With the area punk bands 3 the Hard Way, Screen Tear, Infariot, and Puppy Teeth.

Local pop-rock cover band.

An Ann Arbor native, now based in Austin, who first gained fame as the guitarist in Commander Cody’s Lost Planet Airmen, Kirchen and his band play a rowdy mix of rockabilly, honky-tonk, blues, swing, and truck-driving songs. Kirchen’s “no-nonsense diesel guitar attack, powered by great booming, bottom-heavy licks still covered with axle grease, is undoubtedly the real thing,” writes the Austin American-Statesman. “Scattering scorching guitar runs in all directions, it’s all immediate, in your face, and more than a little dangerous.” Tonight Kirchen is joined by a pair of veteran Texas sidemen—bassist Jack Saunders and drummer Rick Richards—to celebrate the release of his brand-new album, Cat Out of the Box. $29.

Quartet led by Nurullah, a big-voiced Detroit jazz singer who specializes in blues, ballads, and pop standards.

Jazz originals and standards by a local ensemble led by singer-bassist Rob Crozier.

U-M student jazz quartet.

Classy Detroit neo-honky-tonk quartet fronted by singer-guitarist Carrie Shepard that bills its music as “electric heartbreak on the rocks.” 6:30–7:45 p.m. $15.

Detroit-area trio that performs a mesmerizing blend of exotic world rhythms with contemporary jazz-inspired riffs. 9–10:15 p.m. $20.

Local indie folk singer-songwriter whose music is inspired by Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey and Alanis Morissette.

Local R&B-funk septet fronted by Salmagundi vocalist Sheila Rhodes.

Ann Arbor-bred, NYC-based ukulele player and stand-up comic known for his up-beat and entertaining live shows. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Every Sat., Mon., & Thurs. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.) or a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.). AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi; and AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.  

Every Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].

5K Run benefitting Saline High School cross country programs

See 7 Friday. Today: A 5K race (8:30 a.m. at Saline City Hall; preregistration required at tinyurl.com/salinesf5k2026), a car show (9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.), a beauty pageant crowning (noon), a teen hangout event (7 p.m.), and arts & crafts booths. Live music includes country and classic rock covers by Detroit-area quartet Motor City Moonshine (4 & 6 p.m.), classic rock tribute band Leave Those Kids Alone (5 & 7 p.m.), and 70s & 80s classic rock band 50 Amp Fuse (8 p.m.). 8:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Runners and walkers of all ages invited to follow a 3-mile route through downtown on a scavenger hunt. 9 a.m., 123 E. Liberty. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2fleetscav. (734) 929–9022.

Citizen Yoga teachers lead an all-levels yoga session at the U-M stadium. Money raised goes to Garrett’s Space and TRAILS to Wellness, 2 local nonprofits focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention. 9–11:30 a.m., Michigan Stadium, 1201 S. Main. $34 in advance only (usually sells out). tinyurl.com/bighouseyoga26.

Saline Summerfest Arts & Crafts Show Returns August 8 with New Location and Expanded Artist Lineup

The Saline Summerfest Arts & Crafts Show returns to downtown Saline on Saturday, August 8, inviting the community to celebrate local art, creativity, and small businesses.

Now in a new location on North Ann Arbor Street, this year’s show will feature 35 talented artists and makers offering original, handcrafted work in a wide variety of mediums, including painting, pottery, jewelry, resin, ceramics, fiber arts, glass, woodworking, mixed media, and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their creative process, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces directly from the makers.

The Saline Summerfest Arts & Crafts Show is free to attend and will take place Saturday, August 8, on North Ann Arbor Street in downtown Saline from 9 am to 5 pm. Whether you’re an art collector, looking for a unique gift, or simply searching for a fun summer outing, the event offers something for all ages.

Aug. 7 & 8. Yard sale that’s part of a string of sales along the road between Detroit and New Buffalo. Rentschler Farm gift shop also open. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Rentschler Farm Museum, 1265 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. Free admission. (734) 944–0442. 

