Kalamazoo Do-Dah Parade: A Festive and Fun-Filled Summer Tradition
Looking for summer activities in Kalamazoo? You can’t beat the joy a parade brings, especially one so hilarious that you’re in stitches the whole time.
The Kalamazoo Do-Dah Parade marches to the beat of its own drum, connecting the community though satire and silliness on June 3, 2023.

This year’s Do-Dah Parade theme is Children’s Stories so you can guarantee to see some of your kid’s favorite characters come to life.
Kalamazoo Do-Dah Parade Highlights
Local businesses and organizations take to the streets to provide entertainment for the crowds in downtown Kalamazoo. You’ll see decorations and costumes and a whole lot of laugh-out-loud moments at this annual event.
Modeled after the Doo Dah Parade in Pasadena, California, this family-friendly parade uses parody to laugh, poke fun and create conversation.
Kalamazoo has had the Do-Dah Parade for almost 40 years. The tradition continues as the “funniest” parade in the area.

Do-Dah Parade Route
Find a spot along the parade route by 11:00 AM. The Do-Dah Parade begins by WMU at Portage and Lovell. You can watch the silliness from anywhere along the route.

Parade route: Portage and Lovell to Rose, Rose to Michigan, Michigan to Portage, and Portage back to Lovell.
Vote for Your Favorite Do-Dah Parade Participants
If watching isn’t enough, you also get to vote for your favorite group. Use your phone to scan a QR code and cast your vote. Follow the Do-Dah Parade Event on Facebook for the QR code.
Last year’s Do-Dah winner? Kazoo Kayaking Women. They paddled down Michigan Avenue in their invisible kayaks!

There’s already a big list of participants for this year’s Do-Dah Parade. See anyone you know?
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention |
Bee Joyful Shop |
Blain’s Fleet and Farm |
Doja & Lake Effect |
Final Gravity Brewing |
Kalamazoo Children’s Alliance |
Kalamazoo County Pre-K |
Kalamazoo Ghostbusters |
KZOO Whisker Crew |
New Genesis Inc. of Kalamazoo |
Outfront Kalamazoo |
Palamazoo |
Ralph Moyle Inc. |
Republic Services |
Rootead Enrichment Center |
Van Buren Youth Camp |
Join the Parade!
Why not make your day extra special in be in the parade? If you’re a business or a nonprofit , take to the streets to promote your personality. There’s still time to sign up.
Your challenge? Reinvigorate the meaning of “Do-Dah” through the theme of: Kalama-SEUSS: Children’s Stories Take To the Streets!

Consider Volunteering
Volunteers are always needed to help make the parade a success.

They are considered the stars of the parade and they make the magic happen. Tasks include helping with the line up, answering questions and being a Cross Walk Guide.