Events
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Observer Editor
U-M Football vs. Indiana
MoreSold out. Time TBA, Michigan Stadium. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com/sports/football.
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Free
Observer Editor
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
MoreEvery Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
parkrun USA
MoreEvery Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 9 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 8:45 a.m. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 9 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
“Spooky Sprint”: Bodies Race Company
MoreChip-timed 5K, 10K, and half-marathon runs. Also, a 1-mile fun run and kid’s dash (8:55 a.m.). T-shirt & medal with all entries. Treats. Packet pickup begins at 7:30 a.m. 9 a.m.–noon, Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd. $17–$76 in advance only at bit.ly/spookysprint-10-24-26. Register by Oct. 8 to guarantee a T-shirt. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
Woods & Wildflower Walk: Washtenaw’s Own Wildlands
MoreAll 12 & older invited to this nature walk led by ecologists Manuel Anderson and Jacqueline Courteau, to learn about local plants and plant communities. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. 10 a.m.–noon, West Scio Preserve, 380 Dino. Space limited; preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/3b57fa3u. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery Fri., Sat., & Wed. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. noon–12:30 p.m. (Fri. & Wed.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“From Grain to Griddle: Outdoor Cooking”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
MoreOct. 9, 24, & 28. All invited to learn about 19th-century food preparation and to try their hand at grinding different grains and cooking over a fire (bring your own lunch ingredients to grill). 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Parker Mill County Park, log cabin, 4650 Geddes. Free.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun., starting Oct. 21. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program examines how membranes can help solve water shortages. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreEvery 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.
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Observer Editor
Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
MoreEvery 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.
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Observer Editor
Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
MoreEvery 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.
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Observer Editor
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun. 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.
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Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreFri. Oct. 2 & 16 and every Sat. & Sun. (See review) During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some animals that live in the rainforest, including a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, an iguana, and a red-footed tortoise at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, and an iguana at 1 & 4 p.m., and a red-footed tortoise 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Marvelous Magnets”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun., except Oct. 3 & 4. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for age 5 & up that explores magnetism, magnetic fields, and what they have to do with everyday life. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
International Chemistry Week Celebration: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
MoreMuseum staff lead hands-on chemistry demos and activities. 1–3 p.m., 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom.
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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.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAll invited to play a tournament version of this popular Nintendo Switch video game. Participants may bring their own Switch handheld consoles or borrow one from the library. Prizes for top finishers. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Sat. Thirty-minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M biological sciences research projects. 1:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Sun. Thirty-minute tour that uses the museum’s specimens to tell the story of prehistoric whales and dolphins, who had 4 limbs and walked on land. 1:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
