FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 6, 2021

Contact:    Meghan Behymer  | Communications + Marketing Manager
mbehymer@downtownkalamazoo.org   |    269-344-0795

The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership has been busy preparing for a 2021 summer season filled with endless activities outdoors, including outdoor markets, live music, community art, exercise classes and “walktails” in our Central Commons Refreshment Area.  

The Partnership is working to ensure all events and programming follow CDC COVID-19 guidelines and state mandates, as well as take into consideration the ability for the community to enjoy events safely and comfortably.

JumpstART your summer downtown

Kick off your summer right with JumpstART Weekend June 3 through 6 throughout downtown Kalamazoo. JumpstART, previously called June Jubilee, is chock-full of fun, art, food, and music in an entirely outdoor setup featuring events the community has come to know and love: Art on the Mall, Do-Dah Parade, and KIA Arts Fair.

Brought to you by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, Art on the Mall, located on the Kalamazoo Mall and South Street, returns Friday, June 4 from 12 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, June 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This outdoor soft juried show features everything from jewelry to pottery and sculptures to garden art, as well as art demonstrations and live entertainment.

The annual Do-Dah Parade – Follow the Yellow Brick Road is “reversing” itself for the 2021 event taking place on Saturday, June 5, 11:00 a.m. Parade units will be socially distanced throughout downtown, placed in stationary locations. Parade viewers can either walk or ride bikes on either side of the viewing space. Companies or organizations that would like to be in the parade can register for $50 by May 15. More information on registration and parade starting times can be found at www.dodahkzoo.com.

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair is proud of the long-standing tradition of being one of the oldest, fine arts fairs in the country as they celebrate its 70th anniversary with a virtual show from June 3 through 6. The Arts Fair will engage art enthusiasts with the artists in real-time and offer a unique opportunity to purchase fine art while supporting regional artists. Free KIA gallery admission will be available during the JumpstART weekend festivities for the opening of the annual West Michigan Area Show, new permanent collection installation, Unveiling American Genius, and other lively exhibitions on view.  Access to the virtual arts fair will be available at kiarts.org.

Shop 2nd Saturdays downtown

In the spirit of shopping and supporting local, the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is thrilled to present Shop 2nd Saturdays. Starting in June and running through October, every 2nd Saturday of the month from 12 to 7 p.m. will feature an outdoor market where visitors can check out local businesses, entrepreneurs, and makers.

As part of Shop 2nd Saturdays, Vintage is the Zoo is back and taking over the North Kalamazoo Mall with a new open air market experience “VITZ Mallmart” featuring their signature curated selection of the best true vintage vendors in the region. The VITZ team is also expanding this year to launch a second market format “Zoo Flea” offering handmade, craft, and maker vendors a home to sell their creations – and grow their small businesses.

Kick off your 2nd Saturday’s excursion by grabbing a drink from one of the bars or restaurants located within downtown’s Central Commons Refreshment Area, and be sure to take in all the sights, sounds, and unique finds from 70+ vendors at “VITZ Mallmart” along the North Kalamazoo Mall, and “Zoo Flea” at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Anna Whitten Hall outdoor space.

Enjoy live music downtown

Adding to Downtown Kalamazoo’s already vibrant music scene are two free, weekly live music series – Beats on Bates and Music on the Mall. Both music series bring diverse flavors to the downtown vibe, offering visitors an opportunity to indulge in a meal, enjoy walking cocktails in the Central Commons Refreshment Area, and listen to the musical stylings of local performers.

Take a mid-week break on hump day with Beats on Bates – a weekly music series under the beautiful lights of the freshly repainted Bates Alley. Performances are scheduled every Wednesday between June and September from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Beats on Bates Lineup

JUNE 2 – Out of Favor Boys
JUNE 9 – Kandace Lavender
JUNE 16 – An Dro
JUNE 23 – Zion Lion Reggae Band
JUNE 30 – LaSoulfulRock
JULY 7 – BlueBack
JULY 14 – Yolonda Lavender
JULY 21 – Grupo Latin Soul
JULY 28 – Jenuine		AUGUST 4 – Coffee with Friends
AUGUST 11 – Lana and The Tonics
AUGUST 18 – Tony Fields & Doug Decker
AUGUST 25 – Big Trouble
SEPTEMBER 1 – Jazz Creative Institute/Kalamazoo Music School Student Ensemble Concert
SEPTEMBER 8 – Grayson Nye Experiment
SEPTEMBER 15 – Kalamazoo Academy of Rock
SEPTEMBER 22 – Kalamazoo Academy of Rock
SEPTEMBER 29 – Kalamazoo Academy of Rock  

Launching Saturday, June 12, Music on the Mall brings live performances to the central district’s Kalamazoo Mall, with 17 unique performances scheduled June through September directly across from Gazelle Sports. Performances are scheduled every Saturday between June 12 and September 25 from 3 to 6 p.m.

Music on the Mall Lineup

JUNE 12 – Kevin Collins
JUNE 19 – Allie Garland
JUNE 26 – J. Cam.G
JULY 10 – T-Music
JULY 17 – Cool Lemon
JULY 24 – Lisa Can’t Sing
JULY 31 – Kanola Band  		AUGUST 7 – James Reeser & the Backseat Drivers
AUGUST 11 – Hurricane
AUGUST 21 – Rozlyn Heart
AUGUST 28 – Mainstays
SEPTEMBER 4 – Airtight
SEPTEMBER 11 – Dog Patch
SEPTEMBER 18 – Pinter Whitnick
SEPTEMBER 25 – Trio Desino

Get active downtown

Workout Wednesdays is a weekly fitness class series in Bronson Park, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  featuring free workouts presented by local fitness organizations. Make sure you pack your workout gear for a summer filled with socially-distant Workout Wednesdays in downtown Kalamazoo

JUNE 2 – Bent 9 Hot Yoga, Barre & Fitness
JUNE 9 – Wellspring Dance Academy
JUNE 16 – Ascension Borgess Health + Fitness
JUNE 23 – Down Dog Yoga Center
JUNE 30 – Fit Bella Vei
JULY 7 – Intentional Yoga
JULY 14 – Guess Who’s Dancing
JULY 21 – Down Dog Yoga Center
JULY 28 – Rose Wellbeing  		AUGUST 4 – Counterpoint Pilates
AUGUST 11 – YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
AUGUST 18 – Kalamazoo Athletic Club
AUGUST 25 – Kalamazoo Barre
SEPTEMBER 1 – Guess Who’s Dancing
SEPTEMBER 8 – Bronson Athletic Club
SEPTEMBER 15 –  Kalamazoo Athletic Club
SEPTEMBER 22 – Just Move Fitness and More
SEPTEMBER 29 –  Intentional Yoga

Sip and stroll downtown

Don’t forget one of downtown’s newest features – the Central Commons Refreshment Area. With nearly 20 participating businesses, this is the perfect activity to end your day with a happy hour walk through downtown, browse our boutiques, meet friends, and enjoy downtown’s outdoor spaces and activities. Operational seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight. Complete list of rules and participating businesses available at https://downtownkalamazoo.org/social-district/.

About Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization that works with both the public and private sectors in preserving and enhancing the economic health of Kalamazoo’s downtown area and, in turn, the Kalamazoo community. In conjunction with its affiliate organizations, it manages a full range of activities that include capital improvement projects, business development and recruitment programs, image marketing and event planning to establish Downtown Kalamazoo as an accessible, diverse, green, progressive and vibrant urban center. For more info, visit downtownkalamazoo.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or find more downtown news on our website.

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