Events in Kalamazoo, MI

A Mental Health Navigator is available to help community members move through the healthcare system and address barriers to mental health care. Support includes a caring ear, help identifying needs, collaborative short and long term goal setting, and connections to appropriate services and resources. Assistance is offered without an appointment at OutFront Kalamazoo. In accordance with regulations, the service is for individuals ages 14 and older, and those under 14 may participate with permission from a parent or guardian.

Each week, Kalamazoo Gospel Mission brings its mobile shower and laundry trailer to The Dream Center, organized by staff member Ron with help from volunteer Kelly. The trailer provides two showers and one washing machine. Guests receive fresh underwear, a T-shirt, socks, and hygiene supplies. To ensure access for many, showers are limited to 12 minutes, with a two-minute warning at the 10-minute mark. Hot water stays consistent thanks to a tankless on-demand heater. This service runs seasonally through the end of September and may be canceled if bad weather is expected or if the unit experiences a breakdown. Check for last minute updates.

A relaxed social hangout for homeschoolers centers learning around board games in a friendly setting for everyone. Purchase a one day pass for $5.00 and receive a second pass free. Staff are available to teach and explain games, and the experience supports critical thinking, problem solving, memory, teamwork, communication, and learning to handle wins and losses with grace. Connect with other homeschoolers while enjoying board games in a welcoming atmosphere.

Savor authentic homestyle Mexican cooking.

An affinity space welcoming LGBTQIA+ young adults ages 18 through 24, hosted at OutFront Kalamazoo. It offers a place to meet peers and stay connected beyond the gatherings through access to the group’s Discord server.

Compete in a One Piece trading card game tournament using constructed decks and Swiss-style rounds. Bring a tournament-legal deck. Pairings are based on win and loss records, and a loss does not eliminate you. Players may drop by notifying the scorekeeper before the next round is paired. The entry fee is $5. Prizes include official Bandai support, plus one booster pack for each match win, with prizing limited to three rounds. If participation reaches 16 or more players, the last-place finisher receives a consolation pack. New and seasoned players alike are welcome, with a focus on teaching, learning, and fostering a friendly community.

Enjoy a welcoming yoga session at Move with Joy, guided by Joy, whose approach draws from traditional asanas and the Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga traditions. Classes combine energizing Vinyasa flows with slower, longer held Yin poses. All mats and props are provided, and comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing is recommended. With over 24 years of teaching experience, Joy offers supportive instruction that invites each participant to open body, mind, and spirit toward peaceful living, love, and gratitude for self and others. The drop-in price is $10, payable by cash, Cash App, or Venmo, and community scholarships for free attendance are available upon request. When the weather cooperates, sessions move to the rooftop, so arriving a few minutes early helps everyone head up together. In case of rain or poor conditions, class takes place indoors at the studio.

Each week, staff member Ron and volunteer Kelly bring the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission shower and laundry trailer to The River church parking lot. The unit includes two showers and one washing machine, and guests receive new underwear, a T-shirt, socks, and hygiene supplies. Showers are limited to 12 minutes, with a two-minute warning after 10 minutes. Hot water remains steady thanks to a tankless, on-demand heater. This service runs seasonally and may be canceled if inclement weather is expected or if the trailer experiences a breakdown.

Enjoy a chair-based yoga session at the Oshtemo Community Center. Movements are adapted to be done seated or with the chair for support, making it a comfortable choice for anyone who would rather not get down to or up from the floor. As with other styles of yoga, it aims to improve flexibility, build strength, enhance balance, and promote relaxation. The cost is a $5 drop-in, paid directly to the instructor. The center is served by Metro Bus Route 11 Stadium/KVCC, the lime green line, and riders can check route maps for exact stops, with Metro Link and Metro Connect offering more direct transportation options. A beginner-focused mat yoga option is also available for a $5 drop-in. Community members who want to share a skill as a volunteer can email parks@oshtemo.org, and the facility can be rented for meetings and celebrations.

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes offers a free, monthly food box distribution at The Salvation Army. Everyone is welcome and no identification is required. Boxes contain a variety of perishable and nonperishable foods, which may include fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, or frozen meat. This giveaway occurs on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Out of Favor Boys appears at Beats on Bates in Bates Alley. Expect a lively, fun-filled atmosphere throughout.

Returnable bottles and cans can make a difference for Kalamazoo Animal Rescue. This fundraiser provides reliable support for the rescue’s programs and helps cover medical care so cats and dogs adopted through the rescue are healthy and happy. Donations are collected year-round. Please bring only bottles and cans that qualify for the 10 cent deposit under Michigan’s Bottle Deposit Law. Thank you for contributing to the cause.

