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13 Virtual & Socially Distanced Ann Arbor Area Events to Attend in March 2021

Spring break, St. Patrick’s Day and warmer weather are on the horizon. That can only mean one thing—March is here! This month, our event guide features several socially distanced and virtual events so you can celebrate the month while also staying safe.
We’ve gathered up some of the Ann Arbor area events we are most looking forward to, so mark your calendar and get ready for a magnificent March!

Jump Ahead: 

 

Arts + Culture

Where: Online 
When: March 3, 2-3 p.m. 
On March 3rd, join author Rebecca Carroll for a discussion on her new book, Surviving the White Gaze. She’ll be joined by Beth Chimera, writing instructor at the Ford School Writing CenterSurviving the White Gaze is a stirring and powerful memoir that recounts Carroll’s painful struggle to overcome a completely white childhood in order to forge her identity as a Black woman in America. Click here for more information about Carroll, her book and to register for this free virtual event! 
 
Where: Online 
When: March 12, 12-5 p.m. 
Art Galleries Ann Arbor

Photo courtesy of Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan

It’s time once again for the MFA Thesis Exhibition at Stamps School of Art & Design! This virtual and in-person exhibition brings together culminating projects by second-year graduate students, Christine Bruening, Nathan Byrne, Rey Jeong and Benjamin Winans. Their work can be seen in-person at the Stamps Gallery or online on Stamp’s Facebook page
 
Where: Online 
When: March 15-18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 
Have you always wanted to learn how to paint, but just don’t know where to start? Register for this exciting four-day class from the Ann Arbor Art Center! This beginner’s class is designed for individuals who are new to painting and are interested in learning foundational skills. Students will learn about tone, shades, color mixing and acrylic painting techniques. All A2AC Digital Learning classes will take place via Zoom. Instructions and meeting links will be sent to the email on file 1-2 business days prior to the start of the class.
 
Where: Online 
When: March 23-28 


One of Ann Arbor’s most important annual events, the Ann Arbor Film Festivalwill present more than 118 films that highlight all lengths and genres, including experimental, animation, documentary, fiction and performance-based works for their 2021 event. Founded by George Manupelli in 1963, the festival is the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America. This year, due to COVID-19, the event will be entirely virtual, and you will be able to access all performances, as well as Q&As with the filmmakers, online during the festival. 

 
Where: Online 
When: March 26, 7 a.m.-2:15 p.m. 
Each year, the Undergraduate Symposium at Eastern Michigan University celebrates the exceptional academic work of undergraduate students. The Symposium is hosted by the College of Arts & Sciences and showcases the students’ research and creative projects. You can explore their amazing work virtually this yearClick here for the online schedule and for all the information on attending. 
 
Where: Online 
When: March 27, 5:30 p.m. 
Join the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra in this celebration of new and old! The evening will start with Christopher Theofanidis’ Rainbow Body. Then, internationally recognized violinist Kyung Sun Lee will take the stage to perform Sibelius’ only Violin Concerto. The performance will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s epic Symphony No. 4. This event is completely virtual and you will be able to experience the incredible performance right from your couch! Click here to purchase your tickets. 
 

Community Celebrations

Finding Bigfoot | Novi

Where: All Over Novi 
When: March 1-15 
Bigfoot has been spotted in Novi! Weekly through March, Bigfoot will travel to different parks, buildings and shopping destinations in Novi. Three clues will be given every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the Novi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Facebook page to help you find him. All you have to do is post a photo of you and your family in the comments of that week’s clues when you spot him, to be entered to win special prizes! 
 
Where: Online 
When: March 15, 7-8:30 p.m. 
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The Michigan Botanical Club develops and maintains the Michigan Big Tree Register. During this virtual program, Big Tree Program Coordinator Ted Reuschel describes how trees are nominated, measured, and certified for entry in the Big Tree Register, and how the register data is kept up to date. Following the presentation, ecologist Jacqueline Courteau will facilitate a discussion about how Big Trees should be protected and managed, starting with a case study of the champion chinquapin oak at Wurster Park. 
 

Off-Season Market | Canton

Where: Summit on the Park 
When: March 21, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 
Have you been missing the farmers’ market in Canton? Don’t worry! The Off-Season Market is back and here to provide you with all the local goods you’ve been craving. Explore the goods of some of our favorite local businesses, including Boblin HoneyKapnick OrchardsNemeth Farms and so many more. Masks and social distancing are required. 
 

Sports

When: March 14 

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In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, the Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K and Kids’ 1gives you the chance to get some fresh air while also benefiting Save A Heart, an organization that raises funds to benefit patients and their families at the Michigan Congenital Heart Center at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. This year, the event will be entirely virtual, letting you choose when and where you complete the race. Just register online and pick up your race gear from Conor O’Neill’s in Ann Arbor on Saturday, March 13th

 
When: March 14 
Epic Races proudly presents Run 3.14 Pi, Michigan’s Original Pi Run, and the race that celebrates this circle-related number and the circular dessert it brings to mind. On March 14, you will run or walk a 3.14-mile loop of your choice at your chosen location. You then have the option to upload your results to see how you fare against all the other Pi runners and walkers. Click here to register!
 

Food + Drink

Where: Online 
When: March 10, 6-8 p.m. 
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Make this popular Chinese street food from start to finish with instruction from Shih-Wen Wu, an instructor for the Confucius Institute at UofM. During this workshop, you’ll learn how to knead and make different shapes of bao and finish with steam and pan-fried savory bao and steamed sweet buns.
 
When: March 14, 2-5 p.m. 
French macarons — there’s just something about those mystifying pastries. On March 14th, join The Lakehouse Bakery in Chelsea for an afternoon of fun, learning and tasty treats! Working in teams, students will gain hands on experience learning how to make the deceivingly simple French macarons with ganache and buttercream fillings. Each student will take home a packet of recipes with instructions, and any macarons not enjoyed in class. This class is only open to 10 students to help with social distancing and masks are required. 
 

Have a Great Month!

What local January events did we miss? Let us know in the comments below!
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