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  • Nightspots

    Open Stage: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    All acoustic performers invited. Fifteen acts are selected randomly from those who sign up (doors open 7:30 p.m.) to perform 8 minutes (or 2 songs) each. The most talented and popular Open Stage performers are offered their own evenings at the Ark. $3 (members & students, free).

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    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 (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.

  • Observer Editor

    Chelsea Community Fair: Chelsea Fairgrounds

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    Aug. 25–29. Fair rides and concessions (Wed. & Thurs. 3–10 p.m., Fri. noon–10 p.m., and Sat. 1–10 p.m.), a bingo tent, livestock shows, demolition derbies (Tues. & Wed. 7:30 p.m.), Lost Nations Rodeo (Thurs. 7:30 p.m.), truck & tractor pulls (Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m.), a fair queen contest (Fri. 7 p.m.), exhibits of baking, canning, floriculture, arts, and hobbies. The fair officially kicks off with a Children’s Parade (Tues. 5:30 p.m.) for ages 3–12 on decorated bikes & wagons or on foot from the municipal lot behind Common Grill to the fairgrounds, and ends with the Chelsea Fair Parade (Sat. 1 p.m.), which includes the high-energy Celtic-inspired Chelsea House Orchestra, and many more local favorites. Complete schedule available at chelseafair.org. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Chelsea Fairgrounds, Old US-12 at Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea. Daily admission, $10; 5-day pass, $30 (middle & high school students and seniors 65 & older, $20; kids age 10 & under, free). Free admission for seniors age 65 & over on Thurs. before 5 p.m., for active or inactive U.S. service members with ID on Fri., and for families on Fri. from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $5 pass for women on Fri. before 11 a.m. (734) 475–1270, [email protected], chelseafair.org.

  • 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 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

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club

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    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

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    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

    “Waterway Relatives”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens

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    All invited to join Earth and Environmental Sciences professor Selena Smith to discuss the interdependencies between waterways and humans, explore water sampling trays to look for aquatic organisms, and take a short walk. Dress for the weather. 4:30 p.m., 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. (734) 647–7600, mbgna.umich.edu/events. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Game Night: Sylvan Factory

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    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

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    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Colorful Pajaki Chandeliers”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults & teens invited to use straw, colorful paper, twine, and a wooden hoop to make these Polish decorations used to celebrate important life events like birthdays and holidays. 5–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Riso Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

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    All invited to use analog tools to create a 2-color design for a 2026 calendar and print it with the lab’s Risograph duplicator, a digital screen printer similar to a photocopier. 5–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

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

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    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

    “Tomato Bonanza”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    The Lakehouse Bakery (Chelsea) owner Keegan Rodgers hosts a hands-on introduction to making great tomato sauce and finding other uses for the abundance of tomatoes from your garden or local markets. Tasting. 6–7 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    What Do You Carry? Community Showcase & Open Mic: U-M Arts Initiative

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    343 S. Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor

    We all carry something: grief and hope, memory and story, the spoken and the unspoken. What Do You Carry? invites you to an evening of shared words and witnessing, and to our open mic and community story circle, where you’re welcome to share something of your own: a poem, a song, a story, a reflection, a piece of art that speaks to what you carry. Come to read, or simply come to listen; every way of being here is welcome.

    Free
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    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. 1–3 p.m. (Sun.) & 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867. 

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Silent Book Club: BrightWorks Coworking

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    3027 Miller Road, Ann Arbor

    Join us for an hour of silent reading followed by light socializing

    Looking for a relaxing way to unwind and connect with fellow book lovers? Join us for Silent Book Club at BrightWorks!

    Unlike a traditional book club, there’s no assigned reading and no required discussion. Bring whatever you’re currently reading, novels, nonfiction, ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines, or textbooks. If you enjoy reading, you’re welcome here.

    Schedule

    6:00–6:30 PM: Arrive, grab a drink or snack, get comfortable, and chat with fellow readers (optional).
    6:30–7:30 PM: Enjoy a quiet hour of uninterrupted reading.
    7:30–8:00 PM: Stay to socialize, exchange book recommendations, or simply keep reading.

    Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking for a peaceful hour to disconnect, Silent Book Club offers a welcoming, low-pressure space to enjoy books in the company of others.

    Bring your own book and join us for an evening of quiet reading and community.

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silent-book-club-at-brightworks-tickets-1994246123840?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

    Free
  • Community Listing
    Free

    Silent Book Club: Brightworks

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    3027 Miller Road , Ann Arbor

    Join the BrightWorks community for our inaugural Silent Book Club—a welcoming, low-pressure gathering designed for readers who want to unplug, enjoy some quiet time, and connect with fellow book lovers.

    Unlike traditional book clubs, there are no assigned books, required preparation, or formal discussions. Simply bring whatever you are currently reading—whether it’s a physical book, ebook, graphic novel, or audiobook—and enjoy an hour of uninterrupted reading.

    Event Details

    Date: Tuesday, August 251
    Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.1
    Location: BrightWorks Forest Cove, 3027 Miller Road, Ann Arbor1

    Evening Schedule
    6:00 p.m.: Arrival, snacks/drinks, and socializing.
    6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: An uninterrupted hour of silent reading.
    7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Optional social time to exchange book recommendations or continue reading.

    This event is free, open to the public, and does not require a BrightWorks membership.

    Please RSVP to secure your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silent-book-club-at-brightworks-tickets-1994246123840

    https://brightworkscoworking.com/

    Free
  • Observer Editor

    Tuesday Night Workouts: Ann Arbor Track Club

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    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

    “Castle in the Sky”: Fathom Entertainment

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    (734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events & at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline). 

    Aug. 22–26: “Castle in the Sky” (Hayao Miyazaki, 1986). Dubbed (Sat., Sun., & Wed.) and subtitled (Mon. & Tues.) screenings of this classic Studio Ghibli anime film about 2 children racing to find a flying castle. 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) and 7 p.m. (Mon.–Wed.).