Events in Kalamazoo, MI

Loads of Love offers practical help with laundry for community members. HOPE provides the quarters, detergent, and dryer sheets needed to wash and dry up to three loads. There are no eligibility requirements or obstacles to participate. Attendees are asked only for a zip code, which helps HOPE understand where services are reaching in St. Joseph County and supports growth into new areas. Bring your laundry, and everything required for three loads will be supplied on site. A table by the HOPE van in the parking lot will also offer complimentary items such as prepackaged food, hygiene supplies, cleaning products, and other donated goods. This effort is dedicated to meeting a basic need with dignity, respect, and love while serving the Three Rivers area.

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.

Celebrate 15 years of business with The Spirit of Kalamazoo. The anniversary celebration will feature special 15% off deals and cake, and takes place during downtown Art Hop on the Kalamazoo Mall.

Savor traditional homestyle Mexican cuisine with authentic flavors.

Coaches guide players through basketball drills focused on ball handling, shooting, passing, and defense. Participants also take part in full-court drills, competitions, and simulated game situations, helping prepare them for league play. Campers should wear athletic clothing and may bring a sports bottle for drink breaks. Friends and family are welcome to watch.

The Riviera Theatre hosts The Insiders, a six piece band delivering a faithful Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert experience. Praised by veteran music journalist John Sinkevics of Local Spins for raising the bar among tributes, the group captures the sound and presence of Tom Petty with striking authenticity. With decades of combined stage and touring work, these seasoned players have built a reputation for packed rooms and high energy performances. Tickets are $20 when purchased online in advance and $25 at the ticket booth.

Take part in weekly play for the Bandai Gundam Trading Card Game. Entry includes a participation booster pack and a participation event pack, with the winner receiving a winner event pack.

Enjoy a music bingo night at LFG Bar, where a host plays songs over the speakers and players mark them on their bingo cards. Get five in a row to win prizes, and enjoy the bar’s food and drink options while listening to music.

Kalamazoo Civic Theatre presents Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky at the Parish Theatre, a play inspired by astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. The story begins when Leavitt joins the group of women “computers” at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, where she is not allowed to use a telescope or present original ideas while charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who gives little consideration to their insights. In the quiet hours beyond her assigned duties, she studies the light and distance of stars and weighs her devotion to science alongside family responsibilities and the possibility of love. The production considers a woman’s place during a period of major scientific discovery, when women’s contributions were often overlooked or credited to others. One performance offers ASL interpretation and audio description services. Tickets are $35 for adults, $27 for seniors 65 and older, $25 for students 13 and up, and $17 for children 12 and under. A Flex Pass 4 subscription is $99 and includes four admissions that can be used as desired. Group rates are available for 12 or more seats to the same performance through the box office. By Lauren Gunderson. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service.

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.

Learn about the invasive species reshaping Michigan’s ecosystems in a program at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Using examples such as garlic mustard, sea lamprey, and the spotted lanternfly, the session explores native habitats, how nonnative species arrive and spread, and ways to respond with empathy while addressing their impacts. The gathering takes place in the Cooper’s Glen Auditorium within the Visitor Center. Admission is included with general entry to the Kalamazoo Nature Center, and members attend at no additional cost. Suitable for participants of any age.

The Battle Creek Pride Resource Closet offers free clothing support for queer, transgender, and non-binary people starting fresh with their wardrobe. Visitors can find fittings, clothes, shoes, accessories, binders, and bras. No appointment is needed.

Take part in a monthly card making session held on the first Saturday, with themes that follow the seasons and upcoming holidays. Craft custom greeting cards for loved ones and special occasions using provided stamps and materials. There is no limit to how many you can create, and the cost is 25 cents per card. This event is for adults only.

YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps is bringing Michigan and Michigan State fans together for a tailgate before the rivalry football game. Look for the group in the Champions East lot outside Gate 1 and the band tunnel on the Crisler side of Michigan Stadium. Updates will be shared once kickoff information is announced.

Enjoy a weekly storytime featuring beloved stories, both new and old, and explore the worlds imagination can create.

Pool tournaments at Red Arrow feature a double elimination format using 8-ball rules with a call-your-shot requirement. The entry fee is $5. RAR hosts on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, while SAL hosts on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays.

