Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo, and this historical city has a lot to offer; big town culture without the big town crowds. Better yet, many of the local events and attractions are free.
Kalamazoo is a city of approximately 245,900, situated on the Kalamazoo River and located about one hour south of Grand Rapids, MI, and two hours northwest of Chicago. Home of Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo has a large and diverse student population. The following is a rundown of what you can do for free, or on the cheap, if you live in, or visit Kalamazoo, MI.
Free Things to Do in Kalamazoo
Art Hop (The Arts)
Art Hop is a free event, organized by the Arts Counsel of Greater Kalamazoo. It features multiple art exhibits located in Kalamazoo galleries and businesses, all open at the same time, on the evening of Art Hop. The public gets a chance to interact with area artists one-on-one, and view the products of their creativity.
- When: The first Friday of every month, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Where: Various downtown locations. Download a map and or pick one up at the Epic Center.
- Phone: 269 342 5059
- Website: www.kalamazooarts.org
KIA Art Fair (The Arts)
Each year, on the first Saturday in June, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts presents the KIA Art Fair in downtown Bronson Park. More than two hundred artists participate in the fair, which attracts upwards of 60,000 people. The artists rent booths where they can display and sell their works. There are also activities specifically tailored to children. Live music plays throughout the day, dozens food vendors offer treats, and delicious local microbrews are available in the KIA Beer Garden.
- When: Annually on the first Saturday of June, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., ran or shine.
- Where: Downtown, Bronson Park.
- Website: www.kiarts.org/museum/art_fair.shtml
Sunday Concerts in the Park (The Arts)
This free, Sunday afternoon concert series takes place in Bronson Park during the summer, and features performances by local musical groups. Seating is not provided, so bring a blanket or some folding chairs. In the event of rain, the concert takes place in First Baptist Church at 315 W. Michigan Avenue.
- When: Summer Sundays at 4 p.m.
- Where: Bronson Park or rain site First Baptist Church.
- Phone: 269 342 5059
- Website: www.KalamazooArts.com
Kalamazoo’s Historic District Walking Tour (History)
The City of Kalamazoo has several historic districts, as well as sites that are on the national, state and local historic registers. The Kalamazoo County Convention Visitor’s Bureau provides a brochure that allows you to take a self-guided tour around these districts to learn more about Kalamazoo’s historical and architectural heritage.
- When: Year round.
- Where: All over Kalamazoo.
- Phone: 269 381 4003
- Website: www.discoverkalamazoo.com
Celery Flats Historical Area (History & Parks)
In the 1800’s, Kalamazoo was also known a Celery City, a time when celery was cultivated in the rich black muck along the Kalamazoo River. The area, now a Portage city park known as Celery Flats, offers relaxing grassy areas, shade, ponds, and historic buildings.
- When: Open year round.
- Where: 7335 Garden Lane, Portage.
- Phone: 269 329 4522
- Website: www.portagemi.gov/living/park_descriptions.asp
Kalamazoo Valley Museum (History, Technology, Science)
Voted top small museum in Michigan by readers of Michigan Living Magazine, Kalamazoo Valley Museum features highly interactive history, science and technology exhibits. In addition to hosting traveling exhibits, the museum features a Digistar Theatre and planetarium; simulated missions to space via the Challenger Learning Center; a 2,300 year-old mummy; a hands-on history gallery and an area devoted to children of all ages.
- When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sundays and Holidays. Closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve day, and Christmas.
- Where: 230 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo.
- Phone: 269 373 7990
- Website: www.kalamazoomuseum.org
Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery, Michigan DNR (Education, Outdoor Recreation)
The DNR’s Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, just eight miles west of Kalamazoo, offers visitors a peek at Michigan’s fish and fisheries management efforts. In addition to the interpretive center, there are tours of the hatchery and ponds where visitors can view a variety of native fish. On summer Saturdays, the Hatchery allows visitors to catch and release fish from the pond; providing equipment and instruction in how to bait, cast and haul in the big ones. Call ahead for reservations for the 10:30 catch and release activity.
