Arts, Culture and Nightlife in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo offers endless fun – a wealth of cultural and entertainment opportunities from symphony performances to night clubs, from avante gaurde theatre to traveling Broadway shows - coupled with an impressive mix of more than 300 restaurants.

 

All Ears Theatre debuted in January 2002 as a collaboration of local artists organized by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Twelve free performances (comedies and dramas) in the style of radio's golden age are presented each season.

The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the cultural life in greater Kalamazoo through arts management services, grant programs, education, advocacy, arts council, programs, and event promotion.

One of the nation's oldest Equity resident summer-stock theatres, the Barn Theatre is a longtime Michigan entertainment destination. Sixty years and nearly 500 performances under the same management is a benchmark nearly unparalleled in the theatre industry.

Discover Kalamazoo offers a detailed list of dining and nightlife options.

The Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival is a non-profit organization that fosters and supports a passion for keyboard music and artistry. Through a world-class festival, noncompetitive artist awards, year-round education programs, special performances and commissioning new music, The Gilmore makes great music a treasure for everyone to share.

The Kalamazoo Air Zoo is a highly charged, multi-sensory atmosphere that is like no place else on Earth. Voted the "Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners", the Air Zoo features many amusement park-style rides, full-motion flight simulators, 4-D Missions Theater, Magic Planet, Space Ball and a Zero Gravity Experience, as well as historical exhibits and educational activities.

The Kalamazoo Concert Band is an adult ensemble comprised of more than 100 adults from the southwestern Michigan area. Over 25 of these members are current or retired music educators and teachers while the rest represent a diversity of occupations. Membership in the KCB is by audition and the band rehearses weekly, performing four free concerts each season.

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is both a museum and community art school. Since 1924, KIA has worked to cultivate both the creation and appreciation of the visual arts.

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra presents professional orchestra performances and education programs for audiences throughout southwest Michigan, fostering lifelong appreciation and support for symphonic music.

Located on Western Michigan University’s campus, Miller Auditorium is ranked as one of the top ten facilities in the United States, and is the third largest theatre in Michigan. Miller Auditorium has always been careful to never lose sight of its purpose in the cultural landscape of the community, and has become the premier center for performing arts not only in Kalamazoo, but also in all of Southwest Michigan.

The State Theatre offers a full range of big-name concerts throughout the year.

Built in 1974, Wings Stadium has been home to the Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League since the 2000-01 season. The Stadium is also a full entertainment venue offering concerts, professional hockey, family shows, and trade shows.