Community Calendar

Author Natalie Dykstra recounts the story of Isabella Stewart Gardner’s extraordinary life in this moving and illuminating biography. A Boston socialite, Gardner lived a life full of passion but one which was also marked by grief. Dykstra delivers compelling insight into Gardner’s friendships, world travels, and her keen eye for collecting treasures all of which shaped the creation of the Stewart Gardner Museum.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.
All book discussions are free, open to the public, and take place in-person at the Meader Fine Arts Library. Participants do not need to have read the book, but it will help facilitate the overall discussion. The author will not be in attendance unless otherwise stated. Preregistration is encouraged.

Join the KIA as we remember Juneteenth, which is a holiday that commemorates the abolishment of slavery in the United States. Participate in various activities, including viewing artworks by African American artists, drop-in low-mess art activities, and more.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.

Summer Jams returns to the KIA as a lively open mic night celebrating music, poetry, and creative expression. This event brings artists and community members together to share their voices in a welcoming and creative space. Performers of all backgrounds are invited to take the stage, whether you’re a musician, poet, spoken word artist, or simply someone with something to share. Not looking to perform? Come enjoy the performances, discover local talent, and connect with the community.

Summer Jams takes place during Free Thursday, so admission to the galleries is free all evening. Guests are encouraged to explore the exhibitions, enjoy the museum atmosphere, and then gather for a night of live performances and creative energy. Each Summer Jams evening will feature a unique theme, with more details and performer opportunities announced soon. Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or just coming to vibe, Summer Jams is a celebration of art, creativity, and community at the KIA.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.

Free Admission Day
The Kalamazoo Nature Center is offering free admission in celebration of Juneteenth. We hope to see you on the trails!

Other free admission days in 2026 – please note, some dates trails are open but Visitor Center is closed:

New Year’s Day: January 1, 2026 (Trails open, Visitor Center is closed)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 19, 2026
KNC’s Earth Day Celebration: April 18, 2026
Earth Day: April 22, 2026
Juneteenth: June 19, 2026
Independence Day: July 4, 2026 (Trails open, Visitor Center is closed)
Veterans Day: Nov. 11, 2026
Thanksgiving Day: November 26, 2026 (Trails open, Visitor Center is closed)
“Green Friday”: November 27, 2026 (Trails open, Visitor Center is closed)
Buy Local Art & Gift Fair: December 5, 2026
Christmas Eve: December 24, 2026 (Trails open, Visitor Center is closed)
Christmas Day: December 24, 2026 (Trails open, Visitor Center is closed)

Join us for the 48th annual Kalamazoo Klassic: a community tradition that brings people together for fitness, fun, and a great cause.

📍 922 W. Maple Street, Kalamazoo, MI
📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026

Choose your challenge:
🏃‍♀️ 10K Run (7:30 AM)
🏃‍♂️ 5K Walk/Run (9:00 AM)
🏃‍♀️ 10K/5K Combo (7:30 AM)

Not only will you enjoy a scenic, energizing course starting at the top of Maple Street Hill, but you’ll also be making a real impact. The majority of proceeds support MRC Industries and their mission to empower individuals with disabilities through employment and community involvement, while also supporting the Kalamazoo Area Runners and their work to promote healthy living in our community.

Linocut is a great beginner’s step into the world of printmaking, producing beautiful stamps with just a little dedication and patience. Come learn a new art form, and take home something beautiful to print with again and again!

Saturday, June 20 from 10:00 – 11:30AM
Meet: Visitor Center Classroom
Fee: Non-members $15, Members $12 Please Register >
Audience: Adults

boat races

There’s life all around us, finding niches and resources to survive in every corner. We’ll hike through one of our trails and talk about what makes a habitat, which habitats we have here, and how we can encourage healthy habitats in our own homes and neighborhoods!

Meet: Visitor center front desk
Fee: Included in regular KNC admission; KNC Members free!
Audience: All ages & families

Join us for an extraordinary day of connection and rejuvenation as we celebrate the longest day of the year in Downtown Coldwater. The Summer Solstice Festival is a first-of-its-kind local collaboration bringing together the region’s premier wellness brands and top-tier instructors for a full day of holistic experiences—completely free to the public.

Held in honor of the International Day of Yoga, the festival features powerful movement sessions, a special Father’s Day "Dad & Me" workshop, and a curated Holistic Marketplace. Browse local art from Bethany Johnston, handcrafted soaps from Syd’s Suds, and sustainable designs from Cozy Designs by Kait. Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine from Kra-Tib and fresh-pressed juices from Abundant Rock. Whether you are a seasoned mover or stepping onto the mat for the first time, this festival is designed for all ages, all bodies, and all skill levels.

Event Highlights
Summer Solstice Salutations: Celebrate the peak of summer with a powerful flow under the sun.
Father’s Day Workshop: A dedicated session designed for dads and kids to bond through movement and mindfulness.
Holistic Marketplace: Explore a curated street market featuring local artisans, organic skincare, and sustainable apparel.
Learn Your Way: From high-energy sessions to gentle mobility, we offer various styles to fit your personal schedule and needs.
Prizes & Giveaways: Attend sessions for your chance to win high-value wellness bundles, including annual studio memberships and premium gear.

Fuel Your Flow: Food & Refreshments
Kra-Tib Thai & Isaan Cuisine: Authentic, vibrant flavors available 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. @kratibthaifood
Abundant Rock: Refreshing teas and fresh-pressed juices by Megan Laser. @abundantrockyoga
Kona Ice Truck: A cool treat for the whole family, featuring dye-free and sugar-free options. @konaice

The Holistic Marketplace
Browse our curated vendors and partners. New additions are being added to our sanctuary daily:
Bethany Johnston: Featured Local Artist. @drbug0310
Syd’s Suds & Soaps: Handcrafted wellness by Sydney Braden. @syds.suds.soaps
Earthy Alice: Holistic goods by Heather. Earthy Alice on Facebook
Cozy Designs by Kait: Sustainable style by Kaitlyn Weiss. @cozydesignsbykait
Nourish Massage & Health Coaching: With Megan Sparks. Nourish on Facebook
Revivify Metaphysicals: Curated metaphysical goods with Michael Fisher. Revivify on Facebook
The Wellness Hub: Featuring three collaborative booths with Renewed Wellness and Cindy Withrow. @renewed_wellness_ | Renew You To Wellness

During this Artful Evening talk, artist Julia Whitney Barnes will speak about her Planting Utopia series, featured in the Hancock Shaker Museum, the Shaker Heritage Society, and the Albany International Airport. Barnes will also address her larger body of research and her permanent artwork The Botanist’s Mural. On view in Vassar College’s newly-built Vassar Institute, the mural is based on the herbarium that dates back to the founding of the college in 1861.

Born in Newbury, VT, Julia Whitney Barnes spent two decades in Brooklyn and New York City before moving to the Hudson Valley in 2015. She received a BFA from Parsons School of Design and an MFA from Hunter College. Whitney Barnes works in a variety of media, including cyanotypes, watercolor, combined media works on paper, oil paintings, glass, ceramic sculptures, murals, site-specific installations, and limited-edition prints. She has exhibited widely in the United States and internationally.

Whitney Barnes will offer a three-day workshop in the Kirk Newman Art School on June 26-28, entitled Cyanotype: Beyond Blue and White. This workshop is generously supported by the Harold Hope Memorial Fund.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.