2022 Free Fall Activities & Events in Kalamazoo, Listed

Free fall activities

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

Gilmore Car Museum Shell Station
Snap a photo in front of this vintage Shell Station during your visit

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

portage Celery-Flats-best-photo-locations
We always recommend a walk through the historical buildings at Celery Flats

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.

Things to do in Kalamazoo - Museum, Zoo, Science Center

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.

Dinosaur Park Western Michigan University

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.

Portage Hiking Trail
Portage Playground

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.

Kalamazoo Park
Texas Drive Park is one of the newest playgrounds locally, and a great one for kids of multiple ages

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.

photo: Patrick Hershberger 

Fall Fun Finder

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