All 12 & older invited to this nature walk to learn about local plants and plant communities, led by ecologists Manuel Anderson and Jacqueline Courteau. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. 10 a.m.–noon, Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter. Metroparks pass or $10 vehicle entry fee. Space limited; preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/3b57fa3u. [email protected].

Aug. 22–23. Display of more than 100 bonsai grown by club members. Also, a demo by Wyrdwood Bonsai (Lexington, KY) owner David Cutchin, other bonsai demos, expert advice, and a sale of bonsai materials and accessories. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Admission $3. Metered parking. (734) 647–7600, [email protected], mbgna.umich.edu.

Aug. 18–22. Midway rides (Wed.–Sat.), carnival games, concessions, livestock shows, live music, beer tent, and more. Special events include an opening parade (Aug. 18, 6:30 p.m.), classic & antique tractor pulls (Aug. 19, noon & 4 p.m.), pro wrestling by Insane Wrestling Revolution (Aug. 19, 7 p.m.), a Bump and Run Demolition Derby (Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m.), a cornhole competition (Aug. 21, 6 p.m.), and bull riding & rodeo (Aug. 22, 7 p.m.). For complete schedule, see manchesterfair.org. 5–10 p.m. (Tues.), 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), & 3–10 p.m. (Fri.), Alumni Memorial Field, Vernon & Wolverine, Manchester. Admission: Tues., $5; Wed., Thurs., & Sat., $10 (Sat. before noon, $5); Fri., free. Kids age 5 & under, free. (734) 260–1019, [email protected].

Film 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. 19 & 22: “My Neighbor Totoro” (Hayao Miyazaki, 1988). Acclaimed Japanese anime tale about two girls who move to the countryside and befriend strange and delightful nature spirits. Japanese, subtitles, 7 p.m. (Wed.) & dubbed, 11 a.m. (Sat.).

Classic monster truck action featuring giant mechanical beasts, each weighing up to 15,000 pounds with 2,000 horsepower, competing against one another on a dirt track, crushing cars, and performing aerial stunts. Also, a quad bike race and a Powerwheel race for kids 3–9 (preregistration & parental supervision required). A pre-rally Pit Party (VIP tickets for an additional $10 fee required) beginning 2 hours before each show offers a chance to ride in a monster truck and meet the drivers. Food and beverage for sale (cash only). Hearing protection strongly recommended. Noon & 6 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Tickets $30 (VIP, $40; Pit Party add-on, $5; kids 3–12, $15; kids 2 & under, free) at monstertrucks.fun or (if available) at the gate. (480) 881–2375.

Every Sat. & Sun. and Fri. Aug. 7 & 21. On Sat. and Sun., conservancy staffers present and give insights into some animals with superpowers, including an African crested porcupine, a three-banded armadillo, and a frilled dragon at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper shows a Gila monster at 2 & 3 p.m. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show all four animals at 7:30 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) & 7–9 p.m. (Fri.), 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.

Aug. 22 & 23. Guided tours of this sanctuary for around 200 rescued farm animals. 12:30–2:30 p.m., $25 (kids age 5–10, $10; kids under 5, free), requested donation, preregistration required. 17901 Mahrle, Manchester. (734) 218–8897, [email protected], sashafarm.org.

All invited to join this drop-in crafting event to make small quilt-inspired collages using fabric scraps, patterned paper, and other media. Led by artists and sisters DaJaniere and Gyona Rice who have an exhibit at the A2AC this month (see Galleries). Supplies provided. No sewing experience necessary. Age 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult. 1–4 p.m., 117 W. Liberty. $15 (one project) at the front desk only. Space limited; no preregistration. (734) 994–8004.