• Observer Editor

    a2Tech360: Ann Arbor Spark

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    Sept. 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.

  • Community Listing

    Candle-Making Workshop: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation

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    701 W Ellsworth Rd, , Ann Arbor

    An experience designed for trying something new, getting creative, and having a really good time.

    Join us for a relaxed candle-making workshop where beautiful scents, hands-on creation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere come together. Laugh, connect, and enjoy the process — no experience needed.

    Whether you’re coming with friends or treating yourself, this workshop is all about slowing down, creating something with your hands, and leaving with a candle you’ll love (and a great memory).

    ✨ What’s Included
    • A guided candle-making workshop using 100% pure soy wax
    • All candle-making materials provided
    • One handcrafted candle
    • A cozy, welcoming atmosphere to relax and connect

    ✨ What to Expect
    • 6:00–6:15 – Arrival & Welcome: Settle in and get comfortable.
    • 6:15–7:15 – Candle-Making Workshop: Learn the candle-making process and create your own custom soy candle, infused with intention and your favorite scent.
    • 7:15–7:30 – Connect & Play: While your candle begins to set, we’ll play a fun round of Candle-Maker Bingo with small prizes for a few lucky guests.
    • 7:30–8:00 – Candle Decoration: Decorate your candle to make it uniquely yours!

    ✨ Why Join?
    • Try something new and creative — no experience needed
    • Play with scents and create a candle that feels uniquely yours
    • Enjoy a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere with great company
    • Slow down, laugh, and be present for a couple of hours
    • Leave with a handmade candle you’ll actually love — and a really good memory

    ✨ Meet the Host
    Renata – Candle Maker & Wellness Facilitator – @the.universe.stuff

    Renata is the heart and hands behind The Universe Stuff, a holistic wellness brand rooted in mindfulness, creativity, and intention. She handcrafts soy candles and other wellness products designed to support balance and self-care, and she hosts workshops that invite people to slow down, connect, and create. Based in the Ann Arbor area, Renata loves bringing people together through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

    ✨ About the Space
    Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation – https://pittsfield-mi.gov/

    This workshop will take place at Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation, a welcoming community destination in Pittsfield Township, Michigan. Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation offers a variety of recreational programs, community events, classes, activities, and opportunities for residents and visitors to connect, learn, and enjoy time together.

    Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation is more than just a place for recreation — it’s a welcoming community space created to bring people together. Through its diverse programs, facilities, and community activities, the organization provides opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, explore new interests, and participate in meaningful experiences.

    With its welcoming atmosphere and strong focus on community connection, Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation provides a wonderful backdrop for slowing down, getting creative, and connecting with others. We’re excited to gather in a space that celebrates community, creativity, connection, and enjoying new experiences together.

    https://apps.daysmartrecreation.com/dash/x/pittsfield/activity-finder/programs/67/levels/448

    $60
  • Community Listing

    Oktoberfest, Music and Fun: Lake Forest Golf Club

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    3110 W. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor

    OKTOBERFEST AT LAKE FOREST! 🇩🇪
    This Friday, September 25, we’re giving Friday night a Bavarian twist!

    Join us for an evening of house-made German favorites from Chef Blake Reetz, live music, a Biergarten, firepits & games — all right here at Lake Forest.

    OKTOBERFEST MENU
    🌭 Bratwurst with Sauerkraut • $11
    🍽️ Sauerbraten • $19.50
    🥘 Mushroom Spaetzle • $9.50
    🥨 Bavarian Pretzel • $8
    🍎 Apple Strudel • $6

    🍻 Happy Hour | 3–5 PM
    🎹 Live Music | Louis Johnson & David Stearns
    🔥 Founders Firepits & Games
    🍺 Biergarten

    Grab your friends, bring the family and come hungry. This isn’t our typical Friday night at Lake Forest — it’s Oktoberfest!

    📍 3110 W. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor
    📞 Reservations encouraged: 734-994-8580 ext. 2
    🌐 ellsworthannarbor.com

    www.lakeforestgc.com

  • Observer Editor

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms

    Blast Corn Maze: Nixon Farms
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    Every Fri.–Sun., Sept. 19–Nov. 1. A large corn maze with 3.5 miles of trails and 3 exits to allow for routes of various lengths. Also, a U-Pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pedal cars, straw maze, and yard games. On Sept. 27, Family Fun Day (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) features ice cream, balloon art, kids activities, and live music from the Saline Fiddlers. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sun.), & 5–9 p.m. (Fri.), 6175 Daly, Dexter. $16 (ages 5–12, $13; age 4 & under, free with adult admission). blastcornmaze.com.

  • Observer Editor

    D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory

    D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
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    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 adult accompaniment. 6–10 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Observer Editor

    “Euchre Change a Life!”

