Events
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Free
Observer Editor
“Mystic Market”: Crazy Wisdom Bookstore Gathering Series
MoreMarket featuring otherworldly crafts and services from botanical products and incense to tarot readings. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Crazy Wisdom, 114 S. Main, upstairs. Free. (734) 665–2757, crazywisdom.net. [25 Sunday]
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Observer Editor
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreEvery 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.
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Observer Editor
Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits. Also, a u-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. The corn maze is illuminated and guests get a free glow stick on Glow Maze Nights (Oct. 9, 16, & 23, 5–9 p.m.). On All You Can Carry Pumpkin Day (Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.), for $10 you can purchase all the pumpkins you can successfully stack and carry down the lane. On Pumpkin Smash Day (Oct. 30, 5–9 p.m.), each guest receives a free pumpkin to smash, which is then composted or fed to the farm’s animals. Costumes encouraged for the Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 31, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.). 5–9 p.m (Fri.), 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.). 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.
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Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreFri. Oct. 2 & 16 and every Sat. & Sun. (See review) During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some animals that live in the rainforest, including a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, an iguana, and a red-footed tortoise at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, and an iguana at 1 & 4 p.m., and a red-footed tortoise at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) and noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on Oct. 4, game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board & card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. sylvanfactory.com.
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Observer Editor
“Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre
MoreOct. 22–25. Ella Soto and Emily Slomovitz direct local actors in Leslie Bricusse and Frank Wildhorn’s Tony-nominated 1990 pop-rock musical, a dark thriller adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic about a doctor whose experiments on his personality create a murderous double. This production features nontraditional casting, with actors of all genders playing men and women. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin. Tickets $29 (seniors, $26; students, $20) at a2ct.ludus.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 971–2228.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Cold Reads, New Plays”: Forge Theater
MoreAll invited to participate in, or just listen to, readings of new theater works by Forge members. 3–5 p.m., 3000 Packard, ste. B (entrance on Platt behind Little Caesars). Preregistration requested at forgetheatercollaborative.com. Free. (734) 219–9434.
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Community ListingFree
Halloween Concert for All Ages, Huron Valley Chamber Orchestra: First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor
More608 E William Street, Ann Arbor
Join the Huron Valley Chamber Orchestra and First Congregational Church Chancel Choir for a magical afternoon of music, mystery, and Halloween fun! Conducted by Rebecca Lord, this family-friendly concert features an enchanting mix of classical favorites, spooky surprises, and interactive activities for children and adults alike.
Highlights include Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4, featuring Boston violin soloist Alice Hallstrom; Saint-Saëns’ delightfully eerie Danse macabre; Grieg’s thrilling In the Hall of the Mountain King; and Gounod’s mischievous Funeral March of a Marionette. You’ll also hear “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken,” dance along to the spirited spiritual “Dem Bones,” and become part of the choir for Christopher Tin’s marvelous “Baba Yetu!”
Children’s original artwork will help bring a musical fairy tale to life, and audience members of all ages are encouraged to come in costume and participate in a costume contest. Winners will get to conduct the orchestra during the concert!
Free and open to the public. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of extraordinary music, imagination, and Halloween enchantment!
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Observer Editor
Band-O-Rama: U-M Music School
MoreThe U-M Symphony Band, Concert Band, and Michigan Marching Band perform standards from the U-M songbook, as well as light classics, marches, and jazz-influenced works in a rousing celebration of U-M homecoming. 4 p.m., Hill Auditorium. $11–$25 in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764–0583.
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Community Listing
“Halloween Spooktacular”: U-M Figure Skating Team
MoreYost Ice Arena - 1116 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI
Come celebrate Halloween season and watch some amazing performances by the UofM Figure Skating team at Yost this October! Free apple cider for all guests! Free with a valid MCard; General admission: $5.
https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/umichskating/home?authuser=0
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Nightspots
Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborLocal 10-piece big band led by tubaist Chris Smith that specializes in the old-time big band music of the late 1920s and early 1930s associated with Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver.
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Observer Editor
“Hymns and Homages”: Vocal Arts Ensemble
MoreBen Cohen directs this local 24-voice choir in a program featuring Caroline Shaw’s powerful To the Hands and a timely retelling of Buxtehude’s “Ad manus” movement from Membra Jesu nostri. Also, Kerensa Briggs’s sublime modern take on the Gregorian chant “Media Vita,” Britten’s masterpiece “Hymn to St. Cecilia,” and the music of Brahms and Lili Boulanger. 5 p.m., St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 306 N. Division. $25 (seniors & students, $20; ages 18 & under, free) at a2tix or at the door. vocalartsannarbor.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
Michigan Theater: “Nosferatu”
MoreFilm 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. 25: “Nosferatu” (F.W. Murnau, 1922). Influential German expressionist silent horror classic, an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. With live organ accompaniment by Stephen Warner. FREE, but preregistration requested at marquee-arts.org/calendar. 6 p.m.
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Free
Observer Editor
Ann Arbor Morris
MoreEvery Sun., except Oct. 11. (See My Town, pg. 29.) All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish morisca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Free. [email protected].
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Jacob Hart Quartet.
MoreEnsemble led by this award-winning 17-year-old Detroit pianist.
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Observer Editor
“Mic Drop”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreExperienced improvisers compete by improvising songs with live accompaniment. Followed at 7:30 p.m. by a pay-what-you-want Musical Improv Jam: All invited to sing or move in musical/comical improv games and exercises. No experience required. Spectators welcome. 6:30 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
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Free
Observer Editor
Full Moon Serenade: Friends of Scarlett Mitchell Woods
MoreA walk in the dark or moonlight (if skies are clear) to the pond to serenade the moon with the help of provided song sheets, followed by a walk for those who’d like. Bring a flashlight, warm clothing, and something to sit on. 7 p.m., Scarlett Mitchell Woods main entrance, bus turnaround, Scarlett Middle School, 3300 Lorraine. Free. tinyurl.com/scarlett-moon-10-25-26.
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Free
Observer Editor
Traditional Irish Session: Conor O’Neill’s
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to join or listen to an instrumental jam session. 7–9 p.m., 318 S. Main. Free. (734) 665–2968.
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Nightspots
II-V-I Orchestra.: Water Tower Distilling Co.
MoreWater Tower Distilling Co. 23 N. Washington,, YpsilantiLarge ensemble, led by saxophonist David Swain, that plays late 30s swing and 40s R&B hits ranging from Duke Ellington and Miles Davis to Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, and even the Blues Brothers.
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Observer Editor
Alex Edelman: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor “Main Event” Fundraiser
MorePerformance by this notable stand-up comic, known for his playful and opinionated takes on everything from breaking up in a coffee shop to dealing with his brother’s Olympic success. His Tony- and Emmy-winning third special, Just for Us, which appeared on HBO and centers on a meeting of neo-Nazis that Edelman attended in Queens, cemented his reputation as a masterful writer and performer. He is currently starring in the Peacock mockumentary series The Paper. Dessert reception, auction. 7–9:30 p.m., Ypsi location provided via email after registration. Tickets $118 (students or people age 34 & under, $36) in advance only by Oct. 18 at secure.qgiv.com/event/mainevent2026. (734) 677–0100.
