Good morning, Kalamazoo.

The Northside Ministerial Alliance hosted its 5th Annual Anti-Gun Violence Community Carnival Saturday, August 23, 2025, offering free rides, food, and games to families before the school year began.

Pastor Addis Moore of Mount Zion Baptist Church said the event united locals against gun violence—over 30 community partners sponsored the carnival.

Midge, an 8-year-old beagle at the SPCA of Southwest Michigan, is seeking a forever home after her previous owner could not keep her due to a living situation+ she is fully trained and low maintenance.

SPCA executive director Katie Timber said the shelter will host the Fur Ball Gala on October 9 at Haymarket Plaza-Desenberg+ guests will enjoy a cuddle lounge, photo booth, raffle, appetizers, DJ, and $50 tickets to help cover rising shelter costs.

Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries announced it will limit its emergency shelter to 140 beds and a 120-day stay for guests starting Oct.

6—this change will end the use of overflow mattresses on the floor and prioritize Kalamazoo County residents amid rising demand. The shift is designed to improve safety and allow more focused support for guests.

On Aug 22, Kalamazoo Balloon Fest held its 10th annual event at Gull Meadow Farms in Richland Township — hundreds of families gathered to watch dozens of hot air balloons launch, enjoy fair-like concessions and play on a nearby playground.

Pilots including local balloonist Lauren Hanson led a lively balloon glow with music that lasted over 30 minutes, marking a cherished community celebration.

A former Kalamazoo resident returned on Aug.

20 to deliver 50 Medify air purifiers to schools, daycares, and homes after state sensors showed hydrogen sulfide levels well above the safe limit (with averages far exceeding 1.4 parts per billion). She urged city and county officials to take stronger measures to protect residents from toxic gas exposure.

A boil water advisory was issued for a section of Mount Olivet Road from Spring Valley Drive to about 2150 feet west and for Regent Street from Mount Olivet Road to its end after a water main break on Aug.

23 caused a temporary loss of pressure. Residents were told to boil tap water or use bottled water for drinking, and health officials expect to lift the advisory within 72 hours.

Olympic gold medalist Lindsay Tarpley Snow met fans and signed autographs in Kalamazoo Saturday during a meet-and-greet hosted by Kalamazoo Working Moms in partnership with WCSA and Seelye Kia of Kalamazoo—she returned to her hometown and gave the first 100 kids free mini soccer balls.

Read to Eleanor

3:30 – 5:00 PM — Kalamazoo Public Library - Alma Powell Branch — Free — Spend a cozy afternoon reading to Eleanor, a friendly therapy dog, and take home a book!

Dungeons & Dragons Game Night

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Washington Square Branch — Registration required — Enjoy a night of adventure whether you're a beginner or an experienced player.

Family Storytime at Oshtemo Library

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

Dokidokon 2025

All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets start at $10 — Celebrate anime, gaming, and cosplay with a heart at a pirate-themed convention.

Brush the Block Mural Festival

10 a.m. — Discover Kalamazoo — Free entry — Celebrate creativity as artists transform the city with stunning murals over six days.

Dokidokon 2025

All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 to $180 — Celebrate all things anime and gaming with a heartwarming community atmosphere and pirate theme.

SlideDayz at the Zoo

12 PM – 8 PM — Kalamazoo Speedway Inc — Free venue parking — Experience a thrilling combo of drifting and live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Kalamazoo Scottish Festival

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Kindleberger Park — Free entry — Celebrate everything Scottish with music, food, games, and Highland competitions.

Lego Club for Kids

3-5 p.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Central Library — Free event — Create unique Lego designs weekly in the children's area.

Dokidokon 2025

Various times — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime, gaming, and fandom with panels, concerts, and cosplay gatherings at this annual convention.