Summer Sidewalk Sales are nearly here! Our staff is hard at work finalizing retailers, entertainment and family activities for this highly anticipated annual downtown event July 25-27!
Returning this year is music from your favorite local artists such as Dacia Bridges Project, Dana Scott, and Tony Sproul, as well as custom Downtown shopping bags! Also, for the first time we will be unveiling a handcrafted outdoor photo space in DeVisser Alley with a limited quantity free Polaroid photo session. Stop by for a selfie any time or be one of the first 100 to receive a free Polaroid photo on Friday, July 26, 6-8pm.
If you would like to be a vendor at the Summer Sidewalk Sales, there is still time, and space, to register. Registration deadline is July 15. Email the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership for more information.
For full event details, click here.
Workshops
The Partnership is teaming up with SCORE to support Downtown Kalamazoo businesses through workshops. If you own a downtown business or are an aspiring business owner, check out our upcoming Business Model Canvas workshop on Wednesday, July 17, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Using the BMC, you can develop a clear view of your value proposition, operations, customers, and finances.Register here – spots are limited! | | | Black Arts Festival 2019 | July 9 – 13 | | The Kalamazoo Black Arts and Cultural Center would like to invite the community to the 2019 Black Arts Festival beginning July 9. This year’s festival offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. The kick-off begins with a Unity Sing Off Open Mic and concert, July 8 and 10, followed by Youth Day, July 11, Festival Night Out, July 12, Day In The Park July 13 and Sunday Skool, July 14. Other events include live music, Rib Cook-off, and dance performances by Rootead Youth Dance. Visit blackartskalamazoo.org for a complete list of events. | | | Kalamazoo Blues Festival | July 12-13 | Festival Place | |  Kalamazoo Blues Festival returns to downtown Kalamazoo to celebrate it’s silver anniversary July 12-14 at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place. With 18 bands over three days, this event is sure to excite music lovers and entertainment seekers alike.
Check out the full lineup here. Tickets are available at the gate. Thursday $10, Friday $15, Saturday $20. 3 day admission $40. | | | Downtown Kalamazoo Restaurant Week | July 20-28 | | Downtown Kalamazoo Restaurant Week returns July 20-28! Enjoy signature food pairings and unique offerings from special menus at participating restaurants.
Returning this year is the annual Salsa Cook-Off and the Summer Cocktail Competition! All week enjoy new and unique cocktails and vote for your favorite. On Saturday, July 20, take part in the 5th annual Salsa Cook-Off – visit downtown businesses and restaurants sampling a variety of summer salsas and voting for your favorite!
Click here for all the Downtown Kalamazoo Restaurant Week details. | | | Beats on Bates | June-August | Bates Alley | | Beats on Bates, a weekly summer music series launched Wednesday, June 5th and will continue each Wednesday through August 28.
 Grab drinks or dinner at one of the Bates Alley businesses or just sit and relax and enjoy the music with family and friends.
On July 10, enjoy an eclectic mix of music by Boardman Brown.
On June 17, move and groove through the night with the western Michigan r&b band – The Skeletones.
Take a look at the full lineup here. | | | Workout Wednesdays | June-August | Festival Place | | Make sure to pack your workout gear on Tuesday nights this summer for Workout Wednesdays in downtown Kalamazoo!
Workout Wednesdays launched June 5, and will continue through August 28. The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is partnering with local health and fitness focused organizations to provide a free fitness class at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place. Classes start at 5:30 p.m.
July 10
Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers
July 17
Intentional Yoga
Check out the full schedule here. | | | There’s an entire summer of events scheduled in Downtown Kalamazoo – check out the full slate of events here. | | | City Centre Market & Deli
Located at 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 6a-9p | Sat. 9a-4p | Sun. 11a-4p
Meet the owner! Ivan Chavez, new to Kalamazoo, was previously a Store Director for Mariano’s in Chicago.
What does City Centre Market & Deli sell? City Centre Market & Deli offers a wide range of convenient ready to eat items, including a salad bar, hot bar, soup bar, cheese boards, hot and cold sandwiches and a full service deli. They offer fresh produce sourced by PFC in town, Bulk Nuts (Ferris Nuts) and a wide range of unique grocery items. Soon to come is a Beer & wine selection.
What is unique? Owner Ivan Chavez said that the City Centre Market & Deli is here to be a convenience for both the local residents and the downtown employees, whether that be a quick bite to eat or that one ingredient you need for a recipe. “In today’s present world everyone is living a faster paced life. People are on the go a lot more and we want to be here for that,” Ivan said.
How to stay in the know? Stay in the loop on all products and happenings by following City Centre Market & Deli on Facebook or sending an email.
P.S. Don’t be afraid to let the market know what you want to see! “We have a great, friendly staff who have worked tirelessly to help establish and open our market. They are eager to learn but also know their opinion and voice matter. This type of open communication will keep evolving us and keep trying new items for our customers each and every week,” Ivan said.
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