Events
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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. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Booster Draft.” Players take turns opening booster packs to create a 40 card deck. $25. Various times & prices, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
“America at 250: History, Memory, and Truth”: U-M Institute for the Humanities
MoreSmithsonian Institution secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, author of the 2019 book A Fool’s Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama, and Trump, discusses how museums play a crucial role in helping Americans understand the nation’s complex past. Last month, in the wake of mounting scrutiny from the Trump administration, Bunch announced that he will be stepping down from the Smithsonian at the end of the year. Followed by Q&A and signing. 6–8 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Free. Preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/UMAmerica-at-250. (734) 936–3518.
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FreeObserver Editor
Drop-in Knitting: Spun
MoreEvery Sun.–Thurs. (different times). All invited to work on their knitting, crochet, weaving, and embroidery projects. 6–8 p.m. (Mon.–Thurs.) & 1–3 p.m. (Sun.), 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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FreeObserver Editor
Group Runs: A2 Runners
MoreEvery Mon. & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced 3- to 5-mile group run, followed by socializing at a downtown coffee shop. 6:30 p.m., meet at the Kerrytown Clock Tower. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/a2runners. Free. [email protected].
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Observer Editor
Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
MoreOct. 14 & 28. All skill levels welcome to draw a live model. Bring your own art supplies. Light refreshments. 6:30–9 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. $10 to pay model. Preregistration required by the Mon. before the event. dzanchouse.org.
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FreeObserver Editor
Bonsai Trivia: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society
MoreThe society’s final meeting of the year includes bonsai trivia, prizes, and the announcement of new board members. 6:30–9:30 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free admission; metered parking. [email protected], annarborbonsaisociety.org/events.
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FreeObserver Editor
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
MoreEvery Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes. Rain or shine. 7 p.m., 123 E. Liberty. Free. (734) 769–5016, fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Community Sing with Matt Watroba”: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth
MoreLocal singer-songwriter and WKAR FM (MSU) folk music show host Watroba leads a sing-along of songs from the various branches of American folk music. No experience necessary. 7–8:30 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Free. (734) 327–0270, interfaithspirit.org.
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Nightspots
Jake Reichbart.: Earle
MoreEarle 121 W. Washington, Ann ArborSolo jazz guitarist. Solo jazz pianists TBA occasionally substitute.
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FreeObserver Editor
Barnstormers Revue Salon Night and Open Mic: Forge Theater
MoreAll invited to share an original short skit or performance piece up to 10 minutes long. Followed by a chance to receive feedback. Sign up on arrival. 7–9 p.m., 3000 Packard, ste. B (entrance on Platt behind Little Caesars). Preregistration requested at forgetheatercollaborative.com. Free. (734) 219–9434.
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Observer Editor
“Comedy Jamm”: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreOct. 7, 14, & 28. Performances by up to 12 aspiring and established area stand-up comics. On Oct. 7, attendees can mingle with the comics before they hit the stage during “Comedy Nerdz Happy Hour” (5:30–6:30 p.m.). 7:15 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at aacomedy.com; $6 at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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Observer Editor
Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center
MoreOct. 14 & 28. All musicians invited to bring acoustic instruments to play bluegrass-style music. Vocalists welcome. Inclement weather cancels. Call by 3 p.m. on the day of the jam with any questions. 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), 1320 Baldwin. $5. (734) 794–6250, a2blugrass.com.
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Nightspots
Runnin’ on Blues.: Ypsi Alehouse
MoreYpsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, YpsilantiSouthern rock, blues-rock, and blues by this Livonia trio.
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Nightspots
Steve Nelson.: Blue LLama
MoreBlue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann ArborThis highly acclaimed veteran vibraphonist and marimba player, a longtime member of the Dave Holland Quintet, is widely recognized as one of the preeminent improvisers in modern jazz, known for his inventive, fluidly harmonic approach. Tonight he is joined by members of the Kzoo Jazz Collective.
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Observer Editor
Ann Arbor Bridge Club
MoreEvery Wed. All invited to play friendly, competitive ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge. Arrive 20 minutes early if coming without a partner. Call before coming to check that the game is being held. 7–10:30 p.m., Walden Hills clubhouse, 2114 Pauline (park in marked spaces in the lot on the north side of Pauline). $6 per person. (734) 945–6021.
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Observer Editor
Bruce Liu: University Musical Society
MoreNot yet 30, Canadian pianist Liu has become a classical music sensation worldwide. The first prize winner of the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition, he’s been praised by Bachtrack for his “virtuosity and elegance” and “effortless expertise.” He makes his Ann Arbor debut with a program that includes avant-garde Hungarian composer György Ligeti’s Etude No. 4: Fanfares, Beethoven’s “Moonlight” and “Waldstein” sonatas, Chopin’s Nocturnes Nos. 1 and 2, Ravel’s Alborada del Gracioso, Debussy’s Rêverie, and works by Federico Mompou, Isaac Albéniz, and Liszt. 7:30 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $23–$91 (students, $15–$20) in advance at ums.org, by phone, & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Octubafest”: U-M Music School
MoreOct. 26–28. Three-day celebration of music for the tuba and euphonium with recitals featuring solo and chamber music performances by students and faculty from the U-M Tuba & Euphonium Studio. 7:30 p.m., U-M Moore Bldg., Britton Recital Hall, 1100 Baits. Free. (734) 764–0583, smtd.umich.edu/event/26-october-2026.
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Observer Editor
“Wednesday Night Swing”: Swing Ann Arbor
MoreEvery Wed. Lindy Hop, East Coast swing, Charleston, and Balboa dancing to recorded music. No partner needed. Wear comfortable low-grip shoes. Preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a free beginner lesson. 7:30–9:30 p.m., Michigan Union Pendleton Rm. (Oct. 7, 14, & 21), and Michigan League Vandenberg Rm. (Oct. 28). $5 (free for members and lesson attendees) at the door.
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Nightspots
Haggis X-1.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborHigh-energy Celtic rock by this ensemble of Canadian & Scottish musicians featuring members of the popular Toronto quintet Enter the Haggis. Its music is a rousing, raucous blend of Scottish and Canadian Celtic music with rock, bluegrass, Caribbean, and world music. $35.
