Observer Editor
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Events in July 2025
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July 6, 2025
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. (except July 4). Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages, including the debut of T.REX (2 p.m.), which explores the iconic dinosaur in scientific and cinematic history and contains scenes of dinosaur violence. Also, Sea Monsters (noon) follows a curious dolichorhynchops (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history. The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
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Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Wed., & Sun. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different Fleet Feet locations. Rain or shine. 7 a.m. (Tues.) & 8 a.m. (Sun.), Dozer Coffee, 112 Jackson Plz., and 7 p.m. (Wed.), Fleet Feet, 123 E. Liberty. Free. (734) 929–9022 (Sun. & Tues.) & (734) 769–5016 (Wed.). fleetfeet.com.
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“Pop-Up Makerspace”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. (except July 19). All invited to drop in and try a hands-on engineering or garden design activity. 10 a.m.-noon & 2–4 p.m., AAHOM, 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom, (734) 995–9439.
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Drink & Draw: Bill Ferenc and Dozer Coffee
Community Listing
Grab your pencils, your pens, your paper, your tablets, your inks, paints, and brushes. Bring a friend, or just yourself! Everyone is welcome.
DOZER Coffee
112 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor
Hosted by Bill Ferenc.
For more information, follow @a2drinkanddraw on Instagram
Dozer Coffee, 112 Jackson Plaza ,Ann Arbor. Free.. info@homesbrewery.comAdd this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
The Dalai Lama 90th Birthday Celebration: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center
Observer Editor
All invited to join a celebration for the Dalai Lama’s birthday that includes a smoke puja (a ritual offering), a slideshow and talk on the Dalai Lama’s life by Jewel Heart resident spiritual advisor Demo Rinpoche, a talent show, and outdoor games and activities TBA. Potluck brunch with cake. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Jewel Heart, 1129 Oak Valley. Free. jewelheart.org.
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“Elemental Ecstatic Dance”: Our Play Ground
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Dancers of all ages and abilities invited for free-form dancing. Flow toys, hula hoops, and other props provided. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stocking feet. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce Blvd. $20 (age 13 and under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. andjru@yahoo.com. bit.ly/ecstatic-dance-a2.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. (except July 4). All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
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Exercise Class: Better Living Fitness
Community Listing
Ready to build strength, boost energy, and improve your posture — all from the comfort of home?
Our online exercise class is designed for real people with real goals. Whether you're just getting started or looking to stay consistent, this class delivers safe, effective, and motivating workouts that fit your lifestyle.
What You’ll Get:
✅ Guided, low-impact workouts for all fitness levels
✅ Focus on strength, mobility, posture, and balance
✅ No fancy equipment required — just you and your space
✅ Real-time coaching, encouragement, and modifications
✅ Replay access if you miss a class
✅ Perfect for busy schedules, seniors, and homebodies
Join a supportive community that keeps you moving, motivated, and feeling your best — one workout at a time.
Let’s turn movement into momentum. Your future self will thank you.
3060 Packard St ,Ann Arbor, MI 48108. 0.00. bibironkeblf@gmail.com www.betterlivingfitness.com 734-747-0123.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Sunday Artisan Market
Observer Editor
Every Sun. through Dec. 21. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 34th year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. (734) 913–9622.
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H.A.C. Ultimate
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pick-up game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. hac-ultimatelist@googlegroups.com, (734) 846–9418.
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“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals (1 & 4 p.m.) you might see in your backyard, including a woodchuck, skunk, and common snapping turtle.Also, a zookeeper talk about an oppossum (2 & 3 p.m.), and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only (no longer available online). (734) 929–9324. thecreatureconservancy.org.
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Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. lesliesnc.org, (734) 997–1553.
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Group Runs: A2 Runners
Observer Editor
Every Wed., Sun., & Mon. Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced 3-to-5 mile group run, followed by socializing at a downtown coffee shop. 6:30 p.m. (Mon. & Wed.) and noon (Sun.), meet at the Kerrytown Clock Tower. Preregistration requested at.meetup.com/a2runners. Free. stevesttn88@gmail.com.
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Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on July 6, game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board and card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Free. info@sylvanfactory.com.