Take part in a Yu-Gi-Oh! Advanced Format locals tournament featuring three Swiss paired rounds that follow the Advanced Format Forbidden and Limited List. Entry is $5 and includes an OTS pack, with additional prizes awarded for each match win. Konami requires players to register through the Neuron app before participating.

A Keyforge group meets to play and to help newcomers learn the game. A 1-Day Membership is required, and the fee is credited back for qualifying purchases. Current members can take part at no cost.

Glow Hall presents an evening with Glenn Jones, joined by opening sets from Liam Grant and the Kalamazoo Drone Society. Jones, once a member of the exploratory rock group Cul de Sac, has become a leading figure in American Primitive guitar. His solo work blends melody, physical presence, and precision, drawing deeply from folk roots while keeping the tradition alive and contemporary. Grant, a New England guitarist and improviser, extends that lineage with wide ranging guitar journeys, modal pieces, and lively rags that recall John Fahey, Robbie Basho, Peter Walker, and Jack Rose. The Kalamazoo Drone Society, a rotating local collective of musicians, artists, and magicians, sets the tone with experimental free improvisation that moves between structure and spontaneity. This is a seated performance. Admission is $20 and it is open to all ages.

An unofficial afterparty for Beats on Bates features an acoustic set by local artist Peyton Bohl. The show is free. Food and drinks are available, offering a relaxed way to keep the energy going after the main event.

Enjoy a relaxed crafting meetup at the library where participants bring a needle and their current project to work on together. All forms of needlecraft are welcome, including embroidery, knitting, cross stitch, tatting, and crochet, along with paper crafts and plastic canvas. Expect friendly conversation, idea sharing, and a laid back pace where chatting sometimes takes center stage. Open to all ages and experience levels.

Throughout the summer, Red Cross blood drives take place at Hope Church, providing multiple opportunities to donate blood.

At the Kiln Fusing Studio, craft a custom cheese board and a coordinating cracker tray to elevate your next gathering. This beginner-friendly class covers the fundamentals of kiln-fused glass, including safe cutting, arranging your design, and the firing process that transforms your work into polished serveware. Use clear glass with colorful frit accents to achieve a clean, modern style that reflects your taste. Finished pieces measure approximately 5 by 9 inches for the cheese board and 7 by 10 inches for the cracker tray. Registration is $95 and includes all materials, tools, and instruction for one participant. As part of the Bar Set Series, this class offers a path to build a coordinated bar set by taking classes in each studio. Rated Discovery on the Adventure Meter.

United for the Unsheltered of Kalamazoo hosts a weekly meal. Pleasant weather is anticipated for this gathering.

Connections is a peer space for youth ages 12 to 18 who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, pansexual, or as allies. It offers a welcoming and confidential setting where individuality is respected and ideas are heard. Participants can build friendships, find support and acceptance, and explore educational topics with access to trustworthy information and potential resources. Attendees who are 18 must be currently enrolled in high school. No advance registration is required.

Enjoy a weekly Lorcana play event that follows the current set rotation and Ravensburger Play Rules. Entry is $7. Each participant receives a store-selected promo card and one booster from the newest set. The winner may exchange their promo for a different one. All players are entered into a random drawing, and the selected name picks a prize from the promo box such as a pin, lore counter, dice set, a bundle of three promos, and more. A minimum of four players is required for the event to run. If the minimum is not met, the standard tournament fee still applies and attendees receive the pack and a promo, with the option to choose their promo.

Thursday nights feature karaoke with DJ Keil at 1871 Taproom. Take the mic and sing your favorite songs.

Blue Line Remodeling & Construction is marking 20 years in business with a community-focused celebration that shares appreciation for the people who have supported the company. Customers, vendors, subcontractors, family members, friends, and anyone interested in learning more about the team are welcome to stop by. The gathering features cornhole and other yard games, food and drinks, cozy fire pits, prizes and giveaways, and opportunities to meet the Blue Line crew, all in an atmosphere that is suitable for all ages. For two decades the company has served homeowners across Southwest Michigan with roofing, siding, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and complete home remodeling. The event centers on gratitude, connection, and recognizing everyone who has been part of that journey.

Enjoy classic Cajun flavors with a menu that includes gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and crawfish.

At Latitude 42, this event pairs live music built on a funky groove with craft beer and food. The familiar sound sets an upbeat tone from start to finish.

