• 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

    “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.

  • 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

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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

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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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “A2 Crokinole Club”: Lowertown Bar & Cafe

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    Every Wed. All invited to play this century-old Canadian game. Players flick discs across concentric scoring rings on a circular hardwood board. All skill levels welcome; boards provided. On the patio, weather permitting. 6–8 p.m., 1031 Broadway. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. lowertowna2.com/events.  

  • Observer Editor

    “Fallow”: Literati Bookstore

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    U-M Hopwood Award–winning writer Sarah Anderson is joined by U-M creative writing professor Julie Buntin to discuss her new novel about a young woman who signs up to be an in-house surrogate for a mysterious company, delivering babies for its female executives. 6:30 p.m., 124 E. Washington. Free. (734) 585–5567.

  • 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].  

  • Observer Editor

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory

    Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Sylvan Factory
    More

    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.

  • Observer Editor

    “The Upside Down World Circus ”: Bread & Puppet Theater

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    This Vermont-based company, one of the oldest nonprofit political theater companies in the country, returns with its latest art circus. The show features performances by imaginatively costumed stilt dancers, wild papier mâché beasts, and a brass band, all commenting on the current political climate. After the show, all are welcome to eat the company’s famous free sourdough rye bread with aioli. Also, a sale of books, posters, postcards, and banners from the Bread & Puppet Press. 7 p.m., Riverside Park, 2 E. Cross, Ypsi. $20–$30 suggested donation in advance at tinyurl.com/bread-puppet-9-30-26 or at the gate. breadandpuppet.org/tour.

  • Nightspots

    Big Top Swing.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    A new Detroit-area instrumental ensemble that plays fresh interpretations of vintage swing from the 30s & 40s.

  • Nightspots

    Open Mic.: North Star Lounge

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

    All invited to present a song, story, poem, monologue, comedy bit, magic act, other performance. Hosted by Annie Bacon & Forrest Hejkal. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. 7–10 p.m. $5. 

  • Observer Editor

    Ann Arbor Bridge Club

    Ann Arbor Bridge Club
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    Every 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.

  • Nightspots

    Hazlett.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Sold out.

  • Nightspots

    Everything Yes.: Blind Pig

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    Blind Pig 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor

    All ages. North Carolina high-energy jazz-fusion band led by popular YouTube drummer Zack Graybeal, widely known online as ZackGrooves. $22.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Fall Migration in Nichols Arboretum”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance

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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “The 2026 Midterm Elections: Process, Policy & Consequences”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series

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    Every Thurs., Sept. 17–Oct. 15. Series of 5 weekly talks.

    Sept. 17: MSU political science professor Eric Gonzalez Juenke on “How to Think About Midterm Elections Like an Expert.”

    Sept. 24: U-M communications professor Yanna Krupnikov on “The Impact of Social Media on U.S. Elections”

    Oct. 1: MSU political science professor Matthew Grossmann on “Why Policymaking Success Leads to Electoral Failure.”

    Oct. 8: U-M Dearborn political science professor Mitchel A. Sollenberger on “Presidential Power and Democratic Resilience: Institutional Change and the 2026 Midterms.”

    Oct. 15: Oakland University political science professor David Dulio on “The 2026 Midterms: What the Data Tells Us.”

    10–11:30 a.m., Washtenaw Community College Towsley Auditorium (Morris Lawrence Bldg.), 4800 E. Huron River Dr. Preregistration required at olli-umich.org. $120 (members, $70) for the 5-lecture series. $25 per lecture (members, $15). Membership, $50 a year. (734) 998–9351.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Climate Week

    U-M Climate Week
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    Sept. 27–Oct. 4. A week of speeches, forums, clothing exchanges, and more. Today’s Earthfest includes hands-on art and gardening activities, free bicycle repairs, and information tables by local sustainability organizations. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., the Diag. Complete calendar at climateweek.umich.edu/calendar.

