Events in Kalamazoo County today

Bring a needle and whatever you are working on to the library to spend time with friends and fellow makers. All kinds of needlecraft are welcome, including embroidery, knitting, cross stitch, tatting, crochet, as well as paper crafts and plastic canvas. Share ideas, enjoy conversation, and do a bit of stitching... some gatherings end up being more about chatting than crafting. Open to all ages and experience levels.

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.

The Cousins Maine Lobster truck visits Java Jones Roasters in Richland, bringing a pairing of lobster rolls and coffee. Order through the mobile app and take part in the loyalty program to earn points toward free food. App orders receive points automatically, or present a barcode at the window to get credit. If the mobile app is limited or unavailable, place your order directly at the truck.

REALTIST of West Michigan (ROWMA) hosts a networking mixer centered on connection and community. Attendees can mingle over food and drinks, meet local professionals, and reconnect with familiar contacts. A photographer will be on site providing free professional headshots. The gathering brings together people from real estate, lending, title, insurance, construction, and community development, along with others interested in expanding their professional network. A relaxed Happy Hour setting encourages easy conversation and new relationships.

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

Designed for youth ages 12 to 18, this supportive gathering welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, pansexual, and allied participants to connect with peers. It offers a confidential and respectful space where individuality is valued and open conversation is encouraged. Attendees can find friendship, support, acceptance, learning opportunities, accurate information, and helpful resources. Participants who are 18 must be enrolled in high school to attend. No registration is required.

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.

DDR Club hosts a weekly Thursday gathering where participants can step up and show their moves. People of all ages and every skill level are welcome.

Music bingo takes place at Louie’s Trophy House in downtown Kalamazoo. A DJ plays songs while participants match them on their cards, and a winning bingo earns prizes.

Every Thursday night at 1871 Taproom centers on singing, bringing people together to share songs with talented fellow singers.

Celebrate Halloween with a cozy story, a simple craft, and playful open gym time created for the tiniest participants. This session is designed for ages 4 months through 3 years. The cost is $15 per child for nonmembers, and the same rate applies to unenrolled siblings. Enrolled members can attend at no charge.

A relaxed sit and stitch gathering welcomes anyone who enjoys hand sewing, knitting, embroidery, crochet, or weaving. Participants bring their own projects and supplies, settle in for some focused making, and take a break from everyday distractions. Work at your own pace, connect with fellow crafters, and enjoy dedicated time for creativity.

Making its return, Hometown Pride Night 2026 is a community-focused gathering organized by SCS that brings together local businesses and organizations.

This weekly Bandai Gundam trading card game play session features an $8 entry fee. All participants receive a base Participation Booster Pack along with a participation event pack. The winner takes home the winner event pack.

LFG Bar in downtown Kalamazoo hosts music bingo, pairing a lively soundtrack with a simple, game-night twist. A host plays songs over the speakers while participants mark the matching titles on their bingo cards. Five in a row earns a win, with prizes available. The bar also offers a selection of food and unique drink options to enjoy alongside the music.

The Harvest Market Craft Show will be held at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center, featuring a range of crafts and makers. Richelle’s Creations will be participating.

This mindful outdoor session is led by Mindful Outdoor Guide and local birder Seth Chapman. It centers on mindfulness, the practice of paying attention to the present without judgment and using the breath to stay with what is unfolding, inviting a fuller appreciation of positive moments in nature. Participants move through a calming, step by step mindfulness flow designed to settle the mind and nervous system, then take an unhurried walk in the forest, tuning into sights, sounds, scents, and textures with special attention to birds. The experience closes with a group council to share reflections while enjoying chai.

At the Storytime Stage, this weekly gathering features readings of favorite tales, from classics to newer selections. Participants are invited to use their imaginations to dream up worlds together and explore the stories beyond the page.

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.

Explore the art of quiche in a hands-on culinary class that covers everything from crafting a tender, flaky crust to producing a silky, well-balanced custard. Participants will make an asparagus, cherry tomato, and Spanish onion quiche while learning the techniques behind a clearly defined, three-layered egg custard and a flavorful filling. Each person will have a ready-to-use station stocked with sanitation supplies, an apron, a cutting board, knives, and essential utensils. Stations accommodate up to four people, creating a comfortable space to collaborate and connect while cooking together. Throughout the session, attendees build core techniques and practical kitchen skills, work side by side with guidance from an instructor, prepare the featured dish, taste the results, and take home a printed class overview with a recipe and step-by-step instructions. The fee is $50 per person.

At Berries Famous Pancake House, a family friendly trunk or treat brings together candy, creative costumes, and festively decorated car trunks. Costumes are encouraged, and there will be plenty of treats and food to enjoy. It offers a cheerful setting for Halloween fun for all ages.

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.

Karaoke takes over Louie’s in downtown Kalamazoo, led by DJ "One Eyed Jack" and his SVPC associates. The night features $1 off vodka Red Bull and seasonal cocktails, and the kitchen stays open late. The singing unfolds inside Kalamazoo’s oldest bar.

A weekly twelve-step recovery program welcoming LGBTQIA+ adults 18 and older who have been impacted by substance abuse. Meetings are held at OutFront Kalamazoo.

