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Events in April 2024
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
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April 28, 2024
U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Every Sat. & Sun. (except Apr. 13): Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demos for age 5 & up. “How To Become a Fossil” (11 a.m., except Apr. 20 & 21) explores how fossils form and what they can tell us. “Earth Day: Home Sweet H.O.M.E.S.” (Apr. 20 & 21, 11 a.m.) examines the health and natural history of the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior: H.O.M.E.S.), which contain one-fifth of Earth’s fresh water. “Life: How Do We Find It?” (3 p.m.) features a re-creation of an experiment from the Mars Viking Landers expedition to show how scientists search for life on other planets. U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. We Are Stars (11:30 a.m.) explores the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins, connecting life on Earth to the evolution of the universe. The Sky Tonight (12:30 & 2:30 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. Sea Monsters (1:30 p.m.) follows a curious dolichorhynchops (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0478.
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15th Annual Ride for Recovery: Dawn Farm Fundraiser
Bike rides from 10K to 58 miles and 5K & 10K run-walks. Followed by lunch. 7 a.m.–2 p.m., Dawn Farm, 6633 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. $25 ($35 after Mar. 31; lunch only, $5) in advance only at dawnfarmrideforrecovery.org. (734) 485-8725.
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“Weekend Walk for Wildflowers & Birds at Nan Weston Preserve”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance (formerly the Audubon Society)
Club members Matthew Spoor & Juliet Berger lead a walk in this 248-acre Nature Conservancy preserve that features more than 260 species of wildflowers and other native plants. 8–10 a.m., Nan Weston Preserve, meet at the parking lot off Easudes Rd., Manchester. Free. washtenawaudubon.org.
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Kids & Coffee: Dozer Coffee.
Kids invited (accompanied by an adult) to decorate their own coffee label, drink a free vanilla steamer, help the head roaster, Stew, pre-roast coffee, fill their own bag of beans from the roaster, decorate a donut, and get a sticker. Space limited. 9:30-10:30 a.m., 112 Jackson Plaza. Free. dozercoffee.com
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Nature Journaling: AADL Pittsfield
Apr. 28 (10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.): Natural Area Preservation staff help kids in grades K–5 make a nature journal out of recycled paper, then practice adding scientific observations and renderings.
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“Ancient Wisdom. Modern Times.”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center Sunday Talks
Every Sun. Livestream talks by Jewel Heart resident spiritual advisor Demo Rinpoche, followed by an in-person discussion facilitated by Jewel Heart staffers. On Apr. 7, Demo Rinpoche presents a story from Jataka Tales, the Indian canon of 547 poems, dated 300 BC–400 AD, that concern the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. 11 a.m., Jewel Heart, 1129 Oak Valley Dr. Also via Zoom; for URL preregister at jewelheart.org/jataka-tales. Free. (734) 994–3387.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Every Tues.–Sun. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. On Apr. 20 & 21, the topic is “Microinvertebrate Mania,” which explores river health in celebration of Earth Day. Schedule subject to change. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
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3D Printing Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Adults & teens invited to use the library’s 3D printing resource, including printers, filament, and design stations. AADL staff on hand to answer questions. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., AADL Downtown Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Spring Show & Sale: Friends at the Front Porch
Apr. 27 & 28. Juried show and sale of works by Michigan artists, including handwoven and printed textiles, ceramics, paintings, multimedia work, jewelry, book arts, and glass. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sat.) & 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sun.), 1219 Traver. Free admission. frontporchtextiles@me.com, (734) 478-9053.
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Sunday Artisan Market
Every Sun. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 33rd year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. (734) 913–9622.
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Sunday Artisan Market: Sunday Artisan Market
All Hands Active will be at The Sunday Artisan Market with a make-and-take craft of swords and wands (laser-cut swords and wands, decorated with colored tape).
315 Detroit St. ,Ann Arbor. Free. tsammanager@gmail.com sundayartisanmarket.org 7349139622.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
H.A.C. Ultimate
Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pick-up game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. hac-ultimatelist@googlegroups.com, (734) 846–9418.
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“Critter House Open Hours”: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Every Sun. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. Free; donations welcome. lesliesnc.org, (734) 997–1553.
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Puzzle and Board Game Swap: Ann Arbor District Library
All invited to drop off and/or take home used puzzles and board games. Only bring items that contain all of their parts. Noon–2 p.m., AADL Downtown 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Spring Fling @ Cobblestone Farm Museum: Cobblestone Farm Association
Join us for an afternoon at Cobblestone Farm! It's a family friendly event that highlights the 19th century farmhouse and grounds as we prepare for spring cleaning and have fun at the same time.
