Community Calendar

"During this virtual ArtBreak, learn more about Dulce Pinzón, whose archival pigment print Catwoman is included in the exhibition For the People, By the People. A visual artist, curator, manager, cultural entrepreneur, and activist, Pinzón is particularly interested in exploring cultural, environmental, and gender issues through her personal, curatorial, and museographic projects. Her rich educational background includes studies in communication sciences, photography, film, labor law, museum curation, and art management.

In her photography, Pinzón seeks not to capture reality as it is, but rather to “invent” a new reality, frequently referencing both high and popular culture. Her work has been exhibited, published, and collected internationally, and she has received multiple prestigious awards and nominations. Pinzón is also the founder of Plataforma ArtBase, a laboratory space for artists in Puebla, Mexico."

"Join San Francisco-based artist Julio César Morales for a performance lecture exploring the intersections of music, migration, identity, and cultural resistance. Drawing from his multidisciplinary artistic practice, Morales will examine the influence of music, underground subcultures, and hybrid cultural forms throughout the Americas. Beginning with the histories of Mambo and Cumbia and their impact on popular music in the United States, he will trace how musical genres, slogan, myths, and collective rituals shape cultural identity across borders. And be sure to wear your dancing shoes! At the conclusion of the lecture, Morales will DJ a dance party celebrating music as a powerful form of cultural expression and collective resistance.

The artistic practice of Julio César Morales employs a range of media and visual strategies to explore issues of migration, underground economies, and labor, on personal and global scales. He works by whatever means necessary, from watercolors and neon to immersive installations and reenactment. His artwork has been shown at venues internationally and is included in private and public collections across the U.S. and Europe."

Join us for an immersive beginner cooking class taught by Chef Alex Gandia of Gandia’s Catering and embark on a flavor-filled journey that will tantalize your taste buds and boost your culinary confidence! Join us to make your own dough and sauce, and top your pizza with your favorite ingredients.

Youth Mindfulness Night
Meet new friends and decompress with a night of yoga and mindfulness for nature lovers between the ages of 16-20. We’ll enjoy gentle yoga, breathe in the evening air, and leave feeling more grounded and connected to the world around us.

Thursday, August 13, 2026, 6:30-8:30 pm

Meet: Glen Vista Gallery inside the Visitor Center

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

Please Register >

Audience: Ages 16-20

Presented by Arbor Financial Credit Union

Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan—Megan Dooley has been performing locally, nationally, and abroad for 25 years. Bridging the gaps of soul, folk, jazz, country, Americana, and roots with her solo and trio work, Dooley has also been named the "Best Solo Performer in SW Michigan", as well as the "First Lady of The Kalamazoo Music Scene" by Revue Magazine and Popular Vote.

The first-ever Boots On The Bend festival is coming to the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds on August 14 and 15, 2026, guaranteeing two days filled with music, excitement, and Midwest summer fun.
This country music festival will have a packed lineup, with headliners Eric Church and HARDY. Fans can also look forward to performances from favorites and up-and-coming artists like Brandon Lake, Flatland Cavalry, Chase Rice, Ashley McBryde, Graham Barham, Maddie Font, The Jack Wharff Band, Emily Ann Roberts, Lakeview, Eddie & The Getaway, Will Moseley, McCoy Moore, Joe Stamm Band, and others.
Get ready to celebrate two days of country music, community, and the relaxed Midwest lifestyle. With live shows, food and drink vendors, and a scenic setting, Boots On The Bend will offer a mix of modern country, classic hits, and summer festival fun. Get your boots ready because South Bend’s biggest country party is almost here!

Come for the music, stay for the stars! The Connecting Chords Music Festival will bring live music to the Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park before an evening of stargazing on Friday, August 14.

Performing will be Festival favorites The Birdseed Salesmen, an ensemble specializing in jazz Manouche, a style of music originated by Django Reinhardt. You never quite know what you’re going to get: familiar melodies, old standards, styles from old movie soundtracks, maybe even TV themes!

Park admission is $5/car (please bring cash). Donations to the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music will be accepted.

Located in Vandalia, MI (about 50 minutes south of Kalamazoo), Lawless Park is one of only three sites in Michigan to be officially designated an International Dark Sky Park. The music program will start at 8:30 PM, and the park will remain open until 2:00 AM for stargazing!

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This event is co-sponsored by Cass Country Parks & Recreation.

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Celebrate the unifying power of the world’s music at the 2026 Connecting Chords Music Festival, running from August 14 – November 29. The Festival features an incredible variety and quality of musicians every year – if you know, *you know*!

Learn more about the Festival at ccmusicfest.com.

Women’s Wilderness Retreat
Step away from the noise of everyday life and join us for our second annual refreshing one-day retreat designed just for women. Surrounded by the peaceful landscape at KNC’s Stryker Nature Preserve, we’ll gather for reflection, crafts, gentle movement, meaningful conversation, and quiet renewal. Come as you are, and leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and inspired.

Saturday, August 15, 2026, 8:30 am-7:00 pm

Meet: Stryker Nature Preserve at 2343 Angling Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Fee: KNC Members $175; Non-Members $200

Please Register >

Audience: Adult women

The 6th Annual Lawrence Artisan Market will be on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 9 AM -1 PM in Lawrence Park featuring over 20 local artisans in conjunction with the Farmers Market. Patrons may shop for a variety of art including watercolor, mixed media, jewelry, painting, repurposed materials, watercolor, fabric, metal. Also featuring local authors with books for purchase. Admission is free.

Learn to turn your harvest into shelf-stable food! This beginner class will teach you the basics of how to use a pressure canner and how to pressure can beans or other seasonally available vegetables. Students will leave with a can of vegetables.