Sounds of the Zoo is partnering with Old Dog to spotlight local talent and help sustain Kalamazoo’s creative pulse. The gathering focuses on community, offering a friendly setting where artists and music lovers can meet, encourage one another, and keep the city’s musical spirit thriving.

The Park Village Pines Fall Gala offers a dinner featuring Kirk Cameron at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Downtown Kalamazoo. Many know him as Mike Seaver from the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains, and he later focused on faith and family centered films including the Left Behind series, Fireproof, and Monumental, as well as hosting numerous live events on marriage, family, and parenting. He and his wife, Chelsea, met on the set of Growing Pains, have been married for 32 years, are parents of six, and co-host Camp Firefly, a no-cost summer camp for children with terminal illnesses and their families. Each ticket includes general admission to the gala dinner, and proceeds support the ongoing care of Park Village Pines residents. Sponsors helping make this possible include Platinum sponsors Best Way Disposal, DeNooyer Ford, Mall City Mechanical, and Metro Toyota, Gold sponsor Consumers Concrete, Silver sponsors Sackett's Flooring Solutions, SBF Enterprises, SJA Solutions, CT Electrical Services, Mulder's Landscape Supplies, First National Bank of Michigan, Kuipers Advisors, and Acrisure, along with Table sponsors Weed Man Lawn Care & Mosquito Hero and Zuiderveen Realty. Sponsorship opportunities are available at the Crown, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Table levels.

This session honors the full moon with an invigorating yoga sequence shaped by the rhythms of the Sun and Moon. Guided by Ahnee, the practice draws on her astrology expertise to explore the connection between these two celestial bodies. Afterward, participants can enjoy an alcohol-free beverage with a lunar twist and take part in a celestial-themed activity. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and attendees may bring a favorite mug or cup to use for the drink.

At LFG Bar, music bingo features a host who plays songs over the speakers while participants mark the tunes they recognize on their bingo cards. Completing five squares in a row earns a win and prizes. Guests can enjoy the bar’s food and distinctive drink options while the music plays.

This weekly session for the Bandai Gundam trading card game features an $8 entry. Participants receive a base participation booster pack along with a participation event pack, and the winner takes home a winner event pack.

The debut Battle on the Block brings a community fitness competition to Paw Paw, Michigan, hosted by CrossFit on the Block. Open to seasoned competitors and first-time entrants, it features two-person same gender teams with RX and Scaled divisions. Participants can look forward to challenging workouts that spotlight strength, endurance, and teamwork in a lively, encouraging setting alongside a welcoming community. Centered on testing limits, forging friendships, and showing up together, this high-energy event is being introduced with the aim of becoming a tradition the Paw Paw community anticipates each year.

Celebrate the season at a family-friendly fall festival and market featuring an outdoor craft and vendor show with more than 35 handmade artisans and crafters. Browse unique gifts while enjoying free admission, free parking, and live music. Kids can bounce on a giant jump pillow and zoom down a mega slide, and the farm fun continues with an apple cider mill, apple picking, and hayrides. Savor treats from the bakery and concession stand, including cider slushies and donuts, and relax with lunch on the patio. VerHage Fruit Farms & Cider Mill has welcomed visitors since 1960 and has been hosting shows for over 15 years. Vendors are invited to participate, with a $30 fee due on the day of the show, a reservation required in advance, and plenty of room on the farm for hundreds of makers. Inquiries are accepted by phone or email only.

Air Fair brings the thrill of aviation to Southwest Michigan with a free, family-friendly celebration at the airport. Guests of all ages can get close to a variety of aircraft, talk with pilots, and discover the technology and skill behind flight. Interactive displays and aviation exhibits invite hands-on learning, and there are food and drink options to enjoy. Attendees can also watch landings and takeoffs for an inside look at how the airport works. Young participants have the chance to take part in Young Eagles flights, supported by volunteers committed to introducing kids to aviation. The event unites families, local organizations, and aviation professionals in a welcoming environment that underscores the value of air travel in the region and inspires curiosity about the skies.

Operation Heaven Sent and the OHS 2nd Hand Store present the Circus Tent, held on the last Saturday of each month from April through September. Food offerings include chili dogs, nachos, chili cheese nachos, popcorn, and cotton candy. Proceeds benefit families in need, restock the blessing pantry, and purchase supplies for a free community event.

Operation Heaven Sent and The OHS 2nd Hand Store present The Circus Tent, offered on the last Saturday of each month from April through September. This gathering marks the final edition for 2026 and features favorites like chili dogs, nachos, chili cheese nachos, popcorn, and cotton candy. Proceeds help families in need, restock the blessing pantry, and cover supplies for a free community event.

