Events
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Observer Editor
“Comedy On Tap”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreSets by area stand-up comics. 7:30–8:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $10 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $13 (if available) at the door.
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FreeObserver Editor
Grad Student Dance Concerts: U-M Dance Department
MoreSept. 15, 18, & 19. Second-year dance grad students Olga Rabetskaya (Sept. 15) and Lauren Blair Smith (Sept. 18 & 19) perform their original choreography. 7:30 p.m., Dance Performance Studio, 1000 Baits. Free. Limited capacity; arrive early. (734) 764–0583.
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Observer Editor
The Moth StorySlam: U-M Michigan Public
MoreOpen mic storytelling competition sponsored by the Moth, the NYC-based nonprofit storytelling organization. Ten storytellers are selected at random from among those who sign up to tell a 3- to 5-minute story on the theme “Divas.” Stories are judged by 3 people recruited from the audience. Winners compete in a semiannual GrandSlam. Seating limited; arrive early. 7:30–9 p.m. (doors open & sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m.), the Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. Tickets $15 general admission in advance only at themoth.org beginning 3 weeks before event. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Beth Hart: Live Nation
MoreGrammy-nominated veteran blues-rock singer-songwriter from L.A., known for her emotionally intense lyrics and authentic stage presence. Her 2024 album, You Still Got Me, showcases her powerhouse voice and her musical versatility, seamlessly incorporating jazz, blues, rock, gospel, and roots music. Opening: Ty Taylor, lead singer of L.A. soul rock band Vintage Trouble. 8 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $58–$233 in advance at ticketmaster.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 662–0600.
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Nightspots
Bill Edwards.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborVeteran local country singer-songwriter whose songs have been covered by the likes of Lee Roy Parnell and T. Graham Brown. His collaboration with former Ann Arborite Whit Hill, “What’d I Do,” was featured in the HBO series True Blood. Tonight he is joined by local fiddler Grant Flick, mandolin virtuoso Jason Dennie, and bassist John Holkeboer to celebrate the release of his brand-new album Enough About Me. Opener: Kathy Wieland, a local singer-songwriter known for her lighthearted and humorous songs. $29.
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Nightspots
Big Top Swing.: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiA new Detroit-area instrumental ensemble that plays fresh interpretations of vintage swing from the 30s & 40s.
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FreeObserver Editor
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
MoreEvery Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Dozer Coffee (7 a.m. Tues. & 8 a.m. Sun.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022 & Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses (sight, hearing, and smell) to experience the world as if they were a snake. No live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun., Sept. 12–Nov. 21; and Wed.–Fri., Sept. 16–Oct. 30. 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 and donuts available. Also, on Sept. 12 & 13, the season opens with a food truck rally, and on Sept. 19 & 20, view classic cars at the Fall Car & Jeep Show. 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.
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FreeObserver Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.). Free. [email protected].
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Community Listing
The Jackson County Tower Building: Exploring a Kahn Landmark: Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation
More120 W. Michigan Ave, Jackson
Dear Deputy Editor Brooke Black and Media Director:
Congratulations on your new responsibilities with the Ann Arbor Observer. I am so pleased that the Observer will continue. I am writing to inform you of an Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation (AKLF) event to be held in Jackson to celebrate the Jackson County Tower Ballroom, designed by Albert Kahn in 1929 .
My sister and I stumbled on this building in the heart of Jackson while they were working on the restoration of the “classic Albert Kahn ” ceiling . Now, as a board member of AKLF, I want to celebrate what Jackson County did to bring the old bank back to life as a ball room .
Ann Arborites will recognize some of the classic Albert Kahn architectural details that they see at Hill Auditorium, Angell Hall, and Clements Library.Please consider sharing this with the Ann Arbor Observer readers.
Thanks,
Carol Rose Kahn
Manchester
Albert and Ernestine Kahn’s grand-daughter
Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation Board MemberThis is a rare opportunity to enter the space that is now a setting for receptions and private events.
https://albertkahnlegacy.org/events/jacksoncountytowerbuilding/
The Manchester Mirror — “Explore an Albert Kahn Landmark, the Jackson County Tower Building”
https://themanchestermirror.com/2026/06/29/explore-an-albert-kahn-landmark-the-jackson-county-tower-building/$35.00 -
Observer Editor
MI Postcards for Patriots
MoreSept. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30. All invited to drop-in to volunteer to help turn out the vote for the November 2026 election by writing postcards and other activities. 1–3 p.m., York Food & Drink, 1928 Packard. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. [email protected], equalityingov.org.
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Community ListingFree
“Come As You Are” Memory Café: Dementia Friendly Services (co-sponsored by AARP)
MoreFirst Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor MI
Memory Cafés are comfortable social gatherings in dementia friendly venues that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize, and build new support networks. Cafés are free and all are welcome. Co-sponsored by AARP Michigan.
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Observer Editor
Just Between Friends Sale
MoreSept. 16–19. Semi-annual consignment sale, eagerly anticipated by parents of young children, offering a chance to buy & sell used maternity items, baby & children’s clothes, toys, and baby gear. Prices drop Sat. at 2 p.m. Doors shut 30 minutes before closing. 3–9 p.m. (Wed., tickets required), noon–9 p.m. (Thurs.), 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Fri.), and 9–11 a.m. & 2–7 p.m. (Sat.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free if reserved online, $3 at the door; $5–$25 early access. For preregistration, discounts, and to sell items, go to annarbor.jbfsale.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
U-M Center for Emerging Democracies Lectures
MoreSept. 9 & 16. Talks & panel discussions by visiting scholars. Sept. 9: The State and the Soldier: A History of Civil-Military Relations in the United States. American Enterprise Institute fellow Kori Schake discusses her new book. Sept. 16: “Democracy Against Workers?” A panel discussion with Vanderbilt University political science professor Noam Lupu, Duke University public policy professor Nicholas Carnes, and George Washington University political science professor Adam Dean. 4–6 p.m., Michigan Union, Kuenzel Rm. Free. (734) 764–0351.
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FreeObserver Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery Mon.–Thurs. (except Sept. 7). The 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. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Button Lab”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreA chance for adults and kids age 12 & up to make fun buttons using AADL 1.25-inch or 2.25-inch button makers. Participants may bring or draw their own pictures, or use images from the AADL collection of old magazines. 5–6 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
Ypsi Fine Arts Club: Riverside Arts Center
MoreSept. 2 & 16. All invited to this creative gathering where artists show 1 or 2 pieces of their work, some of which may be for sale. Participation not required. 5–6:30 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. (734) 480–2787, riversidearts.org/events.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Cue the Bard: How Shakespeare Can Help Us Write Genre Fiction”: U-M English Department Biannual Hodgdon Lecture
MoreTalk by retired University of North Carolina theater professor and noted Shakespeare scholar Andrew James Hartley. 5–6 p.m., 3222 Angell Hall, 435 S. State. Free. (734) 764–6330. Also via Zoom at: https://umich.zoom.us/j/94855974341?pwd=V3h7bTe3A33Il81JzpidHQGUxEiadv.1
Webinar ID: 948 5597 4341
Password: 916500
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FreeObserver Editor
Board Game Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
MoreEvery Wed. All invited to play popular board games. Use provided games or bring your own. 5–10 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
