Spring (or some call it winter) break has shuttered classes at Eastern Michigan University this week, but there is plenty of happenings around town for those who plan to fill their schedules with activities other than studying. Activity on campus resumes quickly, though, with a special recital March 2 to celebrate Pease Auditorium's newly restored organ.
Mobilab exhibit in Ann Arbor — All week
The traveling hands-on exhibit Mobilab continues this week at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. The exhibit focuses on inventing, testing, and perfecting toy vehicles. Visitors can craft toy vehicles, then examine, measure, and weigh their creations. Admission is $16. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; and closed Mondays.
How Political Parties Should Behave — Wednesday
University of Michigan political science professor Didi Kuo discusses his new book about political party behavior during a free lecture at the university's Center for Emerging Democracies.
Based on Kuo's book, “The Great Retreat: How Political Parties Should Behave and Why They Don’t,” the lecture is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in 555 Weiser Hall, at 500 Church St. in Ann Arbor. The lecture is free, but registration is recommended. Register on the center's website. For more information, call 734-764–0351.
Drag Bingo at the Tap Room — Wednesday
The Tap Room on Michigan Avenue is hosting a Drag Bingo for YPSI Pride starting at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 26. The evening includes entertainment, music and bingo, hosted by drag queens. There will be prizes. The doors open at 6:15 p.m. The fun begins at 7, at the Tap Room, 201 W. Michigan Ave.
Depot Town Comedy Open Mic — Wednesday
Stand-up comedians from the Ypsilanti area will take the stage at 734 Brewing Company for an evening of fun, starting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The Brewing Company is at 15 E. Cross St. in Ypsilanti. Comedians are from the Southeast Michigan comedy scene, and beyond. Sets will last about five to 10 minutes each. The show, which lasts until 10:30 p.m. is hosted by Tommy Cook, and is held weekly.
Admission is free. The Brewing Company has a full menu of drinks and eats. For more information, check out thecompany's website.
Frog Songs at the Library — Thursday
Washtenaw County parks naturalist Elle Bogle leads participants through a night of songs by Michigan frogs, at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 27, at the Northfield Township Area Library, 125 Barker Road in Whitmore Lake.
Michigan is home to 13 different frog species and most of them can be found in Washtenaw County. The event includes an exploration of the species, their habitats and how they identify themselves through unique calls. Admission is free. More information is available on the Washtenaw County parks website.
Washtenaw Community Concert Band — Thursday
The next performance of the Washtenaw Community Concert Band's 2024–2025 season, titled “Elemental Forces,” is set for 7 :30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at Washtenaw Community College's Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Drive.
Among the performances will be the world premiere of "Mach 1" by Daniel Kim, winner of the band's Young Michigan Composers Concert Band Composition Contest. Also on the playbill are Concerto for Piano, Winds, and Percussion composed by band member and assistant conductor James Wagner. The night will include music from composers Kevin Day, Leroy Anderson and Jodie Blackshaw.
Free parking and admission. Light refreshments to follow the concert. Visit WCCBand.org for details.
Natural area volunteer project at Independence Lake — Thursday and Saturday
Washtenaw County naturalist Faye Stoner leads volunteer teams on a hike through prairie, woods and wetlands as the team takes action to project those areas near Independence Lake, 3200 Jennings Road in Whitmore Lake. Some treks will include walks through sedge meadows, cattail marshes and buttonbush swamps.
Participants will use loppers and saws to bust down unwanted shrubs and vines while enjoying the fresh air and exercise in a friendly community setting. Snacks, tools, and gloves will be provided. Participants must bring your own water bottles.
Youth volunteers are welcome but must be at least 11 years old. Ages 11-15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also volunteering. For ages 16-17, parent- or guardian-signed permission slip required. For questions or cancellations, contact the volunteer coordinator at parks-volunteering@washtenaw.org. Pre-registration required. Walks are from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays; and from 1-3 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month. Register on the Washtenaw County parks website, which also lists a number of other volunteer activities, and naturalist-lead programs.
Celebrating Black artists — Friday
Art, culture, and community highlight the evening as The Riverside Arts center celebrates the closing of a Black artists exhibit. The event, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, at the center, 76 N. Huron St., in Ypsilanti, features opportunities to enjoy the works and meet the artists.
Sponsored by Ronnie and Gloria Peterson and the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County, and the Palm Leaf Club., the event will include refreshments, conversation and music. More information can be found on the Riverside Arts Center website.
Pease Organ Rededication Recital — Sunday
Musicians and fans will celebrate Pease Auditorium's newly restored organ during a special concert starting at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2025. Performed by EMU organ professor Michael Burkhardt, the program will include works by Bach, Krebs, Franck, Preston and Burkhardt.
The concert is open to the public and admission is free.
