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Events in April 2026
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April 10, 2026
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun., except Apr. 11. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. The newest program examines how Michigan animals get along with each other—or don’t. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
Carillon Concert Series: U-M School of Music
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Fri. through Apr. 21 (different locations). Performances by U-M carillon faculty and students. The carillons are open to visitors during the recitals; earplugs recommended. For a complete schedule see smtd.umich.edu/events. Burton Tower (noon), 230 N. Ingalls; and Lurie Tower (1:20 p.m.), 1230 Murfin. Free. (734) 615–3204.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Free. [email protected].
U-M Center for Southeast Asian Studies Friday Lecture Series
Observer Editor
Apr. 10 & 17. Talks by visiting scholars.
Apr. 10: “Incentivizing Lending to Women Entrepreneurs: Evidence from Vietnam.” Rutgers University global business professor Markus Taussig discusses efforts by large Vietnamese banks to recruit women-owned small businesses as borrowing clients.
Apr. 17: “Words as Weapons: British Propaganda and Psychological Warfare in Indonesia, 1963–66.” University of Wisconsin history professor Chris Hulshof discusses how British Intelligence, with CIA backing, used covert propaganda to undermine the Indonesian government during the Cold War.
Noon–1 p.m., 555 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. (734) 615–4059.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (noon) follows an intrepid Dolichorhynchops osborni (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history; 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 T. Rex (2 p.m.) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence). Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $8 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
“Midday Morsel Drop-in Tour”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) and a 499er game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $9 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].
“A2CTing out Ann Arbor”: Ann Arbor District Library
Walking Tour: Creating Michigan: Key Moments in U-M’s Early History: U-M Judy and Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory
Community Listing
Explore the first 70 years of U-M history, from the University’s Native American land accession and its origins in Detroit in 1817 to its move to Ann Arbor and emergence as a research university after 1837. We’ll traverse the original 40-acre campus, learning about the professors, presidents, and students who walked the Diag nearly two centuries ago.
Guided walking tour led by student docents. Duration: 1.5 hours; 0.6 miles.
*** Meet at the steps of Angell Hall facing State Street. ***
Tour will take place in rain or snow, but will be cancelled for severe weather (registrants will be notified via email).
Registration required.
435 S State St ,Ann Arbor. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2urv8vu Free. [email protected] https://detroitobservatory.umich.edu/ 734-763-2230.“FoolMoon Preparty”: Bløm Mead + Cider
Observer Editor
All invited to craft their own accessories (materials provided) to add to their “fools of a feather” FoolMoon costume (see today’s listing). Also, tarot readings (7:30–10 p.m.), candle decorating (6:30–9:30 p.m.), and participatory chalk drawing on Fourth Ave. sidewalks. 5–10 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. drinkblom.com/events. (734) 548–9729.
Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Apr. 10, 14, 23, & 28. (different times). All invited to work on their own projects using the library’s tools, including soldering equipment and electronic components (Apr. 10), silhouette cutting machines, die cutters, embossers, and button makers (Apr. 14), 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (Apr. 23), and sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (Apr. 28). 5–7:30 p.m. (Apr. 10, 14, & 28) and 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (Apr. 23), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
Rumi Pajama Party: Starbright Entertainment LLC and Hide &Seek - A Play Boutique
Community Listing
Enjoy live song performances, dance along with Rumi, play demon hunter games, and so much more in this interactive evening of fun for the whole family! Program includes play time in the Hide & Seek playroom. Pizza dinner available for purchase. Costumes or PJs are encouraged!
1954 S Industrial Hwy Ste A, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 ,Ann Arbor. https://hideandseekannarbor.as.me/starbright-pj-party $20 per adult or child ticket. [email protected] www.hideandseekannarbor.com/ (734)773-3317.Tony Pinnell: Argus Farm Stop Packard Cafe
Observer Editor
Versatile local singer-guitarist with country-rock roots who plays an eclectic mix of acoustic rock, indie pop-folk, and world music covers. Featuring guest vocalist Lizzie Randolph. 5:30–7 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. Tips welcome. (734) 997–5448, argusfarmstop.com/events-1.
