• Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet

    More

    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 (8 a.m. Sun. & 7 a.m. Tues.), 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

    More

    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 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Letterpress Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

    More

    Aug. 8, 11, 18, & 29 (different times). A chance for adults to learn the basics of printing with movable type. Noon–2 p.m. (Aug. 8), 5–7 p.m. (Aug. 11 & 18), and 1–3 p.m. (Aug. 29), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Observer Editor

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club

    More

    Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) and a 499er game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $9 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club

    More

    Every Tues. All invited to play the classic word game, using the 5th-edition Scrabble dictionary. Bring your own set, if you like. 3:30–8 p.m., Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. meetup.com/ann-arbor-scrabble-meetup. [email protected].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Parker Mill Tour”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

    More

    Aug. 5 & 18. All invited to tour the historical cabin and learn about the Parker family’s daily life in the 19th century. Activities for all ages. 4–7 p.m., Parker Mill County Park, 4650 Geddes. Free. tinyurl.com/wcparc-summer2026.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Game Night: Sylvan Factory

    More

    Every Tues. All invited to play one of a selection of 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.

  • Nightspots

    Easy Street Jazz Band: Zal Gaz Grotto

    More
    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Early jazz classics from Scott Joplin and Bessie Smith to Louis Armstrong and beyond by this veteran local septet led by trombonist Terry Kimura.

  • Observer Editor

    81st Manchester Community Fair

    More

    Aug. 18–22. Midway rides (Wed.Sat.), carnival games, concessions, livestock shows, live music, beer tent, and more. Special events include an opening parade (Aug. 18, 6:30 p.m.), classic & antique tractor pulls (Aug. 19, noon & 4 p.m.), pro wrestling by Insane Wrestling Revolution (Aug. 19, 7 p.m.), a Bump and Run Demolition Derby (Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m.), a cornhole competition (Aug. 21, 6 p.m.), and bull riding & rodeo (Aug. 22, 7 p.m.). For complete schedule, see manchesterfair.org. 5–10 p.m. (Tues.), 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), & 3–10 p.m. (Fri.), Alumni Memorial Field, Vernon & Wolverine, Manchester. Admission: Tues., $5; Wed., Thurs., & Sat., $10 (Sat. before noon, $5); Fri., free. Kids age 5 & under, free. (734) 2601019, [email protected].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Dog and Suds Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

    More

    Every Tues. Moderate-paced ride, 20 to 30 miles, along the less-traveled roads west and north of Chelsea. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Start location occasionally changes. Free. (734) 662–0205.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    More

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

  • Observer Editor

    Tuesday Night Workouts: Ann Arbor Track Club

    More

    Every Tues. Runners of all skill levels ages 14 & up invited to participate in short, intense interval workouts. Arrive at 6:20 p.m. to warm up. 6:30 p.m., Ferry Field, 1150 S. State. Visitors free; $30/year membership for regular participants. Preregistration required at aatrackclub.org/interval-workouts. 

  • Observer Editor

    “Sullivan’s Travels”: Michigan Theater

    More

    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. 

    Aug. 18: “Sullivan’s Travels” (Preston Sturges, 1941). Masterful comedy-drama, a satire of the film industry, about a Hollywood director who longs to make a socially relevant drama and sets out to live as a tramp to gain life experience. Joel McCrea, Veronica Lake. 7 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    “Trivia with Terry!”: Argus Farm Stop

    More

    Aug. 4 & 18. All invited to form teams to answer wacky trivia questions from this longtime Aut Bar trivia night emcee. 7–8:30 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. (734) 997–5448.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

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

    More

    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

    Polka Jam Session: American Legion Hall

    More

    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.

  • Nightspots

    Open Mic.: Ypsi Alehouse

    More
    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    All acoustic musicians invited. Hosted by singer-songwriter Phil McMillion.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Women’s A Cappella Chorus Rehearsal: Voices in Harmony

    More

    Every Tues. Women singers invited to join a rehearsal of this local 40-member a cappella barbershop harmony chorus. 7–9:30 p.m., UAW Local 898, 8975 Textile, Ypsi. Free to visitors (dues for those who join). (734) 765–3611, [email protected], voicesinharmonychorus.org.