Events
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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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Community Listing
The Jackson County Tower Building: Exploring a Kahn Landmark: Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation
More120 W. Michigan Ave, Jackson
Dear Deputy Editor Brooke Black and Media Director:
Congratulations on your new responsibilities with the Ann Arbor Observer. I am so pleased that the Observer will continue. I am writing to inform you of an Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation (AKLF) event to be held in Jackson to celebrate the Jackson County Tower Ballroom, designed by Albert Kahn in 1929 .
My sister and I stumbled on this building in the heart of Jackson while they were working on the restoration of the “classic Albert Kahn ” ceiling . Now, as a board member of AKLF, I want to celebrate what Jackson County did to bring the old bank back to life as a ball room .
Ann Arborites will recognize some of the classic Albert Kahn architectural details that they see at Hill Auditorium, Angell Hall, and Clements Library.Please consider sharing this with the Ann Arbor Observer readers.
Thanks,
Carol Rose Kahn
Manchester
Albert and Ernestine Kahn’s grand-daughter
Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation Board MemberThis is a rare opportunity to enter the space that is now a setting for receptions and private events.
https://albertkahnlegacy.org/events/jacksoncountytowerbuilding/
The Manchester Mirror — “Explore an Albert Kahn Landmark, the Jackson County Tower Building”
https://themanchestermirror.com/2026/06/29/explore-an-albert-kahn-landmark-the-jackson-county-tower-building/$35.00 -
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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Community ListingFree
“Come As You Are” Memory Café: Dementia Friendly Services (co-sponsored by AARP)
MoreFirst Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor MI
Memory Cafés are comfortable social gatherings in dementia friendly venues that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize, and build new support networks. Cafés are free and all are welcome. Co-sponsored by AARP Michigan.
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Observer Editor
Just Between Friends Sale
MoreSept. 16–19. Semi-annual consignment sale, eagerly anticipated by parents of young children, offering a chance to buy & sell used maternity items, baby & children’s clothes, toys, and baby gear. Prices drop Sat. at 2 p.m. Doors shut 30 minutes before closing. 3–9 p.m. (Wed., tickets required), noon–9 p.m. (Thurs.), 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Fri.), and 9–11 a.m. & 2–7 p.m. (Sat.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free if reserved online, $3 at the door; $5–$25 early access. For preregistration, discounts, and to sell items, go to annarbor.jbfsale.com.
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FreeObserver Editor
U-M Center for Emerging Democracies Lectures
MoreSept. 9 & 16. Talks & panel discussions by visiting scholars. Sept. 9: The State and the Soldier: A History of Civil-Military Relations in the United States. American Enterprise Institute fellow Kori Schake discusses her new book. Sept. 16: “Democracy Against Workers?” A panel discussion with Vanderbilt University political science professor Noam Lupu, Duke University public policy professor Nicholas Carnes, and George Washington University political science professor Adam Dean. 4–6 p.m., Michigan Union, Kuenzel Rm. Free. (734) 764–0351.
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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
“Button Lab”: Ann Arbor District Library
MoreA chance for adults and kids age 12 & up to make fun buttons using AADL 1.25-inch or 2.25-inch button makers. Participants may bring or draw their own pictures, or use images from the AADL collection of old magazines. 5–6 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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FreeObserver Editor
Ypsi Fine Arts Club: Riverside Arts Center
MoreSept. 2 & 16. All invited to this creative gathering where artists show 1 or 2 pieces of their work, some of which may be for sale. Participation not required. 5–6:30 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. (734) 480–2787, riversidearts.org/events.
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FreeObserver Editor
“Cue the Bard: How Shakespeare Can Help Us Write Genre Fiction”: U-M English Department Biannual Hodgdon Lecture
MoreTalk by retired University of North Carolina theater professor and noted Shakespeare scholar Andrew James Hartley. 5–6 p.m., 3222 Angell Hall, 435 S. State. Free. (734) 764–6330. Also via Zoom at: https://umich.zoom.us/j/94855974341?pwd=V3h7bTe3A33Il81JzpidHQGUxEiadv.1
Webinar ID: 948 5597 4341
Password: 916500
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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
Paul Sprawl.: North Star Lounge
MoreNorth Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann ArborRootsy blues- and folk-style singer-songwriter from California known for his wry, quirky lyrics and inventive guitar style that incorporates lots of alternate tunings and rhythmic tapping.
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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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Observer Editor
“Ann Arbor Fire Department to the Rescue”: Evenings with OLLI (U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute)
MoreAAFD chief Mike Kennedy discusses the department’s operations, capabilities, and service model, along with the challenges that come with increased density and vertical growth in our community. Light refreshments at 5:30 p.m. 6–7:30 p.m., Kellogg Eye Center auditorium, 1000 Wall St. $25 for nonmembers (members, $15) in advance at olli-umich.org (create an account) & at the door. First OLLI event, free. Membership, $50 a year. (734) 998–9351.
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FreeObserver Editor
“The Pantanal and Atlantic Lowland Forest of Brazil”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance
MoreWBNA past president and retired EMU biology professor Mike Kielb shares photos of and reflections on a recent 12-day trip he took to Brazil, observing wildlife in the Pantanal wetlands and the coastal region. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. washtenawbna.org.
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Community Listing
Drop-In Line Dancing: Pittsfield Recreation Center
MoreAdults and children (eight & up, if accompanied by parent or grandparent) are invited! Wear comfortable clothes, soft-soled shoes or boots. Learn three or more, absolute beginner line dances.
6-7:30 p.m., Pittsfield Recreation Center, SW corner of Ellsworth and S. State St, Ann Arbor.The price is $7 if pre-registered at: www.recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov or $10 at door.
www.recreation-pittsfield-mi.gov, www.recreation-pittsfield-mi.gov -
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.