Held at Spring Valley Park, this community 5K welcomes walkers and runners and also invites anyone who wishes to come solely for the remembrance after the finish, honoring babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Before and after the event, local organizations and community leaders will be available with perinatal bereavement resources and support. Participants can choose a one-loop walking route of 2 miles or a two-loop running course totaling 3.1 miles. Post-race snacks and water are provided, and parking is available on site with overflow on nearby streets. A family pricing option is offered for up to two adults and four children, and a free race shirt is available with early registration. Proceeds support three organizations that help individuals and families in Southwest Michigan and beyond who face pregnancy, stillbirth, and infant loss. The day includes a remembrance ceremony with brief remarks from the hosts, the reading of babies’ names, a moment of silence, awards for winners, and thanks to sponsors. Organized by Amos’ Anchors and Forever Loved, this event takes place rain or shine and honors Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.

Brunch is on at HighDive Kitchen + Bar with a lineup that blends comforting favorites and lively sips. Enjoy slow-braised corned beef with eggs or satisfy a sweet tooth with Bananas Foster French toast finished with house-made butter rum caramel. Sip espresso martinis crafted with fresh-pulled espresso, explore a Mimosa Mix-Up featuring ten creative variations, or go classic with a bold Bloody Mary. The regular menu is available during brunch, and reservations are not required.

Cousins Maine Lobster rolls into the International Airport Air Fair in Portage, serving fan favorites alongside a day of planes and family-friendly activities. For convenient pickup and rewards, the mobile ordering app includes a loyalty program that earns points toward free food. Orders placed through the app accrue points automatically, or guests can have their barcode scanned at the window. If app ordering is limited or unavailable, walk-up orders at the truck are welcome.

The inaugural Crooked Nook Book Fest brings together more than 80 authors and vendors. In the backyard, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks as well as a variety of food will be available for purchase. Entry costs $3. Further details will be shared.

At the Storytime Stage, a weekly storytime features readings of favorite classics alongside newer tales. After the stories, imaginations take center stage as participants dream up new worlds together.

Glow Hall hosts an all-ages evening of immersive ambient, experimental, dream-infused and electronic sounds featuring Windy & Carl with opening sets from Zelienople and DJ Karl Meier. Windy & Carl have spent three decades shaping mostly instrumental, cinematic music. Centered on guitars, their long-form ambient work intersects with excursions into dreampop and shoegaze. After signing to kranky in 1998 they built an extensive catalog and toured across the United States and Europe, sharing bills with Silver Apples, Tony Conrad and Terry Riley. The recent reissue of Consciousness drew praise from Boomkat for its airy, near-cosmic ambience and lasting impact on drift music, and Pitchfork has included the duo in roundups of landmark ambient and shoegaze albums. After a long pause from the stage, they returned for select live dates in 2025 and 2026. Zelienople brings the quartet of Matt Christensen, Brian Harding, Mike Weis and P.M. Tummala. The project began in Chicago in the late 1990s in rehearsal rooms above an antique shop, moved from loft happenings to clubs like Lounge Ax and the Empty Bottle, and issued early releases on Loosethread Recordings before working with labels including Root Strata, Type and Miasmah. With Tummala on keyboards, synths and vibraphone, the group most recently released Everything is Simple on Shelter Press, and the album is available now. DJ Karl Meier, a lifelong advocate for electronic and experimental music who came up through Chicago House and Detroit Techno, crafts forward-looking sets informed by the past. He has opened for artists such as Surgeon, Monolake and Jeff Mills, exploring the space between movement and reflection with an emphasis on energy, contrast and recontextualization. His collaboration with Jonathan “Stave” Krohn as Talker appears on the Downwards imprint, alongside two releases and remix work for Eye Teeth, Horizontal Ground and Kathexis. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. All ages are welcome.

Pride Recovery offers a weekly twelve-step meeting for LGBTQIA+ adults, ages 18 and older, who have been impacted by substance use. Sessions take place at OutFront Kalamazoo.

The Kalamazoo/Southwest Michigan Out of the Darkness Walk returns to Milham Park in Kalamazoo for a walk focused on helping save lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. Registration is free and simple. Day-of check-in will be available, followed by a program.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at The Vine Barn during a market that celebrates community, creativity, and the best of the local scene. Browse a variety of goods, discover distinctive work from artists and vendors from the area, and take time to unwind while supporting businesses and artists from the community. Freshly made mocktails and savory charcuterie are part of the offerings, and the setting provides a warm, welcoming place to relax and connect. Whether you are searching for a special gift or planning a low key outing with friends, this market offers an easy way to make the day feel special. It is also convenient to reach on foot or by bike from downtown Kalamazoo.

