4 people), plus $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. Preregistration (1/household) required at washtenaw.org/registerparks; #RH721311.
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Observer Editor
D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery Fri. All invited to play the current official campaign of the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game, using 5th-edition rules. Kids under 13 must have adult accompaniment. 6–10 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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Observer Editor
Candlelight Concerts: Kalkaska String Quartet
MoreThis Detroit-based ensemble presents 2 candlelight concerts tonight: “A Tribute to Coldplay and Imagine Dragons” (6:30 p.m.) features instrumental arrangements of music by these 2 early 21st-century rock bands, and “A Tribute to Michael Jackson” (8:45 p.m.) highlights instrumental arrangements of the pop superstar’s bestselling songs. Age 8 & up. 6:30 & 8:45 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. $29–$60 per show. Preregistration required at feverup.com/en/ann-arbor/candlelight.
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Observer Editor
“Euchre Change a Life!”
MoreOct. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30. Five-game euchre tournament. Sign up with a partner or get paired with one by the organizers. Prizes. Food & beverages available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Haitian children via Haitian Christian Outreach. 6:30–9 p.m., HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plz. $15 (HOMES members, $10). [email protected], tinyurl.com/a2euchrechange.
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Nightspots
Jive Colossus.: Live
MoreLive 102 S. First St., Ann ArborLocal 9-piece ensemble with a killer horn section that plays Afro-Caribbean, funk, rock, and blues dance music.
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Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG. Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Booster Draft.” Players take turns opening booster packs to create a 40 card deck. $25. Various times & prices, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
Annual CDL Song Fest 2026: Chelsea District Library
MoreThis annual event is highlighted by a performance by 2-time Grammy nominee Chris Collingwood (8–9:30 p.m.), lead vocalist and founding member of 90s and early 2000s power pop band Fountains of Wayne, whose songwriting is known for its sharp storytelling, memorable hooks, and heartfelt lyrics. His new band, Look Park, released its eponymous debut album in 2016; it received wide critical acclaim and was called “one of the best rock albums of the year” by Salon. Tonight Collingwood is joined by fiddler and vocalist Gina Romantini. Preceded at 7:30 p.m. by an interview with Collingwood about his career, influences, and craft by WEMU FM The Song Break host John Bommarito. Also, a Teen Showcase performance (6:45–7:15 p.m.) by 2 local teen bands TBA. 6:45–9:30 p.m., Robin Hills Farm pasture barn, 20390 M-52, Chelsea. Free. (734) 475–8732, chelseadistrictlibrary.org/songfest.
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Observer Editor
“Sister Act”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
MoreThurs.–Sun., Oct. 8–18. This local professional company performs Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, Glenn Slater, and Alan Menken’s musical based on the 1992 comedy film that starred Whoopi Goldberg as a Reno lounge singer who’s put under protective custody in a convent. The score draws on Motown, soul, funk, and disco. 7 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) and 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $39–$67 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreFri. 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.
