A month of reasons to get out
November around Ann Arbor is a good mix of small-town traditions and big-time college sports. Downtown Chelsea turns into a weekend shopping stroll, Saline Middle School fills with crafters, Hudson Mills Metropark hosts a Thanksgiving race, and the Wolverines are home for basketball and hockey.
Here are the events we would put on the calendar, grouped by type. Dates and prices came from the organizers' announcements, and details can change, so check each event's own page before you go.
Shopping, food, and drink
Gandy Dancer Caymus Vineyards Wine Dinner, Thursday, Nov 5, 7 to 10 p.m. The historic Gandy Dancer at 401 Depot St in Ann Arbor pairs a five-course dinner with five Caymus family wines. Tickets are $155 with tax and tip included, 21 and older, and nonrefundable.
Wine, Walk, & Shop in Chelsea, Friday and Saturday, Nov 6 and 7. Now in its 21st year, the Chelsea Downtown Development Authority's weekend fills downtown Chelsea shops with specials, tastings, and refreshments. Pick up a free tote and map at the information booth and wander at your own pace.
Saline Craft Show, Saturday, Nov 14, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The 39th annual show brings more than 230 crafters to Saline Middle School, 7190 N Maple Rd. Admission is $5 cash, and kids 10 and under are free. A free shuttle runs, strollers are not allowed because of crowds, and student groups run the bake sales and concessions.
For families and kids
Lantern Walk at Hudson Mills Metropark, Saturday, Nov 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Families with kids 9 and up make autumn lanterns indoors, then carry them on a guided walk of about three quarters of a mile through the woods near Dexter. It is $7 per person, the path is hilly dirt and gravel, and registration closes at 4 p.m. the day before.
Kids' Night Out: Light-Up Thanksgiving Makers, Saturday, Nov 14, 6 to 8:30 p.m. At The Future Innovators Academy, 4130 Varsity Dr in Ann Arbor, kids build a Thanksgiving centerpiece with LED circuits, play fall science trivia, and get pizza. Registration is required.
O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy, Tuesday, Nov 17, 7:30 p.m. The London comedy duo James & Jamesy bring their physical-comedy holiday tea party to the Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St. The show runs 90 minutes with no intermission and suits ages 4 and up. Tickets are $45 to $85, and the show uses some flashing lights.
Community traditions and history
The Original Kroger A2 Turkey Trot, Sunday, Nov 8. Hudson Mills Metropark hosts a 5K at 9 a.m., a 10K at 10 a.m., and the Mashed Potato Mile at 10:30 a.m., plus an Iron Turkey option for running both the 5K and 10K. Kids 10 and under race free with a paid adult, and there is a 200-meter Drumstick Dash for little ones.
The Legacy of President Ford's Signature, Thursday, Nov 12, 6:30 p.m. At the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library on Beal Avenue in Ann Arbor, author Kathleen Kornahrens talks about being part of the first U.S. Air Force Academy class to include women, made possible by a 1975 law President Ford signed. A book signing and reception follow. Registration is requested.
Hangar Party: Huey Nights & Holiday Lights, Saturday, Nov 21, 5 to 8 p.m. The Michigan Flight Museum in Belleville hosts a Vietnam-era evening around its Huey helicopter, with period music, appetizers, dancing, and holiday touches. Each ticket includes one drink, and proceeds support the museum.
Michigan sports
UConn at Michigan women's basketball, Thursday, Nov 5, Crisler Center. One of the biggest early-season games on the schedule, and the first half of a home-and-home series. Tipoff time was still to be announced, so check the Michigan Athletics schedule.
Ferris State at Michigan hockey, Friday and Saturday, Nov 27 and 28, 7 p.m., Yost Ice Arena. A two-game series over Thanksgiving weekend, and an easy outing if you have family in town.
New to the area?
Events like these are one of the best ways to get a feel for a town before you choose where to live. If you are weighing Ann Arbor against Dexter, Chelsea, or Saline, our Ann Arbor relocation guide and neighborhood guides are good next reads, and the school district lookup shows which district an address is assigned to.
Thinking about selling in the spring? A fall home valuation gives you time to plan repairs and timing before the busy season.