“Paper Herb Garden: Lavender”: Ann Arbor District Library
D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every 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 parent or guardian accompaniment. 6–10 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
U-M Softball
Observer Editor
Game vs. Ohio State. The first in a 3-game series (Apr. 11, noon; Apr. 12, 3 p.m.). This month’s home schedule includes another 3-game series vs. Indiana (Apr. 24, 6 p.m.; Apr. 25, 2 p.m.; Apr. 26, 1 p.m.), and single games against Bowling Green (Apr. 15, 5 p.m., free) and Toledo (Apr. 21, 4:30 p.m.). 6 p.m., Alumni Field, 1114 S. State. Tickets $8–$25 at mgoblue.com/tickets & at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
“Fireside Fun”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
“The Feather Wars: And the Great Crusade to Save America’s Birds”: Literati Bookstore
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG).
Tues. (6:30 p.m.): “Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
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.
“All We Are Given We Cannot Hold”: Dzanc Community Poetry Series
“Private Lives”: Loonlight Theatre
Observer Editor
Apr. 10 & 12. Darla Hand directs local actors (including U-M theater students) in a contemporary, in-the-round staging of Noël Coward’s 1930 comedy of manners. It’s about a divorced couple who, on honeymoon with their new spouses, realize that they are all staying in the same hotel. Recommended for teens and adults. 7 p.m. (Fri.), noon & 6 p.m. (Sun.), Coratti's Pizzeria Bar & Bocce, 512 E. William. Food & drink available for purchase. Tickets $15 in advance at loonlighttheatre.ludus.com & (if available) at the door. [email protected].
“Rent”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Thurs.–Sun., Apr. 9–May 3. Matt Bogart directs this local professional company in Jonathan Larson’s Tony- and Pulitzer Prize–winning 1996 musical, based on Puccini’s La Bohème, about an impoverished community of artists in the East Village living under the shadow of AIDS. It features an inventive rock score with intricate choral work and dexterous lyrics. Mature audiences only. 7 p.m. (today) & various times (see date), Thurs.–Sun., Encore Maas Main Stage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $34–$65 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.
Alex Price: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Apr. 9–11. This six-foot-nine Indiana native’s profane, self-deprecating jokes have earned him opening spots for Dave Attell, Brian Posehn, and Hannibal Buress, as well as appearances at festivals across the country. Opening acts TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Thurs., $15) at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
“Joel Schoenhals: The Schubert Project”: Kerrytown Concert House
Observer Editor
Apr. 10 & 11. EMU piano professor Schoenhals and his wife, pianist Bing Li, play works by Schubert, from the exhilarating Sonata in D Major to the powerful and intimate Fantasy in F Minor for Four Hands. 7:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 4 p.m. (Sun.), 415 N. Fourth Ave. $35–$45 (students, $25–$35) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 769–2999.
“Working for the Macbeths”: U-M Chamber Opera
Observer Editor
Apr. 10 & 11. U-M voice students, accompanied by the U-M Contemporary Directions Ensemble, perform Johanny Navarro and Marcus Yi’s 2023 comic opera, a cheerful mashup of Shakespeare and Monty Python that follows the downfall of the Macbeths from their servants’ perspectives. 7:30 p.m., U-M Moore Bldg., McIntosh Theatre, 1100 Baits. Free. (734) 615–3204.
Friday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Fri. Performance by Eleven Non-Blondes, a house team of experienced improvisers. 7:30–9 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events, $18 (if available) at the door. [email protected].
Trio Medieval: Academy of Early Music
Observer Editor
This Grammy-nominated trio of Norwegian singers performs the 14th-century Messe de Tournai, a polyphonic setting of the Ordinary of the Mass written to be performed by the monks of Tournai cathedral in what is now Belgium. Founded in Oslo in 1997, Trio Medieval’s core repertoire is sacred monophonic and polyphonic medieval music from England, Italy, and France, performed with a “luminous blend of passion and precision,” according to a Gramophone review. Preceded at 6:45 p.m. by a lecture by the performers. 7:30 p.m., St. Andrew’s Episocopal Church, 306 N. Division. $35 (seniors, $30; students, $10) at academyofearlymusic.org, with a $5 increase after Apr. 5. Also, if available, at the door. (734) 228–4338.