- When: Wednesday-Saturday from 10-5, from June through October. Open Sundays 12p.m. – 5 p.m. Call ahead for seasonal changes.
- Where: Hatchery Road, north off of M-43, Kalamazoo.
- Phone: 269 668 2876
- Website: www.michigan.gov/dnr
Kalamazoo City and County Parks (Outdoor Recreation)
The city of Kalamazoo has 64 public parks with year-round family recreation, team sports, picnicking, playground activities, walking, fishing, swimming, boating and cross-country skiing. The county has six large parks, including Cold Brook, Markin Glen, Prairie View, River Oaks, Scott’s Mill and the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, an extensive, a five mile, 12 foot wide paved trail great for biking, skating, skateboarding and hiking.
- Where: See websites for locations
- When: City Park hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., except for Woods Lake, which is open from 11am to 10pm. City Parks are open during the Spring, Summer, and Fall months from May 1st through October 31st. Kalamazoo County’s parks open year round 7 a.m. – sunset.
- Phone: City – 269 337 8193; County – 269 383 8778
- Website: www.kalamazoocity.org and www.kalcounty.com/parks
City of Portage Parks (Outdoor Recreation)
Including Celery Flats, the city of Portage, right next to Kalamazoo, offers 14 public parks with year-round recreation, sports, picnicking, playground activities, musical entertainment, boating, walking, canoeing, biking and skating.
- Where: See website.
- When: See website.
- Phone: 269 329 4522
- Website: http://www.portagemi.gov/living/park_descriptions.asp
Mixer on the Mall (Social)
Every Wednesday, during the summer months, from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., the downtown, open-air mall turns into mixer accessible to all, and offering music, libations and festivities. Sponsored by DKA charities, the organization requests a $1 donation for entry.
- When: Summer Wednesdays from 5 – 7:30 pm
- Where: North Kalamazoo Mall
- Phone: 269 388 2830
- Website: www.central-city.net
Michigan Wine and Harvest Festival (Festival)
Southwest Michigan is full of vineyards, and every autumn, Paw Paw, a small city southwest of Kalamazoo, hosts the area’s Wine and Harvest Festival. Activities include wine tasting, live music, classic cars, the messy Minute Maid Grape Stomp and much more. Some events may charge admission.
- Where: Michigan Ave at Gremps St, Paw Paw, MI.
- When: See website for specific dates.
- Phone: 269 657 5395
- Website: www.wineandharvestfestival.com
Kalamazoo Summer Festivals (Festival)
Most weekends during the summer, there is a festival, of one type or another, going on in downtown Kalamazoo; the Greek Fest, The Kalamazoo Blues Festival, Rib Fest, Taste of Kalamazoo, and the Island Festival, just to name a few. All festivals feature music, food and drinks, and most do not begin charging admission until later in the afternoon.
- Where: Downtown Arcadia Festival Place, Kalamazoo.
- When: Different festivals throughout summer.
- Phone: 800 888 0509
- Website: www.discoverkalamazoo.com
Get a College Education (Free College!)
Although not a location or event, the very best free thing in Kalamazoo is the “Kalamazoo Promise”. The Promise is a pledge that had been made by a group of anonymous donors; a promise to pay up to 100 percent of tuition for those who graduate from the Kalamazoo Public School System, allowing high school graduates to go to any of Michigan’s state colleges or universities for free.
Not Free, But Fantastic
Some of the best things to do in Kzoo do cost some money, but all are well worth it. When visiting the city, you may also want to consider seeing:
- Binder Park Zoo in nearby Battle Creek.
- Gilmore Vintage Automobile Museum in nearby Hickory Corners.
- Kalamazoo Air Zoo, an Air Museum near the Kalamazoo Airport.
- Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, downtown Kalamazoo.
- Kalamazoo Nature Center.
There are many wonderful things to see in Kalamazoo, and many more free activities than could be listed here. For more information on what Kalamazoo offers, see the Discover Kalamazoo website.
