Community Calendar

Kick off summer with the 75th Annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair in historic Bronson Park in beautiful downtown Kalamazoo! This two-day, juried fine arts fair welcomes 15,000+ visitors to the park to celebrate and invest in the participating artists from across Michigan and the country as they showcase their creative talents and sell their work.

Celebrating this landmark 75th year in 2026, the KIA Arts Fair will feature up to 145 fine artists in 12 distinct mediums presenting their jaw dropping, one of a kind creations of usable and decorative art to feature, wear and use. You are sure to find something truly unique shopping the wide selection of fine artists. Throughout Friday and Saturday you can partake in shopping, live entertainment, kids’ activities, artist demonstrations from the Kirk Newman Art School, fine food truck fair, and FREE admission to KIA galleries.

Friday, June 5, 3–8pm
Saturday, June 6, 9am–5pm

Stop in to the KIA during Arts Fair for a hands on art activity! We will provide the supplies to create your own Gelli Plate printed sneaker. Experiment with colorways inspired by objects featured in Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks!

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum, and curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator of the Bata Shoe Museum.

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

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).

During this Gallery Gathering, we will take a closer look at Manierre Dawson’s Mother and Child and Henry Ossawa Tanner’s The Visitation. While both early 20th century paintings depict religious scenes, the artists approached their subject matter in distinctly different ways. Dawson, credited with being America’s first abstract artist, employs Cubist techniques, while Dawson, considered the first African American artist to attain international acclaim, blends Realism and Impressionism.

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.

Author Natalie Dykstra recounts the story of Isabella Stewart Gardner’s extraordinary life in this moving and illuminating biography. A Boston socialite, Gardner lived a life full of passion but one which was also marked by grief. Dykstra delivers compelling insight into Gardner’s friendships, world travels, and her keen eye for collecting treasures all of which shaped the creation of the Stewart Gardner Museum.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.
All book discussions are free, open to the public, and take place in-person at the Meader Fine Arts Library. Participants do not need to have read the book, but it will help facilitate the overall discussion. The author will not be in attendance unless otherwise stated. Preregistration is encouraged.

Join the KIA as we remember Juneteenth, which is a holiday that commemorates the abolishment of slavery in the United States. Participate in various activities, including viewing artworks by African American artists, drop-in low-mess art activities, and more.

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

Summer Jams returns to the KIA as a lively open mic night celebrating music, poetry, and creative expression. This event brings artists and community members 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, or simply someone with something to share. Not looking to perform? Come enjoy the performances, discover local talent, and connect with the community.

Summer Jams takes place during Free Thursday, so admission to the galleries is free all evening. Guests are encouraged to explore the exhibitions, enjoy the museum atmosphere, and then gather for a night of live performances and creative energy. Each Summer Jams evening will feature a unique theme, with more details and performer opportunities announced soon. Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or just coming to vibe, Summer Jams is a celebration of art, creativity, and community at the KIA.

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

Join us for the 48th annual Kalamazoo Klassic: a community tradition that brings people together for fitness, fun, and a great cause.

📍 922 W. Maple Street, Kalamazoo, MI
📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026

Choose your challenge:
🏃‍♀️ 10K Run (7:30 AM)
🏃‍♂️ 5K Walk/Run (9:00 AM)
🏃‍♀️ 10K/5K Combo (7:30 AM)

Not only will you enjoy a scenic, energizing course starting at the top of Maple Street Hill, but you’ll also be making a real impact. The majority of proceeds support MRC Industries and their mission to empower individuals with disabilities through employment and community involvement, while also supporting the Kalamazoo Area Runners and their work to promote healthy living in our community.

Join us for an extraordinary day of connection and rejuvenation as we celebrate the longest day of the year in Downtown Coldwater. The Summer Solstice Festival is a first-of-its-kind local collaboration bringing together the region’s premier wellness brands and top-tier instructors for a full day of holistic experiences—completely free to the public.

Held in honor of the International Day of Yoga, the festival features powerful movement sessions, a special Father’s Day "Dad & Me" workshop, and a curated Holistic Marketplace. Browse local art from Bethany Johnston, handcrafted soaps from Syd’s Suds, and sustainable designs from Cozy Designs by Kait. Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine from Kra-Tib and fresh-pressed juices from Abundant Rock. Whether you are a seasoned mover or stepping onto the mat for the first time, this festival is designed for all ages, all bodies, and all skill levels.

Event Highlights
Summer Solstice Salutations: Celebrate the peak of summer with a powerful flow under the sun.
Father’s Day Workshop: A dedicated session designed for dads and kids to bond through movement and mindfulness.
Holistic Marketplace: Explore a curated street market featuring local artisans, organic skincare, and sustainable apparel.
Learn Your Way: From high-energy sessions to gentle mobility, we offer various styles to fit your personal schedule and needs.
Prizes & Giveaways: Attend sessions for your chance to win high-value wellness bundles, including annual studio memberships and premium gear.

Fuel Your Flow: Food & Refreshments
Kra-Tib Thai & Isaan Cuisine: Authentic, vibrant flavors available 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. @kratibthaifood
Abundant Rock: Refreshing teas and fresh-pressed juices by Megan Laser. @abundantrockyoga
Kona Ice Truck: A cool treat for the whole family, featuring dye-free and sugar-free options. @konaice

The Holistic Marketplace
Browse our curated vendors and partners. New additions are being added to our sanctuary daily:
Bethany Johnston: Featured Local Artist. @drbug0310
Syd’s Suds & Soaps: Handcrafted wellness by Sydney Braden. @syds.suds.soaps
Earthy Alice: Holistic goods by Heather. Earthy Alice on Facebook
Cozy Designs by Kait: Sustainable style by Kaitlyn Weiss. @cozydesignsbykait
Nourish Massage & Health Coaching: With Megan Sparks. Nourish on Facebook
Revivify Metaphysicals: Curated metaphysical goods with Michael Fisher. Revivify on Facebook
The Wellness Hub: Featuring three collaborative booths with Renewed Wellness and Cindy Withrow. @renewed_wellness_ | Renew You To Wellness