Aug. 8, 15, 26, & 29. Chamber music performances by small groups of A2SO musicians. Dexter Farmers’ Market (Aug. 8, 10–11:30 a.m.), 3233 Alpine, Dexter. Ypsilanti Farmers Market (Aug. 15 & Aug. 29, 10–11:30 a.m.), 16 S. Washington, Ypsi. Saline Farmers Market (Aug. 15 & 29, 10–11:30 a.m.), 104 S. Ann Arbor St. #4, Saline. Ann Arbor Farmers Market (Aug. 26, 10–11:30 a.m.), Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Various times and locations. Free. (734) 994–4801, a2so.org/farmers-markets.

See 7 Friday. Today, the festivities begin with a parade (10 a.m.) down Main from Hudson, then left on Broad to Grand. Today’s live music in Monument Park includes classic country, western swing, and boogie-woogie from the Cadillac Cowboys (3–5 p.m.), and a mix of Top 40 country and pop dance music from Detroit band Still Rain (7–10 p.m.). The Broad stage features folk-rock and roots Americana from the Dave Boutette Trio (1–3 p.m.) and Allman Brothers tribute band Revival (5–7 p.m.). The festival ends today with an outdoor screening of a family-friendly movie to be chosen by Dexter residents. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Every Sat., Fri., & Wed. 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].

Artists with work in Cluster’s current show, Hands in Action (see Galleries) discuss their work, flow, studio practices, and personal revelations that arise through making art. 11 a.m., 307 N. Main. Free. clustermuseum.org/events.

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. 

Aug. 5 & 8: “Ponyo” (Hayao Miyazaki, 2009). Studio Ghibli anime fantasy centered on the friendship between a 5-year-old boy and a magical goldfish who yearns to become human. Japanese, subtitles, 7 p.m. (Wed.) & dubbed, 11 a.m. (Sat.).

This month’s meeting canceled.

All invited to join this group of sketchers who meet to sketch and share what they’ve done. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., location TBA on facebook.com/groups/uskannarbor. Free. urbansketchersannarbor.com.

Every 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 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.

Aug. 8, 15, & 22 (different times). Docent-led tours exploring ancient Greek and Roman demi-gods in “Centaurs and Sirens and Satyrs, Oh My!” (Aug. 8), ancient female images in “Women in the Kelsey” (Aug. 15), “Daily Life in Ancient Rome” (Aug. 22, 11:15 a.m.), and “All That Sparkles: Egyptian Jewelry” (Aug. 22, 2 p.m.). 11:15 a.m.–noon (Aug. 8 & 22) & 2–3 p.m. (Aug. 15 & 22), 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.

Aug. 8, 11, 18, & 29 (different times). A chance for adults to learn the basics of printing with movable type. Noon–2 p.m. (Aug. 8), 5–7 p.m. (Aug. 11 & 18), and 1–3 p.m. (Aug. 29), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

Every Sat. & Sun., except Aug. 16. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.  

Every Sat. & Sun. and Fri. Aug. 7 & 21. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers present and give insights into some animals with superpowers, including an African crested porcupine, a three-banded armadillo, and a frilled dragon at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows a Gila monster at 2 & 3 p.m. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show all four animals at 7:30 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) & 7–9 p.m. (Fri.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.

Aug. 8 & 29 (different times). All invited to drop in and tour the historic building, view exhibits, participate in astronomy-related activities, and use the observatory’s telescopes (weather permitting). On Aug. 29, the observatory is open late to observe the night sky with the 1857 Fitz telescope. Noon–5 p.m. (Aug. 8) & noon–11 p.m. (Aug. 29), 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free. (734) 763–2230, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.

Every Sat. & Sun. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for kids age 5 & up that uses museum specimens to explore paleontology and what can be learned from giant bones and fossils. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org. 

Game vs. vs. Wyandotte Stars Base Ball Club. This 14-year-old club plays baseball using 1860s-era rules against similar teams from around the region, today against Wyandotte’s 19-year-old team. The month’s remaining home games include one against the Monitor Base Ball Club of Chelsea (Aug. 8), and the Wahoo Base Ball Club of Royal Oak (Aug. 29). 1 p.m., Webster Township Hall, 5665 Webster Church Rd., Dexter. Free. [email protected], unionbbc.com.

Student docents lead a walking tour through the law school campus, with discussion of its architecture and important moments in Michigan Law history. 1–2:30 p.m., meet at the corner of South University & State. Free, preregistration required at detroitobservatory.umich.edu. (734) 763–2230.