Take a tour of the museum with demonstrations throughout the farmhouse and grounds including Dutch oven cooking, loom weaving, farm tools and master gardeners. Activities include historic outdoor games and helpful chores as well as Irish music and even a presentation about the history of Ann Arbor to celebrate the bicentennial. Enjoy lunch from the American Cafe and Treats food truck. Last, but not least, welcome back goats in the barnyard for the day. We hope to see you at the farmhouse - rain or shine!
Free admission. Donations are always appreciated to support the museum.
Open from noon-4pm.
2781 Packard Street ,Ann Arbor. FREE. cobblestonefarmassociation@gmail.com cobblestonefarm.org 734-794-7120.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Beaver Tales Nature Walk”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Walk led by a Matthaei naturalist to learn about the lives of beavers and the recent beaver activity on and around Fleming Creek. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather. 1–3 p.m. (arrival 15 minutes early recommended), Matthaei lobby, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. Preregistration required (space limited) at mbgna.umich.edu/events, (734) 647–7600.
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“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to South America, including a cougar, a red-tailed boa, and a cane toad (2 & 4 p.m.). Also, a zookeeper talk about a hairy armadillo or Patagonian mara (a rabbit-like rodent) (3 p.m.), and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $13 (kids ages 2–12, $11; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount in advance at thecreatureconservancy.org. (734) 929–9324.
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“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Every Sun. (except Apr. 21). Thirty-minute tour that uses the museum’s specimens to tell the story of the prehistoric whales and dolphins who had 4 limbs and walked on land. 1 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
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Drop-In Knitting: Spun
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.), Spun, 401 N. Fourth Ave. Free. (734) 780–7867.
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Gemily: The Ark
Family-friendly concert by this trio that includes brothers Sandor and Laszlo Slomovits of the nationally known local folk duo Gemini, and San’s daughter, violinist Emily Slomovits. They perform a wide range of music, from classic songs of the 1960s to traditional folk songs and dance tunes, as well as sparkling originals. 1 p.m., the Ark, 316 S. Main. $15 (kids age 12 & under, $10) in advance at theark.org & at the door. (734) 761–1818
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Michigan Sailing Club New Member Open House: Michigan Sailing Club
The Michigan Sailing Club is holding an Open House for prospective new members! Stop by and check out the Club and our fleet, meet current members, and learn how to start your sailing journey! Sat, Apr. 27 11AM-1PM and Sun., Apr. 28 1PM-3PM
8010 Strawberry Lake Rod ,Dexter. n/a Free. contactus@michigansailingclub.org http://michigansailingclub.org/Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
U-M Baseball
Game vs. EMU. This month’s home schedule also includes single games vs. WMU (Apr. 9, 4 p.m.), Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Apr 10, 4 p.m.), & Kent State (Apr. 30, 4 p.m.); as well as 3-game series vs. Minnesota (Apr. 12, 8 p.m.; Apr. 13, 2 p.m.; Apr. 14, 1 p.m.), Ohio State (Apr. 19, 6 p.m.; Apr. 20, 2 p.m.; Apr. 21, 1 p.m.), & Long Beach State (Apr. 26, 6 p.m.; Apr. 27, 2 p.m.; Apr. 28, 1 p.m.). 4 p.m. Ray Fisher Stadium, 1114 S. State. Tickets (price TBA) at mgoblue.com/tickets & at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
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“Bees and Wanna-Bees”: Waterloo Natural History Association
Dexter beekeeper Becky Green, owner of Becky’s Birds & Bees, discusses how to tell the difference between a bee and a wasp, how to identify common types of bees, and more. Local honey available for sale. 2–3 p.m., Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea. $2 (families, $5). Space limited; preregistration required by calling (734) 475–3170. $14 ($19 at the gate) recreation passport required.
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“Flower Power Mindfulness Hike”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
All age 18 & up invited to join WCPARC naturalist Elle Bogle and mindfulness instructor Julie Woodward in a guided meditation followed by a quiet meditative nature walk through the woods to view spring blossoms. 2–3:30 p.m. Draper-Houston Meadows Preserve, 569 Mooreville Rd., Milan. Free. Preregistration required (space limited) at bit.ly/wcprc2024 (activity #831006-B).
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“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse": Ann Arbor District Library Downtown Branch
Occasional free screenings in the 1st fl. lobby & the lower-level Multi-Purpose Rm. (734) 327–4200.
