Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Organizers with the Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative held the How We Heal from Gun Violence Back to School Bash on Portage Street Saturday, offering free school supplies, food, a raffle, and personal care services to students—Destine Willis said the event gave youth a space where they feel heard.

Gull Meadow Farms (at 8544 Gull Road) built a 6-acre corn maze that celebrates WMU hockey's 2025 national title following their April win over Boston University, marking their first national championship since 1965.

The rows of corn show 'WMU' and 'National Champs' along with images of hockey sticks and a puck to honor the Broncos.

A Hollywood film crew has taken over Camp Tavor in Three Rivers to film a slasher horror movie called Crazy Bones that has sparked local interest (release expected in 2026).

The crew will finish filming by the end of this weekend and then begin editing in Hollywood.

Portage native Ryan March has returned home to produce the indie horror film 'The Crawling' and is filming on a remote 30-acre farm in Jackson County—he is also shooting at a controlled site in Kalamazoo using local talent from Farmers Alley.

The production will wrap early September and is set for a 2026 release.

WMU trustees approved a $702 tuition increase that brings the new rate to $15,954 from $15,252, marking a 4.6% hike that is the largest raise over $700 so far this year.

Tuition is now 3.5 times higher than the $4,499 rate in 2001—showing a steady rise over the years.

Michigan State Police troopers from the Paw Paw Post will distribute Naloxone on September 2 to help reverse opioid overdoses in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day today and National Recovery Month.

MSP reported 11 deaths involving carfentanil from January to June—most with other drugs detected—and urges residents to carry Naloxone and not use opioids alone.

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.

Festival Fridays: A Taste of Kalamazoo

6-10 p.m. — Arcadia Creek Festival Place — Free entry — Celebrate local culture with food vendors and live entertainment every Friday this September.

Weird Al Yankovic: BIGGER & WEIRDER Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary comedic rock of Weird Al with special guest Puddles Pity Party in a full-production multimedia show.

Book Fair Fundraiser

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Bookbug & This is a Bookstore — Mention Gryphon Place and support local programs while browsing books.

CanAm Peace Jam at Canadiana Fest 2025

4-10 p.m. — Discover Kalamazoo — Enjoy poutine and celebrate Canadian culture with music and a kitchen party.