Events
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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
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
MoreEvery Thurs. & Mon. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.) and non-sanctioned (Mon.). Noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9) & 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.
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Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
MoreEvery Thurs., Fri., & Tues. 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].
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FreeObserver Editor
“Introductory Woodcarving: Pumpkins”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreOct. 8 & 15 (different times). Adults & teens invited to learn woodcarving basics, then carve a small pumpkin to take home. 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Oct. 8) & 2–4 p.m. (Oct. 15), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Observer Editor
“Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20. Rhiannon Ragland directs retired Detroit newscaster and playwright Devin Scillian’s family comedy-drama about a conflict between brothers—an aging country rocker and a buttoned-down finance guy—after their mother’s death. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Wed.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Third Thursdays at the Library”: U-M Library
MoreMonthly open house featuring rotating highlights from the library’s Special Collections Research Center, maps from the Clark Library, and items from other collections. Curators on hand to answer questions. Today on the 6th fl.: “Magic and Monsters.” Spooky items, including a model of the monster from Lawrence Kasdan’s 2003 film adaptation of Stephen King’s Dreamcatcher. Today on the 4th fl: “From Frightful to Delightful: East Asian Monsters in the Stacks.” Depictions of demons, shape-shifters, and mythical beasts from East Asian folklore, literature, art, and popular culture. Today on the 2nd fl.: “Magical Monstrous Maps.” Spooky maps featuring everything from Dutch Golden Age sea creatures to contemporary artists’ depictions of classic literary monsters. Today on the 1st fl.: “Magic and Monsters in Folklore Around the World.” Items depicting supernatural beings, legendary creatures, spirits, and shape-shifters from around the globe. 4–6 p.m., Hatcher Library, enter from the Diag. Free. (734) 936–2309.
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FreeObserver Editor
“A2Zero Clothing Swap”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations
MoreAll invited to bring up to 5 washed and in-good-condition clothing items and accessories and find new-to-you treasures to take home. You can take clothing without bringing anything or bring clothing without taking anything. 4–7 p.m., Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. Free. luma.com/a2zeroclothingswaps.
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FreeObserver Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery 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.
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FreeObserver Editor
U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Kozma Lecture
MoreBinghamton University ancient Mediterranean studies professor Hilary Becker discusses Roman art and the museum’s new exhibition “Ancient Abstractions: Roman Visual Trends Beyond Naturalism.” Light refreshments. 5–6 p.m., 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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FreeObserver Editor
Tylonn D. Sawyer: EMU Visiting Artist Speaker Series
MoreTalk by this Detroit-based figurative artist (and EMU alum) whose practice spans painting, drawing, and multimedia works that examine the intersections of identity, collective memory, and history within popular culture. Followed by Q&A. 5–6 p.m., EMU Strong Hall, rm. 111, W. Circle Dr., Ypsi. Free. (501) 920–4386, [email protected].
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Nightspots
Deveaux Gauger.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborLocal blues- and folk-flavored rock singer-guitarist. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Fearless by Design”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series
MoreDetroit-born sneaker designer and U-M alum Shane Ward discusses his work. Ward has designed footwear for Adidas, Puma, Converse, and others. His ongoing Metamorphosis series of large-scale paintings explores the intersection of fashion, identity, and impermanence. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671, stamps.umich.edu.
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FreeObserver Editor
Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreOct. 1, 8, 15, & 22 (different times). All invited to work on their own projects using the library’s tools, including silhouette cutting machines, die cutters, embossers, and button makers (Oct. 1); 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (Oct. 8); sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (Oct. 15); and soldering equipment and electronic components (Oct. 22). 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Oct. 1, 15, & 22) & 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Oct. 8), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Third Thursday Tour”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
MoreThirty-minute docent-led tour of ancient Mediterranean artifacts in the museum collection. Note: tonight the museum closes late at 7:30 p.m. 6 p.m., 434 S. State (meet at the Maynard entrance). Free. (734) 764–9304.
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FreeObserver Editor
Bad Decisions Track Club
MoreEvery Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.
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FreeObserver 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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FreeObserver Editor
“Ghosts of the British Museum: A True Story of Colonial Loot and Restless Objects”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Book Club
MoreAll invited to join a discussion of Noah Angell’s 2024 exploration of the British Museum’s haunted past. Light refreshments. 6–7 p.m., 434 S. State, rm. 125. Preregistration required; see lsa.umich.edu/kelsey. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Phoenix Girl”: Ann Arbor District Library/National Alliance on Mental Illness Washtenaw County Mental Health Book Club.
MoreAll invited to join a discussion of Observer contributor Michelle Yang’s 2025 memoir about growing up bipolar in a tight-knit immigrant family. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Can AI Help Us Build Better Connections? How Social Robots Are Transforming Human Experiences”: U-M Institute for Data & AI in Society.
MoreTalk by U-M robotics professor Patricia Alves-Oliveira. 6–7:30 p.m., 1040 Dana Bldg., 440 Church St. Free, but preregistration required at midas.umich.edu/midas-events.
