Free October Events Around Ann Arbor

Oct. 1

Folk Song Jam Along

Get more music in your life at this family-friendly sing-along.

Westgate Branch Library, 2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor

Oct. 3

After School STEM – Sports Science

Explore geometry, engineering, and the other sciences behind your favorite sport. Also on Thur, Oct. 10 and 17. 

YDL-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti

Oct. 4

Halloween Sensory Bottles

Make a not-so-spooky Halloween-themed sensory bottle.

Ann Arbor Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor

Oct. 5

Fall Fest at the Ladies’ Literary Club

Free crafts for children, face painting, live music, local artisans and more. 

Ladies’ Literary Club, 218 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti

Michigan’s Aquatic Mammals

Join naturalist Elle Bogle to explore these furry fellows and learn about their differences, similarities, and the very important roles they play in the ecosystem. Registration is required. 

Sharon Mills County Park, 5701 Sharon Hollow Rd., Manchester

Read and Look | I’m Trying to Love Garbage

Recommended for ages 4-8. Dive into the history and future of garbage — exploring how animals, humans, fungi and various creepy-crawlies play important roles in collecting and disposing of waste.

The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, 434 S. State St., Ann Arbor

Oct. 6

Baby and Toddler Gear Swap

Drop off or pick up new gear for your little. You do not need to bring materials in order to pick up new supplies. 

Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S.  Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

Fall Family Day | Roaming with Romans: Exploring the World of Gladiators

Explore the Roman Empire and gladiator games in celebration of International Archaeology Day.

The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, 434 S. State St., Ann Arbor

Fire Department Open House

Explore the department and fire trucks at this free event. 

Fire Station No. 2 / Montibeller Park Pavilion, 4345 Ellsworth Rd., Ypsilanti

Oct. 7

Preschool ArtStart

A fun process-based arts and crafts for children age 2 to 5 years, accompanied by an adult.

Traverwood Branch Library, 3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor

Oct. 8

Maker Night: Bee Present Honey

Join Bee Present Honey for a presentation on honey bees, educational hands-on activities, crafts and a honey taste test in this bee-themed maker night. Registration is required. 

YDL-Downtown, 229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti

Sticker Palooza

Pick from hundreds of stickers to brighten up any item they’ll stick to. Bring your own item or decorate a notebook or water bottle provided by the library

Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S.  Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

An Evening with The Creature Conservancy

Learn about animals from The Creature Conservancy.

Ann Arbor Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor

Oct. 9

Preschool ArtStart

Fun process-based arts and crafts for children age 2 to 5 years, accompanied by an adult.

Ann Arbor Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor

Oct. 11

AADL Welcomes: World of Wonder with Valarie Kaur

“World of Wonder” is a lyrical, rhyming picture book about a young child who learns to navigate the world with a sense of wonder, by activist and award-winning documentarian Valarie Kaur.

Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S.  Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

Oct. 12

Touch a Tractor

A variety of tractors on display to sit on and take pictures with free donuts and cider while supplies last. 

Good Dog Pumpkin Patch, 49487 Judd Rd., Belleville

Storytime with Black Men Read

Sorytime and a hands-on art activity in partnership with Black Men Read.

Traverwood Branch Library, 3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor

Freedom Stories

A family storytime featuring stories, songs, and movement celebrating freedom.

YDL-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti

Oct. 13

Varta Storytelling Festival

Varta is a cultural and literary festival with a creative space for everyone interested in learning about South-Asian storytelling and culture.

Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

Mars Rovers

Learn about the 5 Mars rovers and how we communicate with them from Solar System Ambassador Jennifer German.

Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S.  Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

Oct. 15

Doggy Tales with Therapaws

Silly puppy stories with AADL storytellers , and as a special treat, delightful dogs from Therapaws will make an appearance after.

Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S.  Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

Oct. 18

Toddler Obstacle Course

Help your little one get their wiggles out by making their way through an obstacle course focused on gross motor skills and problem solving.

YDL-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti

Oct. 19

Musical Storytime with Special Guest Noah T. Haile

Storytime accompanied by a piano is a very special treat.

YDL-Superior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti

The Sounds and Stories of Africa with Fishmonger Stories

Enjoy the performance while learning about the peoples of Africa, including the dress and culture of the Maasai tribe of East Africa.

Westgate Branch Library, 2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor

Oct. 20

Halloween Costume Swap

Save money, clear your closet and pick out something snazzy for this year from the gently used and clean costumes dropped off at any Library location during the month of October.

Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S.  Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

Oct. 23

Wrapped in Love Boobie Club – Breastfeeding Support

Get lactation support, share about your journey, and meet other parents.

YDL-Superior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti

Oct. 24

After School STEM Urban Planning and Design

Explore what makes a sustainable, inclusive city with reliable transportation, green spaces, and thriving neighborhoods through various hands-on activities. 

YDL-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti

Oct. 26

Spooky, Weird, and Magical: Halloween with the Kelsey Tour

This tour explores a variety of objects in the Kelsey through the modern lens of Halloween.

The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, 434 S. State St., Ann Arbor

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