Community Calendar

What do dragons and tacos have in common? Everything! Join a boy and his trusty dog as they dive into a wild TV show about dragons and their outrageous eating habits. When the boy decides to throw a taco party for his dragon pals, he overlooks a crucial detail on the mild salsa jar. Will he keep the dragon guests happy, or will a spicy mistake turn the party into a fiery disaster? Get ready for a fun-filled adventure that proves tacos are the ultimate treat for everyone—dragons included!

Opening day June 6, with free gallery admission.

Leo Villareal: Interstellar invites viewers into the immersive digital worlds of Leo Villareal, where code, celestial bodies, and humanity converge into a fusion of art and technology. This exhibition showcases a collection of works by Villareal from the last five years, underlining his pioneering role in the realm of digital art in the 21st century. By creating atmospheric artworks and environments where space and light collide, Villareal instills a sense of awe and wonder, offering intimate moments for both personal and collective reflection. The artist’s use of light and code serves as both media and symbols that represent knowledge, discovery, and the spark of consciousness within the intricate web of the cosmos. The works on view will encourage viewers to consider the paradoxes of the universe—the vastness and intricacies of the cosmos against the fleeting nature of our existence. The exhibition will inspire visitors to imagine the possibilities that new technologies provide for humanity’s advancement and perhaps even its preservation. Leo Villareal’s works convey the tension that exists between these congruent and at times opposing forces, while asking viewers to reflect on their place within the grand, enigmatic expanse of the universe. Ultimately, Leo Villareal: Interstellar builds a shared journey through the known and the unknown.

Summer begins with the 74th Annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair in historic Bronson Park in beautiful downtown Kalamazoo. This two-day, juried art show draws 15,000+ visitors to the park and features 130+ fine artists from across Michigan and the country showcasing their jaw dropping creations of usable and decorative art to feature, wear and use. You are sure to find something unique shopping the wide selection of fine artists working in a variety of mediums and forms.

The fun continues Friday and Saturday with shopping, live entertainment, kids’ activities, artist demonstrations from the Kirk Newman Art School, food truck fair, and FREE admission to KIA galleries. The KIA is proud to celebrate and be a part of this JumpstART Summer weekend featuring not only the KIA Arts Fair but also Art on the Mall, the Do Dah Parade and Kalamazoo Pride. There is something for everyone in Bronson Park and beyond!

Summer begins with the 74th Annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair in historic Bronson Park in beautiful downtown Kalamazoo. This two-day, juried art show draws 15,000+ visitors to the park and features 130+ fine artists from across Michigan and the country showcasing their jaw dropping creations of usable and decorative art to feature, wear and use. You are sure to find something unique shopping the wide selection of fine artists working in a variety of mediums and forms.

The fun continues Friday and Saturday with shopping, live entertainment, kids’ activities, artist demonstrations from the Kirk Newman Art School, food truck fair, and FREE admission to KIA galleries. The KIA is proud to celebrate and be a part of this JumpstART Summer weekend featuring not only the KIA Arts Fair but also Art on the Mall, the Do Dah Parade and Kalamazoo Pride. There is something for everyone in Bronson Park and beyond!

Thanks to our presenting sponsor:
Kalamazoo Community Foundation

On Saturday, June 7, Twelve Baskets Food Pantry will host a soft opening for its new Community Store, along with the pantry’s 9th annual Plant/Garage Sale,

The Community Store will be located in our newly renovated space and most items—new and used—will be discount-priced to help us raise funds to operate and maintain our programs and property. One hundred percent of store proceeds will be used to support our main mission—lessening hunger in our local community. New items will be priced 75% or more off retail and many items will be available for as low as $1. The Plant/Charity Garage Sale will include beautiful plants for your flower and vegetable gardens donated by local greenhouses and a wide variety of new and like new items donated to Twelve Baskets, such as furniture, power washers, tools, hot/cold tubs, new mattresses, bikes, and kid toys. All proceeds from this sale will also be used to support our mission and to help us defray operating and maintenance costs.

Kalamazoo River Guardians
Saturday, June 7, 9am – 2pm

Are you looking for an opportunity to better understand your local watershed? Become a Kalamazoo River Guardian! Working with a team of experts, participants will help sample parts of the Kalamazoo River Watershed and its local tributaries for macroinvertebrates (water bugs). Samples will be brought back to the lab to be identified under microscopes as a group. The data collected contributes to a statewide database used for valuable research and monitoring of water quality. No prior experience is required, and lunch will be provided.

Fee: Free. Registration required.
Audience: All Ages (children must have an adult in attendance)
Meet: Merrill Park, 5845 Comstock Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
https://naturecenter.org/events/riverguardians/

What do dragons and tacos have in common? Everything! Join a boy and his trusty dog as they dive into a wild TV show about dragons and their outrageous eating habits. When the boy decides to throw a taco party for his dragon pals, he overlooks a crucial detail on the mild salsa jar. Will he keep the dragon guests happy, or will a spicy mistake turn the party into a fiery disaster? Get ready for a fun-filled adventure that proves tacos are the ultimate treat for everyone—dragons included!

Camp Open House: Saturday, June 7 from 10:30am to Noon
FREE admission!

Is this your child’s first time at camp or maybe they’re in a new age group? Join us for a camp open house where you’ll get to learn about what a day at camp is like. Tour the campgrounds, children get to play group games, and adults have a chance to meet the directors and staff and ask questions.

If your child needs a small crowd, please join the alternative Open House time, Saturday, June 8, 9-10 am.

https://naturecenter.org/events/camp-open-house-2/

Want to learn more about KNC's summer camp, check out the weekly themes, and register your child? Visit http://naturecenter.org/camp

The Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids is proud to announce an extraordinary evening of classical piano, showcasing the unparalleled talent of acclaimed Polish pianist, Cezary Karwowski. This much-anticipated recital will take place on the evening of Saturday, June 7, at 7:00 PM at the St. Cecilia Music Center, located at 24 Ransom Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI.
Mr. Karwowski will present an exquisite program featuring the works of legendary Polish composers, including Frederik Chopin, Jan Paderewski, Ignaz Friedman, Josef Hofmann, Leopold Godowsky and Moritz Rosenthal. A highlight of the evening will be the West Michigan premiere of Logan Skelton’s Waltz/Mazurka transcribed from Chopin’s recently discovered composition, Waltz in A Minor. This historic performance provides a rare opportunity to hear this newly unveiled gem from one of the world's most beloved composers.
Cezary Karwowski, renowned for his virtuosic skill and emotive interpretations, has performed on some of the most prestigious stages around the globe. His dedication to bringing the works of Polish composers to life continues to garner critical acclaim and inspire audiences worldwide.
“We are honored to host this exceptional recital and bring attention to Poland's profound influence on classical music,” said Richard Panek, Cultural Ambassador for the Polish Heritage Society. “This event reflects our commitment to celebrating and preserving our shared cultural heritage.”
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with elegance, passion, and the timeless beauty of classical piano. This event is a true must-see for music enthusiasts and those who appreciate the artistry of Poland’s finest composers.
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM Venue: St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI.

Cars fly, trees fight back, and monsters are on the loose in Harry's second year at Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! This concert features the film Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets™ in high-definition, on a giant screen, while the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams' unforgettable score. Relive every magical moment as the music brings life to a story that has enchanted the world.

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.