Community Calendar

Owls of Whitefish Point

Thursday, December 4, 6:30 pm

Fee: Member $12, Non-Member $15. Please register.

Audience: All Ages
Meet: Visitor Center Auditorium

Join Chris Neri and Nova Mackentley , renowned wildlife photographers and field biologists, for an engaging presentation on the Owls of Whitefish Point. As founders of the new non-profit Friends of Whitefish Point and over 20 years of experience banding migrating owls, they will share captivating stories and valuable insights into the trends of migrating owls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Come along for a guided stroll of Taekyeom Lee: Designed, Printed & Fired. Discover how the artist uses unusual materials and digital tools such as 3D printers to create letters, graphics, and objects that invite visitors to engage with design through touch, sight, and play.

Take a wonder walk through the galleries! Join us on the first Friday of the month. Children and their caregivers will be led through the galleries by a member of the museum education team. 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.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer as Branch County Community Theatre brings the magic of Christmas to life! For one night only, the historic Tibbits Opera House will be filled with music, laughter, and heartwarming performances from some of the most talented artists in the region.

Hosted by the charismatic BJ West, this festive showcase will feature:

Alley Roads and CHS Balladiers delivering musical delights
Skits and scenes by Branch County Community Theatre
Harmonies from the Branch County Community Choir
A special performance by Joe Renshaw
The soulful sounds of Nino Emanuele
Stunning aerial footage courtesy of Combs Drone Service
And yes… Elvis will be in the building!
Pre-Show Event: Before the curtain rises, head to the Lower-Level Art Gallery from 5:30pm to 6:45pm for the Singers Showcase, featuring Delbert Walling and Friends. No ticket required!

Whether you're a longtime supporter of the arts or simply looking for a joyful way to celebrate the season, this Christmas Extravaganza promises to be a night to remember. Let the lights, music, and community spirit warm your heart this holiday season

While the Carpenters are known for over a dozen chart-topping hits and memorable songs of the 70s, they also won over fans with their Christmas celebrations. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her six-piece band are dedicated to re-creating the true sound and unforgettable Christmas songs of the Carpenters in a holiday concert, A Carpenters' Christmas. Based on the music from the Carpenters' two holiday albums and Christmas variety shows, A Carpenters' Christmas will feature “Merry Christmas Darling” and the jazzy “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town." It's a holiday concert that is sure to spread joy and cheer during the holiday season!

Please join us the first Saturday of each month at 9 AM (barring special events or bad weather which will be announced on our Facebook page), for "Beginning Birding Walks," led by experienced birders from the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo. This event is free and open to the public. Meet at the second parking lot at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan, just off SR 43. All skill levels are welcome.

We will enjoy nature while typically identifying 20-40 species of birds, plus butterflies, frogs, etc. Over 200 bird species have been sighted at Wolf Lake, which offers a variety of habitats and easy walking trails. Annual highlights include colorful songbirds like orioles, warblers, tanagers, hawks and eagles, kingfishers, Great Blue and Green Herons, and over 20 species of waterfowl. Eastern Bluebirds can be found year-round! Children accompanying adults are welcome. The focus is on birding fundamentals, and extra binoculars are always available. The walk typically takes about 2 hours (but feel free to arrive late or leave early).

🎁 Join us for “The Gifts of Christmas!” 🎶
Celebrate the season with the Cereal City Concert Band on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the Pennfield Performing Arts Center (8587 Pennfield Rd, Battle Creek).
Enjoy an afternoon of joyful music — from folk songs and festive favorites to holiday classics like Greensleeves, C’est Noël, and of course, Sleigh Ride! 🎄
🎟️ Tickets:
Adults $10 | Students/Seniors/Veterans $5 | Kids 5 & under free
Get tickets at the door, online at cerealcityconcertband.org/schedule, or here https://bit.ly/3WR4f3L

🎁 Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and join in our 50/50 and poinsettia raffles!
Now in its 39th season, the Cereal City Concert Band welcomes Dr. Doris Doyon as our new conductor. Share the spirit of the season with us! ❤️

Story Corner
Saturdays, December 13, January 10, & February 14 at 10 am

Join us once a month for a picture book story time featuring a selection of nature-themed books perfect for little explorers. We’ll follow our book with a gentle hike if weather permits, so be sure to bundle up!

December 13- Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter, Kenard Pak

January 10- Winter Dance, Marion Dane Bauer

February 14- Moon Song, Michaela Goade

Fee: Included in regular KNC admission; drop in program

Audience: Families with young children

Meet: Visitor Center Clubhouse

In December, Art Detectives will search for hidden faces in the negative spaces of letters in a charming book by graphic designer Scott Lambert. We’ll then tour Taekyeom Lee: Designed, Printed & Fired. Using unusual materials and digital tools like 3D printers, Taekyeom creates letters, graphics, and objects that invite visitors to explore design through touch, sight, and play. We’ll finish by making our own typography-inspired artwork.

Art Detectives is a free program for children 4-8 years old (but all ages are welcome). Join us as we read a story, look at art, and make a project to take home. Caregivers must stay with their children at all times. This is a free program; preregistration is encouraged. Adults, remember to register your children!

Bring your kiddo to Glass Art Kalamazoo for our brand-new Kids Create series! These classes are geared toward children ages 6 and up working side-by-side with a parent/guardian.

It’s a great opportunity to get familiar with fused glass as you spend a fun day creating together in our studios! Choose from our wide variety of colored glass bits, frits, and stringers to bring your design to life.

No need to pre-register, just Walk-In anytime between 12pm – 3:30pm (last call). Please note: this project is similar to our Art Hop fused glass projects, and will not include the use of hand tools.

Dress as your favorite prince or princess, superhero, or anything that makes you feel special, and join us for a festive afternoon with cocoa and treats, crafts, photo ops with beloved characters, and special performances by Portage Central High School Theatre students!

Saturday, December 13, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Doors open at 12:30 pm

$20 tickets online or $25 at the door. Admission includes one child and one adult. All children must have adult supervision. Proceeds support PC Theatre Boosters’ student activities.