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  • 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

    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

    “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

    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
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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

    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

    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

    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Breaking Traditions”: U-M Concert Band

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    Courtney Snyder directs this music student ensemble in works by contemporary composers, including Cindy McTee’s Charles Ives–inspired symphonic movement “The Unanswered Question,” Adrian Wong’s dizzying 2024 piece Space Jump, Felicia Sandler’s ode to working women Rosie the Riveter, and Óscar Navarro’s musical tribute to Latin American independence leaders Libertadores. Also, the world premiere of a new piece by University of Florida music professor José Ruiz-Resto. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–2538.

  • Nightspots

    Pure Prairie League.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Pioneering country-rock band from Ohio who first broke out in 1975 with their hit single “Amie,” a song that bridged the radio pop of the day with more traditional American roots music. Known for their lush harmonies, fingerpicking guitar, and driving rhythms, the group has been credited as a major influence on everyone from Counting Crows to Keith Urban and Wilco. “Though the band’s membership has changed hands, literally 50 times in its 55-year existence, the current line-up did a stellar job keeping alive the sound and energy,” writes WCBN’s Vicki Honeyman (aka Sashay Delmonico) in a review of a sold-out concert at the Ark last year. “This is 1970s-based country rock at its best.”

  • Nightspots

    Shwayze.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All ages. Popular California rapper known for his beachy vibe and laid-back fusion of hip-hop, reggae-rock, and alt-pop. $35.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet

    Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
    More

    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

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

    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”: Kempf House Museum

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    Theater historian Kevin Peshick discusses the evolution of stage productions of Robert Louis Stevenson’s spine-tingling short story, from the theaters of Victorian London to the opera houses of Michigan. Noon–1 p.m., 312 S. Division. Free; donations accepted. (734) 994–4898, kempfhousemuseum.org.

  • Observer Editor

    MI Postcards for Patriots

    MI Postcards for Patriots
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    Sept. 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

    “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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “25 Years After 9/11: Reflections on the U.S. War on Terror”: U-M Ford School of Public Policy Rosenthal Lecture

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    Award-winning journalist and author Peter Bergen joins U-M public policy professors Javed Ali and Susan D. Page for a timely conversation on the attacks’ enduring impact on U.S. national security and the future of terrorism. 4–5:30 p.m., Weill Hall, Annenberg Auditorium, 735 S. State. Free. Preregistration required at fordschool.umich.edu/events. ffspp-events@umich-edu.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Distinguished U-M Professorship Lecture Series

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    Short talks by U-M scholars recently appointed to endowed chairs, including history professor Juan Cole on “The 1857 Indian Revolution and the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam,” internal medicine professor Kenneth Langa on “Studying Aging and Dementia in Patients and Populations,” and neuroscience professor John Jonides discusses his research into human cognition in “Paying Attention.” 4–6 p.m., Michigan League Ballroom. Free. (734) 764–0322.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Nightspots

    Kid Cooper Levy.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Young folk-rock singer-songwriter whose music channels Bob Dylan and Tom Waits. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Climate Week: University of Michigan

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    See 27 Sunday. Today: “Foraging a Better Future with ‘Black Forager’ Alexis N. Nelson.” Talk by James Beard Award–winning chef, forager, and writer Alexis Nikole Nelson, author of Happy Snacking, Don’t Die!, about wild foods, sustainability and cultural traditions. Signing. 5:30–7:30 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Free; preregistration required at climateweek.umich.edu/calendar.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Stories We Carry”: U-M Institute for the Humanities

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    Bestselling novelist Colum McCann, author of Let the Great World Spin, among others, is joined by Michigan Public host April Baer to discuss how literature and storytelling foster openness, compassion, and imagination. Followed at 7 p.m. by a Community Story Exchange, a workshop in which participants pair with another attendee, share a personal story in response to a shared prompt, and then retell their partner’s story in the first person. 5:30 p.m., UMMA, Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State. Free. (734) 936–3518.

  • Observer Editor

    “Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub

    “Community Table”: The Washtenaw Food Hub
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    Every 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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Extra Fluffy Cloud Decorations”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    A chance for adults & teens to use polyester stuffing, hot glue guns, and various other craft supplies to make cloud decorations, complete with lights and glittering blue rain drops. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. 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.