• Observer Editor

    Chelsea Community Fair: Chelsea Fairgrounds

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    Aug. 25–29. Fair rides and concessions (Wed. & Thurs. 3–10 p.m., Fri. noon–10 p.m., and Sat. 1–10 p.m.), a bingo tent, livestock shows, demolition derbies (Tues. & Wed. 7:30 p.m.), Lost Nations Rodeo (Thurs. 7:30 p.m.), truck & tractor pulls (Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m.), a fair queen contest (Fri. 7 p.m.), exhibits of baking, canning, floriculture, arts, and hobbies. The fair officially kicks off with a Children’s Parade (Tues. 5:30 p.m.) for ages 3–12 on decorated bikes & wagons or on foot from the municipal lot behind Common Grill to the fairgrounds, and ends with the Chelsea Fair Parade (Sat. 1 p.m.), which includes the high-energy Celtic-inspired Chelsea House Orchestra, and many more local favorites. Complete schedule available at chelseafair.org. 10 a.m.10 p.m., Chelsea Fairgrounds, Old US-12 at Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea. Daily admission, $10; 5-day pass, $30 (middle & high school students and seniors 65 & older, $20; kids age 10 & under, free). Free admission for seniors age 65 & over on Thurs. before 5 p.m., for active or inactive U.S. service members with ID on Fri., and for families on Fri. from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $5 pass for women on Fri. before 11 a.m. (734) 475–1270, [email protected], chelseafair.org.

  • Observer Editor

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club

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    Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 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].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    A2 Summer Streets Music Series: Main Street Area Association

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    Every Thurs.–Sun., June 4–Sept. 28. Local musicians TBA perform at several locations along Main downtown. Rain cancels. 4 p.m. Thurs.–Sun., S. Main between E. Washington & W. William. For the complete lineup, go to mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Clements Library Tour

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    Aug. 27 & 28. Hour-long docent-led tour of the Clements’s early American history collection highlighted by the new exhibit Up, Up, and Away: A History of Ballooning in America. 4–5 p.m., 909 South University. Free; preregistration required at clements.umich.edu. (734) 649–3370.

  • Nightspots

    Dirt Road Ramblers: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Blues, classic rock, and originals by this local band. 4:30–6:30 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    Motor City Moonshine: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Country and classic rock covers by this Detroit-area quartet.

  • Nightspots

    Ralph McKee Blues Trio: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Energetic, sophisticated blend of danceable soul, blues, and rock by this band led by Hoodang bassist McKee. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Volleyball

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    Exhibition 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Make-a-Zine Night”: All Hands Active

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    All levels of zine makers, from beginner to experienced, invited to make their own homemade booklet to take home. Only simple instructions provided, but supplies available. 6–8 p.m., basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/allhandsactive/events. Free; donations welcome. [email protected]

  • Nightspots

    Shaun Garth Walker: Sam Hill

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    Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.

    Local blues-oriented singer-guitarist with an eclectic, wide-ranging repertoire.

  • Observer Editor

    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

    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.

    Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.

    Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.

    Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary.

    Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fireside Fun”: Leslie Science & Nature Center

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    All invited to sit around a campfire, roast marshmallows, and swap stories. If you like, bring outdoor games, s’mores fixings (roasting utensils provided), and  camping chairs. Rain or shine, so dress for the weather. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.  

  • Community Listing

    Foundry Town Survivors – Annual Townie Gig: Foundry Town Music

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    102 S. 1st St, Ann Arbor

    Foundry Town Survivors Mark Tomorsky & Tommy Johnsmiller return to their hometown with special guests Andy Adamson on keyboards and Chip Trombley on drums for their Annual Townie Gig at LIVE Nightclub for one night of live music, dancing and fun. It’s an annual tradition for us, and we’d love to have you stop by and say hello. NO COVER CHARGE. Doors open at 6PM with music from 6:30-9:00PM 18 and over only.

    https://foundrytownsurvivors.com

    Free - No cover charge
  • Nightspots

    Foundry Town Survivors: Live

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    Live 102 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    Classic Detroit rock’n’roll by this band led by veteran singer-songwriter & guitarist Mark Tomorsky.

  • Observer Editor

    “2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour”: Michigan Theater

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    Film 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. 28: “2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour.” Six notable shorts from this year’s festival. 7 p.m.