Summer (unofficially) starts off strong in Kalamazoo by the second week in June with some of our favorite events and festivals!
Check out all of our picks for this month in Kalamazoo, below.
And don’t miss a chance to extend the fun with a sleepover. Explore all of the great Hotels and Lodging in Kalamazoo.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Hippie Fest is a grassroots festival where free-spirited people from across the country gather to celebrate peace, love, and all things groovy! Returning to Kalamazoo County Fairground in Kalamazoo, MI Saturday June 1, 2019. Featuring live music, bohemian shopping, vintage hippie car show, DIY tie-dye, giant bubble garden, cirque performers, kids activities, delicious food, and so much more. All ages welcome. Kids 10 and under free. It’s groovy baby!
Friday, June 6, 2019
Live music, great scenery, fun summertime games, and amazing food….Lunchtime Live has it all! Get the family out of the house this summer and head to Bronson Park in Downtown Kalamazoo for a Friday afternoon on the town. We will be there with great local food trucks and homegrown musical talent.
HAUNTED HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO TOUR – DOWNTOWN – HISTORIC GHOST WALKING TOUR
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Join the author(s) for an evening of Kalamazoo history mixed with the paranormal world. Each tour guide will portray a member of Kalamazoo’s past to heighten your historical experience. The Haunted History of Kalamazoo Walking Tour begins and ends at Bronson Park, covers just over a mile and takes approximately 2 hours.
In addition to our tour in Downtown Kalamazoo, we also have two tour routes in Grand Rapids; Downtown Grand Rapids West, and Downtown Grand Rapids East, as well as several bus routes. (click here for a complete list of all events)
Friday, June 7, 2019 – Saturday, June 8, 2019
For over 35 years this two-day show hosts local and regional artists who sell their original art in the vicinity of the downtown Kalamazoo mall. This outdoor, soft-juried show features everything from jewelry to pottery and sculptures to garden art as well as art demonstrations and live entertainment. Art on the Mall is located on the Kalamazoo Mall and South Street.
DO-DAH PARADE
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Do-Dah Parade started in 1984, when WKMI organizers designed the parade as a way for companies and organizations to provide unique entertainment through a parody. It was patterned after the Pasadena, California Parade called Doo Dah. The purpose remains the same – use a parody to create a laughable and fun parade that will create conversation. Each year, participants are challenged to reinvigorate the meaning of “Do-Dah” (a parody based on a spoof or a satire of a person, place, event or thing). The parade has been part of the Kalamazoo landscape for 35 years. It’s a tradition and it is the funniest parade.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Meet us in the beer garden, 2-6pm, at the Old Dog Tavern for food, drinks, fun, raffle and the whisker competition! Registration at 1pm.
There will be a pre-party Friday night and a brunch on Sunday. Tons of fun to be had in Kalamazoo all weekend – music, art and breweries galore!
KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS FAIR
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Join us for our 69th annual KIA Arts Fair in Kalamazoo’s Bronson Park. Nearly 190 jury-selected artists from across the country will offer beautiful artwork throughout the city’s green, shady “central park.” You’ll find jewelry, photography, sculpture, painting, ceramics, glass, fiber, leather, and wood, along with music, food trucks, and family activities to make a great, art-filled weekend.
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Explore true vintage and handcrafted modern shopping. 60+ Vendors
Shop true vintage clothing, furniture, housewares, & handcrafted modern goods from the region’s best vendors and foodtrucks. As always, free balloons for the kiddos!
Friday, June 7, 2019 – Saturday, June 8, 2019
Kalamazoo Pride is not only an amazing and fun event, it is also a the largest fundraiser for OutFront Kalamazoo, a 501(c)3 that serves the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied community of southwest Michigan.
Saturday’s popular vendor alley features affirming and inclusive organizations and businesses, as well as tantalizing food and beverage vendors from all over Southwest Michigan. There will also be family-friendly activities planned throughout the day in the Family and Youth tent.
UNITED KENNEL CLUB PREMIER DOG SHOW
Friday, June 14, 2019 – June 16, 2019
United Kennel Club PREMIER Dog Show featuring Conformation, Agility, Obedience, Rally Obedience, Terrier Racing, Lure Coursing, Dock Diving and Weight Pull events. These events showcase the UKC philosophy of the “Total Dog”, in which a dog should not only have the beauty necessary for the traditional show ring but also the ability to perform the functions and duties for which its breed was originally created. Held throughout the entire facility.
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Soul Artistry LLC, will host a celebration to commemorate the history of Juneteenth on Saturday, June 15, 2019. The event will take place at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum from 1:00-4:00pm. This family friendly event is free and open to all ages. The event will consist of vendors, performances, film viewings, activities for the entire family, intentional educational components and of course lots of celebrating.
Juneteenth is a celebration created by African-Americans to help commemorate the emancipation of slavery. The celebration is held every year on the 19th of June as on that day in 1865, slavery was abolished. This celebration also goes by the name of Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day.
INTERESTED IN EXPERIENCING SOME OF OUR TOP ATTRACTIONS? CHECK OUT OUR MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS PASS!
