Events
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Observer 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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Observer Editor
Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits. Also, a u-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. The corn maze is illuminated and guests get a free glow stick on Glow Maze Nights (Oct. 9, 16, & 23, 5–9 p.m.). On All You Can Carry Pumpkin Day (Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.), for $10 you can purchase all the pumpkins you can successfully stack and carry down the lane. On Pumpkin Smash Day (Oct. 30, 5–9 p.m.), each guest receives a free pumpkin to smash, which is then composted or fed to the farm’s animals. Costumes encouraged for the Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 31, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.). 5–9 p.m (Fri.), 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.). 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.
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Community ListingFree
Poetry Trail: Michelle Smolarski
MoreBluffs Nature Area, 1279 N Main St., Ann Arbor MI 48103
My poems will be found going down the trail straight ahead on red hearts written in calligraphy. Be careful to not step on any! They could be above, to the right, to the left, maybe even down below you. Enjoy your hike!
I will dance at different times around the clock. And have my poetry books for sale. Come enjoy nature and the arts and support a local artist!
Oct 16th-18th 5-9pm call me to reserve a spot at 734-274-3623 at Bluffs Nature Area.Free -
Observer Editor
D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery 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.
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Observer Editor
“Euchre Change a Life!”
MoreOct. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30. Five-game euchre tournament. Sign up with a partner or get paired with one by the organizers. Prizes. Food & beverages available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Haitian children via Haitian Christian Outreach. 6:30–9 p.m., HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plz. $15 (HOMES members, $10). [email protected], tinyurl.com/a2euchrechange.
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Nightspots
Jive Colossus.: Live
MoreLive 102 S. First St., Ann ArborLocal 9-piece ensemble with a killer horn section that plays Afro-Caribbean, funk, rock, and blues dance music.
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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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Free
Observer Editor
Annual CDL Song Fest 2026: Chelsea District Library
MoreThis annual event is highlighted by a performance by 2-time Grammy nominee Chris Collingwood (8–9:30 p.m.), lead vocalist and founding member of 90s and early 2000s power pop band Fountains of Wayne, whose songwriting is known for its sharp storytelling, memorable hooks, and heartfelt lyrics. His new band, Look Park, released its eponymous debut album in 2016; it received wide critical acclaim and was called “one of the best rock albums of the year” by Salon. Tonight Collingwood is joined by fiddler and vocalist Gina Romantini. Preceded at 7:30 p.m. by an interview with Collingwood about his career, influences, and craft by WEMU FM The Song Break host John Bommarito. Also, a Teen Showcase performance (6:45–7:15 p.m.) by 2 local teen bands TBA. 6:45–9:30 p.m., Robin Hills Farm pasture barn, 20390 M-52, Chelsea. Free. (734) 475–8732, chelseadistrictlibrary.org/songfest.
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Observer Editor
“Sister Act”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
MoreThurs.–Sun., Oct. 8–18. This local professional company performs Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, Glenn Slater, and Alan Menken’s musical based on the 1992 comedy film that starred Whoopi Goldberg as a Reno lounge singer who’s put under protective custody in a convent. The score draws on Motown, soul, funk, and disco. 7 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) and 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $39–$67 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreFri. Oct. 2 & 16 and every Sat. & Sun. (See review) During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some animals that live in the rainforest, including a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, an iguana, and a red-footed tortoise at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, and an iguana at 1 & 4 p.m., and a red-footed tortoise 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.
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Observer Editor
“Fun Home”: Horizon Performing Arts
MoreOct. 15–18. Connor Thomas Rhoades directs local actors in Jeanine Tesori and (Ann Arbor native) Lisa Kron’s 2013 Broadway musical based on Alison Bechdel’s poignant graphic memoir about growing up in a funeral home, the discovery of her sexuality, and her relationship with her closeted gay father. “I can’t think of a recent musical—or play, for that matter—that has done a better job at finding theatrical expression for the wayward dynamics of remembering,” says the New York Times. 7 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Sun.), Riverside Arts Center. $20 (students & seniors, $18) at horizonpa.yapsody.com.
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Observer Editor
The Sklar Brothers: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreOct. 15–17. Veteran tag-team stand-up comedy act by twin brothers Randy and Jason Sklar, U-M grads now based in L.A. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $25 (Thurs., $20) in advance at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. Special engagement; no passes, discounts, or coupons accepted. (734) 996–9080.
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Nightspots
May Erlewine.: JD’s Stage
MoreJD’s Stage 117 ½ S. Main, Chelsea, Michigan, United StatesA big-voiced singer-songwriter from Big Rapids who writes thoughtful, richly emotional country-flavored songs. Tonight she is joined by veteran Chicago guitarist Packy Lundholm.
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Nightspots
Brielle Chalou.: Moonwinks Tavern
MoreMoonwinks Tavern 5151 Plymouth Rd. (734) 994-5151.Young local pop-folk singer-songwriter.
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Nightspots
The Write-Ups.: Water Tower Distilling Co.
MoreWater Tower Distilling Co. 23 N. Washington,, YpsilantiFlint ska band. Opener: Wipeout, a Monroe ska-punk band.
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Nightspots
Ron Shelton.: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiAmericana country-rock and folk-rock covers by this local singer-guitarist.
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Nightspots
Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborJazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Good Fortune”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center
More1129 Oak Valley Dr. Concessions. Free. (734) 994–3387, jewelheart.org.
Oct. 16: “Good Fortune” (Aziz Ansari, 2025). Mystical comedy about an angel who attempts to show a struggling man that money won’t solve his problems. Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari, Sandra Oh, Keke Palmer. Discussion follows. 7 p.m.
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Nightspots
Don Hicks & Friends.: Blue LLama
MoreBlue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann ArborAn ad hoc local ensemble led by trumpeter (and Blue Llama owner) Hicks.
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Nightspots
Pontiac Trail Blazers.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborLocal bluegrass quartet known for its beautiful vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess. Tonight they are joined by dobro player Mark Lavengood. 7–10 p.m. $10.
