Events
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Observer Editor
a2Tech360: Ann Arbor Spark
MoreSept. 22–Oct. 2. Almost 2-week-long tech festival, with pitch competitions, a hackathon (two days of intensive coding), talks, panel discussions, a career fair, start-up demos, workshops, networking events, and more. Various times & locations. A mix of free and ticketed events. See full schedule at a2tech360.com.
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Community Listing
Candle-Making Workshop: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation
More701 W Ellsworth Rd, , Ann Arbor
An experience designed for trying something new, getting creative, and having a really good time.
Join us for a relaxed candle-making workshop where beautiful scents, hands-on creation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere come together. Laugh, connect, and enjoy the process — no experience needed.
Whether you’re coming with friends or treating yourself, this workshop is all about slowing down, creating something with your hands, and leaving with a candle you’ll love (and a great memory).
✨ What’s Included
• A guided candle-making workshop using 100% pure soy wax
• All candle-making materials provided
• One handcrafted candle
• A cozy, welcoming atmosphere to relax and connect✨ What to Expect
• 6:00–6:15 – Arrival & Welcome: Settle in and get comfortable.
• 6:15–7:15 – Candle-Making Workshop: Learn the candle-making process and create your own custom soy candle, infused with intention and your favorite scent.
• 7:15–7:30 – Connect & Play: While your candle begins to set, we’ll play a fun round of Candle-Maker Bingo with small prizes for a few lucky guests.
• 7:30–8:00 – Candle Decoration: Decorate your candle to make it uniquely yours!✨ Why Join?
• Try something new and creative — no experience needed
• Play with scents and create a candle that feels uniquely yours
• Enjoy a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere with great company
• Slow down, laugh, and be present for a couple of hours
• Leave with a handmade candle you’ll actually love — and a really good memory✨ Meet the Host
Renata – Candle Maker & Wellness Facilitator – @the.universe.stuffRenata is the heart and hands behind The Universe Stuff, a holistic wellness brand rooted in mindfulness, creativity, and intention. She handcrafts soy candles and other wellness products designed to support balance and self-care, and she hosts workshops that invite people to slow down, connect, and create. Based in the Ann Arbor area, Renata loves bringing people together through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
✨ About the Space
Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation – https://pittsfield-mi.gov/This workshop will take place at Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation, a welcoming community destination in Pittsfield Township, Michigan. Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation offers a variety of recreational programs, community events, classes, activities, and opportunities for residents and visitors to connect, learn, and enjoy time together.
Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation is more than just a place for recreation — it’s a welcoming community space created to bring people together. Through its diverse programs, facilities, and community activities, the organization provides opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, explore new interests, and participate in meaningful experiences.
With its welcoming atmosphere and strong focus on community connection, Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation provides a wonderful backdrop for slowing down, getting creative, and connecting with others. We’re excited to gather in a space that celebrates community, creativity, connection, and enjoying new experiences together.
https://apps.daysmartrecreation.com/dash/x/pittsfield/activity-finder/programs/67/levels/448
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Observer Editor
JLC Book Sale
MoreSept. 23–26. Local family-run sale of over 30,000 used books, as well as DVDs, audiobooks, video games, puzzles, and board games. Also, a presale on Sept. 23 from 4–8 p.m. for teachers and homeschool families. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, bldg. A, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free admission. jlcbooksale.com.
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Community Listing
Oktoberfest, Music and Fun: Lake Forest Golf Club
More3110 W. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor
OKTOBERFEST AT LAKE FOREST! 🇩🇪
This Friday, September 25, we’re giving Friday night a Bavarian twist!Join us for an evening of house-made German favorites from Chef Blake Reetz, live music, a Biergarten, firepits & games — all right here at Lake Forest.
OKTOBERFEST MENU
🌭 Bratwurst with Sauerkraut • $11
🍽️ Sauerbraten • $19.50
🥘 Mushroom Spaetzle • $9.50
🥨 Bavarian Pretzel • $8
🍎 Apple Strudel • $6🍻 Happy Hour | 3–5 PM
🎹 Live Music | Louis Johnson & David Stearns
🔥 Founders Firepits & Games
🍺 BiergartenGrab your friends, bring the family and come hungry. This isn’t our typical Friday night at Lake Forest — it’s Oktoberfest!
