Events
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Observer Editor
Chelsea Community Fair: Chelsea Fairgrounds
MoreAug. 25–29. Fair rides and concessions (Wed. & Thurs. 3–10 p.m., Fri. noon–10 p.m., and Sat. 1–10 p.m.), a bingo tent, livestock shows, demolition derbies (Tues. & Wed. 7:30 p.m.), Lost Nations Rodeo (Thurs. 7:30 p.m.), truck & tractor pulls (Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m.), a fair queen contest (Fri. 7 p.m.), exhibits of baking, canning, floriculture, arts, and hobbies. The fair officially kicks off with a Children’s Parade (Tues. 5:30 p.m.) for ages 3–12 on decorated bikes & wagons or on foot from the municipal lot behind Common Grill to the fairgrounds, and ends with the Chelsea Fair Parade (Sat. 1 p.m.), which includes the high-energy Celtic-inspired Chelsea House Orchestra, and many more local favorites. Complete schedule available at chelseafair.org. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Chelsea Fairgrounds, Old US-12 at Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea. Daily admission, $10; 5-day pass, $30 (middle & high school students and seniors 65 & older, $20; kids age 10 & under, free). Free admission for seniors age 65 & over on Thurs. before 5 p.m., for active or inactive U.S. service members with ID on Fri., and for families on Fri. from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $5 pass for women on Fri. before 11 a.m. (734) 475–1270, [email protected], chelseafair.org.
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Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
MoreEvery Tues., Thurs., & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) and a 499er game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $9 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
Ann Arbor Area Scrabble Club
MoreEvery Tues. All invited to play the classic word game, using the 5th-edition Scrabble dictionary. Bring your own set, if you like. 3:30–8 p.m., Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. meetup.com/ann-arbor-scrabble-meetup. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
“Waterway Relatives”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens
MoreAll invited to join Earth and Environmental Sciences professor Selena Smith to discuss the interdependencies between waterways and humans, explore water sampling trays to look for aquatic organisms, and take a short walk. Dress for the weather. 4:30 p.m., 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. (734) 647–7600, mbgna.umich.edu/events.
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Free
Observer Editor
Game Night: Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery Tues. All invited to play one of a selection of board games, assemble a puzzle, paint miniatures, or try a tabletop role-playing game, all in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Also, at 6 p.m., RPG One Shots, introductory games of different tabletop role-playing games perfect for beginners, finished after one session (see website for this week’s game, preregistration strongly encouraged at sylvanfactory.square.site). 5 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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Nightspots
Easy Street Jazz Band: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborEarly jazz classics from Scott Joplin and Bessie Smith to Louis Armstrong and beyond by this veteran local septet led by trombonist Terry Kimura.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Colorful Pajaki Chandeliers”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAdults & teens invited to use straw, colorful paper, twine, and a wooden hoop to make these Polish decorations used to celebrate important life events like birthdays and holidays. 5–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
Riso Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAll invited to use analog tools to create a 2-color design for a 2026 calendar and print it with the lab’s Risograph duplicator, a digital screen printer similar to a photocopier. 5–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Dog and Suds Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
MoreEvery Tues. Moderate-paced ride, 20 to 30 miles, along the less-traveled roads west and north of Chelsea. See aabts.org for weather cancelations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Start location occasionally changes. Free. (734) 662–0205.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Tomato Bonanza”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreThe Lakehouse Bakery (Chelsea) owner Keegan Rodgers hosts a hands-on introduction to making great tomato sauce and finding other uses for the abundance of tomatoes from your garden or local markets. Tasting. 6–7 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
Touch Rugby: U-M Rugby Football Club
MoreEvery Tues. & Thurs. All invited to play a low-contact version of rugby. Beginners welcome. 6–7:30 p.m., Riverside Park, 1000 Canal. Free. [email protected].
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Community ListingFree
What Do You Carry? Community Showcase & Open Mic: U-M Arts Initiative
More343 S. Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor
We all carry something: grief and hope, memory and story, the spoken and the unspoken. What Do You Carry? invites you to an evening of shared words and witnessing, and to our open mic and community story circle, where you’re welcome to share something of your own: a poem, a song, a story, a reflection, a piece of art that speaks to what you carry. Come to read, or simply come to listen; every way of being here is welcome.
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Free
Observer Editor
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
MoreEvery Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 1–3 p.m. (Sun.) & 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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Community ListingFree
Silent Book Club: BrightWorks Coworking
More3027 Miller Road, 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.
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Community ListingFree
Silent Book Club: Brightworks
More3027 Miller Road , Ann Arbor
Join the BrightWorks community for our inaugural Silent Book Club—a welcoming, low-pressure gathering designed for readers who want to unplug, enjoy some quiet time, and connect with fellow book lovers.
Unlike traditional book clubs, there are no assigned books, required preparation, or formal discussions. Simply bring whatever you are currently reading—whether it’s a physical book, ebook, graphic novel, or audiobook—and enjoy an hour of uninterrupted reading.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, August 251
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.1
Location: BrightWorks Forest Cove, 3027 Miller Road, Ann Arbor1Evening Schedule
6:00 p.m.: Arrival, snacks/drinks, and socializing.
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: An uninterrupted hour of silent reading.
7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Optional social time to exchange book recommendations or continue reading.This event is free, open to the public, and does not require a BrightWorks membership.
Please RSVP to secure your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silent-book-club-at-brightworks-tickets-1994246123840
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Observer Editor
Tuesday Night Workouts: Ann Arbor Track Club
MoreEvery Tues. Runners of all skill levels ages 14 & up invited to participate in short, intense interval workouts. Arrive at 6:20 p.m. to warm up. 6:30 p.m., Ferry Field, 1150 S. State. Visitors free; $30/year membership for regular participants. Preregistration required at aatrackclub.org/interval-workouts.
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Observer Editor
“Castle in the Sky”: Fathom Entertainment
More(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events & at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline).
Aug. 22–26: “Castle in the Sky” (Hayao Miyazaki, 1986). Dubbed (Sat., Sun., & Wed.) and subtitled (Mon. & Tues.) screenings of this classic Studio Ghibli anime film about 2 children racing to find a flying castle. 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) and 7 p.m. (Mon.–Wed.).
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Free
Observer Editor
“Tree Town Uke Drop-in”: Oz’s Music Environment
MoreMusicians of all ability levels invited to play ukulele with members of Michigan’s oldest ukulele club. 7 p.m., 1922 Packard. Free. (734) 662–8283.
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Free
Observer Editor
Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society
MoreEvery Tues., except Aug. 18. Singers of all ages and genders invited to join rehearsals of this award-winning a cappella chorus. 7–8:45 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4001 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free to visitors; call ahead or check website (dues for those who join). (734) 796–7467, [email protected], hvharmonizers.org.
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Nightspots
Open Mic.: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiAll acoustic musicians invited. Hosted by Skinned Knees.
