Events
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FreeObserver 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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Observer Editor
“Annual Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival”
MoreAug. 14 & 15. A 2-day exhibit and sale of works by local and visiting artists who have been painting outdoors throughout Dexter since Aug. 10. Also, art workshops for kids and adults (see paintdexter.com). Today’s special events: “Quick Draw Competition” (9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) among participating artists, an art sale (2–9 p.m.), a meet-the-artists beer & wine reception (2 p.m.), and an awards ceremony (5 p.m.). Also, live music by the Dexter Dulcimers (2 p.m.) and the Depot Town Big Band (7–9 p.m.). 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. (Fri.) & 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sat.), Monument Park, Dexter. Free admission. (734) 580–2229,, [email protected], paintdexter.com.
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Observer Editor
Foodie Fridays: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation
MoreEvery Friday. Local food truck rally. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (or until sold out), County Farm Park, 2230 Platt.
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FreeObserver Editor
A2 Summer Streets Music Series: Main Street Area Association
MoreEvery 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.
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Observer Editor
U-M Men’s Soccer
MoreExhibition match vs. Cleveland State. The U-M has another exhibition match this month against Saginaw Valley (Aug. 14, 4 p.m.) and regular home season games against Loyola Marymount (Aug. 20, 6 p.m.), Niagara (Aug. 27, 4 p.m.), and Southern Illinois–Edwardsville (Aug. 30, 2 p.m.). 4 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. $6 & $8 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each; kids 5 & under, free). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Pioneer Day at Sharon Mills”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
MoreA chance to learn what life was like for early settlers of Sharon Hollow in the 1830s. Activities for all ages. 4–7 p.m., Sharon Mills Preserve, 5701 Sharon Hollow, Manchester. Free. tinyurl.com/wcparc-summer2026.
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Nightspots
The Kis Bennah Duo: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiTraditional jazz & swing covers by this local duo. 4:30–6:30 p.m.
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FreeObserver Editor
Gel Plate Printing: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults and teens invited to use AADL paints, textures, and patterns to create one-of-a-kind monoprints. 5–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Community Listing
“Growing Roots Where We Are”: The Healing Feast
More1133 Maplewood Ave., Ypsilanti, MI
The Healing Feast is a non-profit sharing radical abundance with nourishing food and creative community for healing connections with self, others, the earth, and the sacred. This month’s theme is Growing Roots Where We Are, featuring: Sari Brown – priestess of song, dance, and kitchen magic; AliceSun – composer and musician liberating linear timelines through storytelling and ancestral healing; Nyenyenzi (Yenzi Grace) – Ntu-Yogi fusion practitioner blending Haka, the ancient Bantu sound-based spiritual practice and Bantu crystal healing with the discipline of yoga; Sundance Living Waters – community drum circle guide. Dinner: Tacos del huerto – garden tacos w/ vegan and allergen-friendly options. 10% of proceeds will benefit We the People Opportunity Farm in Ypsilanti. Tickets: tinyurl.com/the-healing-feast-august2026 . Contact [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering or have any accessibility needs.
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Nightspots
Mike Root: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborMid-Michigan country singer-guitarist. 5 p.m.
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Nightspots
The Steve Taylor Three: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborAcoustic trio led by Lake Orion Americana singer-songwriter Taylor. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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Community Listing
Friday Night Live Music: Lake Forest Golf Club
More3110 W. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor
Friday Night Music at Lake Forest Golf Club
Kick off your weekend with live music, great food, and a relaxing summer evening at Lake Forest Golf Club!
Join us August 12 from 5:30–8:30 PM for live music featuring local favorites Louis Johnson and David Stearns. Weather permitting, the performance will be outdoors on our beautiful patio.
Gather your friends and family and settle in for a delicious meal from Chef Blake Reetz, surrounded by fire tables, cozy blankets, and lawn games. Come early for Happy Hour from 3–5 PM, or make an evening of it—the golf course and driving range are open to everyone.
Friday Night Music is open to the public.
Reservations are encouraged: 734-994-8580 ext. 2Lake Forest Golf Club | Ellsworth Food & Spirits
View our menu at www.Ellsworthannarbor.comA great place to eat, relax, and kick off the weekend.
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Observer Editor
“Sensory Splash Time”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation
MoreThe spray park stays open late tonight exclusively for children with special needs and their families to experience stress-free play time. Concessions open until 7 p.m. 6–8 p.m., Independence Lake County Park Blue Heron Bay Spray Park, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. $4 (noncounty resident, $5) walk-up or preregistration at washtenaw.org/registerparks (#IL441102), plus $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. (734) 449–4437, [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
“Friday Night Geology Hike: Blueberries & Beavers”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
MoreWCPARC naturalist Shawn Severance leads a hike to explore the summer forest and the abundance of life that emerges at the complex edge of water and sand created by the meltwaters of the glaciers thousands of years ago. 6–8 p.m., West Lake Nature Preserve, 21520 Waterloo, Chelsea. Free. Preregistration required (#841009) at washtenaw.org/registerparks. [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
Pride at the Y Dinner Dance: Ann Arbor YMCA
MoreAll invited to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride with dancing to music spun by a DJ and a buffet dinner. With drag performances, family-friendly arts and crafts, drag bingo, a makeover station, and more. Please, no stiletto heels; the floor is delicate. YMCA membership not required. 6–9 p.m., YMCA gymnasium, 400 W. Washington. Free, but preregistration recommended by Aug. 7 (seating limited) at annarborymca.org/pride2026.
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Nightspots
Mike Vial: Sam Hill
MoreSam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.Local folk-rock singer-songwriter who sings songs about love and life’s transitions.
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Observer Editor
D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery 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.
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Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery 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.
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The Extrusions: Live
MoreLive 102 S. First St., Ann ArborDance music by this popular local cover band with a huge repertoire of classic, New Wave, and modern rock hits and forgotten gems from the 1960s through the 2010s.
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FreeObserver Editor
John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Concert Series
MoreSee 7 Friday. Tonight: a funk-inflected smooth jazz ensemble led by veteran saxophonist Kirk Whalum. 7 p.m.
