Daily
Kalamazoo
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bright, colorful new signage now colors Downtown Kalamazoo Mall as part of a city rebranding effort developed over the past year. City officials said the upgrade cost about $15,000 and reflected local business logos — a design choice that sets the stage for upcoming downtown projects. WWMT
- ➤ Twelve Baskets food pantry in Portage will change its distribution policy next week so every home receives the same quantity of food—balancing rising demand from hundreds who visit twice weekly. WKZO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rocko’s Bar and Grill opened Monday, Feb. 16 in Portage at the second floor of The Crossroads mall; the mega arcade venue offers homemade menu items and a full bar with craft cocktails + weekly karaoke. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ New York Times bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt will headline the inaugural Pulp and Press Lit Arts Fest on Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at the Vicksburg Performing Art Center (501 E. Highway St.), a two-day festival with readings, workshops and a Book Trail promoting literacy and local art. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ After a four-month investigation into reports of harsh coaching tactics, Tyler Langs returned this week as dean of students at Climax-Scotts Community Schools; he remains on paid leave from his roles as athletic director and head football coach pending further hearings. WWMT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Whitmer posted a video from Italy on Thursday, Feb. 19 in which she spoke with Michigan athletes representing Team USA at the Winter Olympics. The video highlights her support for their international efforts. WWMT
- ➤ City commissioners approved three easements on Monday, Feb. 16 to install heated sidewalks, water and sewer connections, and air rights above Park Street at the downtown event center — developers will pay for construction and upkeep. The $515 million facility is set to finish and open in 2027. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The American Heart Association will host the Go Red for Women event on Thursday, Feb. 26 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, 100 W. Michigan Ave to teach women about preventing heart disease and raise funds for cardiovascular research. MLive
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Member Meetup at Wax Wings Brewing Company
4-6 p.m. — Wax Wings Brewing Company — $1 donation per beer — Celebrate the debut of Exhibit Ale brewed in collaboration with Wax Wings while supporting the KIA.
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Kalamazoo Nature Center Guided Hike
2-3 p.m. — Kalamazoo Nature Center — Free entry — Explore the beautiful trails of KNC with a guided hike through nature's hidden gems.
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Great Lakes Gift Show
March 2-4 — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — Cost varies — Discover a fantastic collection of unique companies and name brands at Michigan's premier gift and boutique show.
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Great Lakes Gift Show Kalamazoo
5 PM – 5 PM — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — Check for entry costs — Discover the latest trends and products in the gift and toy industry.
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Stephen King's Misery
7:30–9:15 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — $45-$49, $20 student tickets — Experience the gripping tale of an author held captive by his obsessed fan in this thrilling live adaptation.
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Arancini Cooking Class
4-8 p.m. — 4023 Douglas Ave, Kalamazoo, MI — Hands-on experience — Learn to craft delicious Sicilian arancini from scratch while exploring their rich history.
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Live Music with Megan Dooley
7-9 p.m. — Zero: Non-Alcoholic Bar — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful evening of live music at a unique venue.
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Zazzy Concert Experience
9 PM – 1 AM — Papa Pete's — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy a night of live funk music featuring Zazzy's remixes.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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