Community Calendar

Kalamazoo in Bloom invites you to bring your appetite and generous spirit to this delicious tasting competition featuring local chefs who have prepared food made with pumpkin especially for this event.

Pumpkin Soirée participants include:
- Fetzer Center (on behalf of Millennium Restaurant Group)
- FireKeepers Casino Hotel
- Kalamazoo Public Schools
- Kzoo Cream
- LFG Gaming Bar
- One Well Brewing
- Schultz Sweets
- 418 Restaurant-KVCC

Admission is $85 per person. Each ticket purchase comes with a complimentary drink ticket, a tray to carry your food, a People's Choice voting ticket, and a door prize ticket! The event also includes silent auction tables, live jazz music by the Grant Rupp Trio, ample free parking, and a cash bar. Water, tea, and coffee are included with your admission.

A pre-event ONLINE AUCTION is taking place through November 2. Bid on exclusive packages that are only available online here,
https://new.biddingowl.com/pumpkinsoiree2025auction

Get your TICKETS by November 4 here,
https://kalamazooinbloom-bloom.kindful.com/e/pumpkin-soiree-2025

SPONSORSHIPS are still available,
https://kalamazooinbloom-bloom.kindful.com/e/sponsor-the-pumpkin-soiree-2025

If you can't make it that night but would like to contribute, DONATE here,
https://kalamazooinbloom-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1270033

Enjoy free admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.

The biennial Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review features new works by Kirk Newman Art School faculty members who work and teach in a wide variety of artistic media. During this extended Gallery Gathering, explore the exhibition with a few of the talented artist-educators whose work is included in the show.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.
Gallery Gatherings are short, lightly-moderated conversations about selected artworks from ongoing exhibitions. Chairs and gallery stools are available for guests. This program is free, but preregistration is encouraged.

Homeschool families are invited to learn, create and explore at the KIA and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum (KVM). This collaborative event offers interactive activities designed to promote interdisciplinary learning, creativity and an appreciation for art, history and science. This event is included with KIA admission. KVM admission is free. Planetarium shows are $3 per student and $1 per chaperone.

To learn more about KVM please visit kalamazoomuseum.org.

KIA Activities:

Art Project (Best for Ages 9+)
11:30am-12:15pm
12:45-1:30pm

Library: Storytime (Best for Ages 3-8)
11:15-11:45am
1:30-2:00pm

Guided tours of Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper (All ages)
11-11:30am
12:15-12:45pm

Drop-in activities (All ages)
Library: Literacy activity
Galleries: Self-guided viewing and scavenger hunt
School Commons: Art project

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KVM Activities:

Planetarium show (All ages)
11-11:30am
12:15-12:30pm

Hands-On STEM Table (All ages)
11:30am-12:15pm
12:45-1:30pm

Early Learning Table (Best for Ages 3-6)
11:15-11:45am
1:30-2:00pm

Drop-in Activities (All ages)
Galleries: Self-guided viewing and scavenger hunt
Innovation Lab: Paper Airplanes

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.

Join us for a guided walk through Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper, with interactive activities along the way. This exhibition features two-dimensional works, sculptures, and installations. Discover the remarkable ways nine Japanese artists transform paper into art.

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper was organized by Meher McArthur and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC

Take a Wonder Walk through the galleries! The walk will include close looking at a few artworks as well as gallery games and activities. This is a great way to introduce your little one to art and the museum. Wonder Walks is for children 2-4 years old (but all are welcome) and is free with the cost of admission. Caregivers must stay with their children at all times. Preregistration is encouraged. Adults, remember to register your children!

Come to the KIA's Meader Fine Arts library and express yourself through collage with a sampling of washi paper, a traditional Japanese handmade paper. Some washi paper and tape will be provided to incorporate into your pieces. Be inspired by the exhibition on view, Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper. All supplies will be provided.

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper was organized by Meher McArthur and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC

Friday, November 7, 2025, 6- 8 pm

Take a peaceful stroll through our illuminated forest trail with family, friends, or your favorite companions. Bring along a warm drink to enjoy as the crisp fall air sets the perfect scene. As the days grow shorter and the evening chill sets in, it’s the perfect time to slip on a cozy sweater and enjoy the magic of moonlit woods. Join us for this special “Nature at Night” experience at KNC, set along the beloved Habitat Haven Trail.

Advance registration is highly encouraged. Register in advance, come any time to hike!
Fee:$12/Member Adult, $15/Non-Member Adult. $5/Child

Check In: Sundial, Visitor Parking Lot
Audience: Families & Adults

Fall trail conditions can be a little wild! Wear sturdy shoes and bring a walking stick or a trusty buddy to lean on if you have challenges on unstable surfaces or clear vision at night. This program will be canceled or postponed if there is extreme weather. A date will be announced if a cancellation occurs.

"Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.

Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls “100 times better than any bedtime story!”

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will perform at Miller Auditorium on Friday, November 7 at 7:30pm and on Saturday, November 8 at 11:00am and 3:30pm. For more information, please visit millerauditorium.com or call the Miller Auditorium Box Office at (269) 387-2300.

Participants will learn about Japanese American artist Ruth Asawa. We’ll explore Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper, featuring two-dimensional works, sculptures, and installations in paper by nine Japanese artists. Michiko Yoshimoto from the WMU Soga Japan Center will join us to guide an origami activity.

After, stay for Community Day to experiment with Japanese calligraphy and make more origami creations. You can also join the Collage Crew Kzoo in the library for a collage-making session.

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper was organized by Meher McArthur and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC

Come to the library and express yourself through collage with a sampling of washi paper, a traditional Japanese handmade paper. Some washi paper and tape will be provided to incorporate into your pieces. Be inspired by the exhibition on view, Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper. All supplies will be provided.

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper was organized by Meher McArthur and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC

International Arts & Artists