Mike Granchi
Oct 16, 2026
Quote Of The Day |
"The most beautiful thing about a small city is that it remembers your name — and somehow, that changes how you walk through it." |
Portage's Lake Center District is undergoing a major transformation, with road improvements, pedestrian pathways, landscaping, and plans for a more inviting commercial and recreational area. Read More... |
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Kalamazoo County Animal Services has launched a new volunteer portal to help residents get involved in caring for shelter animals. With volunteers contributing more than 1,400 hours in 2025, the story highlights how dog walking, animal socialization, grooming, training, and photography can make a meaningful difference. It's a heartwarming reminder that helping our community sometimes means helping its four-legged residents, too. Read More... |
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TR | Tommy R. · 4 days ago Love this! I adopted my goofy lab, Daisy, from Kalamazoo Animal Services and every day since has been brighter. Great to see more ways for f…
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Disc Replay is reportedly planning a new location at Carillon Centre on South Westnedge Avenue in Portage, bringing used video games, consoles, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, and collectibles to the Kalamazoo area. With a possible opening before the end of 2026, the story explores the nostalgia of physical media, the fun of secondhand treasure hunting, and why owning your favorite music, movies, and games still has appeal in the streaming era. Read More... |
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RL | Robbie Lemons · 4 days ago This makes me miss Saturday mornings at Blockbuster. I’d love to find the original Halo on Xbox again. My nieces don’t even know what a game…
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What's Happening Around Town — October 15–22, 2026
Monster Mash — Portage Saturday, October 17 | 3–7 PM | Ramona Park Bring the family and your Halloween spirit! Enjoy costumes, a spooky trail hayride, magic shows, pumpkin carving demonstrations, a DJ, and food trucks. Admission is free, and no registration is required.
DeutscheMarques Oktoberfest, Color Tour & Market Saturday, October 17 | 9 AM–3 PM | Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners German cars, beautiful fall colors, and a festive market atmosphere make this a great autumn outing. Whether you're a car enthusiast or just enjoy something different, there's plenty to see.
Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony Saturday, October 17 | 7:30 PM | Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra presents Mendelssohn's lively Italian Symphony, conducted by Molly Turner. A wonderful evening for classical music lovers.
MacDudley's Mystic Market Saturday–Sunday, October 17–18 | Kalamazoo County Expo Center Step into a Renaissance-inspired marketplace featuring handmade goods, food, entertainment, and a dragon quest. A little fantasy and adventure for the whole family!
Chemistry Day 2026 — FREE Saturday, October 17 | Noon–4 PM | Kalamazoo Valley Museum Science gets hands-on with demonstrations and experiments exploring the chemistry of everyday materials. A fun, educational outing for curious kids and adults alike. Free admission!
Latin Night with Jormilit Garcia Friday, October 16 | 8:30 PM | Dabney & Co., Kalamazoo Enjoy an evening of live Latin music with performances at 8:30 and 10 PM. A lively way to kick off the weekend, with free admission.
Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE Sunday, October 18 | 3 PM | Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo The beloved Fraggle Rock characters come to life onstage in a colorful, music-filled adventure. A nostalgic treat for parents and a fun introduction for younger audiences.
Arts & Eats Tour Saturday–Sunday, October 17–18 | Southwest Michigan Hit the road for a self-guided tour of local art studios, galleries, farms, and eateries. Discover talented artists, enjoy beautiful fall scenery, and maybe find a new favorite place along the way! |
New & Noteworthy Restaurants
Irie Jamminz Caribbean Kitchen & Market — Kalamazoo 3928 Portage Street, Kalamazoo How about a little taste of Jamaica without leaving Kalamazoo? This family-owned restaurant and market serves Caribbean favorites including jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and traditional sides. The owners brought their Jamaican heritage and family recipes to a business that's about more than food — it's about sharing their culture with the community.
The Emerald Oak — Coming to Kalamazoo 3003 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo Something Irish is brewing in Oakwood Plaza! The former Oakwood Bistro location is being transformed into The Emerald Oak, a traditional Irish-style neighborhood pub. Plans include fish and chips, Irish breakfast, and a welcoming gathering place inspired by the owners' Irish roots. No confirmed opening date yet, but this is one to keep an eye on!
Midnight Melt — Kalamazoo 1710 W. Main Street, Suite F, Kalamazoo Got a sweet tooth? Midnight Melt opened this summer with a delicious twist on dessert. This Dubai-inspired shop offers ice cream, milkshakes, fresh baklava, and Middle Eastern treats. Whether you're looking for something familiar or feeling a little adventurous, this could be your next favorite dessert stop!
Tonto's Coney World — Kalamazoo 3621 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo Sometimes nothing beats a good old-fashioned Coney dog! Tonto's Coney World recently brought Detroit-style Coney Island flavors to Kalamazoo, featuring all-beef hot dogs, traditional chili, and authentic Coney-style buns. If you've been craving a taste of Detroit without the drive, here's a new place to check out! |
Before You Go...
Another week, another chance to discover something new right here in our own backyard!
Whether it's changes coming to Portage, lending a hand to our four-legged friends, or rediscovering the joy of an old favorite CD, there's always something happening around Kalamazoo and Portage.
And here's where YOU come in!
We're working toward 1,000 KP Vibe subscribers, and we'd love your help getting there. If you enjoy our little weekly visit, please forward this newsletter to a friend, neighbor, or family member who might enjoy it too. Sometimes the best way to grow a community is simply to invite someone else into it!
Thanks for spending a few minutes with us this week. We appreciate every one of you!
See you next Friday!
Your friends at KP Vibe |