    “Euchre Change a Life!”
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    Sept. 4 & 25. Five-game euchre tournament. Sign up with a partner or get paired with one by the organizers. Prizes. Food & beverages available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Haitian children via Haitian Christian Outreach. 6:30–9 p.m., HOMES Campus, 112 Jackson Plz. $15 (HOMES members, $10). [email protected], tinyurl.com/a2euchrechange.

  • Observer Editor

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Volleyball

    U-M Volleyball
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    Match vs. South Carolina. The U-M also has regular season home matches this month against LSU (Sept. 2, 7 p.m.), EMU (Sept. 17, 7 p.m.), a doubleheader against Cornell (Sept. 19, noon; Sept. 20, 1 p.m.), Penn State (Sept. 25, 7 p.m.), & Washington (Sept. 27, noon). 6:30 p.m., Crisler Center. $8 & $10 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

  • Observer Editor

    “Behind the Behavior”: The Creature Conservancy

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    Conservancy animal trainer Kate discusses and demonstrates training techniques with a clouded leopard, a mongoose, a reindeer, and other animals. Also, a chance to see other animals before the program begins at 7:30 p.m. For age 18 & up only. 7–9 p.m., 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Tickets $25 each. Preregistration required at thecreatureconservancy.org.

  • Nightspots

    Russ Macklem Detroit Quintet.: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Edgy contemporary jazz that harkens back to 60s hard bop by this Windsor & Detroit ensemble led by acclaimed Canadian composer-trumpeter Macklem.

  • Nightspots

    Full Cord.: JD’s Stage

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    JD’s Stage 117 ½ S. Main, Chelsea, Michigan, United States

    Nationally-touring Grand Haven–based Americana band known for blending traditional bluegrass with jazz, western swing, and rock ‘n’ roll.

  • Observer Editor

    Singles Night Screening of “Challengers”: Michigan Theater

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    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. 

    Sept. 25: Singles Night Screening of “Challengers” (Luca Guadagnino, 2024). Romantic sports drama about a grand slam tennis champion who signs up to compete against his wife’s former lover. Zendaya, Josh O’Connor. Just see the movie for the regular price or join a social happy hour (5:30 p.m., $40), with cocktails and party games. 7 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    CANCELLED: The Cleveland Orchestra: University Musical Society

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    Cancelled due to a musicians’ strike.

    This world-renowned symphony orchestra returns to Ann Arbor for the first time in 15 years. The legendary Franz Welser-Möst, in his final year as music director of the orchestra, conducts the ensemble in Liszt’s Orpheus, one of four symphonic poems Liszt composed as character sketches of heroes and legends. Also, Bohuslav Martinů’s pastoral Symphony No. 2, composed in 1943 for the Cleveland Orchestra and commissioned by the city’s Czech community, and Brahms’ masterful Second Symphony, with its contrasts between repose and turmoil, despair and exultation. 7 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $30–$133 in advance at ums.org/season, by phone, & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.

  • Nightspots

    Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle

    Rick Burgess Trio.
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    Earle 121 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Jazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.

     

  • Observer Editor

    “Night Terrors”: Wiard’s Orchards

    “Night Terrors”: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Sept. 19, 25, & 26. A haunted hayride, an asylum, and three more scary attractions, all bristling with scores of costumed monsters. Refreshments available from the Wiard’s Country Store. Recommended for ages 12 & up. 7:15–11:30 p.m., 5565 Merritt, Ypsi. Tickets $36–$65 in advance only at hauntedhousemichigan.com. (734) 390–9212.

  • Community Listing

    An Acoustic Evening with Kate Peterson: Wolverine Pickleball

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    235 Metty Dr, Ann Arbor

    Join us for Wolverine’s first official concert, outside on the back patio at golden hour—string lights overhead, fires going, drinks flowing, and the first hint of Michigan fall in the air. Doors at 7, music starts at 7:30.

    For more than 20 years, the Michigan-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has performed across the U.S. and Europe, first as half of the folk duo Nervous but Excited and later as a solo artist. She’s played hundreds of stages, opened for some of her musical heroes, released eight albums, and built a loyal following around songs that are vulnerable, thoughtful, deeply human, and occasionally a little devastating.

    Her sound? Raspy, emo acoustic soul-folk with a touch of optimism and a lot of humanness. Longtime fans will recognize the roots of Nervous but Excited’s “Pleasantly Aggressive Folk,” now with the depth that comes from a couple more decades of living. The Northern Express once compared the grain of Kate’s voice to Ray LaMontagne, but it’s the combination of songs, storytelling and dry wit that makes a Kate Peterson show feel less like a performance and more like spending an evening with someone who might make you laugh right before unexpectedly punching you in the feelings.

    Come hungry and eat the The Den! Chef Kate Williams, formerly of Detroit’s James Beard Award–nominated Lady of the House, is behind The Den’s menu of shareables, salads, bowls, sandwiches, sides, and desserts. Also on tap will be 30+ options for craft beer, wine and cocktails from Pour Decisions tapwall.

    wolverinepickleball.com

    $20 – $25