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U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Read and Look
Observer Editor
July 5 (11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.) and July 6 & 27 (12:30–1:30 p.m.): U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Read and Look. A reading of children's books, followed by a chance for kids ages 4–8 (accompanied by an adult) to explore the museum’s collection to find items pictured in the book.
July 5: The Pout-Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean, Deborah Diesen’s picture book about the importance of recycling, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
July 6: Cleo and Cornelius: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Kitties, Elizabeth Nicholson’s twist on Aesop’s fable The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse that doubles as an introduction to the classical world.
July 27: Debbie & Michael Shoulders’ G Is for Gladiator, an A-Z introduction to ancient Rome, including its social, political, and civil customs and practices.
Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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Drop-In Knitting: Spun
Observer Editor
Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), Spun, 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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Heat Press Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
A chance for adults to use the AADL heat press to transfer their own design onto a provided tote bag, or bring a T-shirt or other fabric material to print on. 1–2:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Pressed Flower Jars: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
All invited to decoupage pressed flowers onto glass jars to make decorative vessels for a tealight candle or other treasures. 1–2 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Dog Day Afternoon”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Michigan Theater. Film screenings every day. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
July 3 & 6: “Dog Day Afternoon” (Sidney Lumet, 1975). Taut, flamboyant Oscar-winning (for original screenplay) crime drama based on a real-life Brooklyn robbery. Al Pacino plays a hapless bank robber trying to fund his boyfriend’s sex change operation who winds up taking hostages. 7 p.m. (Thurs.) & 1:30 p.m. (Sun.).
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“Bert and Trixie Visit the Vet”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., June 20–Aug. 31. Rhiannon Ragland directs the premiere of Michigan actor-playwright Matt Letscher’s comedy about 4 pets in a veterinarian’s waiting room who plan an escape when they begin to suspect one of them is in danger. Adult language and subject matter. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat., Wed., & Thurs.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $45.15 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and (734) 433–7673, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
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“Chamber Music Extravaganza”: U-M Music School MPulse Summer Youth Program
Observer Editor
Young musicians perform a program TBA. 2 p.m., U-M Walgreen Drama Center Stamps Auditorium, 1226 Murfin. Free. (734) 764-0583.
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“Pop-Up Makerspace”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. (except July 19). All invited to drop in and try a hands-on engineering or garden design activity. 10 a.m.-noon & 2–4 p.m., AAHOM, 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom, (734) 995–9439.
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“West Side Story”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., June 5–July 6 (except June 25). Michael Berry directs this local professional company in Arthur Laurents’s spirited 1957 musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, set in 1950s New York and featuring rival street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds: the largely nativist White Jets, and the Sharks, recent immigrants from Puerto Rico. The work explores themes of racial conflict, pursuit of the American dream, and the struggle to assimilate while maintaining cultural identity. Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s beloved score includes such favorites as “Maria,” “Tonight,” and “America.” 7:30 p.m. (June 5 and Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), & 3 p.m. (Thurs. & Wed., except June 25), Encore Maas Main Stage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $41.50–$57.50 (youth under 13, $31.50) in advance at theencoretheatre.org (with $3.50 fee) and, if available, at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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Sunday Drop-In Tour: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Observer Editor
Every Sun. (except July 13). Docent-led tours.
July 6: “Women of the Kelsey” explores depictions of mythological and mortal women.
July 20: “Calling on the Ancient Gods of the Kelsey” looks at representations of 7 different ancient gods and goddesses.
July 27: “Food and Culture in the Ancient World” focuses on artifacts demonstrating the variety of ways that food was used in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
2–3 p.m., Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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“A Honey Bee Presentation with Bee Present Honey”: AADL Traverwood
Observer Editor
July 6 (3–4 p.m.): “A Honey Bee Presentation with Bee Present Honey”: AADL Traverwood. Local beekeepers Owen and Rebecca Wittekindt teach kids ages 5 & up about honey bees and how to help pollinators. Also, bee-related games, activities, and crafts.
