• Observer Editor

    a2Tech360: Ann Arbor Spark

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    Sept. 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.

  • Community Listing

    Candle-Making Workshop: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation

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    701 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.stuff

    Renata 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

    $60
  • Observer Editor

    U-M Football vs. Iowa

    Time TBA
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    Sold out. Time TBA, Michigan Stadium. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com/sports/football.

  • Observer Editor

    JLC Book Sale

    JLC Book Sale
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    Sept. 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.

  • 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

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
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    Every Fri.–Sun., Sept. 19–Nov. 1. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits to allow for routes of various lengths. Also, a U-Pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. On Sept. 27, Family Fun Day (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) features ice cream, balloon art, kids activities, and live music from the Saline Fiddlers. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), & 5–9 p.m. (Fri.), 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.

  • Observer Editor

    “Fall Festival”: Community Farm of Ann Arbor

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    Community celebration with games and country dancing, with Drake Meadow calling to music by Nutshell. Also, cob oven pizza, and a potluck (bring a dish to share). 3–7 p.m., 1525 S. Fletcher, Chelsea. Suggested donation, $20/family at the gate. communityfarmofannarbor.com.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    “All That I’m Asking” Book Launch: AADL Pittsfield

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    2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103

    Join Ann Arbor author Ellen Halter for the launch of her new novel, All That I’m Asking, a coming-of-age story set against the social upheaval of 1968.

    September 26, 4–6 p.m.
    Pittsfield Public Library, Ann Arbor

    Free
  • Nightspots

    Wind, Wood, & Steel.

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    Jazzy folk-rock covers and originals by Mark Clevey, Jeremy Seligman, and Bill Connnors, a local trio whose instrumentation includes guitars, flute, mandola (the ancestor of the mandolin), and keyboard. 

  • Observer Editor

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
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    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.

  • Observer Editor

    A2 Jazz Fest

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    Now in its 10th year, this showcase of local and regional jazz acts features free concerts Saturday and Sunday. Also, on Saturday at 2 p.m., a free jazz improv workshop aimed at teens (sign up at a2jazzfest.com). Tonight: Noah Hogan Quartet (5:30 p.m., outdoors), an ensemble led by this local guitarist, a U-M grad currently pursuing a degree in jazz performance at NYU. Tariq Gardner & the Evening Star (7 p.m., outdoors), Afro-futuristic jazz ensemble led by Detroit drummer Gardner, a recent U-M music school grad whose music also draws on elements of hip-hop and neo-soul. Zekkereya El-magharbel Trio (7 p.m., indoors), a free jazz acoustic ensemble led by composer-trombonist El-magharbel, a recent U-M jazz studies grad. Sean Dobbins Organ Trio (8 p.m., indoors), a local jazz ensemble led by drummer Dobbins. 5:30–9 p.m. Rabbit Hole (Sat.), 608 E. William, & Ravens Club (Sun.), 207 S. Main. Tickets $50 (Fri.) & free (Sat. & Sun.). Donations accepted. (734) 769–2999, a2jazzfest.com.

  • Nightspots

    Jake Manzi & Anne Erlewine.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Double bill. Manzi is an L.A.–based pop-rock singer-songwriter whose music is influenced by Marshall Crenshaw, Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen, among others. Erlewine is a local pop-folk singer-songwriter whose songs are known for their delicate lyrics. 6:30–7:45 p.m. $12.

  • Observer Editor

    “Mental Health Isn’t Funny”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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    Sept. 24, 26, & 27 (different times). Educational sketch comedy show about mental health issues, written by mental health professionals who are also improv performers. All proceeds benefit the suicide-prevention nonprofit Garrett’s Space. 7–8 p.m. (Sept. 24 & 26), & 4–5 p.m. (Sept. 27), 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.

  • Observer Editor

    “Flight to 25”: Telling It Fundraiser

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    Live music, expressive arts activities TBA, a video screening, and a silent auction. Also, refreshments and a cash bar. Funds raised support this nonprofit that helps Washtenaw County kids build social-emotional skills through expressive arts. 7–10 p.m., Michigan Union Rogell Ballroom. $35 (students, $20) at myumi.ch/QM6ew. (734) 649–3118, [email protected].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Full Moon Campfire”: Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy

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    All invited to enjoy a family-oriented campfire (the final one of the season) in one of the largest conservancy-owned nature preserves in southeast Michigan. Bring blankets, chairs, and campfire refreshments; locally cut firewood appreciated. No pets. Come early to walk the trails if you like. 7–10 p.m., LeFurge Woods, 2452 N. Prospect (½ mile north of Geddes), Superior Twp. Free, donations welcome. (734) 484–6565, [email protected].

  • Nightspots

    Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle

    Rick Burgess Trio.
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    Earle 121 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Jazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.