• Free
    Observer Editor

    Songwriting Meet-Up: Bløm Mead + Cider

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    All local songwriters invited to share songs in progress, give constructive feedback, and grow their writing practice. At 7:30 p.m., a featured singer-songwriter performs. 6–8:30 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.

  • Observer Editor

    “Kwaidan”: 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. 

    Oct. 13: “Kwaidan” (Masaki Kobayashi, 1965). Gorgeously shot anthology horror film based on Japanese folk tales. In 4 ghost stories, the dead invade and threaten the world of the living. Japanese, subtitles. 7 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Shape Note Singing Ypsi

    Shape Note Singing Ypsi
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    Oct. 13 & 27. All invited to join an evening of this early American form of hymn singing that uses musical notation with distinct shapes to make learning easier. Also, on Oct. 3, the “1st Annual Ypsi-Arbor All Day Sing” (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) includes songs from The Sacred Harp (2025 edition) and a potluck (see website for sign-up). Songbooks available. No experience required. 7–9 p.m., Riverside Arts Center, Off Center Bldg., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. (734) 480–2787, riversidearts.org/shape-note-singing-ypsilanti.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Making Mead”: Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers

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    Talk by Manistee County beekeeper and mead maker Vicky Rowe, founder of gotmead.com. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a beginners’ Q&A session. 7–9 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Also available online. Free; metered parking. a2b2club.org.

  • Nightspots

    Gold.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Celtic New Age band.

  • Observer Editor

    Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance

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    Every Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught and prompted; no complicated steps, and no partner or experience needed. Bring clean, flat, nonslip shoes. First-timers asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Suggested donation $8–$12 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country. 

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    “Gone with the Wind”: Fathom Entertainment

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    (734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline). 

    Oct. 10–14: “Gone with the Wind” (Victor Fleming, 1939). The classic Civil War soap opera, centered on the narcissistic spitfire belle Scarlett O’Hara. Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable. 2 p.m (Sat. & Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Mon.–Wed.).

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Coffee Shop Comedy”: Yogi & Bruce Umpstead

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    An interactive comedy show featuring stand-up by booked comics, open-mic spots, and a “Finish-the-Joke” audience game with prizes for the funniest punchlines. Hosted by Yogi & Bruce Umpstead, with performances by Jeff Teed, Paul Artale, and L LaNoue. 7:30 p.m., Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, 123 W. Washington St.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    University Symphony Orchestra: U-M Music School

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    Kenneth Kiesler directs this music student ensemble in Tchaikovsky’s colorful and triumphant Symphony no. 5, the overture from Verdi’s La Forza del Destino, and the world premiere of young American composer Quinn Mason’s Violin Concerto featuring U-M violin professor Fabiola Kim. Preceded at 7:15 p.m. by a brief talk. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–2538.

  • Nightspots

    Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Blues-and Southern-rock band led by guitarist Betts, son of Allman Brothers founding member Dicky Betts. Their jam-oriented sound evokes classic Allman Brothers with dual lead guitars backed by swampy organ and a tight rhythm section. Opener: Stoll Vaughan, a Kentucky folk-rock and Americana singer-songwriter. $40.

  • Nightspots

    Steven Rush Quintet.: Ziggy’s

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    Ziggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Contemporary jazz ensemble led by pianist Rush, a U-M music professor.

  • Nightspots

    Neighbour Andy.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    A polished mix of indie rock and alt-pop by this energetic quintet from Manitoba known for its anthemic guitar riffs, warm harmonies, and driving rhythms. $25.

  • Community Listing

    Ms. Rachel Storytime: Starbright Entertainment LLC and Hide and Seek Play Cafe

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    1954 S Industrial Hwy Ste A, Ann Arbor

    This Ms. Rachel inspired storytime will have young fans moving, playing, and learning! Sing and dance to some of Ms Rachel’s favorite songs like “Hop Little Bunnies” and “Icky Sticky Bubble Gum”, play movement games, and read interactive stories with Starbright Entertainment’s own “Ms Rachel”!

    www.starbrightentertainmenta2.com

    $6 – $10
  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every 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.

  • Community Listing
    Free

    “Middle East in Focus: U.S. Strategy in a Changing Region”: U-M Ford School of Public Policy

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    735 S. State St. , Ann Arbor

    Carnegie Endowment senior fellow Aaron David Miller, a U-M PhD and longtime State Department Middle East negotiator, and Defense Priorities Middle East program director Rosemary Kelanic discuss the conflicts, alliances, and diplomatic prospects shaping U.S. policy in the region.

    Ford School Professor Javed Ali, a former National Security Council senior director for counterterrorism, moderates.

    Lunch provided. 11:45 a.m.–12:50 p.m., Weill Hall, Betty Ford Classroom (rm. 1110), 735 S. State St. Registration encouraged at fordschool.umich.edu/events. This event will be livestreamed.

    Questions? Email: [email protected]

    [email protected]

    free