Events
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Free
Observer Editor
Dressage Shows: Waterloo Hunt Club
MoreJuly 31–Aug. 2 & Aug. 13–16. Equine competition combining artistry and technical abilities highlighted by graceful freestyle routines set to music. No pets. Concessions. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., 11500 Glenn at Katz (west off Mount Hope Rd. from I-94 exit 150), Grass Lake. Free. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Annual Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival”
MoreSee 14 Friday. Today’s events include an art sale (9 a.m.–8 p.m.), a children’s art activity (11 a.m.), and a beer & wine reception (noon). Also, live music in the Gallery Tent by the Ducenota String Ensemble (noon), the Ann Arbor Clarinet Trio (1:15 p.m.), the G-Fours String Quartet (2:30 p.m.), the Depot Town Jazz Ensemble (3:45 p.m.), and, at the Monument Park gazebo, the Dexter Community Choir (6 p.m.). 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
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Observer Editor
Annual Arts & Crafts Fair: Salem Area Historical Society
MoreShow and sale of works by local artists and crafters. Also, self-guided tours of the one-room schoolhouse, barn murals on display, concessions, raffles, and live music TBA. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Jarvis Stone School, 7991 North Territorial at Curtis, Salem Twp. Free admission. [email protected].
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Free
Observer 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 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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Free
Observer Editor
“Anime Arbor”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreA day of talks, costume contests, and other activities celebrating all things anime and manga, the Japanese animated film and comic book arts, respectively. With an artists alley featuring a variety of artists and vendors selling anime and manga-related goods, all-ages anime-themed crafts, a featured talk by voice actor Kayli Mills (noon, 4th fl. program rm.), along with talks by cosplay experts Akakioga, AlpacaAsh, Jazzthebat, and Halcybella. For a complete schedule see aadl.org/animearbor. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
“South Side Stroll”: Dzanc House
MoreArt and music festival in the alley and backyards of Ypsilanti’s historic South Side neighborhood. Live music TBA. Food vendors. Art on display and for sale. Rain date: Aug. 16. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Catherine St. alley from Hamilton to Huron St., Ypsi. Free. More information at dzanchouse.org/all-events.
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Donation
Observer Editor
Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun., except Aug. 16. 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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Free
Observer Editor
“Rentschler Farm Open House”: Saline Area Historical Society
MoreSelf-guided tours of this 1901 farm, which has explanatory signage throughout its farmhouse, barns, dairy barn, ice house, windmill, and more. Live sheep & chickens to admire. Noon–3 p.m., Rentschler Farm Museum, 1265 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. Free admission. (734) 944–0442.
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Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun. and Fri. Aug. 7 & 21. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers present and give insights into some animals with superpowers, including an African crested porcupine, a three-banded armadillo, and a frilled dragon at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows a Gila monster at 2 & 3 p.m. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show all four animals at 7:30 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) & 7–9 p.m. (Fri.), 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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Observer Editor
Ypsilanti Food Festival: Washtenaw County
MoreCommunity gathering with family-friendly yard games and activities and music spun by DJ Roy. Also, a demo from the Ypsilanti Fire Department, food trucks, and artisan vendors. Noon–7 p.m., University Bank Commerce Center, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsi. Free. bit.ly/4eKFIpz.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for kids age 5 & up that uses museum specimens to explore paleontology and what can be learned from giant bones and fossils. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
U-M Volleyball
MoreExhibition match vs. Pittsburgh. The U-M also has regular season home matches this month against Long Island University (Aug. 28, 6 p.m.) & Miami (Aug. 29, 2 p.m.). 1 p.m., Crisler Center. $8 & $10 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.
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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
Jewel Heart Happy Hikers: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center
MoreAll welcome to join a hike through the Arb. 1:30–2:30 p.m., meet at the Peony Garden entrance to the Arb at 1610 Washington Hgts. Free. [email protected], jewelheart.org/chapters/ann-arbor.
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Observer Editor
“A Chinese Ghost Story”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Aug. 15: “A Chinese Ghost Story” (Ching Siu-tung, 1987). Cult Hong Kong xianxia (supernatural fantasy) martial arts horror film about a man who falls in love with a ghost. Leslie Cheung, Joey Wong, Wu Ma. Cantonese, subtitles. 1:30 p.m.
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Free
Observer Editor
U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler
MoreAug. 8, 15, & 22 (different times). Docent-led tours exploring ancient Greek and Roman demi-gods in “Centaurs and Sirens and Satyrs, Oh My!” (Aug. 8), ancient female images in “Women in the Kelsey” (Aug. 15), “Daily Life in Ancient Rome” (Aug. 22, 11:15 a.m.), and “All That Sparkles: Egyptian Jewelry” (Aug. 22, 2 p.m.). 11:15 a.m.–noon (Aug. 8 & 22) & 2–3 p.m. (Aug. 15 & 22), 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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Observer Editor
Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
MoreAug. 4, 8, 15, 22, & 29. All age 16 & up invited to learn about and participate in improv games in a fun, relaxed, and judgment-free setting. No experience necessary. The Aug. 15 meeting is followed by an hour-long skills session discussing and practicing a specific improv skill. 7–9 p.m. (Tues.) & 2–4 p.m. (Sat.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $8 (with skills session, $15) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv or in cash at the door.
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Community Listing
The Family 734 End of Summer River Float: The Family 734
MoreIsland Park, 1420 Island Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA, Ann Arbor
Close out the summer with The Family 734 at our First Annual Family Float on the scenic Huron River. Spend the afternoon floating from the Argo Cascades to Island Park, then relax with family, friends, music, and light refreshments at our island party.
Whether you’ve been locked in as a Family member since day one or joining us for the first time, this is a great opportunity to connect with the community, enjoy the outdoors, and make lasting summer memories.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Meet Time: 2:00 PM
Parking: Island Park, Ann Arbor
Walk Route: Park at Island Park and walk approximately 0.6 miles with your tube along the B2B Trail to the Argo Cascades launch.
Float Route: Launch from the top of the Argo Cascades and float down the Huron River to Island Park.
After the Float: Music, light refreshments, and family at our island party.
What to Bring
River tube
Life jacket (recommended)
Water shoes or sandals
Sunscreen
Water and snacks
Dry bag for valuables
Towel and a change of clothes
This event is weather permitting. Please check Family 734’s social media channels for any weather-related updates before heading out.
Come celebrate the end of summer the Family 734 way. On the river, surrounded by great people, good music, and unforgettable memories. Family Over Everything.
Free -
Free
Observer Editor
“Megafauna Mystery”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
MoreEvery Sat. & Sun. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for kids age 5 & up that uses museum specimens to explore paleontology and what can be learned from giant bones and fossils. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
“Emma’s Wedding(s)”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery Wed.–Sun., June 25–Aug. 30. (See review) Kate Thomsen directs longtime Purple Rose resident playwright Carey Crim’s comedy-drama about a group of old friends gathered to celebrate their friend Emma’s fourth wedding. Together, they revisit their memories of each of her previous three weddings to “the one.” Adult language and subject matter. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
