• Observer Editor

    Fall Conference: Argus Museum

    Fall Conference: Argus Museum
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    Oct. 8–10. All invited to this annual gathering of enthusiasts of the original Argus camera company, which operated in Ann Arbor 1936–1969. Events include presentations, exhibitions (see Galleries), a field trip to the Henry Ford Museum, meals, photo contests, and auctions. Thurs. 3–8 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m., 525 W. William. $50 (members, $40) suggested donation. Preregistration required at argusmuseum.org/fall-conference. (313) 499–0551.

  • Nightspots

    Deer & Elk.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Lansing duo that specializes in classic country covers. 5 p.m.

  • Community Listing

    Friday Night Music at Lake Forest Golf Club: 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 9nd for an evening of live music, great food, and all the things we love about fall at Lake Forest.

    🎸 Terry Farmer on Guitar
    🎹 Neil Donato on keyboard
    🎶 Live music beginning at 5 PM

    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 while Terry and Neil provide the soundtrack.

    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

    🍂 Loaded Nachos – seasoned ground beef, cheddar, pico de gallo, lettuce, chipotle crema and guacamole

    🔥 Fire tables & cozy blankets
    🎲 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

    Free
  • Observer Editor

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
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    Every Fri.–Sun., Sept. 19–Nov. 1. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits to allow for routes of various lengths. Also, a U-Pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. On Sept. 27, Family Fun Day (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) features ice cream, balloon art, kids activities, and live music from the Saline Fiddlers. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), & 5–9 p.m. (Fri.), 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Evolution in the Public Eye Award”: Ann Arbor District Library/U-M Evolution & Human Adaptation Program

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    Talk by this year’s EPE Award–winner, Laith Al-Shawaf, a University of Colorado psychology professor and a leading voice in explaining the complexities of evolutionary science to a worldwide audience. The award recognizes individuals who share evidence-based science and challenge misinformation. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Golden Age Band Concert”: U-M Music School

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    A music student wind ensemble performs a program of marches and other band works by American composers from the turn of the 20th century. Part of the launch of U-M’s new Center for American Band History Research. 5:30 p.m., U-M Walgreen Drama Center, Stamps Auditorium, 1226 Murfin. Free. (734) 764–0583. 

  • Observer Editor

    Type 1 Diabetes Gala: Ford Motor Company.

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    Cocktails and dinner, followed by Michigan Stadium field and locker room access and a “dueling piano” concert by pianists TBA. Also, live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit diabetes research. 5:30–10:30 p.m., Michigan Stadium Jack Roth Ste. $150. Preregistration required. (248) 936–1299, [email protected].  

  • Observer Editor

    30th Annual Edgefest: Kerrytown Concert House

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    Oct. 7–10. One of the world’s 50 top jazz/avant music festivals, according to DownBeat, this annual event includes multiple shows over 4 days. Tonight: U-M jazz professor and versatile composer-saxophonist Andrew Bishop (6 p.m.), often a sideman, gives a solo concert. The William Hooker Quartet (7 p.m.), known for wide-open textural improvisation, is led by renowned New York–based drummer Hooker. Free jazz ensemble New Origins Trio (8 p.m.), led by prominent French clarinetist Christophe Rocher with Americans bassist Joe Fonda and drummer Harvey Sorgen, balances structured compositions with wild improvisation. Bass clarinet–driven Chicago free jazz ensemble the Stein/Smith/Shead Trio (9 p.m.) includes bass clarinetist Jason Stein, bassist Damon Smith, and drummer Adam Shead. The quartet Fay Victor’s Herbie Nichols SUNG (10 p.m.) is led by inventive vocalist and lyricist Victor, known for her beautifully strange originality. 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10 p.m., Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $20 per show (students, age 18 & under, $10) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com & (if available) at the door. $70 day passes (Saturday, $100) and 240–390 full festival passes in advance only online & by phone. (734) 769–2999.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Rebuilding Democracy”: U-M Philosophy Department

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    The New Republic editor Osita Nwanevu, author of the bestselling 2025 book The Right of the People: Democracy and the Case for a New American Founding, is joined by U-M philosophy professor Elizabeth Anderson to discuss America’s fundamental institutional problems and the upcoming midterm elections. Followed by a Q&A and book signing. Light refreshments. 6–8 p.m., Ross School (rm. TBA), 701 Tappan. Free. (734) 764–6285. 

  • Nightspots

    Open Blues Jam.: Water Tower Distilling Co.

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    Water Tower Distilling Co. 23 N. Washington,, Ypsilanti

    Performers of all skill levels invited. Hosted by James Bourland & the Staches, a local quintet fronted by guitarist Bourland. 6–9 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory

    D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
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    Every Fri. All invited to play the current official campaign of the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game, using 5th-edition rules. Kids under 13 must have adult accompaniment. 6–10 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Observer Editor

    “Euchre Change a Life!”

    “Euchre Change a Life!”
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    Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30. Five-game euchre tournament. Sign up with a partner or get paired with one by the organizers. Prizes. Food & beverages available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Haitian children via Haitian Christian Outreach. 6:30–9 p.m., HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plz. $15 (HOMES members, $10). [email protected], tinyurl.com/a2euchrechange. 

  • Nightspots

    The Invasion.: Live

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    Live 102 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    Detroit-area British Invasion cover quartet led by singer-guitarist David Roof.

  • Observer Editor

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

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    Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG. Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Booster Draft.” Players take turns opening booster packs to create a 40 card deck. $25. Various times & prices, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.