Events
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Free
Observer 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
U-M Men’s Basketball
MoreU-M Men’s Basketball vs. EMU. Exhibition game. The U-M plays another exhibition game this month against Oregon State (Oct. 16). Times TBA, Crisler Center. Tickets TBA at mgoblue.com in advance & at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Joe’s Breakfast Club”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Fri. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack a lunch or stop in Dexter. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 10 a.m. sharp, meet at Delhi Metro Park parking lot (left of the tollbooth), E. Delhi off Huron River Dr. Free. [email protected].
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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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Free
Observer Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery Fri., Sat., & Wed. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. noon–12:30 p.m. (Fri. & Wed.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Piano”: First Baptist Church Ad Libitum Concert Series
MoreVisiting pianist Dr. John Mortensen performs improvisation in a variety of historic styles, including those of Bach, Couperin, Rameau, Royer, and Scarlatti. Noon–1 p.m., 517 E. Washington (handicap access on Washington entrance). Free. (734) 663–9376, fbca2.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Real-World Perspectives”: U-M Poverty Solutions Fall Speaker Series
MoreEvery Fri., except Oct. 9. Talks by scholars and social workers, followed by Q&A.
Oct. 2: U-M professor of social work and public policy Kristin Seefeldt on “Lessons Learned from Designing and Evaluating Ann Arbor’s Guaranteed Income Pilot.”
Oct. 16: Wayne State University social work professor Kess Ballentine on “Beyond Silos: An Inter-Institutional Framework for Understanding Poverty and Advancing Social Change.”
Oct. 23: UCLA architecture professor Dana Cuff on “cityLAB’s Innovations for Affordable Housing.”
Oct. 30: “Designing for Dignity: Strengthening Food Assistance Amid Policy Threats.” U-M public health professor Kate Bauer in conversation with Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan director Taylor Moore.
Noon–1:30 p.m., School of Social Work, B780 (basement), 1080 South University. Also via livestream. Free. (734) 929–8027, [email protected], fordschool.umich.edu/events.
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Free
Observer Editor
“The Ride Ahead”: U-M School of Education
More(Dan & Samuel Habib, 2024). Directed by U-M alum and his son, this documentary film tells the story of disabled 21-year-old Samuel as he navigates questions about education, relationships, community, and what it means to live independently. 1-3 p.m., U-M School of Education Schorling Auditorium, 610 East University. Free. In person or online at wihd.org/special-events-at-wihd. Wheelchair accessible; ASL interpretation, live captioning and audio description available.
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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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Observer Editor
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. T. Rex (noon) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence); The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own; and Tales of the Maya Skies (2 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
“True Biz”: Ann Arbor District Library Let’s Be a Book Group
MoreAll invited to join a discussion of Sara Nović’s 2022 coming-of-age novel set in a residential boarding school for the deaf. 3–4 p.m., AADL Pittsfield. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
U-M Clements Library Tour
MoreOct. 16 & 23. Hour-long docent-led tour of the library’s early American history collection, along with a chance to view a new exhibit, Who Counts? A History of Voting in America, a display of ballot boxes, campaign pins, preprinted party tickets, banners, and other electioneering ephemera. 4 p.m. (Oct. 16 & 23) and 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. (Oct. 23), 909 South University. Free, preregistration required at clements.umich.edu. (734) 649–3370.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Fix-It Friday”: Maker Works
MoreAll invited to bring anything that needs fixing—chairs, sweaters, radios, whatever. Maker Works members and staff on hand help with repairs. Handy people invited to assist. Repairs not guaranteed. Also, toy adaptations to make off-the-shelf toys more accessible for people with disabilities. 4–6 p.m., 3765 Plaza Dr. Free. Preregistration required at maker-works.com/fixitfriday. (734) 222–4911.
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Nightspots
Jim Eddy.: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiDexter Celtic roots singer-songwriter & guitarist. 4:30–6:30 p.m.
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Community Listing
Friday Night Music at Lake Forest Golf Club with Shaun Garth Walker: Lake Forest Golf Club
More3110 West Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor
🍂 Friday Nights Are Getting Cozy at Lake Forest! 🔥🎶
Join us Friday, October 16th for an evening of live music, great food, and all the things we love about fall at Lake Forest.
🎸 Shaun Garth Walker – a local blues-oriented singer-guitarist with an eclectic, wide-ranging repertoire
Come early for Happy Hour from 3–5 PM, then settle in for the evening. Grab a blanket, gather around the fire tables, enjoy the gardens and games, and relax with friends and family !
And come hungry! Chef Blake’s new Fall Menu is here, along with Friday’s special: Take a look at the menu at www.ellsworthannarbor.com
🔥 Fire tables & cozy blankets – in our enclosed pergola!
🎲 Lawn Games for kids & adults
🍁 Gardens & fall views
🍸 Happy Hour 3–5 PM
🎶 Live music at 5 PM
🍽️ New Fall MenuGood music. Great food. Cozy fall nights.
That’s Friday at Lake Forest.Open to everyone — bring your friends, bring the family, and make a night of it!
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Observer Editor
Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits. Also, a u-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. The corn maze is illuminated and guests get a free glow stick on Glow Maze Nights (Oct. 9, 16, & 23, 5–9 p.m.). On All You Can Carry Pumpkin Day (Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.), for $10 you can purchase all the pumpkins you can successfully stack and carry down the lane. On Pumpkin Smash Day (Oct. 30, 5–9 p.m.), each guest receives a free pumpkin to smash, which is then composted or fed to the farm’s animals. Costumes encouraged for the Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 31, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.). 5–9 p.m (Fri.), 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.). 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.
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Community ListingFree
Poetry Trail: Michelle Smolarski
MoreBluffs Nature Area, 1279 N Main St., Ann Arbor MI 48103
My poems will be found going down the trail straight ahead on red hearts written in calligraphy. Be careful to not step on any! They could be above, to the right, to the left, maybe even down below you. Enjoy your hike!
I will dance at different times around the clock. And have my poetry books for sale. Come enjoy nature and the arts and support a local artist!
Oct 16th-18th 5-9pm call me to reserve a spot at 734-274-3623 at Bluffs Nature Area.Free -
Nightspots
Jaded Ravins.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborSoulful Americana & rock couple based out of a van. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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Free
Observer 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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Free
Observer Editor
Super Guitar Bros.: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreThis area duo plays a set of acoustic guitar covers of video game tunes. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
