• Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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    Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20. Rhiannon Ragland directs retired Detroit newscaster and playwright Devin Scillian’s family comedy-drama about a conflict between brothers—an aging country rocker and a buttoned-down finance guy—after their mother’s death. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Wed.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
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    Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG. Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Booster Draft.” Players take turns opening booster packs to create a 40 card deck. $25. Various times & prices, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Nightspots

    James Margolis.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Blues singer-songwriter & guitarist from Philadelphia known for his big voice and virtuosic finger picking guitar. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Observer Editor

    “Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub

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    Every Wed. Food- and agriculture-related discussions and demos. Oct. 7: “Lacto-Fermented Hot Sauce.” Fermentation enthusiast Louis Daher demonstrates how to turn hot peppers and mango into hot sauce. Oct. 14: “Heirloom Corn.” Local farmer Ben Monroe gives a farm-to-table portrait of this traditional crop. Oct. 21: “Washtenaw Tool Bank Collective.” Washtenaw County Conservation District representative Doug Reith discusses which tools are best suited for different projects, and how to use them. Oct. 28: “Fresh-Hopped Wild Rice Ale.” Rachel Kanaan and Mason Shipe of Jupiter Fen Kombucha Club show how to brew this seasonal beer. $22. 6–7 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Free, except Oct. 28. Preregistration required for all events at tinyurl.com/a2-foodhub. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Wild Roots & Fall Foliage”: Wild Ones

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    Herbalist jim mcdonald explores the medicinal virtues of many weeds and wildflowers in our area. 6–7:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens Auditorium, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. [email protected], annarbor.wildones.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Christopher Fennell: Ann Arbor Art Center Artist Talk

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    Renowned sculptor Fennell discusses his public art practice of transforming discarded objects into dynamic large-scale sculptures. He is working on a sculpture made from decommissioned Ann Arbor Fire Department ladders to be installed at the city’s new fire station. 6–7:30 p.m., 117 W. Liberty. Free. annarborartcenter.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Out Here”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Occasional free screenings in the Downtown branch lower level program rm., and other locations as noted. (734) 327–4200. 

    Oct. 14: “Out Here” (Lisa J. Klein, 2025). Short documentary about a social worker and former addict trying to help unhoused individuals in Sacramento, California. Followed by discussion. Sponsored by the U-M Community Scholars Program. 6 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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    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.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Crazy Wisdom Bookstore Gathering Series

    Crazy Wisdom Bookstore Gathering Series
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    Oct. 14 & 21. Community gatherings and talks by local practitioners. Oct. 14 (6–8 p.m.): “Witches Night Out.” Group meeting and discussion. Oct. 21 (6:30–8:30 p.m.): “Goddesses of the Arbor.” Discussion geared toward late millennial and Gen X women. 6 p.m., Crazy Wisdom, 114 S. Main, upstairs. Free. (734) 665–2757, crazywisdom.net.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Spirits”: Literati Bookstore

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    Kalamazoo-based writer Bonnie Jo Campbell discusses her new novel, a gritty, spooky, and ultimately heartening holiday story set on the night before Christmas in a small Michigan town. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: A2 Runners

    Group Runs: A2 Runners
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    Every Mon. & Wed. 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., meet at the Kerrytown Clock Tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].   

  • Observer Editor

    Figure Drawing: Dzanc House

    Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
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    Oct. 14 & 28. All skill levels welcome to draw a live model. Bring your own art supplies. Light refreshments. 6:30–9 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. $10 to pay model. Preregistration required by the Mon. before the event. dzanchouse.org.