Events
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Observer Editor
a2Tech360: Ann Arbor Spark
MoreSept. 22–Oct. 2. Almost 2-week-long tech festival, with pitch competitions, a hackathon (two days of intensive coding), talks, panel discussions, a career fair, start-up demos, workshops, networking events, and more. Various times & locations. A mix of free and ticketed events. See full schedule at a2tech360.com.
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Community Listing
Candle-Making Workshop: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation
More701 W Ellsworth Rd, , Ann Arbor
An experience designed for trying something new, getting creative, and having a really good time.
Join us for a relaxed candle-making workshop where beautiful scents, hands-on creation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere come together. Laugh, connect, and enjoy the process — no experience needed.
Whether you’re coming with friends or treating yourself, this workshop is all about slowing down, creating something with your hands, and leaving with a candle you’ll love (and a great memory).
✨ What’s Included
• A guided candle-making workshop using 100% pure soy wax
• All candle-making materials provided
• One handcrafted candle
• A cozy, welcoming atmosphere to relax and connect✨ What to Expect
• 6:00–6:15 – Arrival & Welcome: Settle in and get comfortable.
• 6:15–7:15 – Candle-Making Workshop: Learn the candle-making process and create your own custom soy candle, infused with intention and your favorite scent.
• 7:15–7:30 – Connect & Play: While your candle begins to set, we’ll play a fun round of Candle-Maker Bingo with small prizes for a few lucky guests.
• 7:30–8:00 – Candle Decoration: Decorate your candle to make it uniquely yours!✨ Why Join?
• Try something new and creative — no experience needed
• Play with scents and create a candle that feels uniquely yours
• Enjoy a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere with great company
• Slow down, laugh, and be present for a couple of hours
• Leave with a handmade candle you’ll actually love — and a really good memory✨ Meet the Host
Renata – Candle Maker & Wellness Facilitator – @the.universe.stuffRenata is the heart and hands behind The Universe Stuff, a holistic wellness brand rooted in mindfulness, creativity, and intention. She handcrafts soy candles and other wellness products designed to support balance and self-care, and she hosts workshops that invite people to slow down, connect, and create. Based in the Ann Arbor area, Renata loves bringing people together through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
✨ About the Space
Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation – https://pittsfield-mi.gov/This workshop will take place at Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation, a welcoming community destination in Pittsfield Township, Michigan. Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation offers a variety of recreational programs, community events, classes, activities, and opportunities for residents and visitors to connect, learn, and enjoy time together.
Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation is more than just a place for recreation — it’s a welcoming community space created to bring people together. Through its diverse programs, facilities, and community activities, the organization provides opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, explore new interests, and participate in meaningful experiences.
With its welcoming atmosphere and strong focus on community connection, Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation provides a wonderful backdrop for slowing down, getting creative, and connecting with others. We’re excited to gather in a space that celebrates community, creativity, connection, and enjoying new experiences together.
https://apps.daysmartrecreation.com/dash/x/pittsfield/activity-finder/programs/67/levels/448
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Observer Editor
U-M Football vs. Iowa
Time TBAMoreSold out. Time TBA, Michigan Stadium. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com/sports/football.
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Free
Observer Editor
parkrun USA
MoreEvery Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 7:45 a.m. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery 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 cancellations 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].
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Community Listing
Danish: The Breakfast of Vikings: BAKE! at Zingerman's Bakehouse
More3723 Plaza Dr, Ann Arbor
Sail ashore and conquer the mysterious and rich world of Danish dough. In this hands-on class, we’ll teach you the techniques for creating rich, laminated (layering the dough with butter and folding it over) and yeasted Danish dough. You’ll get plenty of hands-on practice in class mixing, kneading, laminating, hand-shaping, and proofing yeasted dough. We’ll create 18 hand-shaped Danish, including almond-filled Bear Claws, Pinwheels, and Pockets filled with cream cheese or fruit.
You’ll leave the BAKE! class with our recipes, the knowledge to recreate them at home, and all the Danish you made in class.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Trash Talk”: Washtenaw Zero Waste Coalition
MoreSept. 26 & 27. Different events showcasing places and people finding ways to reverse our throwaway culture. Today: Tours of Ann Arbor’s recycling facility (tours every 30 minutes 8:30 a.m.–noon) and a thrift field trip (11:30 a.m., meet at U-M Shapiro Library, 919 South University to take provided vans), with a tour of Kiwanis Thrift. 8:30 a.m., various locations. Preregistration required for each separate event at trashtalktour.org. Free; donations appreciated.
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Community Listing
Walk for Alopecia: National Alopecia Areata Foundation
More3000 Fuller Rd Ann Arbor, MI 48105, Ann Arbor, MI
Walk For Alopecia Presented by Pfizer is the world’s largest fundraising and awareness event for alopecia areata, coming to Gallup Park in Ann Arbor! The Walk is the finale of Alopecia Areata Awareness Month and it will once again bring the alopecia areata community of families, caregivers, friends, co-workers, and healthcare professionals together to help drive research for better treatments and a cure, increase support, advocate for change, and end stigma. This walk is powered by local volunteers who will create a welcoming, fun space to build community, raise awareness, and support those impacted by alopecia areata!
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Observer Editor
JLC Book Sale
MoreSept. 23–26. Local family-run sale of over 30,000 used books, as well as DVDs, audiobooks, video games, puzzles, and board games. Also, a presale on Sept. 23 from 4–8 p.m. for teachers and homeschool families. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, bldg. A, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free admission. jlcbooksale.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
Market Performances: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
MoreSee 3 Thurs. Today: Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. 10–11:30 a.m.
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Free
Observer Editor
Woods & Wildflower Walk: Washtenaw’s Own Wildlands
MoreAll 12 & older invited to this nature walk to learn about local plants and plant communities, led by ecologists Manuel Anderson and Jacqueline Courteau. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. 10 a.m.–noon, Independence Lake County Park (Beach Center parking lot) 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. Free. Space limited; preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/3b57fa3u. [email protected].
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Community ListingFree
Pittsfield Fall Market
More4365 Platt Rd., Pittsfield Township, Ann Arbor, MI
Join us on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Lillie Park South for a fun, family-friendly celebration of all things local. This special event will feature Michigan-grown produce, handcrafted goods, local artwork, specialty foods, baked goods, home décor, gifts, food trucks, live music, games, community organizations, and more.
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Free
Observer Editor
“15th Anniversary Open House”: Maker Works
MoreTours and live demos throughout the woodshop, metal shop, laser area, textiles studio, jewelry studio, and more. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 3765 Plaza Dr. Free. (734) 222–4911, maker-works.com/openhouse.
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Observer Editor
Independence Lake Craft Show: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
MoreShow and sale of arts and crafts from over 50 area crafters for sale. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings, Beach Center Pavilion, Whitmore Lake. Free admission, but $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. (734) 449–4437, [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
Annual Webster Fall Festival: Webster Township Historical Society/Webster United Church of Christ
MorePopular country fair with hayrides (10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., $3 per adult, $1 per child under 12), old-time kids games and other activities, exhibits of antique cars and farm equipment, and trained sheepdog demonstrations (11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3:30 p.m.). Also, wool spinning and blacksmithing demos, one-room schoolhouse sessions (11 a.m., 12:30, 2, & 4 p.m.), and a craft fair. Also, refreshments for sale, art displays, self-guided tours of the historical buildings, and an exhibition baseball game (1:30 p.m.) using 1860s-era rules between the Chelsea Monitors and the Dexter Union base ball clubs. Live music includes the Dexter Dulcimer Group (11 a.m.), old-time music by the local Stout Hearted String Band (noon), Celtic music from the Foxtree Folk Band (1:10 p.m.), and the veteran Ann Arbor bluegrass band the RFD Boys (4 p.m.). 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Webster Community Hall, 5583 Webster Church & Farrell Rds., Dexter. Free admission (donations accepted). (734) 368–0887, websterfallfestival.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery Wed., Fri., & Sat. 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].
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Observer Editor
EMU Football Tailgate: Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels
MoreFamily-friendly fundraiser to benefit Meals on Wheels features food by Zingerman’s and games for all ages with prizes. Ticket includes a seat near the 50-yard line to watch the game. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 799 N. Hewitt (across from EMU Rynearson Stadium), Ypsi. Tickets $40 (kids, $18; family pack, $100) only in advance at ymow.org/events. (734) 487–9669.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Melges15 Regatta”: U-M Sailing Club
MoreSept. 26 & 27. All invited to watch club members and any others who want to enter their own boats (free) race 15-foot dinghies. 11 a.m. (race registration, 9:30 a.m.), Baseline Lake, 8010 Strawberry Lake Rd., left from Mast off North Territorial. Free. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery 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 (sight, hearing, and smell) 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.
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Observer Editor
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreEvery 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.