• Observer Editor

    EMU Football Tailgate: Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels

    More

    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “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
    More

    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
    More

    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.

  • Observer Editor

    U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater

    More

    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

    More

    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Seed Swap”: Ann Arbor District Library

    More

    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
    More

    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

    More

    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

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

    More

    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

    More

    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.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    Know Obstacles Open Mic & Comedy Hour: Oz’s Music Environment

    More

    Performers of all abilities invited to play instruments, sing songs, and tell jokes with members of this band comprised of kids and adults with special needs. Hosted by Oz’s owner Steve Osborn. Spectators welcome. 4–5 p.m., 1922 Packard. Free; donations accepted. (734) 662–8283.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Patchwork Visible Mending”: Ann Arbor District Library

    More

    Adults & teens invited to learn some tricks to repair garments with patches, followed by a chance to patch a worn item from home with provided supplies. 4–5 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Nightspots

    Wind, Wood, & Steel.

    More

    Jazzy folk-rock covers and originals by Mark Clevey, Jeremy Seligman, and Bill Connnors, a local trio whose instrumentation includes guitars, flute, mandola (the ancestor of the mandolin), and keyboard.