• Observer Editor

    “Mah-jongg Tournament”: AAUW-Ann Arbor

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    Mah-jongg tournament using the simplified rules developed by Stuart Baggaley; it is not the familiar American style of this Chinese game. Prizes, silent auction. Proceeds benefit the EMU STEM Digital Divas project. 1–4:30 p.m., Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $25. Preregistration required by Oct. 20 by sending checks payable to AAUW Ann Arbor to 7238 Eaton, Dexter, 48130. annarbor-mi.aauw.net. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Tisa Bryant: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series

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    Reading by this essayist best known for Unexplained Presence, her 2007 collection of essays on Black presences in film, literature, and visual art. Her essays focus on themes of race, gender, and LGBT issues in art. Also, tomorrow Bryant gives a free craft lecture (10–11 a.m., Michigan League, Henderson Rm.). 5:30–6:30 p.m., UMMA, Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State. Free. [email protected].

  • Nightspots

    Jim Cherewick.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Versatile veteran local postpunk rock ’n’ roll singer-songwriter. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Protocol”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series

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    Berlin-based artist composer Holly Herndon discusses her work and career. Her music is primarily computer-based, using a visual programming language to create custom instruments and vocal processes. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671, stamps.umich.edu.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

    Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
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    Oct. 1, 8, 15, & 22 (different times). All invited to work on their own projects using the library’s tools, including silhouette cutting machines, die cutters, embossers, and button makers (Oct. 1); 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (Oct. 8); sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (Oct. 15); and soldering equipment and electronic components (Oct. 22). 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Oct. 1, 15, & 22) & 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Oct. 8), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Bad Decisions Track Club

    Bad Decisions Track Club
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    Every 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.   

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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    Every 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.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Hub New Music: Ann Arbor District Library

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    This acclaimed Boston-based string and winds quartet performs the world premiere Systems of Similitude, a new work by Philadelphia composer Elijah Daniel Smith that draws inspiration from the literary dystopias of Lois Lowry, Aldous Huxley, Ray Bradbury, and George Orwell. Also, works by contemporary composers Julius Eastman, Angélica Negrón, and Daniel Thomas Davis that similarly comment on the dystopian nature of modern America. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.   

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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    Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Supreme Court’s Biggest Decisions 2025–26”: American Constitution Society MI Chapter

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    U-M law professor Leah Litman (and Strict Scrutiny podcast host), author of Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes, discusses the past term’s decisions. Free pizza at 5:40 p.m. 6–8 p.m., U-M Law School, 0225 Jeffries Hall, 701 S. State. Free. Preregistration required at getinvolved.acslaw.org/component/events/event/1751.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fangs & Venom”: U-M Museum of Natural History Science Café

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    Presentation by U-M life sciences professor Matt Holding and EMU biology professor Cara Shillington, an arachnid and arthropod specialist. Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. Note location change this month. 6–7:30 p.m., Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free; drink purchases encouraged. Seating limited, so come early. (734) 764–0478.