• 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.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Football vs. Iowa

    Time TBA
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    Sold out. Time TBA, Michigan Stadium. (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com/sports/football.

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    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)

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    Every Thurs., Sat., & Mon. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a 5K mapped route (Thurs. & Mon.) or either a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.). AARC Colonnade (6 p.m. Thurs.), 2621 Plymouth Rd.; AARC Traver Village (7 a.m. Sat.), 901 W. Eisenhower; and Corner Brewery (6 p.m. Mon.), 720 Norris, Ypsi. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com. 

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    Observer Editor

    parkrun USA

    parkrun USA
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    Every Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 7:45 a.m. [email protected].

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    Observer Editor

    “Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird. Free. (734) 649–9762, [email protected].  

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    Observer Editor

    “Trash Talk”: Washtenaw Zero Waste Coalition

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    Sept. 26 & 27. Different events showcasing places and people finding ways to reverse our throwaway culture. Today: Tours of Ann Arbor’s recycling facility (tours every 30 minutes 8:30 a.m.–noon) and a thrift field trip (11:30 a.m., meet at U-M Shapiro Library, 919 South University to take provided vans), with a tour of Kiwanis Thrift. 8:30 a.m., various locations. Preregistration required for each separate event at trashtalktour.org. Free; donations appreciated.

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    JLC Book Sale

    JLC Book Sale
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    Sept. 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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    Observer Editor

    Woods & Wildflower Walk: Washtenaw’s Own Wildlands

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    All 12 & older invited to this nature walk to learn about local plants and plant communities, led by ecologists Manuel Anderson and Jacqueline Courteau. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. 10 a.m.–noon, Independence Lake County Park (Beach Center parking lot) 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. Free. Space limited; preregistration requested at tinyurl.com/3b57fa3u. [email protected].

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    Observer Editor

    “15th Anniversary Open House”: Maker Works

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    Tours and live demos throughout the woodshop, metal shop, laser area, textiles studio, jewelry studio, and more. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 3765 Plaza Dr. Free. (734) 222–4911, maker-works.com/openhouse. 

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    Observer Editor

    Annual Webster Fall Festival: Webster Township Historical Society/Webster United Church of Christ

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    Popular country fair with hayrides (10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., $3 per adult, $1 per child under 12), old-time kids games and other activities, exhibits of antique cars and farm equipment, and trained sheepdog demonstrations (11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3:30 p.m.). Also, wool spinning and blacksmithing demos, one-room schoolhouse sessions (11 a.m., 12:30, 2, & 4 p.m.), and a craft fair. Also, refreshments for sale, art displays, self-guided tours of the historical buildings, and an exhibition baseball game (1:30 p.m.) using 1860s-era rules between the Chelsea Monitors and the Dexter Union base ball clubs. Live music includes the Dexter Dulcimer Group (11 a.m.), old-time music by the local Stout Hearted String Band (noon), Celtic music from the Foxtree Folk Band (1:10 p.m.), and the veteran Ann Arbor bluegrass band the RFD Boys (4 p.m.). 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Webster Community Hall, 5583 Webster Church & Farrell Rds., Dexter. Free admission (donations accepted). (734) 368–0887, websterfallfestival.org.

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    EMU Football Tailgate: Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels

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    Family-friendly fundraiser to benefit Meals on Wheels features food by Zingerman’s and games for all ages with prizes. Ticket includes a seat near the 50-yard line to watch the game. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 799 N. Hewitt (across from EMU Rynearson Stadium), Ypsi. Tickets $40 (kids, $18; family pack, $100) only in advance at ymow.org/events. (734) 487–9669.

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    Observer Editor

    “Nature Lab”: U-M Museum of Natural History

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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
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    Every 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.

  • 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.

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    U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

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    Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. T. Rex (noon) describes the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history (includes scenes of dinosaur violence); The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) explores the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own; and Tales of the Maya Skies (2 p.m.) immerses viewers in the wonders of Mayan science, examining how Mayan scholars developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., 1105 North University. $9 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.

  • Observer Editor

    “Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy

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    Fri. Sept. 4 & 18 and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show some barnyard buddies, including a Highland cow, a chicken, a Flemish giant rabbit, and a miniature donkey at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. & Sun., staffers show the cow, chicken, and rabbit at 1 & 4 p.m., and the donkey at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) and noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.

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    Observer Editor

    “Seed Swap”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    All invited to take seeds to grow at home, or bring their surplus seeds (in labeled envelopes) to share with others. Flowers, vegetables, herbs, and bulbs are welcome. 1–3 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Observer Editor

    Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv

    Drop-in Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
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    Sept. 1, 12, 19, & 26 (different locations). All age 16 & up invited to learn about and participate in improv games in a fun, relaxed, and judgment-free setting. No experience necessary. The Sept. 19 meeting is followed by an hour-long skills session discussing and practicing a specific improv skill. 7–9 p.m. (Tues.) & 2–4 p.m. (Sat.), Riverside Arts Center (Sept. 1, 12, & 26), 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi; & Riverside Park, (Sept. 19), 5 W. Cross, Ypsi. Tickets $8 (Sept. 12, free; Sept. 19, $15) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv or in cash at the door.

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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    Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20. Rhiannon Ragland directs retired Detroit newscaster and playwright Devin Scillian’s family comedy-drama about a conflict between brothers—an aging country rocker and a buttoned-down finance guy—after their mother’s death. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Wed.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.

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    Observer Editor

    “Ojibway/Anishinaabe Two-Spirit Identity”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Cecelia Rose LaPointe discusses her life as a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibway, as well as her “two-spirit identity,” a term used in Indigenous communities to embrace individuals with diverse gender identities. 3–5 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Observer Editor

    “Fall Festival”: Community Farm of Ann Arbor

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    Community celebration with games and country dancing, with Drake Meadow calling to music by Nutshell. Also, cob oven pizza, and a potluck (bring a dish to share). 3–7 p.m., 1525 S. Fletcher, Chelsea. Suggested donation, $20/family at the gate. communityfarmofannarbor.com.