Apr. 28: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. (Bob Persichetti & Peter Ramsey, 2018). Spider-Men across the multiverse unite to stop a threat to all realities. 2 p.m.
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“The Antichrist Cometh”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Every Wed.–Sun., Mar. 22–May 5 (except Mar. 31). Rhiannon Ragland directs the premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s comedy about a happily married man who discovers that he might be the Antichrist. Will he be able to attend a small dinner party, or will the event usher in the Apocalypse? Contains adult subject matter and language. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $30–$48 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. (734) 433–7673.
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Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild
All invited to listen to guild members swap stories or bring their own to tell. 2–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 3rd fl. meeting rm. Mask appreciated. Livestream available; for URL preregister at annarborstorytelling.org. Free.
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The Regenerate! Orchestra: University Musical Society Ypsilanti Freighthouse Residency
Apr. 27 & 28. Two performances by this community orchestra, which describes its music as immersive “ambient-classical-folk-noise.” 7:30 p.m. (Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti. Pay what you wish. Preregistration required at ums.org/season or (734) 764–2538.
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Wrapping Paper and Gift Bag Swap: Ann Arbor District Library
All invited to drop off and/or take home wrapping paper, ribbons, new or gently used gift bags, and similar items. 2–4 p.m., AADL Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Bløm Book Club: Bløm Mead + Cider
Join us for Bløm’s book club! Every four to six weeks we get together to share drinks and reflections on thought provoking books from a diverse range of authors and topics. A great way to enjoy a drink, explore new books, and to meet others in the Bløm community! Didn't have a chance to finish the book? No problem, you can still join for great company and conversation.
This round we will be reading Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
100 S 4th Ave Suite 110 ,Ann Arbor. Free. https://www.drinkblom.com/events/book-club-april24Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Spring Fling Concert”: Washtenaw Chorale
Alex Cave directs this 40-member local choir in a world premiere by Ann Arbor composer Allen Borton, along with songs by Elaine Hagenberg, Rene Clausen, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Z. Randall Stroope, Josef Rheinberger, and others. Also, the Arbor Consort performs a madrigal. 3 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church St. Free. Donations appreciated. washtenawchorale.org, (734) 649–2766.
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Mike Ward: Ann Arbor District Library
Veteran Detroit folk-rock singer-songwriter whose influences range from the Clancy Brothers to Dylan, Prine, and Springsteen. Today he is joined by the local Americana folk-rock singer-songwriter Annie Bacon and cellist Sara Gibson. 3–4 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Choral Evensong”: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
The St. Andrews choirs perform works TBA. 4 p.m., St. Andrew’s, 306 N. Division. Free. (734) 663–0518.
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“Wine, Women, & Song XXII: Tell Me Something Good!”: Kerrytown Concert House
Apr. 25–28. Popular KCH tradition featuring musical numbers that are witty, poignant, and funny. Singers include Laurie Atwood, Linda Beaupré, Sue Booth, Roxy Diederich, Gayle E. Martin, January Provenzola, Deanna Relyea, Emily Rogers-Driskill, Monica Swartout-Bebow, Lisa Tucker-Gray, and Kathy Waugh. With violinist Steffani Kitayama-Bolkosky, pianist R. MacKenzie Lewis, and drummer Jonathan Brown. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 4 p.m. (Sun.), KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $29–$80 (students, $19) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and at the door. (734) 769–2999.
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P.O.R.K. - Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
10-piece big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in hot jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. For listening or dancing. 5-8pm. No cover (tip jar for the band).
2070 W. Stadium Blvd ,Ann Arbor. Free (tipjar for the band). cdsmith68@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz 248-446-0403.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Ann Arbor Go Club
Every Sun. Players of all skill levels invited to play this challenging strategy board game. Game materials provided. 5:30 p.m. until whenever, Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main. Free. For more info, email Drew at dwright8182@hotmail.com or check bit.ly/annarborgo.
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Ann Arbor Morris
Every Sun. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish moresca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Free. Email a2morris@umich.edu or check annarbormorris.org in advance to confirm. (734) 717–1569.
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“Sunday Evening Game Night”: Ann Arbor Adventure Club
Every Sun. Popular board games, played online. You help decide which game to play at the beginning of the night. Have a pencil and paper handy. 7 p.m., for URL email burrbarr7@hotmail.com. Free.
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“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop
Every Sun. Performances by aspiring and experienced comics attending former Tonight Show staff writer Chili Challis’s comedy dojo. Emcee is Mark Sweetman. 7:30 p.m., The Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl St., ste. 100, Ypsilanti. Free. facebook.com/thetheatershop.
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