• Free
    Observer Editor

    “From Grain to Griddle: Outdoor Cooking”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

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    Oct. 9, 24, & 28. All invited to learn about 19th-century food preparation and to try their hand at grinding different grains and cooking over a fire (bring your own lunch ingredients to grill). 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Parker Mill County Park, log cabin, 4650 Geddes. Free. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Community Listing

    SCRAP Creative Reuse: Mending Clinic

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    4567 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA, Ann Arbor

    Mending Clinic & Workshop:

    Unleash your creativity as you learn new skills AND use what you have! Prevent waste and give a well-loved item a second chance.

    Don’t have anything to mend? Enhance your items with hand stitching as you craft in community. Suggested donation of $5

    What’s Included:

    All necessary materials and tools are provided.

    No prior experience? No problem! Our instructor will guide you through every step, ensuring you learn the techniques and tool handling with ease. From a simple patch to a cute embroidery design, come with whatever sewing experience you have, and we can make it work!

    Join Us: Let’s fix it! Book now, as spots are limited. This workshop is appropriate for ages 10+ with an adult joining

    https://annarbor.scrapcreativereuse.org/Events

    Free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “How Wonderful a Good Map Is: How I Came to Chart the Wolverine”: U-M Library

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    Artist Elaine S. Wilson describes her ongoing project that depicts a ride on Amtrak’s Wolverine train from Ann Arbor to Chicago through over 240 watercolor scenes and 31 aerial-view illustrated maps. 4–5:30 p.m., Hatcher Library, 2nd fl., enter from the Diag. Free. (734) 936–2309.

  • 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

    “Wonder Walk: Fall Color Focus”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens

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    Mattaei staff members leads a trail walk to discuss the species of trees and shrubs that change color, followed by creation of a color collage using leaves. 5–6:30 p.m. Matthaei lobby, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. (734) 647–7600, mbgna.umich.edu/events.

  • Observer Editor

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub

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    Every Wed. Food- and agriculture-related discussions and demos. Oct. 7: “Lacto-Fermented Hot Sauce.” Fermentation enthusiast Louis Daher demonstrates how to turn hot peppers and mango into hot sauce. Oct. 14: “Heirloom Corn.” Local farmer Ben Monroe gives a farm-to-table portrait of this traditional crop. Oct. 21: “Washtenaw Tool Bank Collective.” Washtenaw County Conservation District representative Doug Reith discusses which tools are best suited for different projects, and how to use them. Oct. 28: “Fresh-Hopped Wild Rice Ale.” Rachel Kanaan and Mason Shipe of Jupiter Fen Kombucha Club show how to brew this seasonal beer. $22. 6–7 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free, except Oct. 28. Preregistration required for all events at tinyurl.com/a2-foodhub. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “America at 250: History, Memory, and Truth”: U-M Institute for the Humanities

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    Smithsonian Institution secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, author of the 2019 book A Fool’s Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama, and Trump, discusses how museums play a crucial role in helping Americans understand the nation’s complex past. Last month, in the wake of mounting scrutiny from the Trump administration, Bunch announced that he will be stepping down from the Smithsonian at the end of the year. Followed by Q&A and signing. 6–8 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Free. Preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/UMAmerica-at-250. (734) 936–3518.

  • 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.