Events
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Observer Editor
“The Transformers: The Movie”: Fathom Entertainment
Various TimesMore(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).
Sept. 17–23: “The Transformers: The Movie” (Nelson Shin, 1986). Animated sci-fi action based on the popular television series about a war between 2 robotic clans. Various times; see website.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery 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.
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Observer Editor
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreEvery 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
U-M Center for Japanese Studies Noon Lecture Series
MoreSept 17 & 24. Talks by visiting scholars.
Sept. 17: “Gathering Fading Voices: Endangered Dialect Research in Japan Today.” A talk by Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology (Japan) informatics professor Joy Taniguchi.
Sept. 24: “Rivers and the Politics of Temporality in Ainu Mosir.” U-M postdoc Michael Ioannides discusses the crucial role that rivers play in the identity of the Indigenous Ainu people.
Noon–1:30 p.m., Weiser Hall (room TBA), 500 Church St. Free. (734) 764–6307.
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Observer Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
MoreEvery Thurs. & Mon., except Sept. 7. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.) and non-sanctioned (Mon.). Noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9) & 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.
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Observer Editor
Just Between Friends Sale
MoreSept. 16–19. Semi-annual consignment sale, eagerly anticipated by parents of young children, offering a chance to buy & sell used maternity items, baby & children’s clothes, toys, and baby gear. Prices drop Sat. at 2 p.m. Doors shut 30 minutes before closing. 3–9 p.m. (Wed., tickets required), noon–9 p.m. (Thurs.), 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Fri.), and 9–11 a.m. & 2–7 p.m. (Sat.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free if reserved online, $3 at the door; $5–$25 early access. For preregistration, discounts, and to sell items, go to annarbor.jbfsale.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
“How William L. Clements Collected the Revolution”: Daughters of the American Revolution
MoreTalk by U-M Clements Library director Paul Erickson about the materials the library’s founder collected from the U.S.’s founding conflict. 1 p.m., Ann Arbor City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. Free. [email protected].
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Free
Observer Editor
Fall Open House: International Neighbors
MoreArea women invited to join women from more than 80 countries to learn about and sign up for various activities throughout the year, including beginning and advanced English conversation, foreign language discussion groups, tea groups, and special interest groups such as hiking, quilting, and cooking. International Neighbors is a 67-year-old group of local women who welcome women from other countries during their stays in Ann Arbor. Light refreshments. Kids welcome. 1–2:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty. Free. inannarbor.org.
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Observer Editor
Ikebana International
MoreAll invited to learn about and practice this Japanese style of flower arranging. Floral materials provided upon request, bring your own container and tools. 1–3 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Rd. $25. Preregistration required at [email protected]. More info at ikebanaannarbor.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
“Third Thursdays at the Library”: U-M Library
MoreMonthly open house featuring rotating highlights from the library’s Special Collections Research Center, maps from the Clark Library, and items from other collections. Curators on hand to answer questions.
Today on the 6th fl.: “One Hundred Years in the One Hundred Acre Wood: Winnie-the-Pooh Has a Birthday.” Original editions of A.A. Milne’s beloved children’s stories, along with pop-up versions and other tales.
Today on the 4th fl: “Democracy in Motion: The Advancement of Democracy in Korea and the Students at the Frontline.” Items that trace the history and major milestones of Korean democracy, with particular focus on the role of student movements.
Today on the 2nd fl.: “Down in Ann Arbor Town: Pictorial Maps, Campus Traditions, and the Women Who Made Them.” A chance to view the library’s new exhibit (see Galleries).
4–6 p.m., Hatcher Library, enter from the Diag. Free. (734) 936–2309.
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Free
Observer Editor
“A2Zero Clothing Swap”: City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations
MoreAll invited to bring up to 5 washed and in-good-condition clothing items and accessories and find new-to-you treasures to take home. You can take clothing without bringing anything or bring clothing without taking anything. 4–7 p.m., Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. Free. luma.com/a2zeroclothingswaps.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Party for Democracy”
MoreResource and engagement fair to help community and university members learn about and participate in local democratic and civic engagement resources. Free food & swag. Part of U-M Democracy Week (complete calendar at democracyweek.umich.edu/calendar). 4–7 p.m., Regents Plaza, next to the Cube. Free. democracyweek.umich.edu/calendar.
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Free
Observer Editor
A2 Summer Streets Music Series: Main Street Area Association
MoreEvery Thurs.–Sun., June 4–Sept. 28. Local musicians TBA perform at several locations along Main St. downtown. Rain cancels. 4 p.m. Thurs.–Sun., S. Main between E. Washington & W. William. For the complete lineup, go to mainstreetannarbor.org/a2-summer-streets.
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Free
Observer Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery Mon.–Thurs. (except Sept. 7). The 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. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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Free
Observer Editor
“They Wanted Cicero, They Got Gladiators: Bare-Knuckle Boxers and the Fight for Citizen Identity”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Digging Deeper Thursday Night Lecture Series
MoreFranklin and Marshall College (Lancaster, PA) government professor Dean Hammer discusses democratic principles and civic empowerment in ancient Rome. Light refreshments. 5–6 p.m., 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
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Nightspots
The Baker’s Basement.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborCleveland-based folk-rock duo. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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Free
Observer Editor
“We Hold These Truths …”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series
More(See preview) Washington, D.C.–based performance artist Holly Bass discusses her career and work, including her new exhibition (opening Oct. 3) which explores how Americans have celebrated and reimagined the nation’s founding across three anniversary years (1876, 1976, and 2026) and examines how national ideals and histories are passed between generations. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671, stamps.umich.edu.
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Community Listing
Glaze-A-Tile: Gutman Gallery
More118 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor
When: Thursday, September 17, 2026. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Gutman Gallery
118 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104This workshop will be held at the Gutman Gallery (not at the Motawi studio).
Workshop participants will receive step-by-step instruction in Motawi’s signature bulb-glazing process. We’ll provide two bisque (unglazed) tiles, bulbs filled with our rich glaze colors, and a suggested glazing guide. Follow our recommendations or unleash your creativity and create your own unique colorways!
During the Saturday, September 12 workshop, participants will glaze two 4×4 Pine Forest tiles in their choice of two exclusive workshop colorways.
$135 -
Free
Observer Editor
“Third Thursday Tour”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
MoreThirty-minute docent-led tour of ancient Mediterranean artifacts in the museum collection. 6 p.m., 434 S. State (meet at the Maynard entrance). Free. (734) 764–9304.