Outdoor performances by local music acts. Featuring traditional New Orleans jazz by the Detroit-based Gabriel Brass Band, the popular jam-oriented pop-rock band Pajamas, the all-star local jazz-jam band The Pherotones, the progressive jazz band Tikimen of Berlin, classic rock ’n’ roll and soul covers by the Blaine Luis Band, blues-rock & Americana by James Bourland & the Staches, and jazz-funk & electronica by Sophiyah E & the Sol Tribe. With solo acoustic performances by local folk-rock & Americana singer-songwriters Adam Snyder, Skinned Knees, Maddy Ringo, and Carmel Liburdi. Also, art and vintage clothing for sale, a bounce house, concessions, and more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. 1–10:30 p.m., Frog Island Park, Ypsi. Tickets $20 in advance at fundamentalsoundco.com & at the gate.

Every Sat. Thirty–minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. 1:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.

Aug. 6–9. Connor Thomas Rhoades directs local actors in William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s Tony-winning 2004 one-act musical comedy about 6 anxiously overachieving adolescents competing in a spelling bee run by 3 adults who have barely managed to escape childhood themselves. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. $23 (students & seniors, $21) at horizonpa.yapsody.com & at the door.

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. 

Aug. 7–9: “CatVideoFest” (various directors, 2026). Compilation of funny and cute online cat videos. A portion of proceeds goes to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. 6:30 p.m. (Fri.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), & 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.).

Aug. 4, 8, 15, 22, & 29. 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 Aug. 15 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 (with skills session, $15) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv or in cash at the door.

Every Sat. & Sun. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for kids age 5 & up that uses museum specimens to explore paleontology and what can be learned from giant bones and fossils. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org. 

Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. (See review) Kate Thomsen directs longtime Purple Rose resident playwright Carey Crim’s comedy-drama about a group of old friends gathered to celebrate their friend Emma’s fourth wedding. Together, they revisit their memories of each of her previous three weddings to “the one.” Adult language and subject matter. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.

Every Fri.–Sun., July 17–Aug. 9. (See review) Shelby R. Seeley directs Gracie Gardner’s play about two competitive teenage girl fencers training for the Junior Olympics. As they spar and navigate a tricky new friendship, each grows in both athletic ability and self-confidence. The New York Times calls it “hugely appealing and stealthily moving.” 3 p.m. (Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 & older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org/season11 & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.

Match vs. Loyola Chicago. Exhibition game. The U-M has regular season home games this month against Xavier (Aug. 22, 5 p.m.) and Notre Dame (Aug. 27, 7 p.m., $11–$13). 3 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. $9–$11 (groups of 10 or more, $3 per person; kids 5 & under, free). Exhibition games, free. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

Every Thurs.–Sun., June 4–Sept. 28. Local musicians TBA perform at several locations along Main downtown. Rain cancels. 4 p.m. Thurs.–Sun., S. Main between E. Washington & W. William. For the complete lineup, go to mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets. Free.

(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events & at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline). 

Aug. 8 & 10: “Tales from Earthsea” (Gorō Miyazaki, 2006). Dubbed (Sat.) & subtitled (Mon.) screenings of this Japanese anime fantasy based on the Ursula K. Le Guin book series. 4 p.m. (Sat.) & 6:45 p.m. (Mon.).

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. 

Aug. 7–9: “CatVideoFest” (various directors, 2026). Compilation of funny and cute online cat videos. A portion of proceeds goes to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. 6:30 p.m. (Fri.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), & 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.).

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.

Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.

Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.

Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary.

Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

Adults and teens invited to make a rice ball–shaped plush toy. 5–6:30 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.   

Aug. 8 & 22. All invited—including artists & photographers—to experience the farm and its animals during the evening. Other attractions open; food for sale. 6–9:30 p.m., 3001 Earhart. $8 (seniors, $5.50; kids under 2, free). pettingfarm.com.

Aug. 6–9. Connor Thomas Rhoades directs local actors in William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s Tony-winning 2004 one-act musical comedy about 6 anxiously overachieving adolescents competing in a spelling bee run by 3 adults who have barely managed to escape childhood themselves. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. $23 (students & seniors, $21) at horizonpa.yapsody.com & at the door.

