Arts & Culture

Southwest Michigan offers a dynamic arts and culture scene that includes a multitude of events, classes, performances, festivals and more to suit any style. Need help finding where to start? Check out these local favorites that make Southwest Michigan’s community so rich.

Art Hop

Explore Kalamazoo in an interactive way on the first Friday of every month as downtown businesses and restaurants open their doors to showcase local art during Art Hop. You’ll find streets full of people flooding downtown to hear live musical performances, experience the arts and enjoy local shopping with family and friends!

Museums and Galleries

Kalamazoo boasts a diverse group of museums and galleries to visit; from aviation to the arts we have got you covered! Learn about both the history and future of aviation at the Air Zoo or head over to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum for a hands-on experience and head over to the Gilmore Car Museum where automotive history comes to life right before your eyes. Wrap up your day by appreciating Kalamazoo Institute of Art’s vast permanent collections and exhibitions. The KIA also offers art classes to take your beginner or advanced skills to the next level – for all ages.

Music, Theatre, Comedy and More

Experience live Broadway productions, comedy acts and music performances by checking out one of the region’s many theatre and performance venues: Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, Farmer’s Alley Theatre, Wings Event Center or Miller Auditorium. You’ll also find unforgettable musical performances by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra. Looking for something a little lighter? See what’s going on at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe.

Year-Round Festivals

Arcadia Creek Festival Place showcases an array of festivals to keep you entertained during the summer months. Find yourself lost in the music at Kalamazoo Blues Festival or channel your inner food critic as you experience Taste of Kalamazoo, to name just a few. Plus, Kalamazoo hosts the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival biennially over three weeks in April and May, internationally recognized as America’s most prestigious piano music festival.

Sporting Events

Keep up with the action no matter what the season by attending a Kalamazoo Wings hockey game in the winter, gearing up for a Western Michigan University game day in the fall or catch the USTA National Tennis Championship during the summer.

Whether you find yourself traveling back in time at one of our museums or busting a move at the latest concert, we know you’ll love Southwest Michigan as much as we do!