Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Disability Network Southwest Michigan will hold its annual ADA Celebration on July 25 as part of Disability Pride Month in downtown Kalamazoo.

The group launched a new website — DisabilityPrideKzoo.org — to share disability history and mission details while local businesses show support with decals.

A volunteer count on Jan.

23 showed that Kalamazoo County’s homeless population increased 19% to 791 individuals—82 unsheltered and 709 in shelters or transitional housing—with the highest numbers recorded since 2011. Officials said rising housing costs and financial hardships are driving the increase.

The Kalamazoo Growlers and Comerica Bank will host a food drive at Homer Stryker Field on July 25, with fans lining up at 8:30 a.m. to receive one of the first 500 Growlers bucket hats if they donate at least six nonperishable food items to benefit the South Michigan Food Bank.

A report by the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care from January 23rd showed that the number of unhoused people in Kalamazoo increased by 127 to 791, with 90% staying in shelters thanks to the Heads in Beds program—helping protect them from cold weather.

The survey also found that Black and Hispanic residents make up a higher percentage of the unhoused population compared to their share of the local community.

A man was hospitalized in critical condition after a vehicle struck him on West Main Street and North 8th Street in Oshtemo Township on July 17 at 10:31 p.m. — officers are investigating the crash to determine its cause — and no arrests have been made.

The Gilmore Car Museum opened its new $1M event venue, The Summer House, on July 17 in Hickory Corners to host weddings and special events—built by moving a 4,000-square-foot barn 300 feet aside to create more space for displays.

Kalamazoo County erased nearly $2.5M in medical debt for 7,231 residents in the first quarter of 2023 using a $100,000 ARPA investment with support from nonprofit Undue Medical Debt—eligible residents received letters notifying them of their debt relief.

Fieldpiece A2L Refrigerants and HVACR Field Best Practices Workshop

8:00-9:30 a.m. — Young Supply Company - Kalamazoo — Free entry — Learn about A2L refrigerants, regulations, and best practices for HVACR field work.

Kzoo Parks Summer Cinema: U Pick the Flick

6-10 p.m. — Crane Park — Free entry — Enjoy a community movie night featuring your choice between 'Harold and the Purple Crayon' or 'The Garfield Movie' under the stars.

EPS Foam and Electronics Recycling Day

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Mayors Riverfront Park — Free entry — Drop off your EPS foam and electronics at this quarterly recycling event.

Tomas Esparza Blues Band – Oshtemo Music in the Park

6-7:30 p.m. — Flesher Field — Free entry — Enjoy Chicago Style Blues and raffle prizes in a scenic park setting.

Dokidokon 2025

July 28-30 — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime, gaming, and fandom with a pirate theme at this vibrant community convention.

Parade of Homes Kalamazoo

6-7 p.m. — Home Builders Association — Ticket prices vary — Explore stunning homes and find inspiration for your next project.

Whack For Warmth Golf Outing Fundraiser

7 AM-4 PM — Cedar Creek Golf Course — All proceeds benefit heating assistance programs — Play for a cause at this engaging community golf outing.

Concerts in the Park

4-5 p.m. — Bronson Park — Free entry — Enjoy live summer music brought by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.

Festival Fridays: A Taste of Kalamazoo

6-10 p.m. — Arcadia Creek Festival Place — Free entry — Celebrate local food, music, and community at this vibrant summer festival series.

Dokidokon 2025

All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime and gaming culture with panels, special guests, and a pirate theme.