ON CAMPUS: Michigan colleges, universities offer many events and activities even if you don’t go there

If you’re looking for something to do this fall, look no further than the campuses of Michigan’s colleges and universities.

Most of the state’s educational institutions offer a wide range of activities and venues open to the public. All interests are covered, from art galleries and theater performances to observatories to yoga classes and nature walks.

Some schools did not respond.

Here’s a list of things the general public can enjoy organized per institution:

Oakland University

Rochester

• Yoga in the Garden — This fall, experience a beautiful yoga practice at Meadow Brook Hall. Yoga in the Garden classes take place from 9-10 a.m. Sundays. Instructors from YogaSix Rochester Hills will teach the class.

• Flashlight tour of Meadow Brook — Beginning Oct. 1, see Meadow Brook Hall in a new light as its hidden details and exquisite craftsmanship are illuminated via exciting Flashlight Tours. This is a unique and intimate experience. Only 10 guests per tour will run for approximately an hour and a half.

• Astronomy at OU — Get a hands-on experience of astronomy with Oakland University Assistant Professor of Physics Ilias Cholis. Participants will observe the Moon and constellations using binoculars and reflector telescopes (provided). Sessions begin Oct. 1 and run weekly through Oct. 22.

• Oakland University Art Gallery — The current exhibition, “Jim Chatelain: Correcting Past Mistakes,” continues through Nov. 24. This exhibition presents an extensive survey of abstract paintings from the past 23 years by Chatelain, a key participant in Detroit’s storied Cass Corridor artistic milieu.

Kettering University

Flint

• Take a tour — The public is invited to attend Discover Kettering programs, with two dates available in October and November.

Visitors can experience the school’s impressive, top-notch research labs and the 70,000-square-foot Connie and Jim John Recreation Center.

• Where GM autos began — Kettering also operates the archives at General Motors Factory One. Anyone is welcome to schedule a tour there. History buffs and those with automotive interests can view the priceless artifacts, as well as GM’s original incorporation documents. Located in the heart of Flint’s historic Carriage Town neighborhood, the Durant-Dort Factory One tells the story of visionaries William “Billy” Crapo Durant and Josiah Dallas Dort as they helped put the world on wheels.

Michigan State University

East Lansing

• Kresge Art Museum at Michigan State University (MSU): Showcases various exhibitions, including contemporary and historical pieces.

• Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at MSU: Known for its striking architecture and contemporary art exhibits.

• Wharton Center for Performing Arts at MSU: Offers Broadway shows, concerts, and other cultural performances.

• W.J. Beal Botanical Garden at MSU: The oldest continuously operated garden of its kind in the U.S., offering plant collections and educational programs.

• MSU Observatory: Hosts public observing nights where visitors can view celestial objects through telescopes.

Specifically, notable events include:

• Complex Dreams — At the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, on exhibit until Feb. 16, 2025, Esmaa Mohamoud’s groundbreaking exhibition “Complex Dreams” places the experiences of young Black girlhood center stage. Mohamoud’s newly commissioned installation offers a refreshing and uplifting perspective on the power of Black women today. Art enthusiasts can find information about all MSU Broad Exhibitions and MSU Museum Exhibitions.

• “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert” — On Nov. 16, visitors can view “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” in high-definition on a giant screen. At the same time, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’s unforgettable score. Harry Potter fans won’t want to miss it.

And families will enjoy:

• Drawing Marathon — Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Oct. 2 for the Drawing Marathon. MSU BAM and the MSU Department of Art, Art History, and Design host this annual nonstop drawing extravaganza. All skill levels and ages are welcome from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• ArachnoBROADia! — Join in a spooky afternoon of eight-legged fun for all ages inspired by artwork from the collection of MSU BAM! Get creative with creepy crafts at the museum, then visit your favorite crawly creatures at the MSU Bug House. All ages are welcome from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27.

For all events at Michigan State University, visit arts.msu.edu/happenings

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor

• University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) in Ann Arbor: One of the largest university art museums in the country, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.

• Hill Auditorium at the University of Michigan: A historic venue that hosts concerts, lectures, and performances by world-renowned artists.

• Power Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Michigan: Another venue for theater, dance, and music performances.

• Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan: Open to the public for research on Michigan history and beyond.

• Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum at the University of Michigan: Features gardens, trails and natural areas for public exploration.

• Detroit Observatory at the University of Michigan: Offers public viewing nights and historical tours.

For a full list of events at U of M, Ann Arbor, visit events.umich.edu.

University of Michigan

Dearborn

• UM-Dearborn Observatory, Public Nights at the Observatory — Public nights allow visitors to experience the wonder of the night sky using the Observatory’s telescopes with the help of the Observatory’s staff of astronomers. Learn about the moon, the planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies. Observing sessions require suitable sky conditions. To learn the status of any event, check the Observatory’s home page one hour before the event. Scheduled times are 8-10 p.m. Oct. 4 and 11, and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 25.

• Walk the trails at the Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC) — Thousands of visitors annually enjoy the native wildlife from over two miles of maintained nature trails or just the serenity of a walk in the woods. The EIC’s various ecological habitats are home to many native animals, such as deer, wild turkeys, turtles, frogs and mink. Walk quietly and see who joins you on your journey.

• Saturday Morning Bird Walks — From 9-11 a.m. Oct. 5 and 12, join EIC staff for a leisurely stroll to see which resident and migrating birds are foraging for their morning meal in the Environmental Study Area. Binoculars are recommended, but not required. Meet at the EIC.

• Stamelos Gallery Center — The gallery is exhibiting “FOUR: Lester Johnson’s Selected Works” through Dec. 8.

Macomb Community College

Warren

Here’s a taste of what you can find at Macomb Community College’s Center for Performing Arts:

• Blood, Sweat & Tears — Step into the timeless groove of Blood, Sweat & Tears, the iconic jazz-rock ensemble that revolutionized music with their bold fusion of brass and rock at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4.

• Macomb Symphony Orchestra: Pictures of Folklore — Celebrate the Macomb Symphony Orchestra’s 50th season with a magical performance filled with folkloric inspiration and classical artistry at 3 p.m. Oct. 6.

• Voctave: The Corner of Broadway & Main Street — Love a cappella? Don’t miss Voctave’s enchanting renditions of Broadway, Disney, and jazz classics at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11.

• Voctave’s a cappella renditions of Broadway, Disney and jazz classics will be the focus of the group’s performance at Macomb Community College on Oct. 11.

• Cirque Kalabanté — Witness daring acrobats defy gravity with breathtaking moves and human pyramids, all set against the vibrant backdrop of African traditions and contemporary flair at 3 p.m. Oct. 13.

• Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble — Prepare for a night of laughter with the dynamic duo from “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” as they bring their uproarious improvisation to the stage at 8 pm. Oct. 18.

• Broadway Fright Night — Get ready for an evening of thrilling entertainment with five Broadway vocalists performing and discussing spooky songs from fantastical musicals at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25.

• Junie B. Jones The Musical JR. (sensory-friendly performance) — Join Junie B. Jones on her first day of first grade in this special performance designed for a diverse audience to ensure everyone can experience the magic of live theater at 2 p.m. Nov. 2-3.

For a complete list of events, visit: macombcenter.com.

Wayne State University

Detroit

Below are a few of the upcoming programs and performances:

• “I Hate Hamlet” by Paul Rudnick — A humorous play that explores the clash between Hollywood and classical theater. The story follows Andrew Rally, a TV actor reluctantly preparing to play Hamlet in Central Park. It runs Oct. 4.

• Concert Featuring the Orchestra and Wind Symphony — Enjoy a stunning performance of Antonin Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony, conducted by Kypros Markou. The Oct. 21 performance takes place at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center.

• Free Public Planetarium Show — This free educational experience explores the wonders of space on Oct. 25.

• The Art of the Drink: From Metro Detroit to KwaZulu-Natal — This exhibition explores material culture emerging from the production and imbibing of grain-based alcoholic beverages, generally known as beer and spirits. Featured artifacts related to drinking are from Asia, Africa, and South America, as well as North America and Europe, and include Zulu beer pots, Peruvian chicha vessels, Swedish beer mugs, and items from Prohibition-era Detroit. It opens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 1 and runs through Oct. 11 in Room No. 1227 of Old Main.

For a complete list of community events at Wayne State University, visit events.wayne.edu.