Find Some Free Fall Activities in Kalamazoo
As each day passes in late August, the little hints of fall start to appear.
Evenings now include a brisk breeze. Lake swimming is now too cold for comfort. And the last of summer’s perennials have bloomed, signaling the leaves changing is just around the corner.
While we pack up the swimsuits and shorts and find that all of our pants are now capris, we prep for cooler weather, clothes shopping and fall activities.
With the seasons changing, we are ready for new adventures in Kalamazoo: try this list for free activities and events in Southwest Michigan.
Family Enrichment Center
Kalamazoo DHHS Foster Care
We need foster parents in our community to help keep kids safe and give them a place to begin to heal.
Be that one that makes a difference in the life of foster child today.
1-855-MICHKIDS
Free Fall Events in SWMI
Organizations are starting to announce their seasonal events and we are excited! Try these free fall events and check our calendar often as we continue to make updates:
Cruise Into The Gilmore Car Museum
6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Wednesday Night Cruise-Ins take place all summer long through September at Gilmore Car Museum. This free event offers live music, classic cars, and a lot of fun. Food is available for purchase.
When: Wednesday Nights, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, May – September
Take in Some Tunes on Friday at the Flats
7335 Garden Ln, Portage, MI 49002
Enjoy live music and food trucks at Celery Flats in Portage. Seating is limited, but lawn space is plentiful! Bring a blanket or chair and relax with family and friends.
When: September 23, 4:30 – 8:30 PM
Visit the Creative Arts Festival in Otsego
Downtown Otsego
The Creative Arts Festival rings in its 35th year in downtown Otsego. Events include a car show, tractor show and motorcycle shows (8:00 AM to 1:00 PM). A parade takes place at 12:45.
You will also find activities for kids and teens, animals, music, dancing, a corn hole tournament, and food trucks.
When: September 24, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Get in the Halloween Spirit at Monster Mash
8600 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002
This annual event returns to Ramona Park with trick-or-treating, an inflatable obstacle course, a spooky hayride through the forest, merry not scary live shows, pumpkin carving demonstration, and a “drive-in” style showing of Monsters Inc.
When: October 22, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (movie to follow)
Trunk or Treat at DeNooyer Chevrolet
5800 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Expect plenty of candy, games and fun at this Trunk or Treat event on Stadium Drive.
When: October 27, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
More Free Events
More Free Activities to Try
Need some activities with flexibility? Here are some free things to do that aren’t scheduled events:
Visit the KVM Downtown
230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum has extended its visiting hours! Walk in for free admission or reserve your tickets online.
Note: While the museum is free, you will likely have to pay for parking downtown.
See Some Dinos
Rood Hall, 2101 Wilbur Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Western Michigan University’s Dinosaur Park is worth the visit. There is no charge to hang out with these prehistoric pals, but be mindful of campus parking rules.
Go for a Hike
Take in all of the beautiful fall colors on a local hike.
Suggested spot: watch the water squirt up through the planks at West Lake Nature Preserve in Portage. They have a great nature-themed playground at the trailhead too.
Have Dinner Out with Free Kids’ Meals
Make dinner out more affordable with free or discounted meals for the kiddos.
Note: Kids Eat Free deals typically apply to dine-in customers only (no delivery or carryout).
Try a New Playground
Visit a new-to-you playground! We’ve got the scoop on which ones have swings, mess-free surfaces and are toddler-friendly.
Go on a Mural Crawl
Downtown Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo’s buildings are covered in dozens of masterpieces. Take our map and go explore these artistic beauties outside.
Fall Fun Finder
More to Explore