📍 3110 W. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor
📞 Reservations encouraged: 734-994-8580 ext. 2
🌐 ellsworthannarbor.com -
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 St. 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.
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Nightspots
Jeff McNiven.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborVeteran Michigan acoustic roots rock and alt-country singer-songwriter. 5 p.m.
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Observer Editor
Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun., Sept. 19–Nov. 1. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits to allow for routes of various lengths. Also, a U-Pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. On Sept. 27, Family Fun Day (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) features ice cream, balloon art, kids activities, and live music from the Saline Fiddlers. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), & 5–9 p.m. (Fri.), 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.
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Nightspots
Blockhouse Valley.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborPop & indie rock covers by the Detroit-area duo of vocalist Ashleigh Glass and guitarist Cody Cooper. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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FreeObserver Editor
“World Famous Trivia”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAADL staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia aimed at adults. Prizes. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
“History of Trees in Ann Arbor”: Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations/Leslie Science & Nature Center
MorePresentation by city staff on the history of forests in southeast Michigan, followed by a (weather permitting) guided walk to look at evidence of previous forests. 6–7:30 p.m., 1831 Traver. Free.
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FreeObserver Editor
Chinese Clay Fish Decoration: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults and teens invited to drop in and decorate an air-dry clay fish figurine, then set it inside a provided picture frame. Led by local artist Lyla Wang. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Nightspots
Shaun Garth Walker.: Sam Hill
MoreSam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.Local blues-oriented singer-guitarist with an eclectic, wide-ranging repertoire.
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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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FreeObserver Editor
Freestyle Exhibition: Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club
MoreSkaters who have qualified for the Boston Open National qualifying series show off their routines. 6:15–7:05 p.m., Ann Arbor Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley Dr. at Scio Church Rd. Free. (734) 213–6768, [email protected], annarborfsc.org.
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Community Listing
Elsa Storytime: Starbright Entertainment LLC and Milkshake Factory
MoreMilkshake Factory, 326 S Maple Rd Ste 326, Ann Arbor
Join Elsa for a live performance of “Let It Go”, a dance lesson, movement games, and stories! Young royals will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with their favorite Frozen queen, so costumes are encouraged!
This event is offered in partnership by Starbright Entertainment LLC and Milkshake Factory Ann Arbor!
$10 per child (caregivers free with paid child ticket)
Tickets: https://www.starbrightentertainmenta2.com/store/p/elsa-storytime-milkshake
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FreeObserver Editor
“Do Wildness: Myth, mystery and mischief”: Literati Bookstore
MoreAustralian writer and wilderness guide Anna McCracken discusses her new book about what happens when we start to notice birdsong, moon cycles, seasons, and other natural rhythms that modern life so often causes us to overlook. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.
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FreeObserver Editor
Turner Luce Project: Argus Farm Stop Packard Cafe
MoreLocal Americana duo performs originals, Celtic standards, and covers by artists such as Tom Petty, Merle Haggard, and Paul Simon. 6:30–8:30 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. Tips welcome. (734) 997–5448, argusfarmstop.com/events-1.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Fireside Fun”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreAll 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., 1831 Traver. Free. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
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Nightspots
Michelle Belanger Band.: Live
MoreLive 102 S. First St., Ann ArborHonky-tonk, rockabilly, Western swing, and vintage country by this local ensemble fronted by singer-guitarist Belanger.
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Observer Editor
“Euchre Change a Life!”
MoreSept. 4 & 25. Five-game euchre tournament. Sign up with a partner or get paired with one by the organizers. Prizes. Food & beverages available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Haitian children via Haitian Christian Outreach. 6:30–9 p.m., HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plz. $15 (HOMES members, $10). [email protected], tinyurl.com/a2euchrechange.
