Kalamazoo's annual Do-Dah Parade is Saturday, June 3
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Displays of original local artwork, a satirical parade through the streets of downtown and an outdoor concert series kick off summer events Friday through Sunday, June 2-4.
June Jubilee weekend, the official kickoff to summer in Kalamazoo, also features the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Annual KIA Fair, acclaimed for hosting high-quality juried artworks from more than 150 artists; and Art Hop, an evening of art exhibits and events held on the first Friday of every month.
Art on the mall
Original works of art and fine crafts will be sold by more than 75 local artists along the downtown Kalamazoo Mall from Michigan Avenue to Lovell Street as well as South Street Friday and Saturday, June 2-3.
Sale hours are Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The outdoor juried event includes art for sale such as jewelry, pottery, unique garden art, sculptures and more. Artists come from throughout the Midwest as well as southwest Michigan. Downtown merchants will join in by hosting a summer in the city sales event. There are 60 artist booths, art demonstrations and lively entertainment.
Art on the Mall is sponsored by the Arts Council of Kalamazoo.
To learn more, visit kalamazooarts.org.
Annual ice cream social
The Ladies' Library in Kalamazoo is hosting an ice cream social from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at 333 S. Park St. Watch the June Jubilee Parade from the building. Then enjoy ice cream cones and pie a la mode or make your own sundae. Iced tea, coffee and lemonade will also be available. Tours of the historic building will be given at no charge from 10 a.m. until 1:30 pm.
Do-Dah Parade
Downtown's annual Do-Dah Parade is Saturday, June 3, where local people will dress the part of parodies, spoofs and characters and parade along the streets of downtown Kalamazoo beginning at 11 a.m.
The fun, innovative, and parody-filled parade that takes place in Downtown Kalamazoo and follows the traditional route, starting at the corner of Jasper and Lovell streets, proceeding west on Lovell, north on Park Street, east on West Michigan Avenue and south on Portage Street.
A lineup of businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals will goof-it-up using everything from animals, colorful costumes and makeup, to decorated vehicles, music and more. Known for its parodies and spoofs, the parade is expected to last more than an hour and attract tens of thousands of spectators.
To learn more, visit downtownkalamazoo.org.
Concerts in the Park
Concerts in the Park, one of Kalamazoo's long-standing traditions offered Sundays in June, July and August in Bronson Park, begins June 4. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, each weekly concert begins at 4 p.m. and is free and appropriate for the whole family.
Returning this summer to Concerts in the Park is Thursday Jazz, a collaboration with the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, Fontana Chamber Arts and the City of Kalamazoo. Jazz enthusiasts and new audiences alike will love this evening of free music.
To learn more, visit kalamazooarts.org.
For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.