Events
-
-
Observer Editor
Chelsea Community Fair: Chelsea Fairgrounds
MoreAug. 25–29. Fair rides and concessions (Wed. & Thurs. 3–10 p.m., Fri. noon–10 p.m., and Sat. 1–10 p.m.), a bingo tent, livestock shows, demolition derbies (Tues. & Wed. 7:30 p.m.), Lost Nations Rodeo (Thurs. 7:30 p.m.), truck & tractor pulls (Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m.), a fair queen contest (Fri. 7 p.m.), exhibits of baking, canning, floriculture, arts, and hobbies. The fair officially kicks off with a Children’s Parade (Tues. 5:30 p.m.) for ages 3–12 on decorated bikes & wagons or on foot from the municipal lot behind Common Grill to the fairgrounds, and ends with the Chelsea Fair Parade (Sat. 1 p.m.), which includes the high-energy Celtic-inspired Chelsea House Orchestra, and many more local favorites. Complete schedule available at chelseafair.org. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Chelsea Fairgrounds, Old US-12 at Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea. Daily admission, $10; 5-day pass, $30 (middle & high school students and seniors 65 & older, $20; kids age 10 & under, free). Free admission for seniors age 65 & over on Thurs. before 5 p.m., for active or inactive U.S. service members with ID on Fri., and for families on Fri. from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $5 pass for women on Fri. before 11 a.m. (734) 475–1270, [email protected], chelseafair.org.
-
Observer Editor
Foodie Fridays: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation
MoreEvery Friday. Local food truck rally. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (or until sold out), County Farm Park, 2230 Platt.
-
Nightspots
Dirt Road Ramblers: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiBlues, classic rock, and originals by this local band. 4:30–6:30 p.m.
-
Nightspots
Motor City Moonshine: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborCountry and classic rock covers by this Detroit-area quartet.
-
Nightspots
Ralph McKee Blues Trio: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborEnergetic, sophisticated blend of danceable soul, blues, and rock by this band led by Hoodang bassist McKee. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“AADL World Famous Trivia”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAADL staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia aimed at adults. Prizes. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
-
Observer Editor
U-M Volleyball
MoreExhibition match vs. Pittsburgh. The U-M also has regular season home matches this month against Long Island University (Aug. 28, 6 p.m.) & Miami (Aug. 29, 2 p.m.). 1 p.m., Crisler Center. $8 & $10 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.
-
Observer Editor
“Make-a-Zine Night”: All Hands Active
MoreAll levels of zine makers, from beginner to experienced, invited to make their own homemade booklet to take home. Only simple instructions provided, but supplies available. 6–8 p.m., basement of 255 E. Liberty, ste. 225. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/allhandsactive/events. Free; donations welcome. [email protected].
-
Nightspots
Shaun Garth Walker: Sam Hill
MoreSam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd.Local blues-oriented singer-guitarist with an eclectic, wide-ranging repertoire.
-
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.
-
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.
Wed. (6 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “Standard.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.
Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Draft.” Cost and format vary.
Various times, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Fireside Fun”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
MoreAll invited to sit around a campfire, roast marshmallows, and swap stories. If you like, bring outdoor games, s’mores fixings (roasting utensils provided), and camping chairs. Rain or shine, so dress for the weather. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
-
Community Listing
Foundry Town Survivors – Annual Townie Gig: Foundry Town Music
More102 S. 1st St, Ann Arbor
Foundry Town Survivors Mark Tomorsky & Tommy Johnsmiller return to their hometown with special guests Andy Adamson on keyboards and Chip Trombley on drums for their Annual Townie Gig at LIVE Nightclub for one night of live music, dancing and fun. It’s an annual tradition for us, and we’d love to have you stop by and say hello. NO COVER CHARGE. Doors open at 6PM with music from 6:30-9:00PM 18 and over only.
Free - No cover charge -
Free
Observer Editor
Music in the Park: Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce
MoreSee 14 Friday. Tonight: Salmagundi, local horn-powered Motown/Memphis soul tribute band featuring vocalist Sheila Rhodes. 6:30–9 p.m.
-
Nightspots
Foundry Town Survivors: Live
MoreLive 102 S. First St., Ann ArborClassic Detroit rock’n’roll by this band led by veteran singer-songwriter & guitarist Mark Tomorsky.
-
Observer Editor
“2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm 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.
Aug. 28: “2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour.” Six notable shorts from this year’s festival. 7 p.m.
-
Free
Observer Editor
John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Concert Series
MoreSee 7 Friday. Tonight: an R&B jazz fusion ensemble led by veteran South African singer-guitarist Jonathan Butler. 7 p.m.
-
Free
Observer Editor
“Catching Fireflies” Artist Talk: Ann Arbor Art Center
MoreArtists and sisters DaJaniere and Gyona Rice discuss their artistic practice, inspiration, and work. The two have an exhibit at the A2AC this month (see Galleries). 7–8:30 p.m., 117 W. Liberty. Free. (734) 994–8004.
-
Nightspots
Prior Art: Moonwinks Tavern
MoreMoonwinks Tavern 5151 Plymouth Rd. (734) 994-5151.A mix of originals and 60s-90s rock covers by this local quintet.
-
Nightspots
Paul Keller Trio: Water Tower Distilling Co.
MoreWater Tower Distilling Co. 23 N. Washington,, YpsilantiJazz ensemble led by veteran local bassist Keller.
