• Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every Mon.–Thurs., except Oct. 19 & 20. 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 1–2 hours. Also, at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, the band hosts its monthly free Open Stadium Rehearsal at Michigan Stadium. 4:45 p.m., Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • 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. 5 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Birding by Bike”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation

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    All age 18+ with a bike and helmet invited to take a 3-mile ride on a paved path and look for birds. Binoculars provided. Weather permitting. 5:30–6:30 p.m., Gallup Park playground, 3175 Gallup Park Rd. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec. [email protected]. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

    Sewing Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
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    Oct. 13 & 26. All invited to get basic sewing help with unfinished projects or learn how to use the AADL sewing machines. Bring your own sewing machine, if you wish. No experience necessary. Also, sewing instructor Rae Hoekstra discusses zigzag finishes (Oct. 13) and local crafter Amber Adams-Fall demonstrates hand-stitched invisible hems (Oct. 26). 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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    Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Songwriting Meet-Up: Bløm Mead + Cider

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    All local songwriters invited to share songs in progress, give constructive feedback, and grow their writing practice. At 7:30 p.m., a featured singer-songwriter performs. 6–8:30 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Spine of the Hug”: Literati Bookstore

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    Michigan-based poet Alec Hershman discusses his debut collection of poems exploring social distance and the closeness that can come from isolation. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Autumn Serenade”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    The local ensemble Joy String Quartet performs an energetic instrumental program of Broadway songs and tunes from the Great American Songbook. 6:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Immortal Khazntes: Cantorial Legends Brought to Life”

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    A performance of traditional Jewish cantorial music from the early-20th century repertoire of women who performed in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish before women’s participation in liturgical music was accepted, or even allowed. A KlezmerShack reviewer called the music on their 2025 album, The Return of the Immortal Khazntes, “spiritually uplifting, soulful, and tuneful.” 6:30 p.m., Temple Beth Emeth, 2309 Packard. Free, but preregistration required at jlive.app/events/16669.

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    “Kwaidan”: Michigan Theater

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    Film 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. 13: “Kwaidan” (Masaki Kobayashi, 1965). Gorgeously shot anthology horror film based on Japanese folk tales. In 4 ghost stories, the dead invade and threaten the world of the living. Japanese, subtitles. 7 p.m.