Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Today chili lovers enjoy the St. Joe Chili Tour in St. Joseph from 5 to 8 p.m. They will sample hot chili at the downtown Cook-off in Kalamazoo on Jan.

31 plus join the Paw Paw Chili Walk on Feb. 21.

Benjamin and Denise Young opened Mitts 2 Pits on Calhoun Street, where they serve scratch-made soul food for takeout and catering (including a popular Philly club and mac and cheese) Monday to Saturday to locals from Battle Creek and visitors from Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo's third Chick-Fil-A will open on Feb.

5 at 6:30 a.m. at its Gull Road location in northeast Kalamazoo, inviting community members to wear cow attire (one free entree per day, while supplies last) during the grand opening.

Tickets for the Irving S.

Gilmore International Piano Festival (North America's largest piano festival) went on sale Thursday, Jan. 29 and the 11-day event will showcase over 75 performances at more than a dozen venues in Southwest Michigan from Apr. 30 to May 10.

Rachel Hufnagel received a $500 grant last year to build a library of switch-adapted toys that help boost joint attention and early communication skills in ECSE classrooms at KRESA’s West Campus.

The grant, given by the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education, supports her proposal to use playful tools for language development.

Kzoo Parks said the Portage Creek restoration in Milham Park is complete after four years of work — which removed a dam and cleared creek debris — and native plantings will be installed this spring.

Later this year, additional improvements will include new overlook decks, parking repairs, and relocated parking for safety.

Residents near fire hydrants in Portage were urged to shovel a three‐foot circle around them to speed up firefighter response, as Portage Public Safety Battalion Chief Bill Graham said that digging out hydrants delayed emergency aid.

Ice fishermen returned to Portage Lake at Prairie View County Park on Thursday, Jan.

29, using augers to drill holes and measure ice while following DNR safety tips to ensure stable conditions for outdoor fishing.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

7-11 p.m. — Chenery Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis in an intimate concert setting.

Family Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Oshtemo Branch — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful half-hour of stories, songs, and playtime for the whole family.

2026 MIVCA Coaches Clinic

February 6-7 — Loy Norrix High School — Not specified — Learn from top practitioners at this valuable volleyball coaching clinic.

Father-Daughter Valentine Dinner & Dance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — $30 per person — Celebrate the special bond of fathers and daughters with dinner, dancing, and festive fun.

Avian Arts Exhibition Artist Reception

2-4 p.m. — Kalamazoo Nature Center — Free admission — Celebrate creativity and bird conservation through the lens of local artists and photographers.

Family Storytime at Oshtemo Library

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Oshtemo Branch — Free entry — Enjoy an engaging half-hour of stories, songs, and playtime for families.

Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special

6:30-7:45 p.m. — The Civic Auditorium — $34 — Experience timeless music by Queen and The Beatles in a romantic candlelit setting.

Story Corner

10-11 a.m. — Kalamazoo Nature Center — Included with admission — Enjoy a delightful story time featuring nature-themed picture books followed by a gentle hike for little explorers.

SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition

2-3 p.m. — Kalamazoo Civic Theatre — Tickets available — Dive into an undersea adventure as SpongeBob and friends save Bikini Bottom from disaster.

K-Wings vs. Indy Fuel Hockey Match

7–9 p.m. — Wings Event Center — $3 beers, sodas, and hot dogs — Start your weekend with a win at $3 Friday as the K-Wings take on the Indy Fuel.