Looking for something you won't find in the usual big-box store? Downtown Kalamazoo has a new place worth exploring.

You know those little shops where you walk in looking for one thing and emerge 45 minutes later carrying something you never knew you needed?

Downtown Kalamazoo may have just gained another one.

Meet The Velvet Daisy, a new boutique at 340 E. Michigan Avenue, tucked between Sarkozy Bakery and Bimbo's Pizza.

It's part vintage treasure hunt, part handmade marketplace, and entirely different from your typical retail experience.

And here's the really interesting part: 47 Michigan small businesses are represented under one roof.

That's 47 makers, artists, and entrepreneurs with an opportunity to put their work in front of downtown shoppers.

From Jewelry to Vintage Treasures

The store is the creation of Kaitlyn Green of Richland and Jessica Born of Parchment, two entrepreneurs who know what it's like to sell handmade products at festivals, art fairs, and pop-up markets.

Both had operated jewelry businesses from home.

Along the way, they met other talented makers facing the same challenge: finding enough opportunities to get their creations in front of customers.

Read the Full Story →

The founder of Bell's Brewery has another ambitious idea for downtown Kalamazoo.

And this one could literally ring across the city.

When Kalamazoo residents hear the name Larry Bell, most probably think of beer.

And understandably so.

Bell's Brewery helped put Kalamazoo on the craft beer map, while the Eccentric Café became a familiar gathering place for music, food, and conversation.

But Larry Bell's next big project has very little to do with brewing.

Instead, imagine a downtown building filled with art, historical collections, books, live performances — and a tower housing 56 musical bells.

Yes, 56.

A Familiar Building, a Different Future

The project centers on 401 E. Michigan Avenue, the former Food Dance property.

Plans for the Larry J. Bell Library Foundation's cultural destination have been discussed since 2022, so the concept itself isn't brand-new.

But there has been an important development.

On October 8, 2026, Kalamazoo's Site Plan Review Committee and Zoning Board of Appeals approved the plan to redevelop the property into a private collection gallery, library, and performance hall.

That approval represents a significant step forward for a project that has been taking shape for several years.

Read the Full Story →

Quick question.

When somebody mentions Kalamazoo's music scene, what comes to mind?

Maybe a favorite band at Bell's Eccentric Café.

A jazz performance downtown.

A concert at Miller Auditorium.

Or perhaps a summer evening listening to live music in Bronson Park.

But here's something worth considering.

Kalamazoo's music scene is much bigger than any one venue, festival, or style of music.

And it doesn't disappear when summer ends.

A Whole Week of Music — For Free

Take Sounds of the Zoo.

In September, the festival returned for its fifth year, bringing more than 40 artists to eight locations around Kalamazoo.

And we're not talking about seven days of the same kind of music.

The lineup included jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Celtic music, singer-songwriters, and plenty of other sounds.

There were workshops, discussions about the music business, and opportunities for musicians to connect with one another.

The festival wrapped up with three days of performances in Bronson Park.

Perhaps the most impressive part? The concerts were free to attend, while organizers worked to make sure the performers were paid.

Read the Full Story →

Things to Do | October 30 – November 5

Fri, Oct 30 — Museum Mayhem & Laboratory Mayhem

Kalamazoo Valley Museum offers free, family-friendly Halloween activities. Museum Mayhem begins at 11:30 a.m.; hands-on Laboratory Mayhem runs noon–3 p.m. Details

Fri, Oct 30 — Haunted Crafternoon

3–5 p.m. at Kalamazoo Public Library's Central Teen Studio, 315 S. Rose St. Spooky crafts and a movie; supplies available while they last. Free. Details

Fri, Oct 30 — Día de los Muertos Celebration

5:30–9 p.m. at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St. Music, folkloric dance, food, altars and community remembrance. Free admission. Details

Fri, Oct 30 — Haunted Night Hike

6:30 p.m. at Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N. Westnedge Ave. A spooky outdoor walk; advance registration required. Details

Fri, Oct 30 — The Little Mermaid JR.

7:30 p.m. at Kalamazoo Civic Auditorium, 329 S. Park St. The Civic Youth Theatre presents the Disney favorite; additional performances Oct 31 and Nov 1. Details

Sat, Oct 31 — Halloween Storytime & Monster Egg Hunt

11 a.m.–noon at Kalamazoo Public Library's Alma Powell Branch. Costumes welcome; free family event. Details

Sat, Oct 31 — Kalamazoo Indoor Flea Market

9 a.m. at Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St. Browse secondhand finds and collectibles. Details

Wed, Nov 4 — Artist Talk: Mark Joshua Epstein

10 a.m.–noon at Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. A presentation exploring color, pattern, and identity. Details

Thu, Nov 5 — Statement Pieces: Curatorial Conversation

6–7 p.m. at Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. A conversation about the exhibition and its presentation. Details

Restaurant Radar — Fresh Local Finds

Irie Jamminz Caribbean Kitchen & Market — Island Flavors

3928 Portage St., Kalamazoo

This Caribbean kitchen and market serves Jamaican favorites such as jerk chicken, curry goat and oxtail, alongside Caribbean groceries and seasonings.

600 Kitchen & Bar has announced a new $6 value menu, available daily from 3 to 6 p.m. during its Happiest of Hours. Choices include Michigan sweet corn elote, vegan Kung Pao cauliflower with chickpeas, and rotating deviled eggs. A tasty, wallet-friendly reason to stop by!

Love the KP Vibe?

Share this issue with a friend, neighbor or coworker! Every new subscriber helps us get closer to our next big milestone: 1,000 local readers. Thanks for helping Kalamazoo and Portage stay connected.