Events
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Community ListingFree
Monday Momentum: BrightWorks Coworking
More255 Liberty, Ann Arbor
Join us at any of our locations to start the week with intention and a plan. Come in grab your accountability card, fill it out, network, and head to work. Open to all.
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Observer Editor
“A2 Artoberfest”: Guild of Artists & Artisans
MoreOct. 10 & 11. Juried art fair featuring works by about 100 regional artists, ranging from paintings and jewelry to ceramics and fiber. Also, demos by popular local street chalk artist David Zinn (11 a.m.–1 p.m., both days), and family-friendly art-making activities. Live music TBA. Snacks & drinks available for purchase. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Sat.) & 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sun.), Main between Washington & William. Free admission. a2artoberfest.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
Ypsi Flea Market
MoreShow and sale of vintage items ranging from the early 1930s to the 90s, featuring clothing, jewelry, furniture, records, and more. Concessions. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsi. Free admission & parking. [email protected], facebook.com/ypsifleaswap.
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Free
Observer Editor
H.A.C. Ultimate
MoreEvery Sun. All invited to a relaxed pickup game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Beginners welcome. Play proceeds regardless of the weather. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Sunday Artisan Market
MoreEvery Sun. Juried market of local handmade arts & crafts, now in its 35th year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Kerrytown Farmers Market pavilion. Free admission. (734) 913–9622.
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Observer Editor
Annual Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair: Ann Arbor Antiquarian Booksellers Association
MoreOne of the country’s top regional antiquarian fairs, up to 40 dealers from 12 states offer manuscripts, vintage photos and prints, antique maps, children’s books, and a wide array of old, rare, curious, and fine books. Admission charge benefits the U-M Clements Library. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Michigan Union Ballroom. $5 donation. (734) 995–1891, annarborbookfair.com.
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Observer Editor
Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
MoreEvery Wed.–Sun. 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 & donuts available. Also, on Oct. 3 & 4, local artisans & crafters sell their items at the Craft Show Weekend, and on Oct. 24, young entrepreneurs sell homemade items at the Kids Market (noon–4 p.m.). 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. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits. Also, a u-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. The corn maze is illuminated and guests get a free glow stick on Glow Maze Nights (Oct. 9, 16, & 23, 5–9 p.m.). On All You Can Carry Pumpkin Day (Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.), for $10 you can purchase all the pumpkins you can successfully stack and carry down the lane. On Pumpkin Smash Day (Oct. 30, 5–9 p.m.), each guest receives a free pumpkin to smash, which is then composted or fed to the farm’s animals. Costumes encouraged for the Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 31, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.). 5–9 p.m (Fri.), 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.). 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.
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Observer Editor
“Trick or Treat on the River”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation
MoreAll invited to paddle Gallup Pond in a kayak or canoe to enjoy the fall colors and gather candy from costumed characters at stops along the way. Paddlers encouraged to come in costume and bring a candy collection bag. Kids must be at least one year old. Also, lawn games in the park. Call ahead or check web page if rain is forecasted. Last boat leaves dock at 3 p.m. Noon–4 p.m., Gallup Park canoe livery, 3000 Fuller. $25 per boat (or use your own boat). No preregistration. (734) 794–6240, a2gov.org/parks-and-recreation/events. [highlight in pink – notable event]
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Observer Editor
“Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy
MoreFri. Oct. 2 & 16 and every Sat. & Sun. (See review) During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some animals that live in the rainforest, including a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, an iguana, and a red-footed tortoise at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show a two-toed sloth, a Dumeril’s boa, and an iguana at 1 & 4 p.m., and a red-footed tortoise at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) and noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 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.
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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 Oct. 4, 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
“Reopening Celebration Weekend”: U-M Museum of Art
MoreOct. 10 & 11. After an 8-month renovation, UMMA’s Alumni Memorial Hall reopens with art-making activities (noon–5 p.m. both days), a discussion with renowned social-practice artist and MacArthur Fellow Rick Lowe (1 p.m. Sat.), whose exhibit Black Wall Street Journey: Re and De Imagining Black Progress occupies the Taubman I Gallery until January (see Galleries), as well as guided tours (on the hour, 1–5 p.m., both days) through the building. Noon–8 p.m., 525 S. State. Free. (734) 764–0395, umma.umich.edu/visit/events.
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Observer Editor
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. T. Rex (noon) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence); 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 Tales of the Maya Skies (2 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Mad Luck Club Mah-jongg Hang”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreAll invited to play mah-jongg in a friendly, relaxed setting. No experience required. Instruction and tiles provided. 1–4 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. Free. heardotsay.com.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Tinkered Toy Box”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreA chance for adults & teens to modify toys to make them more accessible for children with disabilities. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Sharon Mills Open House Tour”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
MoreDocent-led tour of historic building and grounds along the River Raisin, which includes a hydroelectric generator that was one of many southeast Michigan facilities that comprised Henry Ford’s Village Industry project. 1–5 p.m., Sharon Mills County Park, 5701 Sharon Hollow Rd., Manchester. Free. (734) 971–6337.
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Community Listing
Observer Editor
CANCELLED: “Family & Politics”: Braver Angels Alliance of Washtenaw County and Interfaith Roudtable
MoreZion Lutheran Church 1501 West Liberty - Piper Room, Ann Arbor MI 48103
This event has been cancelled.
Family relationships can become casualties of a toxic political environment. Family members are having bitter political arguments, avoiding each other, or even cutting off lifetime relationships.
If you want to preserve important family bonds while still being true to your values and political beliefs, this in-person workshop will offer you:
Insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging
Recognition of common roles that family members play in political conversations
Strategies and skills for handling family political differences in a constructive wayFree -
Observer Editor
“Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20. Rhiannon Ragland directs retired Detroit newscaster and playwright Devin Scillian’s family comedy-drama about a conflict between brothers—an aging country rocker and a buttoned-down finance guy—after their mother’s death. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Wed.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
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Observer Editor
“Maestro”: Theatre Nova
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun., Sept. 25–Oct. 18. Briana O’Neal directs local actors in Michigan playwright Michael Alan Herman’s cheeky comedy of manners about two 18th-century Viennese composers who go to ridiculous lengths to compete for a recently vacated royal court position. 8 p.m. (Fri.), 3 & 7 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $33 (seniors, $30; students, $20) in advance at theatrenova.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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Observer Editor
“Metamorphoses”: EMU Theatre Department
MoreOct. 8–11. Jennifer Felts directs EMU drama students in Mary Zimmerman’s 1996 adaptation of the 1st–century Roman poet Ovid’s epic masterpiece. Includes such familiar stories as “King Midas,” “Narcissus,” and “Orpheus & Eurydice.” Suggested for ages 13 & up. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), EMU Legacy Theatre, 1031 E. Circle Dr., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (seniors, $15; students, $12; kids 6–12, $7) in advance at emich.ludus.com, at the box office (10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri.), & (if available) at the door. $5.80 parking pass required if parking on site. (734) 487–2282.