An experienced volunteer will provide toenail trimming for your cat in exchange for a $10 donation.

Create whimsical glass mushroom pendants in a beginner-friendly class introducing the art of flame working. Using colorful glass rods, hand tools, and a tabletop torch, participants will learn how glass responds to heat and practice basic techniques for shaping and decorating wearable artwork. Most participants make one to three unique pendants, depending on their pace. Open to all skill levels, with no previous glass art experience required. Participants must be at least 12 years old. Tools, materials, and the finished project are included, with completed pendants ready for pickup five to seven days later.

At Horrocks of Battle Creek, great food and drinks pair with a soundtrack of funky, jazzy blues. Enjoy flavorful bites and refreshing sips as soulful rhythms set a relaxed vibe throughout the gathering.

Sensory-Friendly Sundays at the Air Zoo offers a special early opening designed for visitors with sensory sensitivities. The atmosphere is intentionally calmer with softened lighting, reduced noise, quiet areas, and tailored activities. Rides begin later and may increase overall noise in the main exhibit hall. Full operations resume afterward, and quiet spaces remain available. Sensory bags containing fidget tools, noise canceling headphones, and other helpful resources are available to borrow at no cost, while supplies last.

This weekly twelve-step recovery program is open to LGBTQIA+ individuals ages 18 and older who are affected by substance abuse.

An in-person quarter auction takes place at The Venue at 68 in Galesburg, where attendees can purchase paddles, bid with quarters, and win new items. Lunch will be available. Funds raised will be donated to families in need, helping provide Christmas gifts and dinner.

Observing 250 years since the founding of the American experiment, this fall program offers space for contemplation and celebration at a time when national identity can feel sharply split online. The concert features Gustav Holst’s seldom performed Japanese Suite, Florence Price’s Ethiopia’s Shadow in America, and Felix Mendelssohn’s Reformation Symphony. Together these works shape a thoughtful tribute that invites listeners to consider history, culture, and renewal.

The Fort Wayne Komets face the Kalamazoo Wings in a hockey matchup at Wings Event Center. The game offers a chance to follow the action, including line changes, special teams, and momentum shifts, in an intimate arena setting.

Transforming Parents is a peer-led group for parents of trans and gender-expansive people of all ages. It offers a space to build community and support one another through the parenting journey.

Xtreme Karaoke hosts karaoke nights in Kalamazoo. Come sing and enjoy an evening of karaoke.

OutFront Kalamazoo partners with Ms. Kalamazoo Pride 2025, Jade Harmony, for a monthly Queer Craft Night that invites community members to relax, chat, and get creative. Participants can work on personal projects or use the materials provided. Activities include drawing, collage, sewing, painting, and origami, with additional options available. Open to ages 14 and up, this gathering takes place at OutFront Kalamazoo.

RCL’s Cookbook Club offers a welcoming way to discover new recipes while exploring a different cookbook or theme each month. Make a dish at home from the featured selection, then bring it to share and talk about with other food enthusiasts. The September pick is Ree Drummond’s The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The Essential Recipes, October features Priya Krishna’s Indian(-ish), and November highlights Vanessa Seder’s Warm Your Bones: Cozy Recipes For Chilly Says And Winter Nights. Before the meetup, visit the library to choose a recipe from the month’s book, prepare it, bring it, and taste alongside the group. This program takes place outside regular library hours, so access may be limited, lights may be off, doors may be locked, and circulation services may be unavailable. If arriving more than five minutes after the start could happen, entry may be difficult, so please contact the library ahead of time if that is a concern.

Explore what clothing communicates in an ArtBreak talk with fashion historian Iris Carney Cooper. She examines how art, history, and design principles allow makers to shape the body for narrative effect, considering how attire can signal identity and which construction choices help convey a broader story. The session highlights practical ways to read garments by looking at trends, symbolic details, and the social expectations that influence what we wear. Cooper teaches at Western Michigan University and manages the Historic Garment Collection. Her training includes a BA in Fashion Design and Merchandising from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, and a Graduate Certificate in History from Western Michigan University. Statement Pieces is organized in collaboration with Barrett Barrera Projects, with support from Diane and Randy Eberts and Heritage Community of Kalamazoo.

