Events
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Observer Editor
a2Tech360: Ann Arbor Spark
MoreSept. 22–Oct. 2. Almost 2-week-long tech festival, with pitch competitions, a hackathon (two days of intensive coding), talks, panel discussions, a career fair, start-up demos, workshops, networking events, and more. Various times & locations. A mix of free and ticketed events. See full schedule at a2tech360.com.
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Observer Editor
“The Transformers: The Movie”: Fathom Entertainment
More(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
More(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
JLC Book Sale
MoreSept. 23–26. Local family-run sale of over 30,000 used books, as well as DVDs, audiobooks, video games, puzzles, and board games. Also, a presale on Sept. 23 from 4–8 p.m. for teachers and homeschool families. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, bldg. A, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free admission. jlcbooksale.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History
MoreEvery Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s labs to use scientific tools and museum specimens. The newest program lets participants try out simulated snake senses (sight, hearing, and smell) to experience the world as if they were a snake. No live snakes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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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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FreeObserver Editor
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
MoreEvery 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. 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.) & noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.). Free. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
MI Postcards for Patriots
MoreSept. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30. All invited to drop-in to volunteer to help turn out the vote for the November 2026 election by writing postcards and other activities. 1–3 p.m., York Food & Drink, 1928 Packard. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. [email protected], equalityingov.org.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Asian/Americanist Takes on Techno-Empire, Chinamaxxing, and the ‘American Century of Humiliation’”: U-M Digital Studies Institute
MoreA panel of technology policy experts discuss Chinese techno-culture, the interplay between the U.S. and Asia, and the roots of “Chinamaxxing” in U.S.-China relations. 4–5:30 p.m., Weiser Hall, 10th fl., 500 Church. Free, but preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/um-disco-9-23-26. (734) 764–3356.
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FreeObserver Editor
Board Game Night: Argus Farm Stop
MoreSept. 9 & 23. All invited to participate in a relaxed evening of board games. If you want, bring a game to share. 4–7 p.m., 1200 Packard. Free; food & drink for sale. (734) 997–5448, argusfarmstop.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
Michigan Marching Band Practice
MoreEvery Mon.–Thurs. (except Sept. 7). The U-M’s highly disciplined 200+ member marching band or sections thereof can be seen and heard practicing on the new Elbel field, across the street from the old Elbel field. All welcome to find a spot in the bleachers and get a sneak preview of upcoming halftime shows. Rehearsals usually last 1–2 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Me, Myself, and AI: Where Human Creativity and Algorithms Intersect”: U-M Center for Judaic Studies
MoreCelebrated Israeli writer and filmmaker Etgar Keret discusses what happened when he used AI models to test the limits of what a machine could generate about stories and narratives. 5–6:30 p.m., Rackham Amphitheatre. Free. (734) 615–8503.
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FreeObserver Editor
Riso Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreAll invited to use analog tools to create a 2-color design and print it with the lab’s Risograph duplicator, a digital screen printer similar to a photocopier. 5–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
Board Game Night: Bløm Mead + Cider
MoreEvery Wed. All invited to play popular board games. Use provided games or bring your own. 5–10 p.m., 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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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.
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Nightspots
Andy Baker.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborWest Michigan singer-songwriter & guitarist known for his uplifting folk-rock originals. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.
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Observer Editor
“Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
MoreEvery Wed. Food- and agriculture-related discussions and demos.
Sept. 2: “Harvest to Pantry.” Dehydrating vegetables with Tantré Farm co-owner Deb Lentz. Free.
Sept. 9: “Herbal Syrups.” Making syrups for drinks and teas with Unity Vibrations cofounder Rachel Kanaan. $7.
Sept. 16: “Seasonal Salad Dressings.” Food Hub instructor Robin Lehman teaches simple, adaptable recipes. Free.
Sept. 23: “Wet Felting Basics.” With local fiber artist and shepherd Mitch Fehrle. $15.
Sept. 30: “Black Walnut Revival.” Billy Sullivan covers collecting and processing black walnuts for the table. Free.
6–7 p.m., 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd. Cost varies. Preregistration required for all events at tinyurl.com/a2-foodhub. thewashtenawfoodhub.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Detroit Never Left: Black Space, White Borders, Latino Crossings”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event
MoreDetroit writer Nicole E. Trujillo-Pagán discusses her new book about Detroit’s recent resurgence and how many residents feel left behind. Signing. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Here Comes the Sun”: U-M Museum of Natural History Science Café
MoreU-M engineering professor Rohini Chandran and Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility executive director Shoshannah Lenski discuss the emerging technologies of solar-to-heat and solar-to-fuel conversion. Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. 6–7:30 p.m., Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main. Free; drink purchases encouraged. Seating limited, so come early. (734) 764–0478.
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Community ListingFree
An Update on Gelman Dioxane Contamination and the EPA Superfund Process: Sierra Club Huron Valley Group
More343 S. Fifth Ave , Ann Arbor
Join the Sierra Club Huron Valley Group at the Downtown Ann Arbor District Library, where prominent local environmental advocate, citizen scientist, and community organizer Roger Rayle will give an update on the Gelman plume. Roger is chair of the Coalition for Action on Remediation of Dioxane (CARD), an organization that has been crucial in responding to the Gelman plume. Roger is widely recognized for compiling, mapping, and visualizing environmental data. He has spent decades creating detailed visual aids, spreadsheets, and interactive maps to help the public, local officials, and regulators track the movement, concentration, and expansion of the Gelman 1,4-dioxane plume over time.
