Everything to know before Kalamazoo's JumpstART weekend
There's something for everyone in downtown Kalamazoo's jam-packed start to summer weekend.
Everyone who is anyone will be taking to the streets of downtown Kalamazoo on June 5 and June 6 to celebrate JumpstART weekend, the official start to summer in the Zoo.
Artists from across the country will have booths set up at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair, an esteemed arts competition in Bronson Park, 200 S. Rose St. You can also find a more casual and affordable blend of shopping opportunities at Art on the Mall, spanning the Kalamazoo Mall. And on Saturday morning, the Do Dah Parade brings whimsy to the streets. Last but not least, Kalamazoo Pride needs no introduction.
Here’s a list of the headliner events of JumpstART weekend in this special edition of Things to Do Kalamazoo. For other events in the city and surrounding areas, check out the events list on NowKalamazoo and Discover Kalamazoo.
The regular Things to Do Kalamazoo list will return next Friday, June 11.
Kalamazoo Pride at Arcadia Creek Festival Site
Friday, June 5 | 6 p.m. - Midnight
Saturday, June 6 | 2 p.m. - Midnight
Kalamazoo Pride isn’t just a celebration of love for all, it’s Outfront Kalamazoo’s largest annual fundraiser. The proceeds support Outfront Kalamazoo’s programming and services for Kalamazoo’s LGBTQIA+ community.
The festival spans June 5 and June 6. Tickets for a one-day pass are $8, while tickets for a two-day pass are $15. If you can’t afford the costs, you can pre-purchase tickets at the “choose your price” option here. You can also tell volunteers at the entry gate that free entry is the best option for you, and they’ll let you in “no questions asked,” according to the Outfront website.
Small clutch purses, diaper bags and medically necessary items are allowed inside the festival site. To bring any other bags in, they must be clear. Aside from service animals, pets are not allowed.
Here is the full Kalamazoo Pride event list.
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair in Bronson Park
What?
Nearly 150 artists from across the country showcase, sell and compete in the art fair juried by a panel of judges. The fair features art from 12 mediums, including photography, sculpture, fiber, ceramics, wood, glass and more.
The fair will also have live music, kids’ activities, food truck cuisine and artist demonstrations. You can also enjoy free gallery admissions at the KIA, 314 S. Park St.
When?
Friday, June 5 | 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 6 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where?
Bronson Park | 200 S. Rose St.
Art on the Mall
What?
57 booths featuring local and regional artists as well as live music on the Kalamazoo Mall.
When?
Friday, June 5 | Noon – 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 6 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where?
Booths stretch from Caffé Casa at 128 S. Kalamazoo Mall to The Epic Center at 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall and South Street between the street barricades.
The entertainment stage is located outside Acrisure Kalamazoo, 315 S. Kalamazoo Mall.
Do-Dah Parade
What?
A whimsical parade where local businesses take to the streets with floats designed to fit a theme. This year’s theme is Disney/Pixar. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite floats.
When?
Saturday, June 6 | 11 a.m.
Where?
The parade route starts on East Lovell Street at the intersection with Portage Street. The route continues on to South Rose Street and West Michigan Avenue, then returns to Portage Street.
Parking
Parking in public garages is free for the first 90 minutes. The following garages are located near the major events. Hours of access at the Epic Center Parking Ramp will be affected by the Do Dah Parade:
Epic Center Parking Ramp, 136 E. South St.
Eleanor Street Parking Ramp, 140 Eleanor St.
Kalamazoo Mall Parking Ramp, 130 Portage St.
Downtown streets are separated into three parking zones: premium, base and free. Street parking between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. costs $2 per hour in the premium zones and $1.50 in the base rate zones. The first 30 minutes of street parking are free and you can park for three hours total. The premium zone is enforced Monday through Saturday and the base rate zone is enforced weekdays only. All street-parked cars must be removed by 2 a.m. A map of street parking at the premium rate, base rate and free streets is available here.
My recommended schedule
Friday
I would arrive around 5 p.m. or earlier and park at the Eleanor Street Parking Ramp, just a short walk from the Arcadia Creek Festival Place, 145 E. Water St.
From 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. I’d check out Art on the Mall, then watch After Midnight Collective at the Acrisure stage at 7 p.m. Lastly, I’d watch the Pride Drag Pageant at 8 p.m.
Saturday
South Rose Street has multiple great spots to watch the Do Dah Parade from. I would arrive early around 10 a.m. to grab a drink at Matcharía, 120 W. South St., then scout a location to watch the parade. Street parking will be available within several blocks of the parade.
I would then head over to check out the KIA Fair, taking ample time to check out all of the booths. If you missed some booths at Art on the Mall, I would check out those as well.
After all the sightseeing is wrapped around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m., I would grab lunch or drinks at a local spot. Local’s, a new bar next to HighDive Kitchen + Bar, 228 E. Michigan Ave., has drinks under $10. It’s so new, the bar doesn’t have a website or location listing yet.