Events
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FreeObserver Editor
“Introductory Woodcarving: Pumpkins”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreOct. 8 & 15 (different times). Adults & teens invited to learn woodcarving basics, then carve a small pumpkin to take home. 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Oct. 8) & 2–4 p.m. (Oct. 15), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun., starting Oct. 21. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program examines how membranes can help solve water shortages. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Observer Editor
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreEvery 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.
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FreeObserver Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery Fri., Sat., & Wed. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. noon–12:30 p.m. (Fri. & Wed.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].
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FreeObserver Editor
Noon Lecture Series (Oct. 14 Canceled): Kempf House Museum
MoreOct. 7: “The History of the Argus Camera Company.” Talk by Argus board president Bob Kelly. (See Oct. 8 for the Argus Fall Conference). CANCELED: Oct. 14: “Finding a Cache of Historical Recipes.” Ann Arbor historian Susan Wineberg discusses how a chance find of a Black cook’s hand-written personal recipes from the 1930s–1950s led to their publication by the U-M Press. Oct. 21: “The Women of the Kahn Family, A Quiet Dignity.” Carol Rose Kahn, granddaughter of Hill Auditorium and Burton Tower architect Albert Kahn, shares stories of Albert’s niece, an internationally known chess player; his sister, founder of a blueprinting company; and other women ancestors. Noon–1 p.m., Kempf House, 312 S. Division. Free; donations accepted. (734) 994–4898, kempfhousemuseum.org.
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Community ListingFreeOnline
“Educating for Civic Confidence”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
MoreVirtual, Virtual
Explore Michigan’s state and federal judicial systems with OLLI at the University of Michigan, OLLI at Saginaw Valley State University, OLLI at Aquinas College and OLLI at Western Michigan University for a program hosted by the State Bar of Michigan Judicial Section and the Michigan Center for Civic Education. Learn about district, circuit, probate and federal court jurisdiction in a 60-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute Q&A.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Buddhist Perspective on Community Well-Being: Building a Compassionate Community”: American Association of University Women
MoreTalk by Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center spiritual director Demo Rinpoche, who for 30 years studied meditation, debate, and philosophy under the Dalai Lama. 12:30 p.m. Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. Free. (844) 973–6287, annarbor-mi.aauw.net.
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Observer Editor
“Macbeth”: Fathom Entertainment
More(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline).
Oct. 17 & 21: “Macbeth.” Live (Sat.) and prerecorded (Wed.) broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera production of Verdi’s operatic adaptation of the influential Shakespeare tragedy, the bloody tale of a Scottish lord and his ambitious wife. 1 p.m. $24.
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Community ListingFree
“Jump-Start Your Next Chapter: a Conversation with Kerry Hannon”: The Glacier Hills Foundation
MoreWashtenaw Community College 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Thanks to a generous anniversary donation given to The Glacier Hills Foundation for the purpose of providing educational and informational community programs, Glacier Hills and Trinity Health Senior Communities are proud to announce special events coming this fall and in Spring 2027. The Art & Science of Living Well signature series will launch Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Washtenaw Community College Morris Lawrence Building in Room ML 101. Attendees should park in Lot #1.
Nationally-acclaimed author, workplace futurist, and leading voice on longevity Kerry Hannon will explore how evolving ideas about work, purpose, and aging are reshaping the way older adults think about the chapter following retirement. In “Jump-start Your Next Chapter: a Fireside Conversation with Kerry Hannon,” she will share insights on creating a future defined by meaning, growth, and possibility at every age.
Immediately following the event, guests will be invited to enjoy refreshments. Hannon will sign copies of her 2025 book Retirement Bites, available for sale at the venue.
Admission to the event is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required. To reserve tickets, please register at GlacierHills.org or by calling Glacier Hills at 734.929.6811 prior to October 14.
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Community ListingFree
“Come As You Are” Memory Café: Dementia Friendly Services
MoreFirst Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor MI
Memory Cafés are comfortable social gatherings in dementia friendly venues that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize, and build new support networks. Cafés are free and all are welcome. Co-sponsored by AARP Michigan.
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Community ListingFree
Jump-Start Your Next Chapter: Glacier Hills Foundation
More4800 E. Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, Washtenaw Community College (Morris Lawrence Building)
What becomes possible when we rethink aging?
Join nationally-acclaimed author and longevity thought leader Kerry Hannon for a compelling conversation on purpose, reinvention and creating a meaningful future.
This inspirational fireside chat will be moderated by William Cosby, director sales at Glacier Hills. Following the presentation, there will be audience Q&A and a book signing.
This event is sponsored by the Glacier Hills Foundation.While admission is complimentary, registration is required.
Call 734.929.6811 to register or visit https://www.trinityhealthseniorcommunities.org/…/art….Free -
Observer Editor
“Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery 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.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Diplomacy and the Indian Subcontinent”: U-M Weiser Diplomacy Center Ambassadors Forum
MoreFormer U.S. ambassadors Robert Blake, Gerald Feierstein, Ronald E. Neumann, and Robin Raphel, who between them have served in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Yemen, Algeria, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Tunisia, India, and South Africa, discuss how the U.S. can manage its multiple security, economic, and strategic interests in South Asia. 4–5:30 p.m., Weill Hall Annenberg Auditorium, 735 S. State. Free. Preregistration required at fordschool.umich.edu/events.
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FreeObserver Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery 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.
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FreeObserver Editor
Ypsi Fine Arts Club: Riverside Arts Center.
MoreOct. 7 & 21. All invited to this gathering where artists show 1 or 2 pieces of their work, some of which may be for sale. Participation not required. 5–6:30 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. (734) 480–2787, riversidearts.org/events.
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Community ListingFree
Trunk or Treat (with free community dinner): Chelsea St. Louis Center
More16195 W Old US 12, Chelsea
Join Saint Louis Center on October 21 for our free community Trunk or Treat! Enjoy trick-or-treating, games, a free dinner, live music, a costume contest, and both scary and not-so-scary haunted house experiences in a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment where individuals of all abilities can celebrate Halloween together.
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FreeObserver Editor
Board Game Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
MoreEvery Wed. All invited to play popular board games. Use provided games or bring your own. 5–10 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery 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.
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Nightspots
Bart Moore & the Hot Boys of Jenison.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborLansing-area ensemble led by singer-songwriter Moore whose music is influenced by the Pogues, Warren Zevon, Talking Heads, Tom Petty, and Weezer. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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Observer Editor
“Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
MoreEvery 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.
