• Free
    Observer Editor

    10 Year Anniversary Celebration: JissoJi Zen Ann Arbor.

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    The anniversary gathering welcomes longtime members, newcomers, neighbors, friends, and family to experience zazen (seated meditation), hear a dharma talk, and celebrate the community’s first decade.

    Sunday, September 13 — Schedule

    • 10:00 a.m. — Two periods of meditation
    • 11:15 a.m. — Dharma Talk with guest teacher Jitsujo Gauthier
    • 12:15 p.m. — Two periods of meditation, with an opportunity for in-person one-on-one meetings with Marta Dabis
    • 1:00 p.m. — Birthday cake and community celebration at the Center; friends and family are welcome. An optional off-site lunch will follow.

    The event is open to the public, and no meditation experience is necessary. Attendees may join the full schedule or come for the 1:00 p.m. celebration.

  • Observer Editor

    Annual Used Book Sale: American Association of University Women

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    Sept. 11–13. Sale of thousands of books in over 60 categories, as well as DVDs. Proceeds support academic scholarships. Preview ($20) on Friday 810 a.m. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Community College (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Free admission and parking. annarbor-mi.aauw.net.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    International Standard Judged Plant Show & Sale: Southeast Michigan Bromeliad Society/Michigan Cactus & Succulent Society

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    Sept. 12 & 13. Show and sale of bromeliads, cacti, succulents, and air plants. With talks by bromeliad experts Steve Hoppin and Jerry Raack (11 a.m. & 1 p.m. both days). Also, a sale of growing supplies and books. Many vendors are cash only. This is the first show of its kind in the Midwest since the 2004 World Bromeliad Conference in Chicago. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free admission; metered parking. (248) 880–3005, mbgna.umich.edu/events.

  • 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

    Sunday Artisan Market

    Sunday Artisan Market
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    Every Sun. Juried market of local handmade arts & crafts, now in its 35th year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Kerrytown Farmers Market pavilion. Free admission. (734) 913–9622. 

  • 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    H.A.C. Ultimate

    H.A.C. Ultimate
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    Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Minecraft Day: Voxel Mob Invasion”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    An afternoon of crafts and activities inspired by this popular computer game, including a scavenger hunt, button making, a screening of A Minecraft Movie (12:30 p.m., 4th fl.), and more. For a complete schedule see aadl.org/minecraftday. Noon–3:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200. 

  • 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy

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    Fri. Sept. 4 & 18 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some barnyard buddies, including a Highland cow, a chicken, a Flemish giant rabbit, and a miniature donkey at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show the cow, chicken, and rabbit at 1 & 4 p.m., and the donkey at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) and noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory

    Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
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    Every Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on Sept. 6 game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board & card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. sylvanfactory.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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    Every Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Chesstastic”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and kids age 5 & up invited to drop in and play chess. All skill levels welcome. Instruction not provided. Chess sets provided. 1–3 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.  

  • Community Listing
    Free

    Fly Art Lab for Kids: Creature Creation Station: Cluster Museum

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    307 N. Main St. , Ann Arbor MI

    Creature Creation Station brings playful materials together in the creations of simple soft sculptures.

    Cluster Museum welcomes Fly Art Lab who is offering a free drop-in open studio opportunity for kids age 5-10 years. Using common household objects and repurposed materials, kids will hand-sew their very own soft creatures to take home! Let your imagination fly!

    Arrive anytime between 1-3pm to create your project. Find out more on our website! www.clustermuseum.org/events

    Pre-registration encouraged. Reach out to [email protected] for queestions.

    https://clustermuseum.org/events/flyartlab-dropinworkshop

    Free
  • Observer Editor

    “Monarch Migration Festival”: Leslie Science & Nature Center

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    All invited to watch or participate in the release of tagged monarch butterflies. Also, games and other activities to learn about their life cycle and the center’s role as a way station for migrating monarchs. 14 p.m. 1831 Traver. $6 (members, $5; babies under 2, free) in advance at discoverscienceandnature.org/monarch & at the door. (734) 9971553.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Shape Note Singing: Ann Arbor Sacred Harp

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    All invited to join an afternoon of shape note, or sacred harp, singing, an early American form of communal hymn singing. Songbooks available, but singers are encouraged to bring their own. 1–4 p.m., the Ark, 316 S. Main. Free. (734) 478–3394, (734) 995–2519, [email protected].

  • Observer Editor

    53rd Anniversary Jamboree: Dawn Farm Benefit

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    Bounce houses, hayrides, pony rides, farm tours, face painting, clowns, farm animals, and carnival games. With soul and R&B covers by the Detroit-area Flaunt Love Band, food trucks, silent auction, and sale of crafts. 1–6 p.m., Dawn Farm, 6633 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi. Free admission. (734) 485–8725, dawnfarm.org.