An open-topic, peer support group for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming adults 18 and older. Discussions are participant-led and shaped by the needs and interests of those in the room. Meetings take place at OutFront Kalamazoo.

Challenge your brain with nerdy-themed trivia featuring fresh rounds every month. The top three teams take home gift certificates, and anyone in cosplay gets 15% off their bill. This event recurs on the last Sunday of each month.

Unroll your mat for a 60-minute vinyasa class on the grass by the Flesher Field gazebo as the Park Yoga Summer Series returns for its fifth season. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat or a blanket. Advance signups are encouraged for planning, but drop-ins are welcome. The fee is $10, and it is free for unlimited members. Cash and credit cards are accepted, with no Venmo, PayPal, or Apple Pay.

Enjoy karaoke hosted by Xtreme Karaoke every Tuesday and Sunday night.

A fry-forward food truck is serving comfort food with a focus on loaded creations and familiar flavors. Build your meal on crispy fries or creamy mac and cheese, then choose from options like melted cheddar with onions and crunchy bacon for 13, or a Detroit coney style with chili, onions and cheddar for 13, with the option to add bacon for 2. Chicken fans can pick a version with crispy fried chicken, cheddar and bacon finished with house ranch for 15, or go spicy with ranch and buffalo sauce for 15. There is also a barbecue take that layers fried chicken, bacon, cheddar and onions with BBQ sauce for 15. Looking for something bold... try the nacho-inspired choice with seasoned ground beef, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and jalapenos topped with chipotle ranch for 16. A burger-themed pile brings seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and cheddar with the signature sauce for 16, and bacon can be added for 2 more. Handhelds and sides round out the menu. A crispy chicken sandwich on a toasted brioche bun comes with house slaw, pickles and signature sauce plus a side of plain fries for 15, with the option to add cheese for 2. A coney chili dog with cheddar and onions is 6. The chicken tenders combo includes two tenders, a side of plain fries and your choice of sauce for 14. Plain fries are 5, and you can make them cheesy for 2.

The event spotlights local author RJ Erskine, a veterinarian who spent three decades on the faculty at Michigan State University. His suspense fiction grows out of his own work within a Pennsylvania Amish community, bringing authentic detail to tales of a close knit rural society facing crises sparked by nature and by human corruption. His fourth book, The Coigreach, was published in early summer 2025.

At Shakespeares Lower Level, BlueBack opens the night with a full first set of original material. Afterward, the stage becomes a blues jam as the band invites top local musicians to sit in and play.

Downtown Kalamazoo comes alive for First Friday with a showcase of young creators from around the community. Artists, musicians, and artisans share their work while local shops and restaurants buzz with energy. Enjoy the Social District with a favorite beverage and take a leisurely stroll through downtown to soak up the lively atmosphere. Many businesses keep their doors open a little later, creating an evening for browsing, discovery, and connection. Parking perks include 90 minutes of free parking in the ramps.

The Taqueria La Yatekita food truck serves delicious, authentic homestyle Mexican cuisine.

A two-day celebration of belly dance brings workshops and a showcase together under one roof, headlined by renowned fusion artist Sharon Kihara with a featured session led by Mae the Bellydancer. All activities take place at the Dormouse Theater. Expect an engaging mix of training and performance, with registration open for both full-weekend and à la carte options. Mae’s Compelling Performances session focuses on magnetic stage presence by shaping a character that invites the audience into a story through honesty and vulnerability. Sharon Kihara’s Drum Solo intensive works through choreography built on Arab rhythms, developing crisp textures and shapes, then expands into group staging with formations and audience impact in mind, recommended for intermediate dancers and above. Sharon’s Return to the Center offers a high-energy reset with core conditioning, drills, technique and combinations to help dancers move out of their heads and into their bodies. Dance Your Darkness, rooted in the Japanese performance art lineage of Ankoku Butoh, explores how to channel personal and collective emotion into gesture and physical storytelling, welcoming dancers and non-dancers alike with no special training required. Registration is open, with an early-bird full weekend package available and individual workshops offered at early-bird and standard rates ranging from $45 to $100. Showcase admission is $20. To register, payments are accepted via PayPal at raksanais@gmail.com, and notes should include workshop selections and attendee names. All workshops are nonrefundable. Performers interested in the showcase may email with contact information and a video link that represents their dance style. Pieces are limited to four minutes, and all performers must be registered for at least one workshop. Workshop attendees are asked to park in the rear and use Door #2.

