Downtown Kalamazoo is filled with history, art, delicious food and some of the best darn beer in the country

Whether you’re looking for a low-key getaway, or a weekend that’s jam-packed with activities and vibrant fun, use this list for inspiration.

 

DRINK LOCALLY BREWED BEER 

Lucky for beer lovers, Downtown Kalamazoo is home to the iconic Bell’s Brewery! Check out our Give a Craft Beer Trail and Passport for a fun way to discover the breweries downtown.

 

Friends enjoy a couple beers together outdoors

 

GO TO A MUSEUM

Kalamazoo’s museums and area attractions embrace nature, history, education and art to ignite your imagination. Add the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and Heritage Guitar Inc. to your list of downtown attractions. 

 

300379-Kalamazoo-Valley-Museum

 

 

SHOP ON THE MALL

The historic Kalamazoo Mall, the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States, features revitalized Art Deco buildings and specialty shops. 

 

People attending an art fair at Kalamazoo Mall

 

 

EXPERIENCE BRONSON PARK 

Bronson Park has been the social and political heart of Kalamazoo for nearly two centuries. The park is loved and well-used — a place often referred to as Kalamazoo’s ‘front porch’. From live music and art fairs, to food truck rally’s and New Year’s celebrations; no matter the season, there is always something going on in the park! 

 

Couple holding hands, while walking a dog

 

 

EAT THE FOOD

To get a real sense of the flavor of Kalamazoo, you need to sample our food! The number of diverse cuisines just in the downtown radius is pretty impressive. You’ll find everything from tapas and Mexican to BBQ and sushi. Treat yourself to a steak dinner or indulge in a vegan farm-to-table brunch. The options are endless!

 

Women seated at tables, toasting

 

 

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE

If caffeine is your vice, you’re in luck! Downtown Kalamazoo offers plenty of specialty coffee shops

 

ambient cafe and coffee shop

 

 

SEE A PLAY OR MUSICAL 

If you’re an artist or a fan of performing arts, you’ll find plenty of action here. Check out Downtown Kalamazoo’s performance theaters.

 

Xanadu at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre

 

 

ADMIRE THE ART, OR CREATE YOUR OWN

Head down to snap a selfie with one of the many public murals, visit the galleries and experience our dynamic monthly Art Hop, featuring local artists showcasing their talent around the city! Feeling creative? Attend a workshop at the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center or Glass Art Kalamazoo

 

Woman in front a mural

 

 

ENJOY LIVE MUSIC 

Live music is abundant downtown! From your favorite dive bars and backyard brewery jams to concerts in the park and symphony orchestras, there’s no shortage of live music entertainment for you to enjoy. 

 

people watching an outside concert

 

 

SIP SOME SPIRITS 

A rapidly growing spirit scene is making a name for itself downtown. If you enjoy a deliciously crafted cocktail, make sure to check out Principle Food & Drink on the Kalamazoo Mall, or pay a visit to Green Door Distilling. Keep The Kalamazoo Stillhouse on your radar as well. Their tasting room is opening in the near future!

 

A drink sitting on a bar

 

 

Want to learn more about Kalamazoo? Grab a FREE copy of our visitors guide! We’ll ship it to your mailbox (the physical one) in no time at all.