• Observer Editor

    a2Tech360: Ann Arbor Spark

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    Sept. 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.

  • Community Listing

    Candle-Making Workshop: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation

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    701 W Ellsworth Rd, , Ann Arbor

    An experience designed for trying something new, getting creative, and having a really good time.

    Join us for a relaxed candle-making workshop where beautiful scents, hands-on creation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere come together. Laugh, connect, and enjoy the process — no experience needed.

    Whether you’re coming with friends or treating yourself, this workshop is all about slowing down, creating something with your hands, and leaving with a candle you’ll love (and a great memory).

    ✨ What’s Included
    • A guided candle-making workshop using 100% pure soy wax
    • All candle-making materials provided
    • One handcrafted candle
    • A cozy, welcoming atmosphere to relax and connect

    ✨ What to Expect
    • 6:00–6:15 – Arrival & Welcome: Settle in and get comfortable.
    • 6:15–7:15 – Candle-Making Workshop: Learn the candle-making process and create your own custom soy candle, infused with intention and your favorite scent.
    • 7:15–7:30 – Connect & Play: While your candle begins to set, we’ll play a fun round of Candle-Maker Bingo with small prizes for a few lucky guests.
    • 7:30–8:00 – Candle Decoration: Decorate your candle to make it uniquely yours!

    ✨ Why Join?
    • Try something new and creative — no experience needed
    • Play with scents and create a candle that feels uniquely yours
    • Enjoy a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere with great company
    • Slow down, laugh, and be present for a couple of hours
    • Leave with a handmade candle you’ll actually love — and a really good memory

    ✨ Meet the Host
    Renata – Candle Maker & Wellness Facilitator – @the.universe.stuff

    Renata is the heart and hands behind The Universe Stuff, a holistic wellness brand rooted in mindfulness, creativity, and intention. She handcrafts soy candles and other wellness products designed to support balance and self-care, and she hosts workshops that invite people to slow down, connect, and create. Based in the Ann Arbor area, Renata loves bringing people together through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

    ✨ About the Space
    Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation – https://pittsfield-mi.gov/

    This workshop will take place at Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation, a welcoming community destination in Pittsfield Township, Michigan. Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation offers a variety of recreational programs, community events, classes, activities, and opportunities for residents and visitors to connect, learn, and enjoy time together.

    Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation is more than just a place for recreation — it’s a welcoming community space created to bring people together. Through its diverse programs, facilities, and community activities, the organization provides opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, explore new interests, and participate in meaningful experiences.

    With its welcoming atmosphere and strong focus on community connection, Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation provides a wonderful backdrop for slowing down, getting creative, and connecting with others. We’re excited to gather in a space that celebrates community, creativity, connection, and enjoying new experiences together.

    https://apps.daysmartrecreation.com/dash/x/pittsfield/activity-finder/programs/67/levels/448

    $60
  • Observer Editor

    JLC Book Sale

    JLC Book Sale
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    Sept. 23–26. Local family-run sale of over 30,000 used books, as well as DVDs, audiobooks, video games, puzzles, and board games. Also, a presale on Sept. 23 from 4–8 p.m. for teachers and homeschool families. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, bldg. A, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free admission. jlcbooksale.com.

  • Free
    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.

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every Sat. & Sun., Sept. 12–Nov. 21; and Wed.–Fri., Sept. 16–Oct. 30. 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 and donuts available. Also, on Sept. 12 & 13, the season opens with a food truck rally, and on Sept. 19 & 20, view classic cars at the Fall Car & Jeep Show. 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

    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Corporate Persons in Human Law: Reproduction, Kinship, Jurisdiction”: U-M Anthropology Department Roy A. Rappaport Lecture

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    U-M anthropology professor Matthew Hull discusses the unmanaged ecologically disastrous side-effects of banana-growing in the southern Philippines. First in a series of 4 monthly lectures on the role corporations play in Anglo-American governance. 3–4:30 p.m., 411 West Hall, 1085 South University. Free. (734) 764–7274.

  • Community Listing

    Oktoberfest, Music and Fun: Lake Forest Golf Club

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    3110 W. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor

    OKTOBERFEST AT LAKE FOREST! 🇩🇪
    This Friday, September 25, we’re giving Friday night a Bavarian twist!

    Join us for an evening of house-made German favorites from Chef Blake Reetz, live music, a Biergarten, firepits & games — all right here at Lake Forest.

    OKTOBERFEST MENU
    🌭 Bratwurst with Sauerkraut • $11
    🍽️ Sauerbraten • $19.50
    🥘 Mushroom Spaetzle • $9.50
    🥨 Bavarian Pretzel • $8
    🍎 Apple Strudel • $6

    🍻 Happy Hour | 3–5 PM
    🎹 Live Music | Louis Johnson & David Stearns
    🔥 Founders Firepits & Games
    🍺 Biergarten

    Grab your friends, bring the family and come hungry. This isn’t our typical Friday night at Lake Forest — it’s Oktoberfest!

    📍 3110 W. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor
    📞 Reservations encouraged: 734-994-8580 ext. 2
    🌐 ellsworthannarbor.com

    www.lakeforestgc.com

  • Nightspots

    Jeff McNiven.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Veteran Michigan acoustic roots rock and alt-country singer-songwriter. 5 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
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    Every Fri.–Sun., Sept. 19–Nov. 1. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits to allow for routes of various lengths. Also, a U-Pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. On Sept. 27, Family Fun Day (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) features ice cream, balloon art, kids activities, and live music from the Saline Fiddlers. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), & 5–9 p.m. (Fri.), 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.

  • Nightspots

    Blockhouse Valley.: North Star Lounge

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

    Pop & indie rock covers by the Detroit-area duo of vocalist Ashleigh Glass and guitarist Cody Cooper. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Chinese Clay Fish Decoration: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and teens invited to drop in and decorate an air-dry clay fish figurine, then set it inside a provided picture frame. Led by local artist Lyla Wang. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

  • Nightspots

    Shaun Garth Walker.: Sam Hill

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    Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.

    Local blues-oriented singer-guitarist with an eclectic, wide-ranging repertoire.

  • Observer Editor

    D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory

    D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
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    Every Fri. All invited to play the current official campaign of the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game, using 5th-edition rules. Kids under 13 must have adult accompaniment. 6–10 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.