• 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

    “Decorative Hand Lettering”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    All invited to practice 4 different styles of hand lettering, then decorate a bullet journal, poster, comics, grocery list, or correspondence. Noon–1 p.m., AADL Malletts Creek. Free. (734) 327–4200. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Body Camera Footage as Data”: U-M Institute for Social Research

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    Talk by U-M organizational studies professor Nick Camp about police body-camera footage, the insights it can give into everyday realities of policing, as well as tools for more accountable and just law enforcement. Noon–1 p.m., 1430 ISR, 426 Thompson. Free. (734) 764–365. 

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    U-M Center for Japanese Studies Noon Lecture Series

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     Sept 17 & 24. Talks by visiting scholars.

    Sept. 17: “Gathering Fading Voices: Endangered Dialect Research in Japan Today.” A talk by Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology (Japan) informatics professor Joy Taniguchi.

    Sept. 24: “Rivers and the Politics of Temporality in Ainu Mosir.” U-M postdoc Michael Ioannides discusses the crucial role that rivers play in the identity of the Indigenous Ainu people.

    Noon–1:30 p.m., Weiser Hall (room TBA), 500 Church St. Free. (734) 764–6307.

  • 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

    Wildlife-Friendly Homes Kickoff: Humane Society of Huron Valley

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    Family-friendly event for attendees to learn and practice simple ways to create habitats for wildlife at home. Leashed and socialized dogs welcome. 4–6 p.m., Olson Park Pavilion, 1515 Dhu Varren. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. Free, donations welcome.

  • 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 12 hours. 4:45 p.m., new Elbel Field, Hill at Fifth Ave. Free. (734) 764–0582.

  • Observer Editor

    “Clay Almanac”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Adult Art & Nature

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    Adults invited to work with air-dry clay and natural materials, shaping them into a wall piece using a circular frame. No experience necessary; all materials provided. 5–7 p.m., Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. $5, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected]

  • Observer Editor

    “Gallery Night”

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    Show and sale of art at Chris Nordin Studios, Cluster Museum, Gutman Gallery, WSG Gallery, and other local businesses, including TeaHaus, Thistle & Bess, and Found, all within walking distance of each other. Works are in all sorts of media by local artists, some of whom are on hand to answer questions, give short talks, and demonstrate techniques. Also, a group of Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra musicians performs chamber music (5–6:30 p.m.) at 230 N. Fourth Ave. in Sculpture Plaza. 5–8 p.m., 307 N. Main, 111 & 117 E. Ann, and 118, 204, 222, & 415 N. Fourth Ave. Free admission.

  • Nightspots

    Steff Kayser.: North Star Lounge

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

    Folk songs and originals by this singer-guitarist who recently moved to Ypsi from Arizona. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Free.

  • 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

    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

    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

    “Thursday Evening Dirt”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society

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    Every Thurs. Moderate-paced ride, 25 to 35 miles, along the less-traveled unpaved roads around Chelsea. Bring a chair and a beverage or snack for a postride tailgate. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 6 p.m. sharp, meet at Aberdeen Bike and Outdoors, 1101 Main, Chelsea. Email [email protected] for each week’s route. Free. (313) 9805277.  

  • Nightspots

    Fresh Berrys.: El Limon

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    El Limon 2709 Plymouth

    An evening of jazz by guitarists Dan Denison and Austin Netherton, members of the local rock band Street Fiction.