Explore basic floral design with fresh flowers in a hands-on, one-hour workshop led by skilled designers who share practical tips to help blooms last longer and look their best. Each attendee will create a bouquet to take home, and the $35 price includes all necessary supplies. All ticket sales are final.

At Kiln Fusing Studio, craft a 5 by 5 inch fused glass candy dish inspired by the season. Choose from transparent and opalescent glass in wintry shades or cheerful holiday colors, and design a one of a kind piece while learning how to safely cut, arrange, and kiln fire glass into a finished artwork. The session welcomes all skill levels and requires no prior experience. Pieces make versatile accents for the home, working well as a candy dish, spoon rest, seasonal touch, or catch all. The price is $55 and covers all tools, materials, and your finished piece. Participants must be at least 12 years old. Completed projects will be ready for pickup within 5 to 7 days. This class is noted on the Discovery Adventure Meter.

Faith Baptist Church Battle Creek hosts a packing party in support of Operation Christmas Child, focused on assembling shoebox gifts that are prayed over and shared with love. Through this outreach, children around the world receive both a present and the message of Jesus Christ. In the past year alone, more than 12.2 million children in over one hundred countries received boxes, many hearing the Gospel for the first time, and millions making decisions to follow Jesus. Whether it is a first box or a fiftieth, every carefully prepared gift can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

The New Mexico Goatheads take on the Kalamazoo Wings in a head to head matchup. Fans of both sides can look forward to a competitive contest.

The experience starts with a gentle reflection on the energies of the Sun and Moon, then transitions into an evening of slow, restorative yoga centered on deep rest.

An all-ages concert gathers the return of MUDBUKIT with Taylor Mountain, Dischorded, RPM, and Crush sharing one stage for a packed night of live music. Each band performs a 40-minute set to keep the momentum going. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the show.

This event features 20 to 25 raffle baskets, a balloon pop, a bake sale, a treasure trove, a $5 room, and a white elephant section, and lunch will be served. Raffle winners will be drawn.

A trunk show at the Portage location spotlights designer eyewear, with select clearance frames priced from $49.99 and a showcase of luxury labels including Gucci, Dutz, ProDesign and more. Attendees can browse new looks and enter an on-site raffle for a chance to win free frames.

This monthly meetup at Java Jones Roasters in Richland is for adults who enjoy talking about books. Participants discuss what they are reading, exchange suggestions, and learn about upcoming additions to the library. There is no assigned book, creating a relaxed, book club style experience.

This free mindfulness meditation retreat, led by Eric Nelson from Stress Less Kalamazoo, offers space to rest, quiet the mind, and nourish the spirit. Participants will explore gentle yoga, walking meditation, concentration and mindfulness, effortless mindfulness, and compassion practices focused on self-care, emotional balance, and awareness. Please bring a bag lunch. Coffee and tea will be provided, and chairs are available. A light jacket or sweater, blanket, cushion, yoga mat, or water bottle may support personal comfort. Space is limited.

Build a character, toss some dice, and create a shared story with fellow players. This ongoing series offers self-contained one-shot tabletop roleplaying sessions for LGBTQIA+ gaymers and allies, welcoming participants of every age and experience level. Adventures span genres such as superheroes, giant mechs, high fantasy, cozy journeys, and more. If you would like to GM, contact Xiaoyi at xiaoyi@outfrontkzoo.org.

Pianist Yefim Bronfman performs Liszt’s Second Piano Concerto, a work that moves seamlessly through a series of changing ideas. Brahms’ Fourth Symphony closes the concert with a powerful journey of transformation and emotional intensity, building to a gripping finale.

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.

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.

The New Mexico Goatheads face the Kalamazoo Wings at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, MI. This head-to-head matchup brings these two teams together under one roof.

The Naghash Ensemble brings together the spiritual resonance of Armenian sacred song, new classical composition, and contemporary global influences. Three female vocalists perform alongside instrumentalists on duduk, oud, dhol, and piano, sharing original music by Armenian-American composer John Hodian inspired by the poetry of 15th-century Armenian mystic and priest Mkrtich Naghash. Blending folk traditions, classical forms, and improvisation, the ensemble creates a musical journey connecting cultures and centuries.

