• Observer Editor

    U-M Men’s Basketball

    U-M Men’s Basketball
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    U-M Men’s Basketball vs. EMU. Exhibition game. The U-M plays another exhibition game this month against Oregon State (Oct. 16). Times TBA, Crisler Center. Tickets TBA at mgoblue.com in advance & at the gate. (734) 764–0247. 

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every Wed.–Sun. 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 & donuts available. Also, on Oct. 3 & 4, local artisans & crafters sell their items at the Craft Show Weekend, and on Oct. 24, young entrepreneurs sell homemade items at the Kids Market (noon–4 p.m.). 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

    “Piano”: First Baptist Church Ad Libitum Concert Series

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    Visiting pianist Dr. John Mortensen performs improvisation in a variety of historic styles, including those of Bach, Couperin, Rameau, Royer, and Scarlatti. Noon–1 p.m., 517 E. Washington (handicap access on Washington entrance). Free. (734) 663–9376, fbca2.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Real-World Perspectives”: U-M Poverty Solutions Fall Speaker Series

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    Every Fri., except Oct. 9. Talks by scholars and social workers, followed by Q&A.

    Oct. 2: U-M professor of social work and public policy Kristin Seefeldt on “Lessons Learned from Designing and Evaluating Ann Arbor’s Guaranteed Income Pilot.”

    Oct. 16: Wayne State University social work professor Kess Ballentine on “Beyond Silos: An Inter-Institutional Framework for Understanding Poverty and Advancing Social Change.”

    Oct. 23: UCLA architecture professor Dana Cuff on “cityLAB’s Innovations for Affordable Housing.”

    Oct. 30: “Designing for Dignity: Strengthening Food Assistance Amid Policy Threats.” U-M public health professor Kate Bauer in conversation with Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan director Taylor Moore.

    Noon–1:30 p.m., School of Social Work, B780 (basement), 1080 South University. Also via livestream. Free. (734) 929–8027, [email protected], fordschool.umich.edu/events.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Ride Ahead”: U-M School of Education

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    (Dan & Samuel Habib, 2024). Directed by U-M alum and his son, this documentary film tells the story of disabled 21-year-old Samuel as he navigates questions about education, relationships, community, and what it means to live independently. 1-3 p.m., U-M School of Education Schorling Auditorium, 610 East University. Free. In person or online at wihd.org/special-events-at-wihd. Wheelchair accessible; ASL interpretation, live captioning and audio description available.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

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    Every 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Clements Library Tour

    U-M Clements Library Tour
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    Oct. 16 & 23. Hour-long docent-led tour of the library’s early American history collection, along with a chance to view a new exhibit, Who Counts? A History of Voting in America, a display of ballot boxes, campaign pins, preprinted party tickets, banners, and other electioneering ephemera. 4 p.m. (Oct. 16 & 23) and 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. (Oct. 23), 909 South University. Free, preregistration required at clements.umich.edu. (734) 649–3370. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fix-It Friday”: Maker Works

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    All invited to bring anything that needs fixing—chairs, sweaters, radios, whatever. Maker Works members and staff on hand help with repairs. Handy people invited to assist. Repairs not guaranteed. Also, toy adaptations to make off-the-shelf toys more accessible for people with disabilities. 4–6 p.m., 3765 Plaza Dr. Free. Preregistration required at maker-works.com/fixitfriday. (734) 222–4911.

  • Nightspots

    Jim Eddy.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Dexter Celtic roots singer-songwriter & guitarist. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

  • Community Listing

    Friday Night Music at Lake Forest Golf Club with Shaun Garth Walker: Lake Forest Golf Club

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    3110 West Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor

    🍂 Friday Nights Are Getting Cozy at Lake Forest! 🔥🎶

    Join us Friday, October 16th for an evening of live music, great food, and all the things we love about fall at Lake Forest.

    🎸 Shaun Garth Walker – a local blues-oriented singer-guitarist with an eclectic, wide-ranging repertoire

    Come early for Happy Hour from 3–5 PM, then settle in for the evening. Grab a blanket, gather around the fire tables, enjoy the gardens and games, and relax with friends and family !

    And come hungry! Chef Blake’s new Fall Menu is here, along with Friday’s special: Take a look at the menu at www.ellsworthannarbor.com

    🔥 Fire tables & cozy blankets – in our enclosed pergola!
    🎲 Lawn Games for kids & adults
    🍁 Gardens & fall views
    🍸 Happy Hour 3–5 PM
    🎶 Live music at 5 PM
    🍽️ New Fall Menu

    Good music. Great food. Cozy fall nights.
    That’s Friday at Lake Forest.

    Open to everyone — bring your friends, bring the family, and make a night of it!

    www.lakeforestgc.com

  • Observer Editor

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
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    Every Fri.–Sun. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits. Also, a u-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. The corn maze is illuminated and guests get a free glow stick on Glow Maze Nights (Oct. 9, 16, & 23, 5–9 p.m.). On All You Can Carry Pumpkin Day (Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.), for $10 you can purchase all the pumpkins you can successfully stack and carry down the lane. On Pumpkin Smash Day (Oct. 30, 5–9 p.m.), each guest receives a free pumpkin to smash, which is then composted or fed to the farm’s animals. Costumes encouraged for the Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 31, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.). 5–9 p.m (Fri.), 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.). 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Poetry Trail: Michelle Smolarski

    Poetry Trail
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    Bluffs Nature Area, 1279 N Main St., Ann Arbor MI 48103

    My poems will be found going down the trail straight ahead on red hearts written in calligraphy. Be careful to not step on any! They could be above, to the right, to the left, maybe even down below you. Enjoy your hike!
    I will dance at different times around the clock. And have my poetry books for sale. Come enjoy nature and the arts and support a local artist!
    Oct 16th-18th 5-9pm call me to reserve a spot at 734-274-3623 at Bluffs Nature Area.

    Facebook.com/mysticalwritingshop

    Free
  • Nightspots

    Jaded Ravins.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Soulful Americana & rock couple based out of a van. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • 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.