Events
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FreeObserver Editor
“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Sun. Thirty-minute tour that uses the museum’s specimens to tell the story of prehistoric whales and dolphins, who had 4 limbs and walked on land. 1:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
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FreeObserver Editor
U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler
MoreEvery Sat., except Oct. 3 (different times). Hour-long docent-led tours exploring “Magic in the Ancient World” (Oct. 10, 11:15 a.m.), “Egyptian Gods and Animals” (Oct. 10, 2 p.m.), “Egypt 101” (Oct. 17, 11:15 a.m.), “Spooky, Weird, and Magical: Halloween with the Kelsey” (Oct. 24, 2 p.m.), and “Dangers Lurking Around Every Corner” (Oct. 31, 2 p.m.), a look at artifacts that people in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Rome believed could help protect them from various diseases and dangers. Various times, 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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Observer Editor
Halloween Concert: U-M School of Music
MoreA rowdy affair, this annual tradition features the University Symphony Orchestra and the University Philharmonia Orchestra hamming it up in costume while performing such ghoulish works as Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre or Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain. A large portion of the audience comes in costume. Note: Tickets usually sell out well in advance. 2 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $11–$25 in advance at the Michigan League & tickets.smtd.umich.edu, & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.
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Observer Editor
Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
MoreOct. 6, 10, 17, 24, & 31. All age 16 & up invited to learn about and participate in improv games in a fun, relaxed, and judgment-free setting. No experience necessary. The Oct. 17 meeting is followed by an hour-long skills session discussing and practicing a specific improv skill. 7–9 p.m. (Tues.) & 2–4 p.m. (Sat.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $8 (Oct. 17, $15) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv or in cash at the door.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Marvelous Magnets”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun., except Oct. 3 & 4. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for age 5 & up that explores magnetism, magnetic fields, and what they have to do with everyday life. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
“Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery 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.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Goodbye Politicians, Hello Democracy”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreOccasional free screenings in the Downtown branch lower level program rm., and other locations as noted. (734) 327–4200.
Oct. 31: “Goodbye Politicians, Hello Democracy” (Adam Cronkright, 2026). Feature-length documentary that follows 30 Michiganders who were chosen by lottery in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic to form a citizen assembly and attempt to agree on a public health response. Followed by discussion. Sponsored by the Braver Angels of Washtenaw County. 3 p.m.
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FreeObserver Editor
Letterpress Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreOct. 9, 14, 23, & 31 (different times). A chance for adults to learn the basics of printing with movable type. 5–7 p.m. (Oct. 9, 14 & 23) and 3–5 p.m. (Oct. 31), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
Know Obstacles Open Mic & Comedy Hour: Oz’s Music Environment
MorePerformers of all abilities invited to play instruments, sing songs, and tell jokes with members of this band comprised of kids and adults with special needs. Hosted by Oz’s owner Steve Osborn. Spectators welcome. 4–5 p.m., 1922 Packard. Free; donations accepted. (734) 662–8283.
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Community ListingFree
EMU Volleyball vs. Akron
MoreGeorge Gervin Game Above Center 799 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti
Come watch and support our EMU Volleyball team as they take on Akron.
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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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Observer Editor
“Aviary After Dark”: Aviary Aerial & Circus Arts
MoreOct. 30 & 31. Aerial artists from this local training studio present a Halloween- and horror-themed performance featuring silks, trapeze, and other aerial disciplines. Parental discretion advised. 6 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Sat.). Aviary Studio, 2875 Boardwalk, ste. A. Tickets $28 in advance at a2aviary.com/liftoff & at the door. [email protected].
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Nightspots
“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.”: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborAn original reimagined score to this acclaimed silent horror film by experimental electro-acoustic violinist Birjy and saxophonist Kenji Lee (see Blue Llama). 6:30–7:45 p.m. $20.
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Observer Editor
“Saturday Night Improv: Double Header”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreEvery Sat. Rotating lineup of two local improv troupes. Also, on Oct. 3, Love Fools, an improvised dating show with a lineup of strange characters (8:30 p.m., $15 in advance; $18 door) 7–8 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
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Observer Editor
U-M Volleyball
MoreU-M Volleyball vs. Iowa (7 p.m.). The U-M also has home matches this month against Oregon (Oct. 10, 7 p.m.), Nebraska (Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m.), and Indiana (Oct. 31, 7 p.m.). Crisler Center, 333 E. Stadium. $8 & $10 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.
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Nightspots
Billy Gunther & The Midwest Riders.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborFlint band, led by singer-guitarist Gunther, that plays a high-energy mix of country, southern-rock, and blues.
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Observer Editor
“Spooky Species for Adults”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreOct. 17, 23, 24, 30, & 31. Annual Halloween event to check out and learn about animals associated with the season (possibly owls, vultures, ravens, snakes, tarantulas, and rats) and hear Halloween legends tailored to adults. Donuts & cider. Age 18 & up only. 7–9 p.m., 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $40, preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org. (734) 929–9324.
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Nightspots
Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborJazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.
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Nightspots
Dave McMurray.: Blue LLama
MoreBlue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann ArborGroove-oriented Detroit jazz-funk ensemble led by Was (Not Was) saxophonist McMurray. He’s recently released a pair of albums of jazz covers of Grateful Dead songs.
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Observer Editor
“A Hear.Say Halloween Monster Bash”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreHalloween party with music and dancing. Also, a costume contest with prizes awarded based on the theme “The Horrors of AI.” 7–11 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. Admission TBA at heardotsay.com.
