• Observer Editor

    “Time Passes: 8 Short Plays by Samuel Beckett”: U-M Theatre Department

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    Oct. 1–4 & 8–11. Malcolm Tulip directs drama students in short works by this celebrated Irish playwright known for his verbal play, visual precision, and political imagination. The plays, written between the late 1950s and the early 1980s, include Act Without Words II, Play, Come and Go, Footfalls, Rockaby, Catastrophe, What Where, and Quad. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin. Tickets $35 (students, $16) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764–0583.

  • Observer Editor

    “Videodrome”: 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. 8: “Videodrome” (David Cronenberg, 1983). Sci-fi horror film about the CEO of a small TV station who loses touch with reality as he searches for the source of a broadcast signal featuring extreme violence and torture. 8 p.m.

  • 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.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Birds & Brews: BrightWorks Coworking

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    3027 Miller Rd, Ann Arbor

    It’s Back! – Kick off your morning with freshly ground coffee and great conversation with fellow bird enthusiasts! We will start in our Julia Child’s Kitchen to fuel up and socialize before trekking out to explore the beautiful Botsford Preserve for an enchanting morning of fall bird watching. BYO-Binoculars.

    This event will be led by Bob Maddox of the Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance.

    https://brightworkscoworking.com/events/birds-brews-2/

    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

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
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    Every Fri.–Sun., Sept. 19–Nov. 1. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits to allow for routes of various lengths. Also, a U-Pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. On Sept. 27, Family Fun Day (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) features ice cream, balloon art, kids activities, and live music from the Saline Fiddlers. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), & 5–9 p.m. (Fri.), 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.

  • Community Listing

    Pickleball Mixer: The Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan Fundraiser

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    235 Metty Dr., Ann Arbor

    Serve, Connect, & Unwind

    This casual gathering brings supporters of The Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan together on the court at Wolverine Pickleball in Ann Arbor to build community and have fun while backing our counseling, support groups, and financial education programs.

    Your participation helps remove financial barriers, ensuring that individuals with Medicaid or no insurance can receive the compassionate, high-quality care and support they deserve.

    Your Ticket Includes:

    Pickleball Play For All Skill Levels: Join a Learn-to-Play session, or show off your skills on the indoor open pickleball courts!

    Pro Play Challenge: Think you’ve got what it takes? Hit the Challenge Court for a chance to face off against a pickleball pro or local VIP.

    Courtside Cravings: Enjoy chef-crafted hors d’oeuvres from The Den, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

    Dink and Drink: Enjoy two drinks (tap wall wristband for craft beer, wine, or cocktails), as well as an open cash bar. Unlimited soda and water is available for all participants.

    Outdoor Games: Step out to the patio for some more laid-back fun with beach volleyball, bocce ball and cornhole, or relax with friends under the covered patio or by a fire pit. Something for everyone!

    Trivia and Prizes: Test your knowledge with the trivia host and win awesome prizes. Assemble your team of friends.

    Raffle Baskets: Buy tickets for your chance to win gifts and experiences from local businesses. Good luck!

    Community Connection: Connect with fellow professionals and supporters of the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan. Come to build meaningful relationships while rallying around a great cause.

    https://www.womenscentersemi.org

    $100
  • Nightspots

    Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle

    Rick Burgess Trio.
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    Earle 121 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Jazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.

     

  • 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Time Passes: 8 Short Plays by Samuel Beckett”: U-M Theatre Department

    More

    Oct. 1–4 & 8–11. Malcolm Tulip directs drama students in short works by this celebrated Irish playwright known for his verbal play, visual precision, and political imagination. The plays, written between the late 1950s and the early 1980s, include Act Without Words II, Play, Come and Go, Footfalls, Rockaby, Catastrophe, What Where, and Quad. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin. Tickets $35 (students, $16) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764–0583.

  • Observer Editor

    “[REC]”: State Theatre

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    Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

    Oct. 9: “[REC]” (Jaume Balagueró & Paco Plaza, 2007). In this Spanish found footage horror film, a TV crew follows emergency workers into an apartment building and are locked inside with something terrifying. Spanish, subtitles. 11:59 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Washtenaw Conserved Farm Tour”: Washtenaw County Conservation Collective

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    All invited to tour 2 neighboring 6th-generation farms to learn about their poultry and conventional crop operations. Also, the chance to take a hike through landscapes otherwise unavailable to the public and view ecosystems that are becoming rare, including a prairie fen and tamarack swamp. Light snacks & refreshments provided. Bring a water bottle and wear sturdy shoes. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Sylvan & Sharon Township locations disclosed on preregistration at washtenawcd.org/events. Free.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Amateur Radio License One Day Training: ARROW/UM Amateur Radio Club

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    EECS Building, 1301 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI

    In a single day, including six hours of instruction, Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, will teach you everything you need to know to pass the Technician Class amateur radio license exam. ARROW members will administer the test immediately after the class. The text for the class is the No Nonsense Technician Class License Study Guide, which is free from https://kb6nu.com/study-guides.

    https://kb6nu.com/next-tech-class

    $20
  • Community Listing

    Ann Arbor Ski & Snowboard Swap: Sun & Snow

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    300 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor

    Sun & Snow’s Midwest Swap Tour kicks off in Ann Arbor with a free public ski and snowboard swap. Shop skis, snowboards, boots, bindings and junior equipment, with experienced ski and snowboard shop staff available to help with sizing, fit and equipment selection.

    Sellers set their own price and keep 75% when an item sells.

    Walk-ins welcome; optional QuickPass available online. Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

    https://www.sunandsnow.com/service/ann-arbor-ski-snowboard-swap-october-2026/

    Free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Firearms Into Art” Gun Buyback: Saint Aidan’s Episcopal Church

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    Church members offer gift cards of $50-$300 for unwanted long guns, pistols, assault rifles, and hand guns, which are turned into art on the spot by sculptors from the Detroit nonprofit Disarmory Ministries Community. Refreshments and live music TBA. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 1679 Broadway. Free. staidan.org

  • Observer Editor

    “A2 Artoberfest”: Guild of Artists & Artisans

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    Oct. 10 & 11. Juried art fair featuring works by about 100 regional artists, ranging from paintings and jewelry to ceramics and fiber. Also, demos by popular local street chalk artist David Zinn (11 a.m.–1 p.m., both days), and family-friendly art-making activities. Live music TBA. Snacks & drinks available for purchase. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sun.), Main between Washington & William. Free admission. a2artoberfest.org.