Operation Heaven Sent, The OHS 2nd Hand Store, and Fallen but not Forgotten Military present a fall celebration featuring a chili cook-off. Enjoy a complimentary trunk-or-treat, a seasonal photo booth, music, and vendors. A circus tent will be set up for kids with hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy. Fallen but not Forgotten Military is coordinating the third annual chili cook-off. Parking is located behind the building, and drivers are asked to slow down and use caution.

Spend a relaxing afternoon at The Vine Barn exploring a community market that highlights local creativity and flavor. Enjoy handcrafted mocktails and charcuterie while browsing distinctive goods from artists and vendors. The atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming, offering space to slow down, connect, and discover something special. The location is convenient for walking or biking from downtown Kalamazoo.

Get comfortable with gouache in a friendly, hands-on workshop designed for beginners. This opaque, vibrant paint rewards experimentation and is often easier to correct than traditional watercolor. The session centers on a dramatic botanical painting, layering leaves and greenery over a deep background while exploring how gouache moves, blends, and covers. Participants will practice building color in successive layers and shaping crisp, confident forms. No prior experience is required. Instruction starts with the basics and grows your skills step by step, so you finish with techniques you can keep using. All materials are included, and everyone leaves with a completed botanical artwork and a solid foundation in a new medium. Open to ages 16 and older.

An affirming, peer-led support space for transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming adults 18 and older. Conversations are open-topic and participant driven, offering room to share experiences, exchange resources, and find community. Meetings take place at OutFront Kalamazoo.

Neta Elkayam and Amit Hai Cohen share the stage as an acclaimed duo devoted to preserving and renewing Judeo-Moroccan music. Their program evokes diaspora memories and the voices of their ancestors, charting a musical route that moves between Jerusalem and Morocco. In partnership with Congregation of Moses and supported by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, this performance takes place at Congregation of Moses as part of the Connecting Chords Music Festival, a series that highlights the unifying power of music from around the world. Advance tickets are $17 for general admission, $14 for seniors as well as active military and veterans, and $5 for ages 25 and under.

Test your knowledge at a recurring trivia night held on the final Sunday of each month, featuring brand-new nerdy themed rounds every time. Teams compete for the top spots, with the first three places earning gift certificates. Wear cosplay to receive 15 percent off your bill.

Each week, Xtreme Karaoke hosts karaoke on Tuesday and Sunday nights.

Community health workers, in partnership with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo, will be on site at OutFront Kalamazoo to offer practical support and connections to local resources. They can assist with everyday needs such as food access, clothing, and applications for health insurance or a government phone. Guidance and referrals are available for health care and wellness services, mental health resources, housing and employment support, child and family assistance, applying for benefits, and general advocacy, along with other individualized help. Some services may have age-related eligibility limits based on state and federal regulations. For questions about specific assistance, please contact the organizers for details.

Pokémondays features a dice roll promotion for Pokémon card packs. For every $10 spent, you earn one roll and higher numbers bring better rewards. Rolls from 1 to 15 receive Mystery Packs. Rolls from 16 to 19 get Pitch Black or Chaos Rising. A roll of 20 unlocks any pack that is available.

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.

SJM has announced a new addition to the ACOTAR world, and Booked Up is celebrating with a midnight release party. Each ticket includes a personal copy of the book and entry to the celebration. More information about what the party will feature, along with possible outfit suggestions, will be announced.

Receive friendly, practical support for navigating mental health care with a dedicated Mental Health Navigator at OutFront Kalamazoo. This walk-in service offers compassionate listening, helps clarify needs, works with you on short and long term goals, and connects you with relevant services and resources. The service is available to individuals ages 14 and older. Those younger than 14 may participate with permission from a parent or guardian.

Cousins Maine Lobster heads to Blue Horizon Real Estate in Kalamazoo for a lunchtime visit with lobster rolls, tots, bisque, and more. Order through the mobile app to earn loyalty points toward free food. App purchases add points automatically, or show your loyalty barcode at the window to have them applied.

Create a fresh flower centerpiece with guidance from designer Dawn and learn how to build the Spooky the Friendly Ghost arrangement. This hands-on class focuses on making your own piece from start to finish. The price is $64 per person and covers all supplies and materials.

Emergence offers an affinity space for LGBTQIA+ young adults ages 18 to 24. The group meets at OutFront Kalamazoo on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month. Participants also receive access to a Discord server.

Compete in a One Piece Trading Card Game constructed tournament inspired by the anime and manga. Bring a tournament-legal deck and play through Swiss rounds where pairings are based on win and loss records. Losing does not remove a player from the event, and anyone may drop by notifying the scorekeeper before the next round is paired. The entry fee is $5. Prizes feature official Bandai support, plus one booster pack awarded for each win, with prizing applied for a maximum of three rounds. If there are 16 or more participants, the last-place player receives a consolation pack. New and experienced players are welcome, with a community focused on teaching the game and fostering a warm, supportive environment.

Test your pop culture knowledge at a fandom-themed trivia night featuring questions from films, TV, video games, manga, and more. Form a team of 2 to 6 players and be sure to register ahead of time, as signups are required before trivia day. The event takes place at the First Presbyterian Church of Richland, next to the Richland Community Library. If registration fills, contact the library, which may be able to accommodate more than 10 teams.

Xtreme Karaoke hosts a night of singing with the chance to step up to the mic for your favorite tunes. $3 well drinks are available.