Concert by this Asheville, NC–based folk singer–guitarist and drag queen whose debut album, Bible Belt Baby, reached #1 on the iTunes Christian music charts in 2023. Her songs blend country, gospel, and roots music with powerhouse vocals and stage banter that ranges from flamboyant to heartfelt. 7 p.m., 1501 W. Liberty. $10 in advance at zlc-aa.org/news & (if available) at the door using a card only. (517) 474–1045, [email protected].

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. 

Aug. 8: “1969: Killers, Freaks, and Radicals” (Andrew Templeton, 2024). Documentary that examines the crimes of serial killer John Norman Collins in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti in the late 1960s within the context of the social and political events of the times. 7 p.m.

World fusion ensemble led by multi-instrumentalist Ken Kozora, a veteran local jazz luminary. With saxophonist/flutist Paul Vornhagen, drummer Enrique “Kito” Pardo, and Robert Spalding Newcomb on guitar, sitar, & synths. 7–9 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Sliding scale tickets $10–$20 at the door only. Livestream available ($10 in advance only at interfaithspirit.org/cafe-704-coffeehouse). (734) 657–5384, [email protected].

Aug. 7 & 8. This quick-witted observational comic, a Detroit native, engages in “self-deprecating jackassery” on such topics as his Irish family, the dangers of living in Chicago, and wild business ideas. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.

Aug. 6–9. Darla Hand directs local actors in an outdoor production of Oscar Wilde’s sharp 1892 comedy about the very proper Lady Windermere, who comes to believe her husband is having an affair, leading to gossip, misunderstandings, and drama. The production features live musical accompaniment, and is set in a garden-party atmosphere against the backdrop of the historic Dixboro schoolhouse. 7 p.m. (Thurs.), 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 3 p.m. (Sun.), Dixboro Village Green, 5221 Church Rd. Tickets $15 at loonlighttheatre.com & (if available) at the gate. [email protected].

Every Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. (See review) Kate Thomsen directs longtime Purple Rose resident playwright Carey Crim’s comedy-drama about a group of old friends gathered to celebrate their friend Emma’s fourth wedding. Together, they revisit their memories of each of her previous three weddings to “the one.” Adult language and subject matter. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.

Every Fri.–Sun., July 17–Aug. 9. (See review) Shelby R. Seeley directs Gracie Gardner’s play about two competitive teenage girl fencers training for the Junior Olympics. As they spar and navigate a tricky new friendship, each grows in both athletic ability and self-confidence. The New York Times calls it “hugely appealing and stealthily moving.” 3 p.m. (Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (age 65 & older, $25; students with ID, $15 at the door) in advance at theatrenova.org/season11 & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.

Aug. 7–22. Emily Wilson-Tobin directs local actors in Anthony King and Scott Brown’s 2-man musical about a pair of aspiring playwrights who perform all the parts in a run-through for potential backers of their new, hilariously ill-advised project—a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johannes Gutenberg. Adult themes. 8 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (seniors, $25 & students, $20) in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door.

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. 

Aug. 1: “F*ckToys” (Annapurna Sriram, 2025). In this wild, unfiltered, surreal film, a part-time sex worker and full-time chaos magnet goes on a wild quest for $1,000 and a sacrificial lamb to lift a curse. The 2026 Cinetopia Audience Award Winner. 8 p.m.

Every Sat. Rotating lineup of two local improv troupes. 8:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $10 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $12 (if available) at the door.

A chance to join local astronomy buffs for a look at the sky through instruments, including the observatory’s 24-inch McMath classical Cassegrain telescope. Participants are welcome to bring their own telescopes. Visitors must turn off all electronic equipment (car radios, transmitters, phones, etc.) at the observatory entrance. Canceled if the sky is overcast or the weather is inclement. If in doubt, call after 4 p.m. on the day of the event. Rain date Aug. 15. 8:30–11:55 p.m. or as long as the sky remains clear, Peach Mountain Observatory, North Territorial (about 1¼ miles west of Hudson Mills Metropark), Dexter. Free. (734) 975–3248. 

Aug. 7 & 8. This quick-witted observational comic, a Detroit native, engages in “self-deprecating jackassery” on such topics as his Irish family, the dangers of living in Chicago, and wild business ideas. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.