• Free
    Observer Editor

    Game Night: Sylvan Factory

    Game Night: Sylvan Factory
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    Every Tues. All invited to play board games, assemble a puzzle, paint miniatures, or try a tabletop role-playing game, all in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Also, at 6 p.m., RPG One Shots, introductory games of different tabletop role-playing games perfect for beginners, finished after one session (see website for this week’s game, preregistration strongly encouraged at sylvanfactory.square.site). 5 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

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    “The Passion of the Christ”: Fathom Entertainment

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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. 10–17: “The Passion of the Christ” (Mel Gibson, 2004). Graphically violent dramatic depiction of the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. 6:30 p.m. Cinemark only.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Camera Club

    Ann Arbor Camera Club
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    Sept. 1 & 15. Club members share their projected digital slides (Sept. 1) and prints (Sept. 15) on various topics, including this month’s assignment, “Rust/Ruin.” Also, on Sept. 15, club members present Summer Fun 2026, photos taken of Big Boy, the largest working steam engine in the world; classic cars at Greenfield Village; and vignettes of Detroit. Guests asked to arrive 15 minutes early. 7–9 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty. Free. [email protected], annarborcameraclub.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society

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    Every Tues. Singers of all ages and genders invited to join rehearsals of this award-winning a cappella chorus. 7–8:45 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4001 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free to visitors; call ahead or check website (dues for those who join). (734) 796–7467, [email protected], hvharmonizers.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    French Canadian Music Session: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance

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    All musicians invited to bring acoustic instruments to trade tunes and play the dance music of French Canada: jigs, reels, waltzes, and so-called “crooked” tunes from Quebec, Acadia, and the Métis traditions. Knowledge of French not required. 7–9 p.m., Pittsfield Twp. bldg., Morris Hall, 6201 W. Michigan Ave. Free. [email protected], aactmad.org/french-canadian-session.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Astronomy on Tap

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    All invited to this monthly program that includes space-themed trivia and games as well as short presentations by local astronomers. This month features talks by U-M postdoctoral researcher Logan Pearce and graduate student Dasha Crocker. 7 p.m., Garage Bar, 618 Church St. Free; food and drink for sale. facebook.com/astroontapaa.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Fall Concert: Chelsea Chamber Players

    Fall Concert: Chelsea Chamber Players
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    Sept. 15 & 27. This local ensemble performs Haydn’s String Quartet in G minor, also known as “The Rider;” Erwin Schulhoff’s Five Pieces for String Quartet; and Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in F minor with violinists Nathan Peters, Graham Emberton, and Paula Elliott; violist Ian Cumming; and cellist Sara Cumming. 7 p.m., Silver Maples of Chelsea (Sept. 15), 100 Silver Maples Dr., & Chelsea Depot (Sept. 27), 125 Jackson St., Chelsea. Free. chelseachamberplayers.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Polka Jam Session: American Legion Hall

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    All accordion players and other musicians invited to play polkas and waltzes and other ethnic and old-time music. 7–9 p.m., 44 Wabash (south off Main), Milan. Free.

  • Observer Editor

    Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance

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    Every Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught and prompted; no complicated steps, and no partner or experience needed. Bring clean, flat, nonslip shoes. First-timers asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Suggested donation $8–$12 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country.

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    The Moth StorySlam: U-M Michigan Public

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    Open mic storytelling competition sponsored by the Moth, the NYC-based nonprofit storytelling organization. Ten storytellers are selected at random from among those who sign up to tell a 3- to 5-minute story on the theme “Divas.” Stories are judged by 3 people recruited from the audience. Winners compete in a semiannual GrandSlam. Seating limited; arrive early. 7:30–9 p.m. (doors open & sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m.), the Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. Tickets $15 general admission in advance only at themoth.org beginning 3 weeks before event. [email protected].

  • Observer Editor

    Beth Hart: Live Nation

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    Grammy-nominated veteran blues-rock singer-songwriter from L.A., known for her emotionally intense lyrics and authentic stage presence. Her 2024 album, You Still Got Me, showcases her powerhouse voice and her musical versatility, seamlessly incorporating jazz, blues, rock, gospel, and roots music. Opening: Ty Taylor, lead singer of L.A. soul rock band Vintage Trouble. 8 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $58–$233 in advance at ticketmaster.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 662–0600.

  • Nightspots

    Bill Edwards.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Veteran local country singer-songwriter whose songs have been covered by the likes of Lee Roy Parnell and T. Graham Brown. His collaboration with former Ann Arborite Whit Hill, “What’d I Do,” was featured in the HBO series True Blood. Tonight he is joined by local fiddler Grant Flick, mandolin virtuoso Jason Dennie, and bassist John Holkeboer to celebrate the release of his brand-new album Enough About Me. Opener: Kathy Wieland, a local singer-songwriter known for her lighthearted and humorous songs. $29.

  • Nightspots

    Big Top Swing.: Ziggy’s

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    Ziggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    A new Detroit-area instrumental ensemble that plays fresh interpretations of vintage swing from the 30s & 40s.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
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    Every Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Dozer Coffee (7 a.m. Tues. & 8 a.m. Sun.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022 & Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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    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 (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.