JumpstART Weekend
June 7-8, 2024
Jumpstart Weekend is the official start of the summer event series. It's been a long-standing tradition called Super Saturday and then Super Saturday Weekend. The weekend highlights the following major events while celebrating many more events that round out the "edges" of the traditions that make this first full weekend in June an annual "big deal."
The weekend of activities also includes the many specials and wonderful food found downtown at our restaurants and retail shops. It's a weekend when the doors open and everything celebrates the great things in the greater Kalamazoo region. The Children's Nature Playscape also kicks off the weekend with open doors on Friday night and Saturday - before and after the Do-Dah Parade.
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair in Bronson Park
Friday, June 7 | 3 – 8 pm
Saturday, June 8 | 9am – 5pm
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair is the second longest-running arts fair in the country. And, it is happening right in the heart of Kalamazoo: Bronson Park. Fine artisans across the country convene for the two-day unique shopping experience. Find jewelry, photography, sculpture, painting, ceramics, glass, fiber, leather, wood, and more all handcrafted by over 100 jury-selected fine artists from across Michigan and the country.
Visitors can enjoy shopping, music, a beer garden, food trucks, and family activities all weekend long. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair is fun for the whole family and open to everyone without registration. As a special treat, the KIA galleries will be open for FREE admission on Friday and Saturday.
Art on the Mall
Friday, June 7 | Noon – 8pm
Saturday, June 8 | 9am – 5pm
For more than 36 years, this outdoor artistic extravaganza has featured displays by 60+ local and regional artists showcasing original paintings, jewelry, pottery, sculptures, garden art, and art demonstrations on the mall in downtown Kalamazoo. It also offers up crowd-pleasing live entertainment!
Kalamazoo Pride at Arcadia Creek Festival Site
Friday, June 7
Saturday, June 8
Each year, Kalamazoo Pride brings together an estimated 8,000+ people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and racial identities from Southwest Michigan and beyond to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride. The two-day festival at Kalamazoo’s Arcadia Creek Festival Place features show-stopping drag performances, incredible music, exhibitors, food, dancing, and more. #Pride365
Do-Dah Parade
Saturday, June 8 | 11 a.m.
The annual Do-Dah Parade returns Saturday, June 8 at 11 a.m. The Do-Dah Parade has been part of the Kalamazoo landscape for 36 years and each year, participants are challenged to reinvigorate the meaning of “Do-Dah” (a parody based on a spoof or a satire). This year’s theme is Kalama-SEUSS: Children’s Stories Take to the Street!
Concerts in the Park
Sunday, June 9 | 4 p.m.
The summer music season starts with a free live concert featuring The Kalamazoo Concert Band in Bronson Park!