• Observer Editor

    “The Transformers: The Movie”: Fathom Entertainment

    Various Times
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    (734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 3165500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline). 

    Sept. 17–23: “The Transformers: The Movie” (Nelson Shin, 1986). Animated sci-fi action based on the popular television series about a war between 2 robotic clans. Various times; see website.

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    Just Between Friends Sale

    Just Between Friends Sale
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    Sept. 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Third Thursdays at the Library”: U-M Library

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    Monthly open house featuring rotating highlights from the library’s Special Collections Research Center, maps from the Clark Library, and items from other collections. Curators on hand to answer questions.

    Today on the 6th fl.: “One Hundred Years in the One Hundred Acre Wood: Winnie-the-Pooh Has a Birthday.” Original editions of A.A. Milne’s beloved children’s stories, along with pop-up versions and other tales.

    Today on the 4th fl: “Democracy in Motion: The Advancement of Democracy in Korea and the Students at the Frontline.” Items that trace the history and major milestones of Korean democracy, with particular focus on the role of student movements.

    Today on the 2nd fl.: “Down in Ann Arbor Town: Pictorial Maps, Campus Traditions, and the Women Who Made Them.” A chance to view the library’s new exhibit (see Galleries).

    4–6 p.m., Hatcher Library, enter from the Diag. Free. (734) 936–2309.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “A2Zero Clothing Swap”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations

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    All invited to bring up to 5 washed and in-good-condition clothing items and accessories and find new-to-you treasures to take home. You can take clothing without bringing anything or bring clothing without taking anything. 4–7 p.m., Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. Free. luma.com/a2zeroclothingswaps. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Party for Democracy”

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    Resource and engagement fair to help community and university members learn about and participate in local democratic and civic engagement resources. Free food & swag. Part of U-M Democracy Week (complete calendar at democracyweek.umich.edu/calendar). 4–7 p.m., Regents Plaza, next to the Cube. Free. democracyweek.umich.edu/calendar

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every 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 12 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “We Hold These Truths …”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series

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    (See preview) Washington, D.C.–based performance artist Holly Bass discusses her career and work, including her new exhibition (opening Oct. 3) which explores how Americans have celebrated and reimagined the nation’s founding across three anniversary years (1876, 1976, and 2026) and examines how national ideals and histories are passed between generations. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671, stamps.umich.edu.

  • Community Listing

    Glaze-A-Tile: Gutman Gallery

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    118 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor

    When: Thursday, September 17, 2026. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    Where: Gutman Gallery
    118 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

    This workshop will be held at the Gutman Gallery (not at the Motawi studio).

    Workshop participants will receive step-by-step instruction in Motawi’s signature bulb-glazing process. We’ll provide two bisque (unglazed) tiles, bulbs filled with our rich glaze colors, and a suggested glazing guide. Follow our recommendations or unleash your creativity and create your own unique colorways!

    During the Saturday, September 12 workshop, participants will glaze two 4×4 Pine Forest tiles in their choice of two exclusive workshop colorways.

    https://www.motawi.com/collections/motawi-glaze-a-tile-workshop/products/gutman-gallery-glaze-a-tile-workshop-thursday-september-17-2026

    $135
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Babylonia”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Book Club

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    All invited to join a discussion of Costanza Casati’s 2025 novel about the rise to power of the Assyrian Empire’s only female ruler, Semiramis. Light refreshments. 6–7 p.m., 434 S. State, rm. 125, 434 S. State. Preregistration required; see lsa.umich.edu/kelsey. Free. (734) 764–9304

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Bad Decisions Track Club

    Bad Decisions Track Club
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    Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.  

  • Observer Editor

    Elin Hilderbrand: Literati Bookstore

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    This bestselling mystery-romance writer is joined by her daughter and cowriter Shelby Cunningham to discuss The Thoroughbreds, their new beach read about social drama at an elite prep school. 6 p.m., 124 E. Washington. $38 (includes a copy of the book) in advance only at literatibookstore.com. (734) 585–5567.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Faux Stained Glass”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    A chance for adults & teens to design a colorful pattern using markers on glass (or use a premade design), then add foil to create a gleaming and glinting stained-glass-like effect. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.