Free events in Kalamazoo County, MI

Take advantage of free admission on Thursdays, along with later hours so you can linger into the evening. This access is made possible by support from Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.

United for the Unsheltered of Kalamazoo hosts a regular Thursday meal. A beautiful day is expected, providing a pleasant backdrop for this recurring gathering.

Hosted by the Kalamazoo Poetry Collective, this third annual October open mic welcomes poets at any stage to share original work, connect with fellow writers, or simply enjoy an evening of community and verse. The gathering takes place at Dormouse Theatre in Kalamazoo, is free, and open to all. Expect refreshments, door prizes, and a DJ. Acoustic music is also encouraged, and signups will be available at the door. The event will be emceed by Elizabeth Rae Bullmer, a poet with publications in numerous journals and two chapbooks, including Skipping Stones on the River Styx. Bullmer is a Best of the Net nominee, a workshop facilitator, and a licensed massage and sound therapist. She is a parent of two and lives in Kalamazoo with three cats.

Halloween Forest returns to Milham Park as a completely free family Halloween celebration sponsored by Lake Michigan Credit Union. The park will be filled with fall-themed games and activities, with candy available at trick or treat stations. Try a lineup of inflatables that includes a pumpkin toss, Zap a Mole, duel axe throwing, and a bobbing for apples challenge where participants race to the center to grab apples. A Spooky Fun Magic Show by John Dudley adds to the festivities. Food and drink will be available from Ibison Concessions, Ollys Donuts, and Coffee Rescue. Attendees can enter the costume contest by having their photo taken at the contest backdrop. Photos will be posted on the Kzoo Parks Facebook page, and the entries with the most likes will win. Prizes will be awarded to the top three Individual photos and the top three Family photos. Event parking is available in the Milham Park lot near the pavilion, with overflow parking across the street at Loy Norrix High School.

The Kalamazoo Concert Band opens its 65th season with America's Story at 250 Years at Chenery Auditorium, bringing together more than 200 musicians for a celebratory program. Guest artist Chris Bradley, a renowned Scottish conductor and Scotland's foremost cornet soloist, performs alongside the Kalamazoo Community Chorale and the Kalamazoo Male Chorus. Admission is free and no ticket is required. Sponsored by Zhang Financial.

Led by Sarah Burdick and a team of Lyfe Sacks of Hope volunteers, this weekly community dinner is set up in Koopsens Alley behind the Mr. President night club in downtown Kalamazoo. Menus change from week to week, with recent themes like breakfast night and taco night, as well as a special Mother’s Day meal. Along with dinner, there are limited supplies of clothing, hygiene items, and nonperishable foods available to take for later. A friendly volunteer greets guests with hugs and fist bumps.