Each month, embroidery instructor Deb selects a different theme or project and guides participants through every step. The cost is $15.

Settle into the Salt Den at The Zen Dens for a restorative session with Connie and Tina. The gathering offers guided conversation and practical tools for current times in a calming, supportive setting. While you relax in the salt environment with Reiki energy, they will share teachings, then provide dual, hands-on Reiki for each participant. Capacity is limited, and attendance must be confirmed in advance. The energy exchange is $45, payable by cash, check, or SacredHeartSerenity on Venmo.

This free peer support group offers a welcoming space for people who have experienced suicide loss to find understanding, comfort, hope, and a listening ear. Participants and facilitators have experienced suicide loss, and the group provides an opportunity to connect with others who understand while learning to cope with grief and move toward healing. Hosted by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Calhoun County, the group meets in the upstairs meeting room at Willard Library. Registration is not required, and walk-ins are welcome. This is not a Willard Library program.

Start the season with holiday themed team trivia bingo at the First Presbyterian Church of Richland, next door to the Richland Community Library. Designed for adults, teams of two to six players will compete while enjoying snacks and the chance to win prizes. Advance registration is required and must be completed before the day of trivia. If registration is full, contact the library, as more than 10 teams may be accommodated.

A presentation by Mental Health Through Art LLC will be held at Asian Buffet Hibachi Grill in Battle Creek. First-time guests receive a complimentary meal.

Get into the Thanksgiving spirit with a hands on cookie decorating class that turns plain cookies into festive keepsakes. Learn icing tips and creative techniques in a guided session, then take home a set of decorated treats. All materials are provided, so bring your imagination. Beginners are welcome with step by step instruction throughout. Perfect for a friends night out or a solo creative break, this in store class costs $40 per person. Space is limited. Led by Shawnteel Blodgett-Cardoza, owner of Cookies N More in Portage, MI. For health and safety, anyone showing symptoms such as fever, cough, or a runny nose may be refused participation. Disruptive behavior that interferes with the session or other participants may result in removal.

Connect with community partners at a CPAN meeting featuring Voces at The Kool Family Community Center (Valentine Room). Voces is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the LatinX community through advocacy, education, leadership development, and supportive services. Hear how organizations can contribute to their vision and explore practical ways to collaborate. Light refreshments will be available during networking. The gathering emphasizes in-person conversation to spark spontaneous collaboration, so no virtual option is offered. Attendees are encouraged to invite colleagues who would benefit and to bring brochures, flyers, and business cards to share with the group.

Get ready for colder weather while learning how to make your home welcoming to the birds that stay through winter. Heather from Wild Birds Unlimited will lead a focused conversation on practical steps for supporting wintering species and ways to enjoy native birds all year. The session will be held at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, meeting in the Cooper’s Glen Auditorium inside the Visitor Center. It is designed with adults 50 and older in mind, though all ages are invited. Registration is recommended, and drop-ins are welcome. Participation is included with regular Kalamazoo Nature Center admission, and KNC members attend at no additional cost.

This lecture delves into the long history of vessels made for preparing and drinking whisked, powdered tea, which have been treasured for over a millennium. Originating in China and taking on distinct significance in Japan, these ceramics are closely tied to chadō, the Way of Tea, shaped by the Zen Buddhist view that everyday practices can foster self-cultivation. Dr. Meghen Jones discusses how leading ceramists in Japan continue this legacy through their choices of materials, methods, and forms. Dr. Jones is Professor of Art History at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, with research focused on Japanese and global ceramics histories, modernity, and cultural production. Her recent work includes the edited and co-edited volumes Path of the Teabowl and Ceramics and Modernity in Japan, as well as the forthcoming A Global History of Japanese Ceramics. In 2024 she received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship.

The RCL Book Club will discuss Wisdom Corner by David Heska Wanbli Weiden, following Virgil Wounded Horse as he tries to leave behind his past as a hired vigilante on the Rosebud Indian Reservation but is drawn back after the killing of a prominent community figure. His pursuit of justice puts him up against the Pine Ridge 705, a gang from a neighboring reservation seeking to push into Rosebud, and Mitch Gagnon, a politician determined to grow his power. With a tribal council election heating up and new information emerging about past injustices at the local Native boarding school, the stakes rise as Virgil searches for answers. Print copies will be available at the library one month before the discussion. Digital editions are available through Libby and Hoopla.

