• 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

    “Changemakers’ Fall Fundraiser”: Ecology Center

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    Food trucks, local craft beer, and live music TBA, along with a panel discussion on community and environmental justice. 6 p.m., HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plz. $75 (includes a meal & drink ticket) in advance only at ecocenter.org. (734) 369–9268.

  • Community Listing

    Cocktails: Garden to Glass: Tammy's Tastings

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    Dragonfly & Birch, 115 E Main St, Manchester, MI, United States

    Celebrate the changing seasons with an evening of fresh, vibrant cocktails inspired by the late-summer harvest. In this hands-on class, we’ll explore how herbs, fruits, vegetables, and botanicals from the garden can be transformed into beautiful, balanced cocktails that capture the best flavors of September.

    Each booking includes: pretzels, and nuts.

    The class includes a combination of history and stories, technique instruction, and hands-on making of cocktails. Plus sampling, of course! Total consumption is equivalent to around 2 cocktails per person over the 2 hour class. Please anticipate working with other groups, sharing ingredients, and doing a mix of sitting or standing throughout the class.

    Please note that we have a restricted table layout and use communal seating. Parties of two will almost always be seated with at least one other party of two. Groups of four or more will usually have their own table. You may request a private table in the “seat with” section of the booking form, and we will attempt to honor your request, but there is no guarantee that one will be available.

    Sale ends 3:00pm 09/22/2026

    www.tammystastings.com

    $59
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider

    Live Trivia: Bløm Mead + Cider
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    Every Thurs. Bløm staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia. Teams or single players welcome. Prizes. 7 & 8 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Women’s Soccer

    U-M Women’s Soccer
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    Match vs. Georgia Southern. The U-M also has home games this month against Washington (Sept. 24, 7 p.m.) and Nebraska (Sept. 27, 1 p.m., $9–$11). 7 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. $2–$6 (groups of 10 or more, $3 per person; kids 5 & under, free). Exhibition games, free. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

  • Nightspots

    Nate Topo Group.: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Detroit jazz-funk ensemble led by the young saxophonist Nate Topolewski.

  • Nightspots

    Deer & Elk Duo.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Classic country, western swing, and hillbilly boogie covers by the Lansing-area duo of Jason Lantrip and Jeffery Gower.

  • Observer Editor

    Ypsilanti Community Choir Rehearsal

    Ypsilanti Community Choir Rehearsal
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    Every Thurs., except Sept. 3 & 10. All invited to join this independent 50+ member community chorus to sing an eclectic program of choral works, Broadway show tunes, seasonal music, pop, and more. Weekly rehearsals, semiannual concerts. Ariel Toews Ricotta directs. 7 p.m. registration. 7:30 p.m., Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 201 N. River St., Ypsi. Free to visitors ($40 to join). ypsicommchoir.org.

  • 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Classic Meets Cool”: Kerrytown Concert House

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    Tulsa (OK) pianist and composer Barron Ryan performs a repertoire that stretches from classical to jazz to pop to his own compositions, which are influenced by soul, funk, and country. Tonight’s program includes the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back,” Debussy’s “Suite Bergamesque,” Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” Oscar Peterson’s “Blues Etude,” and others. 7:30 p.m., 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $32–$42 (students, $20–$30) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com & at the door. (734) 769–2999.

  • Observer Editor

    “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping”: Michigan Theater

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    Film screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and U.S. veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

    Sept. 24: “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” (Akiva Schaffer & Jorma Taccone, 2016). Mockumentary musical comedy by the SNL-associated Lonely Island trio about the breakup of a pop rap group called the Style Boyz. Andy Samberg. 8 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    Paula Cole.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Sold out.

  • Nightspots

    The Velvet Walrus.: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Local dance band with a huge repertoire of classic, New Wave, and modern rock hits.

  • Nightspots

    James Bourland & His Ex-Husbands.: Ziggy’s

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    Ziggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Rock ensemble led by versatile local singer-guitarist Bourland. Tonight they celebrate the 35th anniversary of the release of Nirvana’s Nevermind by playing the album in its entirety. Opener: Gregory Stovetop, a veteran Chelsea singer-songwriter whose influences range from Elvis and Johnny Cash to Soundgarden and The Replacements.

  • Nightspots

    Catzap.: Ann Arbor Funhouse

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    Ann Arbor Funhouse 207 E. Washington., Ann Arbor

    Kalamazoo indie psych-rock and bedroom-pop instrumentalist who specializes in live digital loops. Opener: the East Lansing psych-rock and emo trio Tequila Mockingbird, the East Lansing rock quartet Final Boss Fight, and the Detroit-area pop-punk and emo band Team Cabin.

  • Nightspots

    My Salamander.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    Eclectic young local indie rock band. Openers: the Grand Haven indie rock singer-songwriter Stephen Lubera, the local indie alt-country-rock-flavored power-pop band Petalwave, and Toadally.