Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Bell's Brewery is hosting its first-ever Bellsgiving event at the Eccentric Café today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to honor National Philanthropy Day and support local nonprofits including Comstock Community Center, Family Promise, Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Kalamazoo Communities in Schools, Migrant Legal Aid, South Michigan Food Bank and The Trevor Project—attendees are encouraged to donate new pajamas and toys at Bell's General Store while a Thanksgiving buffet with $25 tickets at the door (kids under five eat free) benefits local aid groups.

Bronson Park in downtown Kalamazoo is preparing for Christmas as crews install holiday decorations and large candy canes at its four entrances.

The city’s tree lighting ceremony will occur on November 28 from 5 to 7 p.m.—free rides on the Holly Jolly Trolley will be available until 9 p.m.

God’s Kitchen of Michigan will host three free Thanksgiving dinners this year with two events in Battle Creek on November 19th at First United Methodist Church from 5 to 6 p.m. and at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and one event in Kalamazoo on November 20th at Kanley Chapel near the new Student Center from 5 to 6 p.m.—each dinner will serve roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, cheesecake and bottled water and is open to everyone.

DTE Energy requested a $163M rate increase for its 1.3M customers on November 13—this change will take effect in October and will not affect the current winter heating season.

High school freshmen from Kalamazoo Public Schools visited WMU yesterday in the Broncos Buds program to explore college life, starting with a pep rally and official remarks and then touring academic colleges tailored to their interests—helping them learn the steps needed to prepare for college.

Kalamazoo Public Schools is set to host its third annual Around the World Wellness Fair for families this Saturday at Loy Norrix High School — 606 E.

Kilgore Road — where free health screenings including vaccinations, nutrition, and socioemotional support will be offered along with meals, winter clothing giveaways, and a free food box. No registration is required for this free event.

Loy Norrix athletes Madeline Chappa (star sprinter) and Taliyah Hanks (key competitor) signed their letter of intent on Wednesday in front of family and friends and pledged to join Division I college programs.

Seven Michigan high school marching bands are competing at Bands of America grand nationals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis — three performed on Thursday and four will perform today as part of preliminary rounds that determine which bands advance further.

More than 100 bands from several states are taking part, and the top 32 will move to semifinals on Saturday with 12 finalists set for the final show.

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.

A Very Kalamazoo Christmas

7:30 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a satirical holiday comedy that blends local humor with festive cheer.

Jerico Faire

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Jerico — Free entry — Celebrate local artistry with handmade goods and unique creations from Michigan's makers.