U-M Symphony Band
“Femme Feedback” Comedy Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
“Murder on the Links”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., Apr. 2–May 31. David Bendena directs Steven Dietz’s 2023 farce, based on an Agatha Christie whodunit, in which eccentric Belgian detective Hercule Poirot’s newest client is discovered, dead, on a French golf course. A cast of 6 actors embody a plethora of suspects in this high-energy, comic adaptation. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 3 p.m. (Thurs., Sat., & Wed.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). PRT, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
“Precious Little”: Penny Seats Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Apr. 10–25. Julia Garlotte directs local actors in playwright Madeleine George’s dark comedy about a linguist who, after learning she is pregnant, finds comfort from two unlikely sources: the elderly speaker of a vanishing language … and a gorilla at the zoo. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) and 2 p.m. (Sun.), Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (students, $20; seniors, $25), in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door. (612) 210–7329, [email protected].
“Starstruck”: U-M Residential College Players
“Telescope Observing”: U-M Detroit Observatory
Observer Editor
Every Fri. All invited to drop in to use the Observatory’s 1857 Fitz telescope and other modern instruments. Exhibits are also open regardless of viewing conditions. Last visitors admitted 30 minutes prior to closing. 8–11 p.m., 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free, no registration required. (734) 764–3482, detroitobservatory.umich.edu.
“The JonBenét Game”: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Mar. 27–Apr. 19. Carla Milarch directs Tori Keenan-Zelt’s new drama about best friends Molly and Rae, who secretly played JonBenét Ramsey at sleepovers when they were 12. Twenty years later, in the wake of Molly’s tragic death, Rae returns to her hometown. When Molly’s 12-year-old daughter knocks on Rae’s door, she and Rae slide into the old game and the dark and mysterious spaces of unresolved grief. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $30 (seniors, $25; students with ID, $15) in advance at theatrenova.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.
“The MacAdo”: U-M Gilbert & Sullivan Society
Observer Editor
Apr. 9–12. This accomplished town-and-gown company performs a retelling of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado, an 1885 operetta spoof of Victorian England’s craze for all things Japanese. The adaptation sets the action in the Scottish Highlands where the ruling king’s son, disguised as a wandering minstrel, agrees to be beheaded if he can spend a month married to a woman who is betrothed to another man. The witty score features “Three Little Maids from School Are We,” “Willow, Tit-Willow,” and “Behold the Lord High Executioner.” 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, Michigan League. Tickets $30 (seniors, $27; students with ID, $10) in advance at the Michigan League ticket office, mutotix.umich.edu, and at the door. (734) 763–8587.
FoolMoon
Observer Editor
This annual outdoor festival features a vast array of huge, quirky, and beautiful handmade illuminated sculptures, as well as interactive installations, a beer tent, and more. All invited to drum on pots and pans and welcome spring dressed in homemade wing-themed illuminated costumes in the spirit of this year’s theme, “Fools of a Feather.” A parade departs from the corner of W. Washington & S. Ashley at dusk and travels throughout downtown before returning for a street party with dancing and live music on 2 stages. On the Ashley St. Stage: Music by emerging local acts, including the winners of this year’s Neutral Zone Battle of the Bands and Battle of the Voices competitions, along with the all-female U-M student pop-punk cover band Rumor Has It. On the Washington St. Stage: An all-night set by the U-M music student funk collective VUP. Also, during the parade, performances by U-M student groups, including the glowstick dance ensemble Photonix and the percussion-and-dance ensemble Groove (see 3 Friday listing). Those joining the parade are invited to assemble at one of 3 “constellation stations”: the UMMA front lawn, the Kerrytown Farmers Market, and the Slauson Middle School parking lot. Many Kerrytown, Main St., and State St. merchants are open late. 8–11 p.m., downtown Ann Arbor. Free. bit.ly/foolmoon2026.
The Fab Faux: Live Nation
Observer Editor
Critically acclaimed Beatles tribute band—a quintet of top NYC session musicians, bolstered by horn and string sections—that specializes in later works never performed live by the Beatles. Calling them “the greatest Beatles cover band—without the wigs,” Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke says that “the Faux invigorate the artistry of even the Beatles’ most intricate studio masterpieces with top chops and Beatlemaniac glee.” 8 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $65–$147 in advance at (800) 745–3000, ticketmaster.com, & (if available) at the door.
Angell Hall Observatory Open House: U-M Student Astronomical Society
Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
Observer Editor
Every Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience required. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 and 8 p.m. by hour-long lessons. Followed by a “late-night blues-&-fusion” dance. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Friday includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.