The third annual White Cane 5K spotlights White Cane Safety Day and Disability Awareness Month through a community run dedicated to visibility, inclusion, and support. Backed by the generosity of sponsors and participants, last year’s effort delivered a $500 contribution to the Michigan Foundation for the Blind. The goal is to build on that momentum and raise even more this year, creating a meaningful impact while celebrating awareness and accessibility.

Create personalized stamped greeting cards during a recurring session held on the first Saturday of each month. Every gathering features seasonal or holiday themes. Stamps and other supplies are provided so you can make as many cards as you like for 25 cents per card. Craft thoughtful messages for friends, family, and special occasions. This activity is for adults only.

Next Stop Comedy brings stand-up to Presidential Brewing Co., featuring a fresh lineup at every show. Performers include comics with television and podcast credits, so the bill changes each time for a new experience. Enjoy live comedy in a casual brewery setting.

Chris Karl brings an acoustic rock solo performance to Sit and Stay Winery in Downtown Kalamazoo. The set features his twist on singalong staples, hidden gems, and one hit wonders spanning six decades of rock and pop, presented in a relaxed winery atmosphere with drinks and plenty of familiar tunes.

Enjoy coffee and conversation with the Chamber Business Network at Biggby Coffee Mattawan. This relaxed, welcoming meet-up brings together local businesses in a casual setting, open to longtime members as well as those new to the community. Each gathering features a brief round of introductions so participants can share what they do, followed by open discussion designed to spark connections, collaboration, and growth. Bring business cards, grab a cup of coffee, and connect in a supportive environment. All businesses are welcome, and no membership is required.

At Portage District Library, a presentation explores the growing worldwide interest in dark tourism, with a focus on Michigan’s haunted places and the histories connected to them. Rather than seasonal haunted houses, the emphasis is on year-round destinations where research into the past intersects with the search for spirits and connections to the afterlife. The program is led by Dianna Stampfler, author of “Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses” and “Death & Lighthouses on the Great Lakes.” Drawing on years of mostly firsthand research, she has written about haunted restaurants, hotels, attractions, tours, and festivals across Michigan and has connected with mediums, investigators, paranormal groups, tour operators, and event planners who recognize the impact of paranormal tourism on their communities while honoring their haunted heritage in respectful, educational, and entertaining ways. The presentation highlights Michigan’s darker history and offers ideas for places and events to explore throughout the state.

A two-day class dedicated to making the Feathered Friends accessory bags. Across two sessions, participants learn the construction process and sew through the steps to build their bags.

Best Coast Provisions brings a food truck menu inspired by the Great Lakes region. The fare is expertly seasoned and made fresh, prepared without ever seeing a freezer.

The session opens with reflection on the energies of the sun and moon, then moves into unhurried, restorative yoga designed for deep rest.

Serve for Kids is an annual effort to raise awareness and funds to prevent and treat all forms of child abuse, underscored by the reality that an average of 13 reports of abuse and neglect are filed each day in Kalamazoo County. The day begins at West Hills Athletic Club with a tennis clinic for S.T.R.E.E.T. and Niñas Del Corazón participants, who receive coaching and time on court with the Kalamazoo College Women's Tennis Team. Each child takes home a swag bag provided by generous sponsors, packed with new tennis shoes, hygiene items, school supplies, snacks, clothing, and more. The action also starts in the morning at the brand-new Latitude 42 Pickleball Complex with a pickleball tournament that sets a lively, competitive tone. In the afternoon, activities return to West Hills Athletic Club for Ultimate Cardio Tennis, followed by a reception, dinner, and program. Dinner tickets may be purchased separately. Proceeds benefit the S.T.R.E.E.T. and Niñas Del Corazón afterschool programs and the Bill Wright Children’s Advocacy Center at Community Healing Centers.

Experience a new Renaissance festival in downtown Galesburg, Michigan, set along the river amid the trees at Riverside Park. The Great Raven Renaissance Festival features entertainers, a large number of vendors, and plenty of great food in Southwest Michigan. It is hosted by Rockhound Rock Shop, known as the largest rock shop in Michigan.

Megan R. Buck leads a practical session that clears up common misconceptions about hypnosis and shows participants simple, effective self-hypnosis methods for deep relaxation, pursuing goals, and more. The program includes two guided imagery experiences, step-by-step instruction with take-home guidance to continue practicing independently, and a series of therapeutic writing and drawing activities designed to reduce stress, encourage left-right brain integration, and spark creativity. Each attendee receives a mini handwriting analysis. Megan is a certified hypnotherapist, second-degree Reiki practitioner, author, and advanced handwriting analyst, and she practices through The Inkwell: Hypnotherapy & Beyond. Cost is $50 per person.