Wild Daisy Creative leads a hands-on class focused on creating a chunky knit blanket using the herringbone stitch. Learn how to start and finish a lap blanket, with the option to make it larger. All supplies are included, and two hours are allotted to work on your project. If your blanket is not complete by the end, you may take the remaining materials home to finish it. When purchasing a ticket, include one yarn color choice in the notes from these options: Grey, Rose, Plum, Blue, Green, Brown, Mustard, Dark Red, or Cream. If a color is not specified, one will be selected. The class fee is $75.

Rodney Carrington takes the stage at W K Kellogg Auditorium with a career that spans stand-up, television, film, books, and hit comedy albums. A comedian, actor, singer, and writer, he has ranked among the top 10 highest-grossing touring comedians for more than twenty years. His catalog includes eight major-label releases and three albums on his own Laughter's Good Records, highlighted by Get Em Out, which reached number one on iTunes, and Here Comes the Truth, a top-three release that led to a Netflix special and tens of millions of streams. He first broke through with Hangin’ With Rodney, followed by a long run of Top 10 comedy albums including Live, Morning Wood, Nutsack, Greatest Hits, King of the Mountains, El Nino Loco, C’mon Laugh You Bastards, Laughter’s Good, and The Hits, as well as the holiday album Make It Christmas featuring the original song Camouflage and Christmas Lights. On screen, he starred in the ABC sitcom Rodney, co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in Beer for My Horses, which received the Tex Ritter Award from the ACM, and appeared on numerous television programs, including hosting American Country New Year’s Eve Live on FOX, with recognition from the CMT Music Video Awards for Supporting Character of the Year. He is also the author of Rodney Carrington, Coming Clean, published by Hatchette Books. Mature audiences only.

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 Holiday Craft Show features more than 300 booths, with a wide variety of vendors and extended shopping hours. Admission is free.

This day offers no-cost entry to the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Trails are open and the Visitor Center is closed. The Nature Center hosts multiple free-entry dates across the year, with additional opportunities noted on its calendar. Membership provides complimentary admission all year.

This community Thanksgiving dinner returns for its second year, welcoming anyone who would like to share a meal together. The main dishes and essentials will be provided, and guests are invited to bring a favorite item to share. The Lions game will be shown on TV for those who want to watch. Everyone is welcome.

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.

Odyssey Games is hosting a Marvel Crisis Protocol tournament for players of all experience levels and playstyles. The event uses Standard Timeline restrictions and three rounds of Swiss pairings. Players should bring the rules, tools, tokens, accessories, assembled models, and a legal team roster, along with any required tokens or clear proxies. Models do not need to be painted. Tables, terrain, and a visible round timer will be provided. Store credit is awarded based on final standings, with additional store credit for playing a fully painted Battle Ready army.

Two fan favorites come together for one big night as the K-Wings face the Wheeling Nailers. Attendees can bring a new stuffed animal to toss onto the ice when the K-Wings score their first goal, and the U.S. Marine Corps will collect the bears for Toys for Tots. The night also shines a spotlight on Hockey Fights Cancer with Lavender Ice, presented by WMCC. After the game, a specialty jersey auction will be held, with proceeds benefiting WMCC.

Enjoy live music while you sip a drink and shop for groceries. A casual set provides a soundtrack as you pick up what you need.

Celebrate the season with the rich sound of the Kalamazoo Male Chorus, the Kalamazoo Ringers, and guest ensemble Kalamazoo Community Chorale, bringing together more than 100 singers. The program features familiar carols, new arrangements, and moments of quiet harmony. Tickets use a pay-what-you-can model, with a suggested price of $10 and options starting at free. Proceeds support music in the Kalamazoo community, and all profit is shared by the Kalamazoo Male Chorus and Kalamazoo Ringers.

