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    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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    Every 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. 

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    Observer Editor

    parkrun USA

    parkrun USA
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    Every Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 7:45 a.m. [email protected].

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    Observer Editor

    “Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected] 

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    2026 Saline Community Fair

    2026 Saline Community Fair
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    Sept. 2–6. Old-fashioned community fair featuring agricultural and craft exhibits, carnival rides every day (open at 4 p.m. weekdays, 1 p.m. weekends), and a variety of special events, including a dog of the year contest (winners announced 5:30 p.m. Fri.), touch a truck (10 a.m. Thurs.), an instrument petting zoo (11 a.m.–1 p.m. Thurs.) led by members of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, a talent show (6:30 p.m. Fri.), a rodeo (7 p.m. Fri.), the USA Auto Cross Championship Derby (7 p.m. Sun.), livestock shows & auctions, tractor & draft horse pulls, a reptile show, a euchre tournament, and more. Live music includes popular Michigan-based a cappella comedy & music quartet Three Men and a Tenor (6 p.m. Sat.), renowned touring student fiddle ensemble the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic (3 p.m. Sun.), and more. See salinefair.org for complete schedule. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Wed.–Sat.) & 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $5 (Wed.) & $10 (Thurs.–Sun.). Ride armbands $22–$25. [email protected].

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    Observer Editor

    “Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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    Every Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses (sight, hearing, and smell) to experience the world as if they were a snake. No live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.

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    U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

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    Every 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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    “Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy

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    Fri. Sept. 4 & 18 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some barnyard buddies, including a Highland cow, a chicken, a Flemish giant rabbit, and a miniature donkey at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show the cow, chicken, and rabbit at 1 & 4 p.m., and the donkey at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) and noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.

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    Observer Editor

    “Hiveside Chat”: Community Farm of Ann Arbor

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    Beekeeper Eileen Dickenson leads a hands-on introduction to biodynamic beekeeping. 1–3 p.m., 1525 S. Fletcher, Chelsea. Free. communityfarmofannarbor.com.

  • Observer Editor

    International Vulture Awareness Day Celebration: Leslie Science & Nature Center

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    All invited to learn about the important role vultures play in the ecosystem through talks and hands-on activities. Also, a “Bald Is Beautiful” photo booth, a vulture-themed relay race, vulture trivia, and a chance to meet a live turkey vulture. 14 p.m. 1831 Traver. Tickets (price TBA) in advance at discoverscienceandnature.org/calendars & at the door. (734) 9971553.

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    “Anything Goes”: Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan

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    Sept. 3–6. Megan Wright-Jones directs young local actors in grades 2–12 in Cole Porter, Guy Bolton, and P.G. Wodehouse’s 1934 madcap musical comedy set aboard an ocean liner and involving a nightclub singer, a lovestruck stowaway, and a zany cast of passengers. Featuring Cole Porter hits like “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and “Anything Goes.” 7 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sat.), and noon (Sun.). Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20–$30 in advance only at pytmi.com/tickets.

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    Observer Editor

    Rumble of the Bumble

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    Street festival highlighting environmental issues and the plight of pollinators, featuring live outdoor wrestling matches (8–10 p.m.) on a stage on the street. Also, a puppet parade (2 p.m.), dancers, acrobats, and other street performers, games, vendor booths, interactive art installations, art for sale, and a kids area with activities. At the Freighthouse, live music TBA and a storytime. Food for sale. 2–10 p.m., Depot Town, E. Cross between N. River St. & N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free, donations welcome. For event details, go to rumbleofthebumble.org. m.

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    Observer Editor

    Pittsfield Open Band: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance

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    Sept. 5 & 19. Jam session open to all musicians interested in working on jigs, reels, and waltzes to have fun, learn tunes, and develop contra dance music skills. All instruments welcome. Bring the Ruffwater Fakebook, the Portland Collection, and the Waltz Books if you have them. The band also hosts a workshop this month, Contra Play for Acoustic Musicians (Sept. 6, 7 p.m., Gretchen’s House 2340 Oak Valley Dr., $15) with the band Raven and Goose (Corwin and Grace). 3–5 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Masking optional. Free. (734) 709–8748, [email protected].

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    Observer Editor

    “The Side Questers”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event

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    Local author J.J. Kochmanski reads from & discusses his debut sci-fi fantasy about a pair of video game side characters who team up to prove to themselves—and their creators—that they can be heroes too. Signing. 4–5:30 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.