This family-friendly mini convention takes place at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center and showcases local gaming, cosplay, crafting, and robotics. It also highlights artists and authors from the community, with plenty more to explore.

Every second Saturday of the month, meet adoptable animals at Chow Hound. Adopting a pet requires prior approval.

Boos In The Zoo returns to Downtown Kalamazoo for an afternoon of seasonal fun at Kalamazoo Mall. Explore decorated storefronts, set out on a pumpkin scavenger hunt tucked throughout the shops, and enjoy trick-or-treating for all ages. Costumes are encouraged, and there are chances to enjoy sips from downtown spots as you stroll. Expect cozy autumn energy, community spirit, and a touch of downtown magic.

The Great Raven Renaissance Festival of Glenshire announces the ascension of Queen Magdalena of the house Scudamore and presents a grand coronation ceremony in her honor. This celebration welcomes a new monarch whose reign is hailed for kindness and strength. Attendees are encouraged to wear their finest attire for this regal occasion at the festival.

Ohhyeah Foodtruck rolls in with a fry-first take on comfort food, offering a menu built around loaded fries or mac and cheese plus a few hearty handhelds. Highlights include Showtime at $13 with melted cheddar, onions, and crisp bacon, and the Detroiter at $13 with Coney Island style chili, onions, and cheddar, with a bacon add-on for $2. Fried chicken creations range from Up in the Club at $15 with cheddar, bacon, and house ranch, to Want My Baby Back at $15 with barbecue sauce, onions, cheddar, and bacon, and the Hot Chick at $15 finished with ranch and a spicy buffalo kick. For beef lovers, Na-Cho Basic at $16 stacks seasoned ground beef, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños under a drizzle of chipotle ranch, while Cheeseburger Eddie at $16 layers ground beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and cheddar with Ohh Yeah sauce, with bacon available for $2. Handhelds and sides round out the spread. Carmy’s Chicken Sandy at $15 features a tender on a toasted brioche bun with signature slaw, pickles, and Ohh Yeah sauce, served with a side of plain fries, and you can add cheese for $2. There is also a $6 chili dog topped with chili, cheddar, and onions, a $14 chicken tenders combo with two tenders, plain fries, and a choice of sauce, and Naked Fries at $5 with the option to make them cheesy for $2.

Uncover surprising chapters of Michigan history, from why the Great Seal bears the date 1835 even though statehood followed two years later, to the World War II moments when Japan bombed two sites in the state, and the story of a Michigan state highway where cars are not allowed. Michigan historian Jay Follis, former curator of the Gilmore Car Museum, leads this presentation and shares many more little-known facts from within the state’s borders.

An expansive showcase of reptiles, tropical birds, and small exotic animals fills 20,000 square feet at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center and Fairgrounds. The floor plan features wide aisles and an open layout, making it easy to browse at a comfortable pace. In addition to a diverse selection of animals to see and take home, vendors offer new and used tanks and enclosures, plus essentials like heating, lighting, filters, substrates, and more. Feeders are available too, including crickets, mealworms, silkworms, hornworms, superworms, and both live and frozen rodents, along with other supplies for exotic pet care.

Schultz Fruitridge Farms presents a family-focused fall day that also marks the farm’s 75th anniversary. The day features food from Texas Corners Brewing Company, live music from Pete Schumann, complimentary pumpkin painting for children 12 and under, and face painting. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

Experience the forest’s shift into fall on a guided walk with volunteer Naturalist Educator Lorri at Oshtemo Township Park. This free, drop in program welcomes all ages and does not require registration. The route covers about three quarters of a mile on gentle trails and features hands-on activities that highlight how plants and animals prepare for colder, darker months. Participants receive a small item to take home. The group meets at the Rotary Club of Oshtemo Pavilion in the park. The park is served by Metro Bus Route 14 West Main at the Oshtemo Public Library stop 1221, with some walking from the stop, and more direct options are available via Metro Link and Metro Connect. This is a volunteer-led program.

Settle into a candlelit setting for a full dinner while the words of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley spring to life. The evening blends a playful spirit with the moody allure of the gothic, pairing romance with shivers in equal measure. Suited for curious minds, adventurous spirits, and anyone drawn to darkly beautiful tales. The dinner menu can be viewed during registration. Come for the flavors, stay for the thrills, and depart with your imagination buzzing.

