Apr 24 Wednesday
Get ready to celebrate as we kick off the 2024 Festival with a party at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts following the opening concert by Hiromi and PublicQuartet. Just as they seamlessly weave together genres, this event is set to honor the fantastic fusion of Japanese and American cultures.
Enjoy food stations crafted with a mix of traditional and fusion delights, sip on a variety of beverages while enjoying live music that’ll keep the celebration going. We hope you’ll join us to connect with festival friends, both old and new!
Apr 26 Friday
Eat Drink Give is an annual extravaganza where guests can indulge in an array of cuisines from various local restaurants, sip on refreshing wine and beer, and try their luck at winning some fabulous auction and raffle prizes. Top it all off with a DJ and photowall, and you've got yourself a FUNdraiser you don’t want to miss!
Apr 27 Saturday
Pears Mill, an 1857 water-powered mill in Buchanan, Michigan’s downtown National Register Historic District, is open 9am to 1 pm each Saturday this summer. The mill is adjacent to the Buchanan Farmers’ Market, which is in operation during the same hours. There is no charge.
Apr 28 Sunday
The Portage Lions Club is sponsoring a 5K Walk to raise money to help cover the cost of diabetes medication and testing supplies for those needing help in the Portage community. To assist, all participants must register at www.portagelionsclub5k.com as an adult participant, a youth participant, a sponsor, or a volunteer.
Funds can be raised by individuals or by teams, on line via donorbox or in real life. All collected donations should be brought to City Gate Church (308 Milham Ave., Portage, MI 49024) prior to the walk on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Walk up registrations to participate in the walk will take place the morning of April 28, 2024; however, fundraising for awards will cease on April 20, 2024.
Awards for most money raised by an individual and as a team will be presented at the kick off of the Diabetes 5K Walk at Celery Flats on April 28, 2024 at 10:00. a.m.
You’re Invited to a Free Fun-Filled Family Day
Calling all families! ☀️For a fun and exciting afternoon together outside, come to Wesley Woods’ Family Fun Day on Sunday, April 28, 2-5 pm. This free event introduces your family and friends to the amazing experiences at camp. Enjoy archery, games, arts and crafts, BBQ picnic, tours. Your RSVP below helps us plan.
What to expect:
Engaging activities: Participate in a variety of camp classics like archery, arts and crafts, nature exploration, and games for all ages!Meet the camp team: Chat with our friendly staff and counselors, and learn all about our exciting camp programs.Explore the campgrounds: Take a tour of our facilities, including cabins, dining areas, and the waterfront.Delicious picnic: Enjoy complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments throughout the day.
This is a free event, perfect for families with children and teens of all ages.
RSVP: If possible, please let us know you’re coming by April 21. Call 269-721-8291 or email registrar@wesleywoodsmi.org.
We can’t wait to meet you and introduce you to the Wesley Woods family!
Wesley Woods is a Grace Outside destination.
May 03 Friday
Announcing the return of the ultimate glass blowing competition! Glass blowers from all over the region will descend upon Kalamazoo for two days of head-to-head battle in the hot shop and flame shop. Witness the thrilling action as they clash to capture the victory belt in a series of artistic competitions. Cheer on your favorite performances and cast your vote to help decide who receives cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights!
This year’s Glass Blowers Battle competition will begin on Friday May 3 with the collaborative Bronson Children’s Hospital “Sculpture Throwdown” in the Hot Shop as well as the “Flourishing Functional Art” event in the Flame Working studio. On Saturday May 4, the competition in the Hot Shop will feature the “Centerpiece Showoff”, along with individual Marble and Pendant making competitions in the Flame Working studio.
Friday May 3 (2pm-11pm)Saturday May 4 (11am-6pm)
Glass Blowers Battle is THE event of the year at Glass Art Kalamazoo, and is free and fun for all ages! More information including a full schedule of events at https://glassartkalamazoo.org/glass-blowers-battle-2024/
Patio & Bar: 5:30 PM | Live Music: 6:00 PM
State on the Street is back for select Fridays this Summer! Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street featuring A Cape Breton Trio on Friday, May 3!
We’ll have free live music outside our iconic Theatre, patio seating, drink specials, merchandise available for purchase, and more! All of the events will be held on Fridays, with our patio and bar opening at 5:30PM and live music starting at 6PM.
About A Cape Breton Trio:
Andrea Beaton, Troy MacGillivray, and Tracey MacNeil hail from the isolated beauty of Nova Scotia, Canada. Their joyful style of dance music is defined by its improvised folk piano tradition. Expect instrument-switching, solo dancing, and inspiring harmonies, as they explore the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and Cape Breton, and original compositions. Their visit is presented in collaboration with Bell’s Eccentric Café, Education for the Arts, the Kalamazoo State Theatre and WMUK 102.1FM
RSVP at this link; https://www.miclimateaction.org/troubled_water_screening_kalamazooEasy to do. Free movie for your Friday night, complete with snacks – come on out to Kalamazoo on May 3rd!MiCAN, Oil & Water Don't Mix, Kalamazoo Remembers, and Kalamazoo 350 are presenting Troubled Water at the Fetzer Auditorium. The adventure/conservation documentary has packed theaters around the state, selling out twice in Ann Arbor and again in Grand Rapids, so don't miss your chance to see it in Southwest Michigan!The event is free, but capacity is limited and each individual must RSVP separately and show your email confirmation for entry.Learn more about the film and this event at the ticket link above!
May 04 Saturday