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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Observer Editor
“Heaven in Stone and Glass”: 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. 20 & 23: “Heaven in Stone and Glass” (Rob Kaczmark & Branden J. Stanley, 2026). Religious documentary exploring sacred mysteries built into Gothic cathedrals. Various times; see website.
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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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Observer Editor
Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun., Sept. 19–Nov. 1. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits to allow for routes of various lengths. Also, a U-Pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. On Sept. 27, Family Fun Day (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) features ice cream, balloon art, kids activities, and live music from the Saline Fiddlers. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), & 5–9 p.m. (Fri.), 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery 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.
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Free
Observer Editor
Annual Ann Arbor Russian Festival: St. Vladimir Russian Orthodox Church
MoreSept. 19 & 20. Slavic food and drinks, including blini, borscht, and more. Live entertainment by bell ringers, St. Vladimir’s Choir, traditional dancers, and others. Also, a tearoom with Russian sweets, church tours, and a kids corner with a bounce house, petting zoo, games, and more. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. (Sat.) & 1–7 p.m. (Sun.), St. Vladimir Church, 9900 Jackson Rd., Dexter. Free admission. (734) 475–4590, annarborrussianfestival.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
Michigame Design Lab Game Playtesting: Bløm Mead + Cider
MoreAll invited to try out new board and card games from local designers and provide feedback. 2–6 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Bacon: The History of America’s Most (Un)Desirable Food”: Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor
MoreUniversity of Tennessee-Chattanooga history professor Mark Johnson discusses how bacon overcame religious prohibition, cultural contempt, and dietary advice to become a gastronomic and pop cultural phenomenon. Q&A. 4–5:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Also via YouTube,; URL at culinaryhistoriansannarbor.org or aadl.org/events. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
“The Great Library Brawl”: Ann Arbor District Library
MorePro wrestlers from Flint-based Pure Pro Wrestling compete in family-friendly bouts featuring classic pro wrestling storylines, props, and elaborate costumes. Concessions. 4–6 p.m., AADL Warehouse, 265 Parkland Plz. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Observer Editor
“Stories of Home: Storytelling”: University Musical Society Ypsi Freighthouse Residency
MoreAll invited to join the artists behind Sofa Stories (see 18 Fri. listing) in an interactive storytelling session designed to help participants craft, shape, and then perform their own personal stories on the theme of “home.” Age 14 & up. 4 p.m., 100 Market Pl., Ypsi. Tickets $5 (additional donation appreciated) in advance at ums.org/season/2026-27-season & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.
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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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Community ListingFree
Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
More2070 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor
10-piece big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in hot jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. Great for listening or dancing.
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Nightspots
Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings.: Zal Gaz Grotto
MoreZal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann ArborLocal 10-piece big band led by tubaist Chris Smith that specializes in the old-time big band music of the late 1920s and early 1930s associated with Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver.
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Nightspots
Patty PerShayla.: JD’s Stage
MoreJD’s Stage 117 ½ S. Main, Chelsea, Michigan, United StatesHigh-energy rock ’n’ roll by a trio led by this Nashville-based, Michigan-bred singer-songwriter & bassist, who draws on blues, classic, and progressive rock traditions to make her energetic and introspective songs.
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Observer Editor
“Twin Peaks Season 2”: 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.
“Twin Peaks Season 2” (David Lynch, 1990). Screenings of season 2 of this groundbreaking surreal prime-time television show begin tonight, as idiosyncratic FBI agent Dale Cooper continues to investigate the murder of high school student Laura Palmer. Episodes 2–9 screen Sept. 13, 20, 27 & Oct. 4. 7 p.m.
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Free
Observer Editor
Traditional Irish Session: Conor O’Neill’s
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to join or listen to an instrumental jam session. 7–9 p.m., 318 S. Main. Free. (734) 665–2968.
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Observer Editor
Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M
MoreEvery Sun. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including foxtrots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 6 p.m. by beginning lessons and practice. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Union Ballroom. $5 ($10 includes lessons). (734) 763–6984.
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Observer Editor
High Holidays Observance: Ann Arbor Jewish Cultural Society
MoreAll invited to this secular celebration of Rosh Hashanah, with readings, meditation, and music. Also, a free Tashlich observance (Sept. 12, 4 p.m., Gallup Park Maas Shelter) features a secular ceremony celebrating the Jewish New Year with participants encouraged to “let go of shortcomings” by tossing flower petals into the river. The Kol Nidre observance (Sept. 20, 7 p.m., JCC) includes time for reflection on the Day of Atonement while listening to haunting melodies. Yom Kippur observance (Sept. 21, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m., JCC) brings the Jewish New Year to a close with a ceremony and potluck breaking of the fast. 7 p.m., 2935 Birch Hollow. $10 (family, $25) suggested donation per observance for nonmembers; no one is turned away because of inability to pay. Registration required at jewishculturalsociety.org. [email protected].
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Nightspots
Unkle Lay Lee & the Moonshine All-Stars.: Old Town
MoreOld Town 122 W. Liberty, Ann ArborLocal quintet led by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Gray Motsinger that plays an eclectic brand of outlaw country with punk, funk, and rock influences.
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Nightspots
Mike Root.: The Ranch
MoreThe Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann ArborMid-Michigan country singer-guitarist.