• 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Weekly Rehearsal: Washtenaw Women’s Community Chorus

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    Every Mon., except Sept. 7. All invited to join this independent local women’s chorus to sing an eclectic program, including classical, folk, Broadway, pop, and jazz. Joshua Marzan directs. 9:30–11:30 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, rear ground level, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. Free to visitors ($175 per semester for those who join; partial scholarships available). [email protected].

  • Observer Editor

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center

    Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor Senior Center
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    Every Thurs. & Mon., except Sept. 7. Play open to all skill levels age 18 & up, both ACBL-sanctioned (Thurs.) and non-sanctioned (Mon.). Noon–3:30 p.m. (Thurs., $9) & 12:30–3:30 p.m. (Mon., $5); $1–$2 less for AASC members. 1320 Baldwin. (734) 794–6250, a2gov.org/senior, annarborbridge.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    iNaturalist Training & Bioblitz: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission

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    All invited to discuss citizen science efforts and learn how to use this phone app to identify and report interesting organisms you see while out in nature. Followed by a “BioBlitz,” an intense surveying session to record all the living species within a designated area led by AAPS environmental educator Coert Ambrosino. Bring water and dress for the weather. 1–4 p.m., Freeman Environmental Center, 3540 Dixboro Ln. [email protected]

  • Observer Editor

    “The Coalition”: Michigan Theater

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    Film screenings every day. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

    Sept. 28: “Coalition” (Patrick Kirby, 2026). World premiere of a documentary film about the overharvesting of horseshoe crabs, whose blue blood is a critical component in the development of new drugs and vaccines. Followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with U-M chemistry professor Tim Cernak, an Eli Lilly representative, and environmentalists TBA. FREE, but preregistration requested at marquee-arts.org/calendar. Part of U-M Climate Week (see 27 Sunday Event listing). Doors open at 3:45 p.m. for a 4:30 p.m. screening.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
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    Every 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.

  • Free
    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. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Ride: Ann Arbor Velo Club

    Group Ride: Ann Arbor Velo Club
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    Every Mon. Moderate-paced 20-mile ride to Dexter and back, often with a rest stop along the way. Riders must wear a helmet and bring water and supplies to fix a flat tire. 6 p.m. (nonmembers must come 10 minutes early to sign a club waiver), Barton Nature Area, 1010 W. Huron River Dr. Free. annarborveloclub.org.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Open Mic: Dzanc House

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    All invited to share acoustic music, short stories, or poetry. Sign up on arrival. 6–8 p.m., 402 S. Huron St., Ypsi. Free. dzanchouse.org.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Disappearers”: Literati Book Club

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    All invited to join a discussion of this new novel by bestselling writer Marlon James (see 3 Thursday listing). 6 p.m., AADL Downtown, 3rd fl. Tickets $5 (can be redeemed for store credit) in advance only at literatibookstore.com. (734) 585–5567.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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    Every 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.

  • Nightspots

    Jean Wilson Trio.: El Limon

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    El Limon 2709 Plymouth

    Jazz standards by an ensemble fronted by Saline singer-pianist Wilson.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Pillagers’ Guide to Arctic Pianos”: Literati Bookstore

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    Montana-based writer Kendra Langford Shaw, a U-M grad, discusses her new dystopian novel about a family on an arctic homestead whose neighbors dredge up a centuries-old piano, a vestige from the original homesteading expedition, when every family was required to haul a six-hundred-pound instrument as a sign of mannerly society. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567, literatibookstore.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Group Runs: A2 Runners

    Group Runs: A2 Runners
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    Every Wed. & Mon. 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].  

  • Nightspots

    Paul Keller Orchestra.: Zal Gaz Grotto

    Paul Keller Orchestra.
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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Award-winning 14-piece big band led by bassist Keller and featuring vocalist Sarah D’Angelo and occasional guest vocalists. Also, each week features a middle set by a guest college or high school student ensemble.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Comedy Show: The Blind Pig

    Comedy Show: The Blind Pig
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    Every Mon. Performances from up to 15 aspiring stand-up comics from around the state. Local comics emcee. Age 21 & up only. Free candy. 8–9:30 p.m., 208 S. First St. Free. (734) 996–8555.

  • Nightspots

    Willi Carlisle.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Missouri-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his evocative lyrics and clever turns of phrase, with songs that range from cowboy ballads to narco-corridos and trucker songs. His forthcoming album, The Universal Bubba, features songs that employ a broad sonic palette, with synthesizers and double electric guitars, along with more traditional instruments, to explore a cast of off-kilter and often dubious characters. $29.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
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    Every Sun., Tues., & Wed. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. Dozer Coffee (7 a.m. Tues. & 8 a.m. Sun.), 112 Jackson Plz., (734) 929–9022 & Fleet Feet (7 p.m. Wed.), 123 E. Liberty, (734) 769–5016. Free. fleetfeetsemichigan.com.

  • Free
    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Climate Week: University of Michigan

    U-M Climate Week: University of Michigan
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    See 27 Sunday. Today: “Water Management Lightning Panel” (1–2 p.m., Weiser Hall, 1010), presentations by U-M researchers TBA, followed by Q&A. Also “50 States of Sustainability” (5:30 p.m., Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Ave.), a screening of an episode of a PBS series highlighting communities developing solutions to environmental challenges, followed by a panel discussion by U-M faculty and sustainability practitioners. 1 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Institute for Historical Studies Lecture Series

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    Oct. 1 & 29. Talks by visiting scholars.

