Events
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
FreeObserver Editor
U-M Institute for Historical Studies Lecture Series
MoreOct. 1 & 29. Talks by visiting scholars.
Oct. 1: Howard University history professor Ademide Adelusi-Adeluyi on “Imagine Lagos: Rethinking the Histories of West African Cities in the 19th Century.”
Oct. 29: Vanderbilt University history professor Samuel Dolbee discusses the history of Turkish fruit orchards in “Ottoman Roots.”
4–6 p.m., 1014 Tisch Hall, 435 S. State. Free. (734) 615–7400.
-
FreeObserver Editor
“The Last Free Women: A Daring Escape from Afghanistan & Coming of Age in America”: U-M Wallace House Center for Journalists
MoreJournalists Rebecca Blumenstein & Diana Kapp discuss their new book about Blumenstein’s experience working in Afghanistan for the New York Times during the 2021 American withdrawal where she was deeply involved in the company’s effort to evacuate more than 200 Afghan colleagues and family members. The authors are joined by Mursal Rahim, one of the Afghan women profiled in the book, along with veteran journalist Anna Quindlen. 4:30–6 p.m., Rackham Amphitheatre. Free. (734) 998–7666.
-
FreeObserver 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.
-
FreeObserver Editor
“LGBT History Month Student Film Festival”: State Theatre
MoreFilm screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Oct. 1: “LGBT History Month Student Film Festival.” A program of films by U-M students that highlight LGBTQ+ experiences and stories. Followed by Q&A with the filmmakers. Free popcorn and queer cinema trivia. FREE, but preregistration required at marquee-arts.org/calendar. 5 p.m.
-
Nightspots
Tim McNary.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborNashville-based indie folk singer-songwriter. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
-
Nightspots
Khalid Hanifi Quartet.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborInfectious rock ‘n’ roll by an ensemble led by this veteran singer-songwriter, cofounder with his sister Sophia of the great 80s band Map of the World as well as frontman of the popular local 90s bands Kiss Me Screaming and the Maypops. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
-
FreeObserver Editor
“Book of Hours”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series
MoreLos Angeles–based violinist and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Vijay Gupta discusses his work as the founder and artistic director of Street Symphony, a nonprofit that brings live music to nontraditional audiences and settings, including homeless shelters, jails, psychiatric hospitals, and reentry programs. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671, stamps.umich.edu.
-
FreeObserver Editor
Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreOct. 1, 8, 15, & 22 (different times). All invited to work on their own projects using the library’s tools, including silhouette cutting machines, die cutters, embossers, and button makers (Oct. 1); 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (Oct. 8); sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (Oct. 15); and soldering equipment and electronic components (Oct. 22). 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Oct. 1, 15, & 22) & 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Oct. 8), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
-
Observer Editor
“Trail Raiser for the B2B”: Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative
MoreDinner with open beer & wine bar and live music by Djangophonique, a local quartet led by guitarist Andrew Brown that specializes in vintage jazz in the style of gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt’s 1930s Parisian swing. With lawn games, a wine pull, and silent auction. Fundraiser for the Border to Border Trail. 5:30–8:30 p.m., the Collins Off Main, 120 W. Middle, Chelsea. $125 in advance only at bit.ly/b2btrail-10-1-26.
-
Observer Editor
“Small Bite Sessions: Tiny Olive Oil World Tour”: Zingerman’s Deli
MoreAll invited to a guided tasting of various olive oils from around the world. 6–6:30 p.m., Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St. $15. Preregistration required at zingermansdeli.com/events. (734) 663–3354.
-
FreeObserver Editor
Bad Decisions Track Club
MoreEvery Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.
-
FreeObserver Editor
“World Postcard Day”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults and teens invited to write and decorate postcards to mail in celebration of World Postcard Day. Card stock, collage material, and art supplies provided. 6–7 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.
-
FreeObserver Editor
“Learn About Hangul, the Korean Alphabet”: Ann Arbor District Library Korea Week
MoreU-M Korean studies faculty discuss the Korean alphabet, followed by a chance to try writing simple phrases. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
-
FreeObserver Editor
Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
MoreEvery Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
-
FreeObserver Editor
“Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 980–5277.
-
FreeObserver Editor
“Design With Care”: U-M 2026 Whittemore Lecture in Landscape Architecture
More2026 Whittemore Lecture in Landscape Architecture
Design With Care: Practicing Landscape Architects Reflect Upon the Impact of Professor Joan Nassauer’s Work in Ecological Design, Aesthetics and Landscape Management.
Ahead of her retirement in June 2027, U-M Landscape Architecture alumni and practitioners discuss, in 2 panel discussions, how U-M professor Joan Nassauer’s research on landscape care, aesthetics, sustainability and well-being has informed their work and shaped the profession. The dicussions highlight connections between research and practice while celebrating the ecological design accomplishments of U-M alumni and Nassauer’s more than 50 years of research, teaching, engagement and service to the field.
Additional information here. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested here. 6:00 pm, Dana Building, Rm. 1040, 440 Church Street
-
Community ListingFree
Silent Book Club: BrightWorks Coworking
More3027 Miller Rd, Ann Arbor
Join us for an hour of silent reading followed by light socializing
Looking for a relaxing way to unwind and connect with fellow book lovers? Join us for Silent Book Club at BrightWorks!
Unlike a traditional book club, there’s no assigned reading and no required discussion. Bring whatever you’re currently reading, novels, nonfiction, ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines, or textbooks. If you enjoy reading, you’re welcome here.
Schedule
6:00–6:30 PM: Arrive, grab a drink or snack, get comfortable, and chat with fellow readers (optional).
6:30–7:30 PM: Enjoy a quiet hour of uninterrupted reading.
7:30–8:00 PM: Stay to socialize, exchange book recommendations, or simply keep reading.Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking for a peaceful hour to disconnect, Silent Book Club offers a welcoming, low-pressure space to enjoy books in the company of others.
Bring your own book and join us for an evening of quiet reading and community.
https://brightworkscoworking.com/events/silent-book-club-at-brightworks-2/
Free -
FreeObserver Editor
“Repairsday Thursday”: All Hands Active
MoreEvery Thurs. All invited to drop in with broken electronics, furniture, toys, or any other item they’d like to try to repair or repurpose with the help and guidance of AHA members. Repairs not guaranteed. 6–8 p.m., basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Free; donations welcome. [email protected], meetup.com/allhandsactive/events.
