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
Various TimesMore(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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Free
Observer 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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Community Listing
Candle-Making Workshop: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation
More701 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.stuffRenata 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
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Observer Editor
Figure Drawing: Dzanc House
MoreSept. 9 & 23. 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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Observer Editor
Bonsai Auction: Ann Arbor Bonsai Society
MoreSilent and live auctions by club members of bonsai trees and equipment, including everything beginners in the hobby need to get started. All are welcome to bid. 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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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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Observer Editor
Cozy Craft Club Screening of “The Craft”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm 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. 23: Cozy Craft Club Screening of “The Craft” (Andrew Fleming, 1996). Supernatural horror film about 4 outcast teenage girls who study witchcraft. Low house lights on for crafters. Bring your knitting or other project. 7 p.m.
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Observer Editor
Bluegrass Jam Circle: Ann Arbor Senior Center
MoreSept. 9 & 23. 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
Nicole Zuraitis Quartet.: Blue LLama
MoreBlue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann ArborThis acclaimed sultry-voiced NYC jazz vocalist & pianist is known for both for her mastery of jazz standards and her skill as an arranger and composer. Her 2024 album How Love Begins won a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album, and she has played with a long list of jazz greats, including Christian McBride, Dave Brubeck, Darren Criss, and Teyana Taylor. 7 p.m. Dinner show: $85.
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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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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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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
“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 League Vandenberg Rm. $5 (free for members and lesson attendees) at the door.
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Free
Observer Editor
University Symphony Orchestra: U-M School of Music
MoreKenneth Kiesler directs this music student ensemble in Ravel’s colorful and revolutionary orchestral showpiece La Valse, Beethoven’s driving and festive Symphony No. 7, and Saint-Saëns’ exotic Nile-inspired Piano Concerto No. 5 featuring U-M Concerto Competition–winning soloist Jinzhao Xu. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–2538.
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Nightspots
Devon Gilfillian.: Ark
MoreArk 316 S. Main, Ann ArborYoung Nashville-based soul singer whose smooth, gospel-tinged falsetto harkens back to Al Green and Marvin Gaye but with a contemporary hip-hop sensibility and phrasing. Tonight he plays songs from his brand-new album Time Will Tell. Opener: Jon Muq, a Ugandan pop-rock singer-songwriter known for his honest songwriting and the joyful clarity of his voice. A crowd favorite at this year’s Ann Arbor Folk Festival. $35.
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Nightspots
Exit Ticket.: Ziggy’s
MoreZiggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, YpsilantiDetroit-area shoegaze band. Openers: Lyloc, a Detroit emo-grunge trio, and Wetbody, a Detroit alt-rock band.
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Free
Observer Editor
“Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
MoreEvery Thurs., Sept. 3–Oct. 29. WBNA members lead a hike through the Arb to look for fall warblers and other southbound migrants. Birders of all skill levels welcome. 8–11 a.m., meet in the cul-de-sac at the end of Riverview. (off Geddes near the east end of Dow Field). Free. washtenawbna.org.
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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.