    Oct. 1: Howard University history professor Ademide Adelusi-Adeluyi on “Imagine Lagos: Rethinking the Histories of West African Cities in the 19th Century.”

    Oct. 29: Vanderbilt University history professor Samuel Dolbee discusses the history of Turkish fruit orchards in “Ottoman Roots.”

    4–6 p.m., 1014 Tisch Hall, 435 S. State. Free. (734) 615–7400.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Written in Offices but Lived in Communities: An Immigration System in Crisis”: U-M Raoul Wallenberg Lecture & Medal Presentation

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    Talk by the awardee of the 31st Wallenberg Medal, Guerline M. Jozef, who cofounded and directs immigrant service organization the Haitian Bridge Alliance. The annual lecture honors the memory of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, a U-M alum who saved thousands of Hungarian Jews from the Nazis, only to be arrested by the Russians and vanish into the Soviet Gulag. 4:30–6 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Free. [email protected], wallenberg.umich.edu.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
    More

    Every 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Game Night: Sylvan Factory

    Game Night: Sylvan Factory
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    Every Tues. All invited to play board games, assemble a puzzle, paint miniatures, or try a tabletop role-playing game, all in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Also, at 6 p.m., RPG One Shots, introductory games of different tabletop role-playing games perfect for beginners, finished after one session (see website for this week’s game, preregistration strongly encouraged at sylvanfactory.square.site). 5 p.m., 2459 W. Stadium. Free. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Climate Week: University of Michigan

    U-M Climate Week: University of Michigan
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    See 27 Sunday. Today: “Water Management Lightning Panel” (1–2 p.m., Weiser Hall, 1010), presentations by U-M researchers TBA, followed by Q&A. Also “50 States of Sustainability” (5:30 p.m., Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Ave.), a screening of an episode of a PBS series highlighting communities developing solutions to environmental challenges, followed by a panel discussion by U-M faculty and sustainability practitioners. 1 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Caregiving & Caregivers”: U-M Turner African American Services Council

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    Speakers on dementia, respite care, choosing home support and financial resources include U-M nursing professor Florence Johnson, Washtenaw Support Network for Caregivers coordinator Sarah Weiss, and Turner Senior Resource Center social worker Patricia Hall. 5:30–7:30 p.m. Ypsi Senior Center, 1015 N. Congress. Free, preregistration required at (734) 998–9353. [email protected], michmed.org/taasc.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Korean Ink Wash Painting”: Ann Arbor District Library Korea Week

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    Korean art instructor Jiyoung Kim discusses the history, materials, and artistic principles of traditional Korean hangukhwa painting, explaining how natural materials, including ink, brushes, and traditional paper are used to express harmony with nature. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun

    Drop-in Knitting: Spun
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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Viewfinder: Documentaries about Dabls in Detroit”: State Theatre

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    Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar. 

    Sept. 29: “Viewfinder: Documentaries about Dabls in Detroit” (Julia Yezbick, 2016; Brittin Richter & Nikki Sass, 2014). Screening of two documentary films about the work of visionary Detroit artist Olayami Dabls, founder of the African Bead Museum, including Yezbick’s How to Rust and Richter & Sass’s N’Kisi Concorde. Followed by a panel discussion and Q&A featuring the filmmakers, moderated by Ann Arbor Film Festival executive director Leslie Raymond and Amanda Krugliak, curator of a U-M Institute for the Humanities exhibit of Dabls’ work this month (see Galleries). Dabls himself will be in attendance. 6 p.m. Preregistration required at climateweek.umich.edu/calendar.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Observer”: Literati Bookstore

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    Las Vegas–based writer Nicholas Russell discusses his debut, an atmospheric horror novel about a young woman investigating her mother’s disappearance at an abandoned Nevada observatory. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Huron Valley Harmonizers Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society

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    Every Tues. Singers of all ages and genders invited to join rehearsals of this award-winning a cappella chorus. 7–8:45 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4001 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Free to visitors; call ahead or check website (dues for those who join). (734) 796–7467, [email protected], hvharmonizers.org.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Men’s Soccer

    U-M Men’s Soccer
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    Match vs. Indiana. The U-M also has a home match this month against Oakland (Sept. 29, 7 p.m.). 7 p.m., U-M Soccer Stadium, 2250 S. State. $9–$13 (groups of 10 or more, $3 each; kids 5 & under, free). (734) 764–0247, mgoblue.com.

  • Nightspots

    Chain Reaction.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Ypsi psychedelic blues-rock band.

  • Observer Editor

    Tuesday English Country Dance: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance

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    Every Tues. Historical and traditional English dancing to live music. All dances taught and prompted; no complicated steps, and no partner or experience needed. Bring clean, flat, nonslip shoes. First-timers asked to arrive at 6:45 p.m. 7–9:30 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Suggested donation $8–$12 (students, $4; kids age 13 & under with caregiver, free). (734) 665–7704, aactmad.org/english-country.