Good morning, Kalamazoo.

On Memorial Day weekend, thousands visited Saugatuck to enjoy its art scene, waterfront views, and bustling patios as local businesses saw crowded lines and early summer excitement.

The holiday crowd offered a lively preview of the season ahead.

The Rotary Club of Kalamazoo Sunrise and Charlie's P.L.A.C.E held a Memorial Day parade on Monday morning, starting at 10 a.m. on West Michigan Avenue and ending at Riverside Cemetery for a tribute at 11 a.m.—Four generations of families attended to honor veterans and keep the tradition alive.

On Sunday, hundreds gathered at Fort Custer National Cemetery for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor 250 years of sacrifice, with flags placed on graves and a wreath laying ceremony to remember fallen heroes — retired Col. Frank Walker led the tribute with remarks on the nation’s ongoing debt.

Troopers urged drivers to slow down after rain led to several single-vehicle crashes on US-131 near I-96 over Memorial Day weekend; officials said a pickup truck lost control and a semi truck incident caused lane closures as heavy travel raised road risks.

Karlyn Crowley has been named Kalamazoo College’s 19th president and will begin her term in July.

A liberal arts fanatic who previously served as provost at Ohio Wesleyan University, she aims to strengthen community ties while building on the college’s recent fundraising success + addressing enrollment challenges.

Fifth grader Heron Bothwell, winner of the regional spelling bee at Chenery Auditorium for Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary School, will represent Kalamazoo today at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington (D.C.) as the preliminary round begins.

Kalamazoo Growlers are unveiling major stadium upgrades at Honor Credit Union Stadium ahead of the 2026 season, including a 1,900 sqft indoor/outdoor fan space called The Corner Club, expanded seating + postgame drone shows set for June 11 through 13.

Severe flooding in April delayed the project until July.

Light Saber Kids Combat Discovery Class

10 AM - 11 PM — BSD Dance Studio — Free entry — Discover the basics of lightsaber combat in this exciting class for kids aged 8-13.

Battle Creek Battle Jacks vs. Kalamazoo Growlers

6:35-10:35 p.m. — Honor Credit Union Baseball Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience an action-packed baseball showdown between local teams.

The Kalamazoo Blend Sessions Music Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Clover Room — $20.00 — Enjoy an evening of R&B, Hip Hop, and Afro Beats at this vibrant local music event.

Wisconsin Rapids Rafters vs. Kalamazoo Growlers

2:05 p.m. — Honor Credit Union Baseball Stadium — Ticketed event — Experience the excitement of minor league baseball as the Rafters take on the Growlers.

Dixon's Violin Live Concert

3:50-5:15 p.m. — Milham Park — General Admission $32 — Experience a mesmerizing performance by acclaimed violinist Dixon with an extraordinary twist on the electric violin.