ANN ARBOR – There is never a shortage of events in Ann Arbor, and as we move further into fall the festive events continue to grow. This weekend brings a couple big names to the city, as well as some fun events for the whole family to enjoy. So if you're struggling with which event sounds right for you, we're here to help.
Friday
Recommended Videos
Charles M. Blow Keynote
If you're a news junkie and are constantly reading publications like The New York Times, chances are you've read some of Charles M. Blow's work. On Oct. 20, at 5:30 p.m., Blow will give a keynote presentation on the topic of Donald Trump, arrogance, pride and American democracy, followed by a Q&A. The lecture is completely free and open to the public.
Blow's Op-Ed column appears in the Thursday and Monday editions of The New York Times and tackles hot-button issues such as social justices, racial equality, presidential politics, police violence, gun control and the Black Lives Matter movement. If you're a fan of Blow's writing, as well as his numerous appearances on CNN, this event qualifies as a "can't-miss."
Pumpkins, Lanterns and Leaves
If, however, you and your family want to do something more Halloween-themed together, Matthaei Botanical Gardens' Pumpkins, Lanterns and Leaves event is a perfect fit. Tickets are only $12.50 for nonmembers, and the event itself includes a trail of awesome carved pumpkins featuring fun and scary shapes and faces, pumpkin painting, making your own glowing lantern, seasonal story time and yes, cider and doughnuts.
Saturday
Glass Pumpkin Roadshow
Halloween season brings many images to mind, but we can all agree that the pumpkin is chief among them. We're also willing to bet that while you may have carved plenty of pumpkins over the years, you may not have ever come across any glass-blown pumpkins. Now we have your attention, don't we?
The Glass Academy's Glass Pumpkin Roadshow takes place on Oct. 21 & 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes beautifully handcrafted pumpkins on display, live demonstrations, and the very real possibility that you'll walk away with the perfect pumpkin for your home. This is a family friendly event is located on Ann St. between Main and 4th Ave as part of Harvest Fest in Kerrytown and is free to attend.
"Haunted House- the Show!"
Okay, okay. Maybe glass-blown pumpkins aren't your thing, but you're still in the mood for something Halloween-ish, Ringstar's third annual "Haunted House - the Show!" might just be what you're looking for. Presented by Ring of Steel Action Theatre, "Haunted House - the Show!" has all the appeal of a haunted house without any of the walking! How does fire dancing, circus acts, stunt work and general silliness sound? It's okay. This is a safe place. We're excited, too!
If you do plan on attending, it's also important to note that while this show is family friendly, the second half of the performance will feature some darker material, so parents of younger children should plan accordingly.
(And, of course, there's Michigan vs Penn State tonight, 7:30 p.m. at Happy Valley. Watch on ABC. Here's a look at what the game means for the Wolverines.)
Sunday
"So B. It" at The Michigan Theater
We know we shamelessly love any excuse to go see a movie at The Michigan Theater, but Sunday's screening of the new film "So B. It" is extra special. How so? Well it just so happens that the film is adapted from the novel of the same name by Ann Arbor native Sarah Weeks, who will be in attendance for this particular screening!
About the film:
"For as long as Heidi can remember, her mother has had only 22 words in her vocabulary. And that’s fine with the precocious 12 year-old. She and Mama live happily, in the bubble of love and protection provided by their remarkable neighbor, the nurturing but agoraphobic Bernadette. Then one day a new word pops out of Mama’s mouth – the mysterious 'soof' – and it changes everything. Heidi is propelled on a solo cross-country journey of discovery and loss, truth and identity. Secrets boil to the surface, long-hidden fears are faced, and Heidi finally learns who she is and where she and her childlike Mama came from."
Do you have an upcoming event that you want to share with us? Should we be writing about it? Let us know in the comments below!
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