Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Kzoo Parks will host Halloween Forest at Milham Park on October 25 from 2 to 4 p.m.—a free, family-friendly trick-or-treat event sponsored by Lake Michigan Credit Union.

The event features fall-themed games, inflatable challenges, an hour-long spooky magic show by John Dudley at 3 p.m., and a costume contest with prizes announced on October 30.

Disability Network Southwest Michigan held its annual fundraising breakfast on Oct 16 at Next Level Sports Complex in Schoolcraft to support the disabled community when local community members + elected officials gathered to share stories of challenges and success.

President Kelley Kellis said she saw daily resilience among neighbors working toward independent living.

The Backyard of Kalamazoo said it will not host the Gen Z Night political event this Saturday after learning the organizers never contacted them.

The family-owned venue stated it is working with law enforcement to keep customers safe—maintaining its neutrality amid the controversy.

Dan and Holly Carmichael bought the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for $1 million and the former Harvey’s on the Mall for $525,000 for a total of $1.525 million + they plan to restore the theater ahead of its 100th anniversary with a 2027 reopening + they have not yet shared plans for the restaurant building.

Downtown Kalamazoo’s 418 Restaurant will let the public taste a three-course meal prepared by Kalamazoo Valley Community College culinary students who will perform tableside flambé shows to build their skills—reservations are required from Oct 30 through Dec 4.

The program gives students a full restaurant experience through crafting innovative dishes with fresh local ingredients.

Portage Public Schools is asking voters to pass a $132.4 million bond to replace Amberly Elementary, Angling Road Elementary, + the Portage Community Education Center and renovate Moorsbridge Elementary School.

The bond will fund technology upgrades and bus replacements while a 0.74 mills levy in 2026 keeps the overall rate unchanged for 30 years.

The Michigan DNR reported that between 1995 and 2023, a 30% drop in deer hunters caused the deer population to exceed 2 million — leading to more car accidents, crop damage and higher disease risks.

The agency has since extended hunting seasons and created mentor licenses to encourage younger hunters.

City officials and water utilities held the 'Imagine a Day Without Water' campaign on October 16th to urge residents to appreciate reliable water access—officials noted that nearly 200,000 customers depended on a steady supply and warned that any disruption would affect public services and the economy.

Marshall will build over 1,000 new homes over the next five years to meet the growing workforce housing need for BlueOval Battery Park as Ford begins battery production next year.

Developers have already started several projects, as noted by the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) (which offers both lease and ownership options).

Kalamazoo Wings Home Opener vs. Fort Wayne Komets

4:30-6 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Free 2025-26 K-Wings Magnet Schedule for the first 2,000 fans — Kick off the new season with an electric atmosphere against a longtime rival.

150th Show on the Road: Kalamazoo

6-9 p.m. — Bell's Eccentric Cafe — Free entry — Celebrate 150 years of faith and renewal with an evening of joyous festivities.

LuFuki and Divine Providence

7-8:30 p.m. — Dalton Theatre — Cost Info — Experience a unique blend of music and spirituality with composer LuFuki Ismaeel Dhul-Qarnayn.

Dokidokon 2025

Oct 24-26 — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 — Dive into a weekend of anime and gaming fun with themed events and community spirit.

Iowa Heartlanders at Kalamazoo Wings

4:30-6:00 p.m. — Wings Event Center — $3 beers, sodas, and hot dogs — Kick off your weekend with an exciting night of hard-hitting hockey action and unbeatable value.

Chunky Knit Pumpkins Crafting

2-4 p.m. — Schultz Sweets — Cost info not specified — Create your own cozy fall decor with chunky knit pumpkins while enjoying sweet treats.

Murder Mystery Dinner

6-9 p.m. — One Well Brewing — $60 ticket includes pizza and appetizers — Test your true crime skills in a fun evening of mystery and case cracking.

Haunted Halloween Tour

5-9 p.m. — Henderson Castle Apple Orchard — $12 per person, kids 10 & under half off — Experience a spooky family adventure with playful zombies, face painting, and Halloween treats.

Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Western Michigan Broncos Football

1-4 p.m. — Waldo Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling college football showdown between rival teams in Kalamazoo.

MAC-SBC Challenge: Coastal Carolina vs. Western Michigan Basketball

6 PM — Read Fieldhouse, Kalamazoo, MI — Ticket pricing varies — Catch an exciting matchup as the Broncos take on the Chanticleers in college basketball action.