Community Calendar

Astronomical images are science—and art. Learn how photographers, artists, and scientists work together to interpret the universe. Then, create your own 3D models from images taken through Observatory telescopes. Part of the Imagining the Cosmos series.

Astronomical images are science—and art. Learn how photographers, artists, and scientists work together to interpret the universe. Then, create your own 3D models from images taken through Observatory telescopes. Part of the Imagining the Cosmos series.

Athena by Gracie Gardner​
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“A deadly serious comedy about ambition, success, and owning your superiority.” --NY Times

Mary Wallace and Athena are brave, and seventeen, and fencers, and training for the Junior Olympics. They practice together, they compete against each other, they spend their lives together. They wish they were friends. Can they overcome their fierce competitiveness? Would they even want to? Directed by Shelby R. Seeley.
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July 17 - August 9, 2026

Tickets: General $30 / 65 & Over $25 / Students $15

Free Live Music: Rob Crozier and The Habit Jazz Collective
Looking for live jazz in the Ann Arbor and Detroit area? We have you covered and the best part is that there is absolutely no cover.
Lock this event into your local music calendar. Rob Crozier and the Habit Jazz Collective are bringing their energy, tight grooves, and improvisations to the stage. Led by bassist Rob Crozier, this collective blends classic jazz sensibilities with a modern, soulful twist.
Whether you are a lifelong Michigan jazz fan or just looking for a cool local vibe to kick back with, this is the place to be. Live music with zero admission fee means you have a great opportunity to experience the talent thriving in the Detroit and Ann Arbor jazz scene.
Hit the link below for full venue details and set times. Come out, support the venue, and keep the live groove alive!
Need entertainment for your next private party, corporate function, or wedding? Rob Crozier and the Habit Jazz Collective are available for hire and ready to bring live music straight to your event.

Join us to observe the night sky with the 1857 Fitz telescope and our collection of modern instruments.

Located on Central Campus next to Alice Lloyd Hall and Couzens Hall. Free admission; no registration required.

The Observatory will be open for exploration even if the weather does not permit telescope observing. We strive to always have interesting things for you to do!

Last visitors admitted 30 minutes prior to closing.

Join us for the 18th annual Escape to Belle Isle on Saturday, July 18, at the Belle Isle Casino. This cherished summer tradition brings together runners, walkers, families, and participants of all ages from across metro Detroit for a day of community spirit and support.

This event directly benefits Ronald McDonald House Detroit. Every registration helps provide a "home away from home" for families, ensuring parents can stay by their child’s side during medical treatment.

By alleviating financial stress, your participation provides comfort, care, and a sanctuary for families when they need it most.

Race Options

Whether you are a competitive runner, a casual walker, or looking for a family activity, there is a race for you:

2-Mile

5K

10K

Kids Fun Run

Walkers, strollers, and dogs are welcome to join the fun!

Participant Perks & Awards

Custom Gear: All participants receive a custom event T-shirt and a custom finisher medal (including our Kids Fun Run participants).

Kids Fun Run: In addition to their medals, participants of the Kids Fun Run will receive trophies.

Race Awards: Trophies and awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers in the 5K and 10K races.

Race Day Logistics

Registration: Online registration is open now and closes on July 18 at 10 a.m.

Packet Pickup: Available on race day from 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. at the Belle Isle Casino.

To learn more and register for the 18th annual Escape to Belle Isle, visit: https://sites.google.com/view/escape-v-1/home

Join community supporters and golfers for the 2026 Swing for THAW Golf Outing, an annual event dedicated to raising critical funds for The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW).

Event Details:
Date: Friday, July 17, 2026

Location: Northville Hills Golf Club

Activities: The day features an 18-hole, four-person scramble, lunch (sponsored by SEEL LLC), dinner, prizes, contests, a silent auction, and networking opportunities with community and business leaders.

Registration & breakfast: 7:30 am

Shotgun at: 9:00 am

Funds raised during this event directly support THAW’s mission to help Michigan families maintain essential utility services and achieve long-term energy stability.

While often associated with winter, THAW emphasizes that the need for utility assistance exists year-round; your participation helps provide vital support to households facing financial hardship throughout the year.

Get Involved:

Register or learn more: birdease.com/swingforthaw
Sponsorship opportunities: birdease.com/34808/sponsorships

The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is the largest of the three official partner fairs that comprise the award-winning and highly respected Ann Arbor Art Fair. Roughly 400,000 people attend the event each year. The Summer Art Fair is located on Main Street in the heart of Ann Arbor as well as Liberty, State, and South University Streets, stretching from its charming downtown to the campus of the University of Michigan. It is run by The Guild of Artists & Artisans, a non-profit Artist Member Organization whose mission is to provide marketing opportunities to artists. It is the only show run by and for the artists. It is consistently ranked as one of the Top 100 Art Fairs in the Country.

The Outdoor Gallery and Sculpture Garden is open for the season! Thursdays - Saturdays, from 12-4. Free and Open to the Public. Come explore the magic of Susanne + John’s work!

Want a more personalized experience? Book a one on one consultation or tour with our Project Director, Patti Smith. www.stephensonceramicstudio.com or 734.395.1540.

Make the Observatory part of your weekend! Tour the historic building, view our exhibits, participate in astronomy activities, and view the sun with our solar telescope (weather dependent). Special Art Fair activities. Families welcome, admission is always free. Registration not required.