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“Paper Plate Jellyfish”: AADL Westgate
Observer Editor
July 6 (3–4 p.m.): “Paper Plate Jellyfish”: AADL Westgate. Kids grades K–5 invited to combine everyday objects and glittering craft supplies to make a jellyfish that can move.
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International Folk Dance Party: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
Observer Editor
July 6 & 20. Traditional Eastern European and Middle Eastern circle and line dancing to recorded music. No experience or partner needed. Wear loose-fitting clothing and clean, flat, nonslip shoes. Beginners welcome. Preceded at 2 p.m. by a lesson. 3–5 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Pay what you can ($5 suggested; first time, free). bsagan@msu.edu.
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“This Is Spinal Tap”: Fathom Entertainment
Observer Editor
Fathom Entertainment. (734) 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, Ypsilanti) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), various times.
July 5–7: “This Is Spinal Tap” (Rob Reiner, 1984). Pitch-perfect mockumentary about a fictitious English heavy metal band on a U.S. tour. 4:30 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) and 7:15 p.m. (Mon.).
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P.O.R.K. - Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
Community Listing
10-piece big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in hot jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. Great for listening or dancing.
2070 W. Stadium Blvd ,Ann Arbor. Free (tipjar for the band). cdsmith68@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz 248-446-0403.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Ann Arbor Go Club
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game. Game materials provided. 5:45 p.m. until whenever, Conor O’Neills, 318 S. Main. Free. For more info, email Drew at dwright8182@hotmail.com or check tinyurl.com/a2goclub.
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Ann Arbor Morris
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish morisca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., for location contact a2morris@umich.edu. Free.
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“Extra Credit”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Performance by experienced amateur improvisers that blends 3 10-minute academic lectures and 3 10-minute improv comedy sets. 6:30–7:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events and $18 (if available) at the door. hello@heardotsay.com.
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“Drop Dead Gorgeous”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Michigan Theater. Film screenings every day. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
July 4 & 6: “Drop Dead Gorgeous” (Michael Patrick Jann, 1999). Cult black comedy about a small-town beauty pageant and the deadly lengths to which some contestants will go to win. Kirsten Dunst, Ellen Barkin, Kirstie Alley. 9:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 7 p.m. (Sun.).
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“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Performances by aspiring and experienced comics attending former Tonight Show staff writer Chili Challis’s comedy dojo. The humor is appropriate for adults. Emcee is Mark Sweetman. 7:30 p.m., the Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl, ste. 100, Ypsilanti. Free. facebook.com/unclubshow.
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Smithsonian Folkways Artist Jerron Paxton: River Raisin Ragtime Revue
Community Listing
Smithsonian Folkways Recording Artist Jerron Paxton
Benefit Concert for River Raisin Ragtime Revue
Sunday, July 6 2025
The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor
Tickets at theark.org
Smithsonian Folkways recording artist Jerron Paxton returns to The Ark from New York City to perform a benefit concert for Michigan’s River Raisin Ragtime Revue orchestra.
The Wall Street Journal has described Paxton as "virtually the only music-maker of his generation—playing guitar, banjo, piano, and violin, among other implements—to fully assimilate the blues idiom of the 1920s and ‘30s.” Paxton performs frequently across the country and in Europe. Paxton also was recently featured on National Public Radio’s “Fresh Air.” FolkAlley.com writes “Jerron Paxton pays tribute to his traditions…showcasing how deeply he’s imbibed from the waters of DeFord Bailey, Robert Johnston, and Lead Belly, among others, while innovating within those traditions.”
William Pemberton, R4 Executive Director, is excited to bring Paxton back to Ann Arbor. “Although Jerron lives in New York and grew up in Los Angeles, his roots are in Louisiana and his music is so completely American. His rare talent is his connection to the audience, drawing them in to share his experience with powerful and virtuosic musical performance, engaging lyrics, and a presence on stage that commands attention from the first strummed chords. Jerron is a treasure and we’re so happy he’s coming to Michigan!”
Tickets are available at theark.org.
The Ark 316 S. Main Ann Arbor, MI ,Ann Arbor, MI. https://theark.org/event/smithsonian-folkways-artist-jerron-paxton/ $40-$50. executivedirector@r4ragtime.org ragtimeband.org 5176732597.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal