Good morning, Kalamazoo.

The city of Kalamazoo will host a food drive from Wednesday, November 12 through Thursday, November 20 to help residents facing food insecurity amid uncertainty about SNAP benefits due to the federal shutdown—donations will be dropped off at City Hall and collected on Friday, November 21.

Linda Wright won October’s Photo of the Month for her Happy Halloween from the Best Dressed Airedales and Their Otterhounds taken in Battle Creek—she earned 34% of the vote with her creative image.

Submissions for November will be collected as the contest continues, with voting on Dec.1.

Kelly W. Waltrip, a 2003 Western Michigan University graduate, will join The Gilmore as its inaugural managing director on January 1, 2026, leaving her role as executive director of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra.

She will work closely with executive director Pierre van der Westhuizen—expanding the organization’s strategic vision and forging local partnerships.

Christmas Jellycat Launch Party

5-7 p.m. — troVe — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with a special Jellycat launch and a chance to win a fun purse!

Lavender Ice Night: Kalamazoo Wings vs. Fort Wayne Komets

7-8:30 p.m. — Wings Event Center — $3 specials — Cheer on the K-Wings in lavender for Hockey Fights Cancer night with fun activities and a charity auction.

Cyclones vs. Wings Jersey Series Game

4:30-6 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Free giveaway for kids — Celebrate Detroit's teams with a special Jersey Series game and exclusive youth jersey giveaway.

Sensory Friend Sundays at the Air Zoo

10 AM – 12 PM — Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center — Included with general admission — Enjoy a sensory-friendly morning with quiet spaces and special activities for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Dokidokon 2025

Nov 20-22 — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime, gaming, and fandoms with panels, concerts, and cosplay at this community-focused convention.

A Christmas Carol

8:00 p.m. — The New Vic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience Dickens’ classic tale of redemption and holiday spirit returning to the stage with warmth and heart.

The Nutcracker

2-3:30 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — $25-$50 — Experience Clara's enchanting adventures through Tchaikovsky’s beloved music and breathtaking choreography.

A Very Kalamazoo Christmas

2-5 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy a hilarious holiday rom-com parody featuring local charm and wit.

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Fort Wayne Komets

5-8 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Free LED bracelet — Celebrate Wicked Night with a magical hockey experience featuring a painted ice theme.

KAR Turkey Trot Time Prediction Run

2-3 p.m. — Portage, MI — Family-friendly event — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun time-prediction run for all ages.