Events
-
-
Free
Observer Editor
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
MoreEvery 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.
-
Community ListingFree
Ecological Steward Skills Training: WREN
MoreSearles Nature Preserve, 5171 Bolla Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
The classes are good for both the beginner who has a few invasives in their yard as well as experienced stewards looking to broaden their knowledge base.
These classes will focus more on invasive species removal education and conversation than typical restoration workdays. Participants will learn the fundamentals of identifying and managing woody invasives. Participants will gain practical field experience in effective techniques; both with and without herbicide.
Free -
Observer Editor
“Home Run for the House”: Ronald McDonald House
MoreA baseball field day hosted by U-M baseball coach Tracy Smith and Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson that features a chance to run the bases and play catch with U-M players and a mascot meet & greet. Also, a kidzone with crafts and a bounce house, live music TBA, a photo booth, and more. Food concessions. A fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House, which provides lodging for out-of-town families whose children are being treated at area hospitals. 10 a.m.–1 p.m., U-M Ray Fisher Stadium, 1114 S. State. Donation suggested. Tickets in advance at rmhcannarbor.org & at the gate. (734) 552–4692.
-
Free
Observer Editor
10 Year Anniversary Celebration: JissoJi Zen Ann Arbor.
MoreThe anniversary gathering welcomes longtime members, newcomers, neighbors, friends, and family to experience zazen (seated meditation), hear a dharma talk, and celebrate the community’s first decade.
Sunday, September 13 — Schedule
- 10:00 a.m. — Two periods of meditation
- 11:15 a.m. — Dharma Talk with guest teacher Jitsujo Gauthier
- 12:15 p.m. — Two periods of meditation, with an opportunity for in-person one-on-one meetings with Marta Dabis
- 1:00 p.m. — Birthday cake and community celebration at the Center; friends and family are welcome. An optional off-site lunch will follow.
The event is open to the public, and no meditation experience is necessary. Attendees may join the full schedule or come for the 1:00 p.m. celebration.
-
Observer Editor
Annual Used Book Sale: American Association of University Women
MoreSept. 11–13. Sale of thousands of books in over 60 categories, as well as DVDs. Proceeds support academic scholarships. Preview ($20) on Friday 8–10 a.m. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Community College (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free admission and parking. annarbor-mi.aauw.net.
-
Free
Observer Editor
International Standard Judged Plant Show & Sale: Southeast Michigan Bromeliad Society/Michigan Cactus & Succulent Society
MoreSept. 12 & 13. Show and sale of bromeliads, cacti, succulents, and air plants. With talks by bromeliad experts Steve Hoppin and Jerry Raack (11 a.m. & 1 p.m. both days). Also, a sale of growing supplies and books. Many vendors are cash only. This is the first show of its kind in the Midwest since the 2004 World Bromeliad Conference in Chicago. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free admission; metered parking. (248) 880–3005, mbgna.umich.edu/events.
-
Free
Observer Editor
MI Postcards for Patriots
MoreSept. 6, 13, 20, & 27. All invited to drop-in to volunteer to help turn out the vote for the November 2026 election by writing postcards and other activities. 10:30 a.m.–noon, AADL Pittsfield. Free. [email protected], equalityingov.org.
-
Observer Editor
Elemental Ecstatic Dance
MoreEvery Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing to a variety of recorded music, from EDM to classical and ambient to world music. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stocking feet. 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce. $20 (age 11 & under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. tinyurl.com/ecstatic-dance-a2.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Rally Day”: Northside Community Church
MoreAnnual family-friendly party featuring games & refreshments. With live music by the church’s Chancel & Bell Choirs, pianist Kathryn Goodson, and others. 11 a.m., 929 Barton. Free. (734) 649–7948, ncca2.org.
-
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.
-
Observer Editor
Sunday Artisan Market
MoreEvery Sun. Juried market of local handmade arts & crafts, now in its 35th year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Kerrytown Farmers Market pavilion. Free admission. (734) 913–9622.
-
Community Listing
The Mitten Vintage Market: The Mitten Vintage Flea Market
MoreHOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor
The Mitten Vintage Market returns to Campus Sunday, September 13th! Grab a drink from Dozer Coffee or the HOMES bar and browse 15+ vendors for your next favorite vintage find!
This event is free to attend.
Free -
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.
-
Free
Observer Editor
H.A.C. Ultimate
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].
-
Observer Editor
Contact Improv
MoreAll invited to try this interactive, free-form dance style that involves a rolling point of contact between two or more people through which dancers give and share weight. No partner required; beginners welcome. Preceded at 10:30 a.m. by a lesson. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Gretchen’s House, 2340 Oak Valley Dr. $15 ($25 includes lesson). Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2-contact-imp-su2026. [email protected].
-
Observer Editor
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun., except Sept. 19. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Minecraft Day: Voxel Mob Invasion”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAn afternoon of crafts and activities inspired by this popular computer game, including a scavenger hunt, button making, a screening of A Minecraft Movie (12:30 p.m., 4th fl.), and more. For a complete schedule see aadl.org/minecraftday. Noon–3:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
-
Observer Editor
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. T. Rex (noon) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence); The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own; and Tales of the Maya Skies (2 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
-
Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreFri. Sept. 4 & 18 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some barnyard buddies, including a Highland cow, a chicken, a Flemish giant rabbit, and a miniature donkey at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show the cow, chicken, and rabbit at 1 & 4 p.m., and the donkey 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.
-
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 Sept. 6 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.