• Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Center for Japanese Studies Noon Lecture Series

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    Nov. 5 & 12 (different locations). Talks by visiting scholars.

    Nov. 5: University of Arizona Japanese Studies professor Joshua Schlachet on “Nourishing Life: Cultures of Food and Health in Early Modern Japan.”

    Nov. 12: Cardiff University criminology professor Yutaka Yoshida on “When Self-Empowerment Goes South (or East, More Precisely): Gender, Neoliberalism, and Romance Fraud in Japan.”

    Noon–1:30 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. (Nov. 5) & 4448 East Hall, 530 Church. (Nov. 12). Free. (734) 764–6307.

  • Observer Editor

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
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    Every Mon. & Thurs., except Nov. 26. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both non-ACBL-sanctioned (Mon.) and ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.). 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5) & noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Geopolitics of Academic Freedom: The View from the Frontline”: 36th Annual U-M Davis, Markert, Nickerson Lecture on Academic and Intellectual Freedom

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    Talk by Michael Ignatieff, who served as the president and rector of Central European University between 2016 and 2021, the turbulent years that saw CEU’s expulsion from Budapest and its reestablishment in Vienna during the rule of Hungary’s far-right prime minister Viktor Orbán. Refreshments at 3:30 p.m. 4–5:30 p.m., Alexander Ruthven Bldg., rm. 2000, 1109 Geddes. Preregistration required and livestream available at facultysenate.umich.edu/2026-current-lecture. Free. (734) 764–0303.  

  • Community Listing

    “Drop-in Collage: Junk Journaling”: SCRAP Creative Reuse

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    4567 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA, Ann Arbor

    Join us at SCRAP for Drop-in Collage on First Thursdays!

    Drop-in collage is held in the Education Studio. Get crafty with magazines, calendars, stamps, other people’s photos, and more! Explore unique reuse materials to make your masterpiece.

    ✧ Great craft for people who enjoy scrapbooking, junk journaling, binding and interest of that sort ✧

    Ages 10+: Youth must be accompanied by an adult.

    https://annarbor.scrapcreativereuse.org/Events

    $5
  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every Mon.–Thurs., except Nov. 24–26. 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., Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • Community Listing

    Annual Spaghetti Dinner: St. Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos

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    3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor

    The St. Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos-sponsored Annual Spaghetti Dinner will take place on Thursday, November 5, from 5:00-7:30 pm. The menu includes Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce, Salad, Bread, Dessert, and Beverage. The cost is $20 for adults and $12 for children 10 and under. Carryout is available. Proceeds go to those in need.

    St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
    3109 Scio Church Road
    734-332-8200

    www.stnickaa.org

  • Nightspots

    Lamm & Henley.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Local jazz duo of bassist August Lamm and pianist-guitarist Andy Henley specializes in arrangements of songs from the Great American Songbook. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company
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    Every Mon., Thurs., & Sat. (different AARC locations), except Nov. 26. Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi.; AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 2621 Plymouth Rd. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Bad Decisions Track Club

    Bad Decisions Track Club
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    Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Colorful Pajaki Chandeliers”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults & teens invited to use straw, colorful paper, twine, and a wooden hoop to make these Polish decorations used to celebrate important life events like birthdays and holidays. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • 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. 1–3 p.m. (Sun.) & 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.

  • Observer Editor

    “Musical Moments 2026”: Great Lakes Performing Artist Associates Fundraiser

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    Live music by world-renowned favorite local blues pianist Mark “Mr. B” Braun, members of local gypsy jazz ensemble Djangophonique, classical horn player and Appalachian folk vocalist Mary Beth Orr, soprano Alice McAllister Tillman, and world music ensemble AgawDilim. Silent auction. Proceeds benefit the organization’s musician support and community educational programs. Hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, & beer. 6–8 p.m., Michigan Firehouse Museum, 110 W. Cross, Ypsi. $75 includes food & drinks. Preregistration required by Oct. 29 at greatlakespaa.org or (734) 276–8558.

  • Nightspots

    Focus: Jazz.: El Limon

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    El Limon 2709 Plymouth

    Jazz favorites by the trio of pianist Jeff Fessler, bassist Will van Kampen, and saxophonist Jeff Kopmanis.

  • Community Listing

    Murder for a Mission!: Children's Healing Center

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    7400 Kalitta Ct., Ypsilanti

    Murder Mystery Night

    Join us at the Children’s Healing Center – Southeast Michigan for an evening of mystery, fun, and a little friendly sleuthing!

    Put your detective skills to the test as you uncover clues, question suspects, and work to solve the mystery before the night is over.

    Thursday, November 5 🔎 6:00–8:30 PM Mystery begins at 6:30 PM
    Tickets: $45 per person
    Heavy appetizers and drinks included

    Gather your friends and join us for a fun night out all while supporting the kids and families of Children’s Healing Center.

    The Children’s Healing Center is a nonprofit, year-round recreational facility located in Ypsilanti and Grand Rapids, Michigan, designed to provide a safe, clean environment for children with weakened immune systems and their families. https://childrenshealing.org/

    https://childrenshealing.org/

    $45