Community Calendar

Sunset Opera Outdoors
Spend an evening in the cool breeze of summer’s end, and enjoy a laid-back evening of music with award winning singer Sara Emerson.

Lay back, relax, and let the music merge with the sounds of nature.

Saturday, August 22, 2026, 6:30-8:00pm

Meet: Amphitheater in the arboretum

Fee: KNC Members $12; Non-Members $15

Please Register >

Audience: All ages

Weather permitting

For half a century, the Kalamazoo Valley Bird Observatory’s team of researchers has been banding birds. This long-running program has contributed data on over 650,000 birds to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Laboratory that is actively being used for scientific research, management and conservation of birds across the country. As we embark on our 53rd year of this critical work, we invite you to come witness the intricate process of bird banding and observe these beautiful birds up close at the KNC Banding Barn this fall.

Check out our dates for Hummingbird Banding!

All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Lab.

Daily Sunday – Friday (CLOSED SATURDAYS)

August 24, 2026 – October 30, 2026

Weather permitting

Time: August/September: 8-11am , October: 9am – noon

Meet: KNC Bird Banding Barn

Fee: Included in regular KNC admission; KNC Members free!

Audience: All ages

Good morning, Kalamazoo! Are you getting that sluggish Sunday-drive feeling from your family sedan? Wake your motor up! Pull in at the sign of the Big Duke and fill up with new, high-octane Foggy Geezer Ale—the only ale with patented power-plus additives designed to clean your carburetor while you dance!

Again with the dancing and the eating and drinking down in Shakespeare’s Lower Level. Leonard “DUKE” Duke and his Cannons perform selections from hundreds of Jazz, R&B, Rock, Soul, and original music in their repertoire. They do this every other Monday for the enjoyment of a mighty lively group of regulars spending their Social Security checks. Crowded dance floor. Friendly staff. Free Parking. Complimentary popcorn(!) Often a local musical guest is allowed on stage – who knows who it will be this time? Doors 4pm, Music from 5 until 7.

Join us for a screening of Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America, a documentary that follows LGBTQ+ refugees as they rebuild their lives in the United States. Following the film, stay for a brief Q&A discussion led by attorneys from the State Bar of Michigan LGBTQ+ Law Section and Immigration Law Section. See https://www.kpl.gov/event/unsettled-seeking-refuge-in-america-film-screening-2/ for more information.

"During the 19th century, many American artists embraced the theme of the ""Vanishing Indian."" By depicting Native Americans as disappearing, such artists spread the idea that the extinction of Native groups was unavoidable. At stake was an accurate accounting of Indigenous peoples’ experiences in the United States. In this talk, Dr. Laura E. Smith will reveal the hidden narratives of Indigenous erasure prevalent in American art of the 19th and early 20th centuries. She will also respond to works by contemporary Native artists.

Laura E. Smith is a professor of art history in the Department of Art, Art History and Design at Michigan State University, where she teaches course in the arts of the Americas, Indigenous arts, and photography. She is the author of Horace Poolaw, Photographer of American Indian Modernity (University of Nebraska Press, 2016). "

"Summer Jams concludes at the KIA on Thursday, August 27 with a lively open mic night celebrating music, poetry, and creative expression. Join us for an evening where artists and community members come together to share their voices in a welcoming and creative space.

Performers of all backgrounds are invited to take the stage. Whether you’re a musician, poet, spoken word artist, comedian, or simply someone with something to share. Not looking to perform? Come enjoy the performances, discover local talent, and connect with fellow community members in an energetic and inspiring atmosphere.

As part of Free Thursday, admission to the galleries is free all evening, giving guests the opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibitions before settling in for a night of live performances and creative connection. Summer Jams has been a celebration of community, talent, and artistic expression throughout the summer, and this final event is the perfect way to close out the series.

Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or coming to support local creatives, Summer Jams invites everyone to be part of an evening filled with art, storytelling, music, and meaningful community connection at the KIA."

KNC holds the distinct privilege of working alongside two of the only three people in Michigan who are permitted to band Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. These small but mighty birds can tell an incredible story that leads researchers to better understand the species so that they can be properly protected. Banding and documenting body condition data contributes to the Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s story. For three days this fall, you can observe this process as part of our annual bird banding research with the Kalamazoo Valley Bird Observatory banding team. A rare and incredible experience to see Ruby-throated Hummingbirds up close. We’d love to share this special project with you!

We have Bird Banding Up Close happening daily (except on Saturdays) all fall long!

All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Lab.

Friday, August 28, 2026

Friday, September 4, 2026

Friday, September 11, 2026

Weather permitting

Time: 8 -10 am

Meet: KNC’s Bird Banding Barn

Fee: Included in regular KNC admission; KNC Members free!

Audience: All ages

Learn the history and basic techniques of working with tin! Students will make simple items from tin using fundamental cutting, bending, and joining techniques. Other covered topics include patterns and pattern-making, tips for finding tools for home tinsmithing, and the historic wares and traditional role of the tinsmith.

Learn the ancient skill of basketry with common pine trees found in Michigan. Celebrate native flora and learn about identifying the differences between red, white, and Jack pine trees (with real life examples). Use pine needles to craft a small basket (perfectly sized for holding keys or jewelry), plus gain timeless knowledge to create endless designs. Participants will take home their unique crafted basket and tools needed to make more, along with tips for harvesting pine needles ethically. Come enjoy a new hobby, craft from the wild, and turn mulch into memories with this workshop.

Get ready to dive into nostalgia at the Michigan Retro Game Expo! This in-person event is the perfect spot to relive the golden days of gaming. Whether you're into classic consoles, arcade machines, or vintage game merch, there’s something here for every retro gaming fan. Meet fellow enthusiasts, discover rare finds, and play your favorite throwback games all day long. Don’t miss out on the fun and good vibes!