Students seeking support with scholarship applications can take part in a hands-on workshop focused on building stronger essays and telling personal stories clearly to improve competitiveness for funding. Participants receive step-by-step guidance on scholarship essay writing, practical strategies for standing out to reviewers, and dedicated time to begin working on applications during the session. Please bring a laptop, tablet, or similar device, since this is an interactive working event. Registration is encouraged and space may be limited. Whether you are just starting your search or finalizing materials, this workshop aims to help you put your best work forward.

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 craft show at West Point Hills Community Center encourages people to share the news with family and friends. Prospective vendors can request an application by messaging the organizer or emailing aliceraymond610@gmail.com. For safety, vendor applications are handled only through this contact and any other claims of accepting vendors should be reported as scams.

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 National Fat Bike Day with a ride at Ott Biological Preserve. Riders can choose between two groups, one riding singletrack and the other taking the main gravel trail. Everyone is welcome, including those without a fat bike. The preserve is best suited to gravel or mountain bikes, or any bike with tires wider than road tires.

Always Hallways brings together performers from many backgrounds to craft spontaneous comedy sparked by ideas from the crowd. The ensemble experiments with a range of improv formats, turning chance moments into quick, funny stories that can head in any direction. Each show opens new possibilities and explores fresh avenues of imagination. Tickets are $15. Intended for mature audiences.

Kristen will give a talk, and anyone attending for the first time may eat at no cost.

The Winter Showcase concert highlights students from Kalamazoo Kids in Tune, a program run by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra alongside its sister initiative Orchestra Rouh. In partnership with Kalamazoo Public Schools, the program offers after-school music, orchestral training, and youth development at KPS Woods Lake Elementary and Milwood Magnet School. Participants range from early elementary through high school, studying instruments and chamber music with daily lessons and orchestra rehearsals. This performance shares the progress these young musicians have built through their work in the program.

Downtown Battle Creek shines with holiday lights, and this group hike takes in the seasonal display along the Linear Park Trail by the river, where scenes from the Twelve Days of Christmas appear behind the Kellogg House. The route follows Avenza map 076 MI LP 530.5 and turns around at MI 527.5 for roughly six miles. Hikers can shorten the distance as needed, and a Chief Noonday Chapter volunteer can guide anyone back safely. The outing is centered at Clara’s on the River, where restrooms are available, and a pre-hike dinner is planned under the reservation name “Chief Noonday Chapter.” To stay comfortable in wintry weather, dress in layers, choose fleece or wool rather than cotton, wear a hat and a neck gaiter or scarf, consider hand and foot warmers and foot gaiters for deep snow, and carry water. Traction devices such as ice cleats are recommended because ice can hide beneath snow and build up with sunlight and trail use, and hiking poles can help with balance and weight distribution. For questions, email Jane Norton at jane_a_norton@yahoo.com or call 269-808-7334.

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.

Following a successful year, Candy Cane Lane is set to return to Lakeview High School. Plans point to a larger, more festive celebration, with details to come. Prospective vendors and volunteers can look for application information and special announcements as updates roll out.

Captain Oscar Brady American Legion Post 298 presents a festive winter formal featuring dinner, live music, dancing, and holiday cheer. Rock and roll band Guilt Tripp will perform familiar hits to keep the dance floor moving. Every ticket includes dinner, and semi-formal or formal attire is encouraged. Tickets are $25 per person or $40 per couple, with limited availability. Open to the public, this celebration supports Captain Oscar Brady American Legion Post 298 and the veterans it serves.

Kids can enjoy a playful meet and greet with the Grinch filled with laughter. A complimentary photo, gift, and cookie are included. Fallen but not Forgotten Military will be on site with a bake sale.

Zazzano’s is a mobile pizza trailer serving fire-grilled pizza.

Celebrate the holiday season at the library with festive stories, activities, and snacks. Santa Claus will be the special guest, and all ages are welcome.

A festive brunch with Mr. and Mrs. Claus takes place in Galesburg, Michigan. After the meal, photos and gifts will be available. Fallen but not Forgotten Military will also be on site with a baked goods sale.

The K-Wings face the Cincinnati Cyclones in a family-friendly hockey celebration featuring special appearances by Bluey and Bingo. A face painter and balloon artist will also be on hand to entertain little ones.

A new recorder consort is forming at The Music Center of South Central Michigan in Battle Creek. Recorder players are invited to take part in this new venture.