Community Calendar

This annual exhibition transforms moments both grand and intimate into works of visual storytelling. Featuring the work of Emberlight’s acclaimed photography team and guest artists, these images form a vivid portrait not only of a region, but of the artists who continue to interpret it through their own unique lenses.

https://emberlight.org/event/emberlight-photographers-2026/

Free event

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park welcomes back acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly. Experience art like never before through CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank. This highly anticipated exhibition transforms both our beautiful outdoor gardens and inviting indoor Sculpture Galleries with the world-renowned artwork of Chihuly. Stroll through the gardens and discover monumental sculptures, vibrant Reeds, and stunning site-specific installations that harmoniously blend art with nature, creating breathtaking moments around every corner.

About Dale Chihuly: Chihuly is an American artist who transforms a space with experiments in color, light, transparency, and form. He is known for his exhibitions and large-scale architectural installations around the world and for revolutionizing the studio glass movement. Chihuly works with a variety of media including glass, paint, charcoal, neon, ice, and Polyvitro, and his work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide.

Sponsored by the Gogebic Community College Foundation, in memory of Alex Marciniak.

From June 27 through August 22, visitors are invited to wander the 1.2-mile Aurora Loop and discover large-scale installations nestled among towering pines, winding trails, and the rugged beauty of the Northwoods. Created by artists from across the region, this year’s exhibition reflects Emberlight’s 2026 theme, New Ways to Dream — exploring imagination, transformation, memory, identity, and the power of collective creativity.

Alongside this year’s juried installations, Emberlight proudly unveils two major community-centered projects through Art For All. A new collaborative installation invites audiences themselves to become part of the artistic process, while a second large-scale work — created in partnership with students from five regional schools — draws inspiration from Ojibwe doodems, reflecting themes of kinship, ancestry, and connection to the natural world through the voices and creativity of the next generation. Supported through funding from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the project places young artists at the heart of the festival in a powerful new way.

https://emberlight.org/event/art-in-the-park-2026/

Free event

Give your child a space to explore their imagination, build confidence, and discover the joy of performance.

At Youth Theatre Camp, young artists are encouraged to play, create, and express themselves through a variety of engaging theatre activities. Each day is filled with movement, storytelling, music, and games designed to spark creativity while building important skills like teamwork, focus, and self-expression.

Whether your child is brand new to theatre or already loves being in the spotlight, this camp offers a welcoming and high-energy environment where every voice matters.

Join us for the Savvy Sliders Kalamazoo Grand Opening on Thursday, August 7 and be part of the excitement as we welcome our newest location to the community.

Grand Opening Specials:
August 7 Only: The first 25 guests receive a $25 Savvy Sliders gift card!
August 7–9: FREE 3-piece chicken with any $10 purchase.

Location:
205 S. Westnedge Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI

Offers available while supplies last.

Step into a powerful new exhibition celebrating the fearless women of the Greek Revolution.

#WeAreGreekWarriors brings the heroines of 1821 into today’s cultural conversation through bold contemporary art and modern storytelling. Fighters, strategists, and champions of freedom, these extraordinary women helped shape history, yet many of their names remain unknown.

Now, their stories come to life at the Hellenic Museum of Michigan in a groundbreaking exhibition featuring original campaign prints alongside stunning works by acclaimed contemporary artist Ramona Pintea. Reclaiming history through a fresh, fearless lens, the exhibit honors and highlights the women of the Greek Revolution while speaking directly to the women of today. Through dynamic programming, cultural events, and interactive experiences, it connects the strength of 1821 to the leadership, voices, and impact of women now.

Women of all backgrounds and generations are invited to experience this inspiring tribute and rediscover their own warrior spirit.

For more information, visit www.hellenicmi.org.

Opening Reception: Friday, July 17th, 2026 5-8pm
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-6pm

Friends: Furry & Fictional celebrates the many ways humans connect with animals—from the comfort of our pets to the wonder of wildlife. Long present in our stories, cultures, and daily lives, animals continue to inspire care, curiosity, and creative expression, reminding us of our shared place in the world.

Join us for an exclusive exhibition tour of Labyrinth/Laboratory: Selections from the Cranbrook Collection, guided by one of the curators of the show. Largely focused on work produced since the 1960s, Labyrinth/Laboratory presents work by alumni and faculty of Cranbrook Academy of Art drawn from Cranbrook Art Museum’s permanent collection of over 8,000 objects, and places into dialogue various aesthetic, material, and conceptual connections across time by Academy artists.

Situated within our redesigned Upper Gallery, you’ll be guided through the exhibition, highlighting key objects, curatorial decision-making, and recent acquisitions to the permanent collection, as well as learning about the Academy of Art’s experimental and transformative pedagogical approach.

$22 a person, including museum admission. $5 for ArtMembers. Tours meet in Main Gallery, at the entrance to the exhibition.

Image: Guardians of the New Life (1987), Gerhardt Knodel (CAA, Artist-in-Residence, Fiber, 1970-1996; Director, 1995-2007)

Foodees Fest is a free admission, family-friendly food and culture festival bringing the community together through delicious food, local vendors, and fun experiences for all ages.

Foodees fest is coming to Saginaw August 7th-9th, 2026. Be sure to enter our ticket raffle for a chance to win a meal voucher and enjoy a free meal from one of our amazing vendors! A new winner is picked every day of the event all you have to do is register!

Guests can enjoy a variety of flavors from food trucks and vendors while exploring unique crafts, supporting small businesses, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Our goal is to create a welcoming space where everyone can come together, discover something new, and enjoy a memorable community experience.

Hours of event
FRI: 1:00 PM – 9:00PM
SAT: 11:00AM – 9:00PM
SUN: 11:00AM – 7:00PM

Harmony at Peace Ranch: An Evening with Miriam Pico & Ryan Younce

Thursday, August 7 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Peace Ranch

Enjoy an intimate outdoor concert featuring Miriam Pico and Ryan Younce in a beautiful ranch setting. Music begins at 5:30 PM.

Ticket includes two glasses of wine or beer. Food will be available for purchase from Sabores Y Colores, with Moomers ice cream available for dessert.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. No outside food or beverages (except water).

This event is 21+ only. Proceeds support equine-assisted mental health services at Peace Ranch.