  • Observer Editor

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards

    Country Fair: Wiard’s Orchards
    More

    Every Wed.–Sun. 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 & donuts available. Also, on Oct. 3 & 4, local artisans & crafters sell their items at the Craft Show Weekend, and on Oct. 24, young entrepreneurs sell homemade items at the Kids Market (noon–4 p.m.). 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

    U-M Center for Japanese Studies Noon Lecture Series

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    Oct 1 & 15 (different locations). Talks by visiting scholars.

    Oct. 1: “Living Ainu Art: Community, Nature, and Intergenerational Knowledge through Song and Dance.” Lecture-performance of Indigenous Japanese Ainu dance and music by U-M Museum of Art visiting curator Kanako Uzawa.

    Oct. 15: “A History of Unowned Dance: Bodies in Transmission.” Dancer & choreographer Yasuko Yokoshi discusses how performing traditional Japanese dance has reshaped her body and artistic practice.

    Noon–1:30 p.m., 1010 Weiser Hall, 500 Church St. (Oct. 1) & 4448 East Hall, 530 Church St.(Oct. 15). Free. (734) 764–6307.

  • 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

    “The Last Free Women: A Daring Escape from Afghanistan & Coming of Age in America”: U-M Wallace House Center for Journalists

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    Journalists Rebecca Blumenstein & Diana Kapp discuss their new book about Blumenstein’s experience working in Afghanistan for the New York Times during the 2021 American withdrawal where she was deeply involved in the company’s effort to evacuate more than 200 Afghan colleagues and family members. The authors are joined by Mursal Rahim, one of the Afghan women profiled in the book, along with veteran journalist Anna Quindlen. 4:30–6 p.m., Rackham Amphitheatre. Free. (734) 998–7666.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Michigan Marching Band Practice

    Michigan Marching Band Practice
    More

    Every Mon.–Thurs., except Oct. 19 & 20. 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. Also, at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, the band hosts its monthly free Open Stadium Rehearsal at Michigan Stadium. 4:45 p.m., Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “LGBT History Month Student Film Festival”: 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. 

    Oct. 1: “LGBT History Month Student Film Festival.” A program of films by U-M students that highlight LGBTQ+ experiences and stories. Followed by Q&A with the filmmakers. Free popcorn and queer cinema trivia. FREE, but preregistration required at marquee-arts.org/calendar. 5 p.m.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Book of Hours”: U-M Stamps School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series

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    Los Angeles–based violinist and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Vijay Gupta discusses his work as the founder and artistic director of Street Symphony, a nonprofit that brings live music to nontraditional audiences and settings, including homeless shelters, jails, psychiatric hospitals, and reentry programs. 5:30–7 p.m., Michigan Theater. Free. (734) 936–0671, stamps.umich.edu.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library

    Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
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    Oct. 1, 8, 15, & 22 (different times). All invited to work on their own projects using the library’s tools, including silhouette cutting machines, die cutters, embossers, and button makers (Oct. 1); 3D printers, laser engravers, and 3D pens (Oct. 8); sewing machines, silhouette vinyl cutters, and heat presses (Oct. 15); and soldering equipment and electronic components (Oct. 22). 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Oct. 1, 15, & 22) & 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Oct. 8), AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Observer Editor

    “Trail Raiser for the B2B”: Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative

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    Dinner with open beer & wine bar and live music by Djangophonique, a local quartet led by guitarist Andrew Brown that specializes in vintage jazz in the style of gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt’s 1930s Parisian swing. With lawn games, a wine pull, and silent auction. Fundraiser for the Border to Border Trail. 5:30–8:30 p.m., the Collins Off Main, 120 W. Middle, Chelsea. $125 in advance only at bit.ly/b2btrail-10-1-26.  

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Bad Decisions Track Club

    Bad Decisions Track Club
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    Every Thurs. Runners of all abilities invited to join this eclectic group of runners ranging from people training for their first 5K to ultramarathoners. Sessions are typically interval-based track workouts, followed by socializing at a nearby brewery. 6 p.m., Ferry Field, State at Hoover. May meet elsewhere if the weather is bad. Free. See walline.wixsite.com/bdtc to sign up for email updates on each week’s workout.   

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “World Postcard Day”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and teens invited to write and decorate postcards to mail in celebration of World Postcard Day. Card stock, collage material, and art supplies provided. 6–7 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.