Events
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Observer Editor
“Run Woodstock”: RF Events
MoreRuns from 5 to 100 miles along mainly single-track trails through Pinckney Recreation Area and beyond. Awards for top finishers. The 100 mile & 100K runs start at 2 p.m. on Friday, but most races start today. Overnight camping available, with live pop, rock, & Americana music on a stage at the camp on Friday by Jake Maltby and on Saturday by Stereo Babe, Easy Now, Spur 9, AJ Lynn Band, and the Fungi’s. Entry fee includes a finisher’s medal, post-race refreshments, concerts, and more. 6 a.m. (50-mile & 50K), 7:30 a.m. (26- and 13-mile), & 8 a.m. (5-mile), 20120 Bartell, Gregory. $25 (weekend pass), $29 (1-mile, kids dash), $52 (5-mile), and up to $295 (100-mile) at runwoodstock.com. (734) 929–9027, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
“Over the Edge”: Friends In Deed
MoreAll welcome to register to raise $1,000 and rappel down the outside of Hill Tower at EMU. A fundraiser for this and other Washtenaw County nonprofits serving low-income families. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Hill Hall, 1200 Oakwood, Ypsi. Preregistration required at friendsindeedmi.org/events/over-the-edge. (734) 485–7658, [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
The Washtenaw County Democratic Party Monthly Meeting
MorePresentation by Michigan Democratic Party voter protection director Thomas Luckett on safeguarding the integrity of elections. 9:15 a.m.–noon, U-M Ypsilanti Health Center, 300 W. Michigan Ave., Huron Rm., and on Zoom; URL at washtenawdems.org/calendar. Free.
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Observer Editor
“Doggy Dip”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
MoreAll dogs invited to swim in the pool (limit 2 dogs per human; assigned times by dog weight). 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi. $5 per dog; preregistration required at tinyurl.com/wcprc-sept2026 by 4 p.m. Sept. 11. $6 (noncounty residents, $10) vehicle entry fee. (734) 971–6337, ext. 319.
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FreeObserver Editor
International Standard Judged Plant Show & Sale: Southeast Michigan Bromeliad Society/Michigan Cactus & Succulent Society
MoreSept. 12 & 13. Show and sale of bromeliads, cacti, succulents, and air plants. With talks by bromeliad experts Steve Hoppin and Jerry Raack (11 a.m. & 1 p.m. both days). Also, a sale of growing supplies and books. Many vendors are cash only. This is the first show of its kind in the Midwest since the 2004 World Bromeliad Conference in Chicago. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free admission; metered parking. (248) 880–3005, mbgna.umich.edu/events.
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Observer Editor
Annual Used Book Sale: American Association of University Women
MoreSept. 11–13. Sale of thousands of books in over 60 categories, as well as DVDs. Proceeds support academic scholarships. Preview ($20) on Friday 8–10 a.m. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Community College (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free admission and parking. annarbor-mi.aauw.net.
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FreeObserver Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery Wed., Fri., & Sat. 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. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.). Free. [email protected].
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Community ListingFree
Peter Pan Meet and Greet: Starbright Entertainment LLC
MoreMudpuddles Toy Store, Upstairs at Kerrytown 407 N 5th Ave, Ann Arbor
Peter Pan is bringing his playful antics to Mudpuddles Toy Store! Offered in partnership with Starbright Entertainment, join your favorite Neverland adventurer for meet & greet and silly photo op fun. This in-store event is FREE and open to the public. Costumes encouraged!
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FreeObserver Editor
Group Sketch: Ann Arbor Urban Sketchers
MoreAll invited to join this group of sketchers who meet to sketch and share what they’ve drawn. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., location TBA on facebook.com/groups/uskannarbor. Free. urbansketchersannarbor.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery 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 (sight, hearing, and smell) 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.
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Observer Editor
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun., Sept. 12–Nov. 21; and Wed.–Fri., Sept. 16–Oct. 30. 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 and donuts available. Also, on Sept. 12 & 13, the season opens with a food truck rally, and on Sept. 19 & 20, view classic cars at the Fall Car & Jeep Show. 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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FreeObserver Editor
U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler
MoreSept. 12 & 26 (different times). Docent-led tours exploring “Daily Life in Ancient Rome” (Sept. 12), “All Things Egyptian” (Sept. 26, 11:15 a.m.), and “Highlights of the Kelsey” (Sept. 26, 2 p.m.). 11:15 a.m.–noon (Sept. 12 & 26) & 2–3 p.m. (Sept. 26), 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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Observer Editor
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun., except Sept. 19. 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
U-M Football vs. Oklahoma
MoreSold out. Noon, Michigan Stadium. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com/sports/football.
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FreeObserver Editor
Annual Picnic: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
MoreAll invited to bring a dish to share, or if you prefer, just your own meal. On-site grills available. Bring your own place setting and beverage. Lawn games and the annual “Wingnut Award” ceremony for birders who have seen the most birds in the county during the past year. Preceded by a migratory bird walk at 9:30 a.m. Noon–3 p.m., shelter B, Dexter-Huron Metropark, 6535 Huron River Dr., Dexter. Free, but $10 vehicle entrance fee. washtenawbna.org.
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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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Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreFri. Sept. 4 & 18 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some barnyard buddies, including a Highland cow, a chicken, a Flemish giant rabbit, and a miniature donkey at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show the cow, chicken, and rabbit at 1 & 4 p.m., and the donkey 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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FreeObserver Editor
“The Anishinaabek and Niibi: The Importance of Water to Michigan’s First People at Furstenberg Nature Area”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreLocal Anishinaabek educator Eric Hemenway leads a short hike and discusses how water has been an integral part of the history and culture of his people. Dress for the weather and for walking. 1–2 p.m., Furstenberg Nature Area, 2626 Fuller. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Observer Editor
“Monarch Migration Festival”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreAll invited to watch or participate in the release of tagged monarch butterflies. Also, games and other activities to learn about their life cycle and the center’s role as a way station for migrating monarchs. 1–4 p.m. 1831 Traver. $6 (members, $5; babies under 2, free) in advance at discoverscienceandnature.org/monarch & at the door. (734) 997–1553.
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FreeObserver 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.