Designed for caregivers, this sound immersion offers a calm place to arrive exactly as you are, in the company of people who understand, with no need to explain. The session begins with an optional check-in, then shifts into restorative sound using singing bowls, chimes, and gong to encourage deep rest and a gentle reset for the nervous system. The focus is on receiving rather than giving. Yoga mats, blankets, and bolsters will be provided and set up ahead of time. Participants are welcome to bring a favorite blanket, pillow, or eye mask for added comfort, and may choose to lie down or remain seated throughout. Held at The Origami House, a community space in Kalamazoo for sound and transformation. The fee is $45. Because space is limited, there are no refunds.

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.

Celebrate the season at Halloween Forest, a free, family-friendly alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Enjoy a costume contest, Halloween-themed games, and other fun activities for all ages. More details will be announced soon.

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.

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.

Arctoberfest brings people together for an evening of celebration and giving. Every bid and contribution helps make a difference in the lives of individuals who experience a disability and helps keep services at no cost to families. The evening features an open bar, delicious hors d'oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction in a festive setting focused on meaningful change.

Cousins Maine Lobster brings its food truck to the area, pairing national recognition with local ownership. Working with neighborhood entrepreneurs, the team serves the sweet, tender flavors of Maine lobster and keeps the focus on community.

The farewell season at Wings Event Center begins with the home opener against the Toledo Walleye. Set on the same date as the first home game in 1974, this matchup ushers in a new chapter while honoring the past.

A City of Kalamazoo recycling drop-off at the Mayor’s Riverfront Park parking lot provides an easy way to divert hard to recycle materials from the landfill. Accepted items include EPS foam, electronics, large pieces of cardboard, dental plastics, and water filters, and document shredding is available. This installment of the community drop-off series focuses on materials that are not suited for curbside recycling and offers a straightforward option for responsible disposal.

Downtown Kalamazoo comes alive for First Friday Art Hop with the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. The theme, Legacy, encourages exploration through creativity, expression, and connection as galleries, businesses, and creative spaces open their doors and fill the district with art, music, and community spirit. Local shops and restaurants stay lively while artists, musicians, and makers share their work in welcoming spaces. Enjoy a beverage in the Social District, take a stroll along the Kalamazoo Mall, and take in the vibrant atmosphere. A helpful perk makes getting here simpler with 90 minutes of free parking available in the ramps.

The Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools Foundation introduces a new community adventure, the Ramazing Race. Teams of two adults will make their way through the Galesburg-Augusta area by solving clues and tackling challenges, with plenty of fun along the way. Entry is $50 per team. Prizes and drawings are planned at each stop, along with a big dose of Ram pride. More details will be announced.

Fallen but not Forgotten Military, Operation Heaven Sent, and the OHS 2nd Hand Store present a free brunch for veterans. Held on the third Sunday of every month, the event features a choice of biscuits and gravy or pancakes with sausage. Those who wish to support can contact Kim Enders to sponsor a veteran.

Fallen but not Forgotten Military, Operation Heaven Sent, and the OHS 2nd Hand Store are hosting a complimentary brunch for veterans. The meal features a choice of biscuits and gravy or pancakes with sausage. To sponsor a veteran, please contact Kim Enders.

A large holiday craft show fills the Kalamazoo County Expo Center with more than 300 booths to explore. Stroll the aisles, shop for seasonal crafts, and enjoy a friendly shopping atmosphere. Admission is free.

The City of Kalamazoo will host its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Bronson Park, with festive activities and a highlight moment when the park lights come on. This celebration brings the community together to honor the holiday season and the diverse traditions that make it special. Additional details will be shared as the event draws near.

Art Hop brings Downtown Kalamazoo to life in collaboration with the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. The theme, Belonging, invites exploration of creativity, expression, and connection across the district. Galleries, businesses, and creative spaces come alive with art, music, and community energy. Local shops and restaurants stay lively as artists, musicians, and makers share their work. Enjoy a beverage in the Social District, take a relaxed stroll along the Kalamazoo Mall, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Parking ramps provide 90 minutes of free parking to make getting downtown easier.

A Christmas-themed craft show among the largest in the area takes place at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It features a festive atmosphere and a showcase of crafts.

Celebrate the season at a free community gathering hosted by the Kalamazoo Youth Action Council. Sip complimentary hot chocolate beneath the holiday lights in Bronson Park, take part in cheerful activities, and drop a letter to Santa in his mailbox. A take-home holiday craft bag will be available. More information will be shared as the event gets closer.

BlueBack kicks things off with an opening set of original music, then welcomes standout players from around the area to the stage to play the blues. The format blends a focused performance by the band with a collaborative segment featuring rotating guests from the local scene.