Global Events and Newsletter

Get Globally Engaged this Week!—a weekly email of opportunities to get globally engaged.

June 2018

Saturday, June 9

  • Tai Chi class—2:15 to 3:15 p.m. at the Rootead Enrichment Center, 1501 Fulford St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Rootead. Work with an instructor to learn Tai Chi in a class for all ages. $10 per class. 

Monday, June 11

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free and open to the public.
  • Afro-Modern dance class—5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rootead Enrichment Center, 1501 Fulford St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Rootead. Work with an instructor to learn the basics of Afro-Modern dance. $10 per class. 

Tuesday, June 12

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free and open to the public.
  • Cultivating Community through Cooking—5:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo College Arcus Center, 205 Monrow St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Refugee Outreach Collective. Classes are taught by individuals and families who have recently made Kalamazoo their home. Each course works to build a space for conversation, learn, and of course, eat. Free and open to the public.
  • "Establishing a Daily Spiritual Practice" class—7 to 8:30 p.m. at The People's Church, 1758 N 10th St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Jewel Heart. Learn Tibetan Buddhist meditative techniques including concentration, contemplative analysis, visualization, mantras and prayer applied daily in a structured format. Free and open to the public.

Friday, June 15

  • Pride Night at the Kalamazoo Growlers—6 to 9:30 p.m. at Homer Stryker Field, 251 Mills St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Growlers and OutFront Kalamazoo. We are hosting a Tailgate Party that includes all-inclusive food/drink and 3 beers. Use the code "kzoopride", proceeds will benefit OutFront Kalamazoo. The first 100 people through the gates will receive rainbow swag from Bell's Brewery, and Sparkleberry will be on tap! Stick around for fireworks after the game! Tickets are $17. 

Saturday, June 16

  • Tai Chi class—2:15 to 3:15 p.m. at the Rootead Enrichment Center, 1501 Fulford St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Rootead. Work with an instructor to learn Tai Chi in a class for all ages. $10 per class. 

Sunday, June 17

  • Historical Tours and Speaker Series—2 p.m. at the Celery Flats, 7335 Garden Lane, Portage. You may have heard of national leaders such as Susan B. Anthony advocating for national woman suffrage. Suffrage activities existed on the local and state level as well. Learn about these local leaders in the suffrage movement, which operated out of West Michigan. Free and open to the public.

Monday, June 18

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free and open to the public.
  • Afro-Modern dance class—5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rootead Enrichment Center, 1501 Fulford St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Rootead. Work with an instructor to learn the basics of Afro-Modern dance. $10 per class. 
  • "Let's talk about Puerto Rico" discussion—6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Oshtemo Branch, 7265 W Main St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Dr. Adriana Garriga-López, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Anthropology at Kalamazoo College, will talk about the history of Puerto Rico and the situation on the island today, nearly nine months after Hurricane Maria. Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, June 19

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free and open to the public.
  • "Establishing a Daily Spiritual Practice" class—7 to 8:30 p.m. at The People's Church, 1758 N 10th St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Jewel Heart. Learn Tibetan Buddhist meditative techniques including concentration, contemplative analysis, visualization, mantras and prayer applied daily in a structured format. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, June 23

  • Tai Chi class—2:15 to 3:15 p.m. at the Rootead Enrichment Center, 1501 Fulford St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Rootead. Work with an instructor to learn Tai Chi in a class for all ages. $10 per class. 

Sunday, June 24

  • "Global Glass" Sunday tour—2 to 3 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S Park St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the KIA. The history of glass is an international story of industrial, scientific, and artistic contributions forging a magnificent diversity of achievements both functional and sculptural. Free and open to the public.

Monday, June 25

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free and open to the public.
  • Afro-Modern dance class—5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rootead Enrichment Center, 1501 Fulford St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Rootead. Work with an instructor to learn the basics of Afro-Modern dance. $10 per class. 

Tuesday, June 26

  • CELCIS conversation circle—2 to 3 p.m. in the fourth-floor reception area of Ellsworth Hall, hosted by the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students. Join students learning English in relaxed conversation about local and social topics. Free and open to the public.
  • "Establishing a Daily Spiritual Practice" class—7 to 8:30 p.m. at The People's Church, 1758 N 10th St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Jewel Heart. Learn Tibetan Buddhist meditative techniques including concentration, contemplative analysis, visualization, mantras and prayer applied daily in a structured format. Free and open to the public.

Thursday, June 28

  • Global Glass, A Survey of Form and Function, opening reception—5 to 8 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S Park St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the KIA. Join us for an evening of beauty and community. Visit our new exhibition, Global Glass: A Survey of Form and Function (June 23 - October 14, 2018) and enjoy refreshments, conversation, and a curator's talk by Don Desmett. Free and open to the public. 

Saturday, June 30

  • Tai Chi class—2:15 to 3:15 p.m. at the Rootead Enrichment Center, 1501 Fulford St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Rootead. Work with an instructor to learn Tai Chi in a class for all ages. $10 per class. 

 july 2018

Friday, July 6

  • Art Hop—5 to 8 p.m. in Downtown Kalamazoo, hosted by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. An evening of art exhibits and events held on the first Friday of every month that’s fun, interactive, and a great way to explore our downtown. Free and open to the public.

Sunday, July 8

  • Zion Lion Reggae Band at Oshtemo's Music in the Park—6 to 7 p.m. at Flesher Field, 3664 S Ninth St., Kalamazoo, hosted by Zion Lion. Back by popular demand, Zion Lion Reggae Band will perform reggae, African zouk, mucosa, zoukous and Afro-Latin influenced songs.  Hands-on art tent available for kids during the concert. Free and open to the public.

Monday, July 9

  • Magical Africa—11 a.m. to noon at the Kalamazoo Public Library, Oshtemo Branch Community Room, 7265 W Main St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Discover the wonder of Africa's rich and diverse cultures through the use of storytelling, puppetry and magic. Registration required; free.
  • Magical Africa—2 to 3 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library, Central Branch Van Deusen Room, 315 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Discover the wonder of Africa's rich and diverse cultures through the use of storytelling, puppetry and magic. Registration required; free.

Tuesday, July 10

  • "Pilchuck, A Dance With Fire" Artbreak Video—noon to 1 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S Park St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Through firsthand accounts, this film looks back at the people and events that mark over forty years of Pilchuck's history. Free and open to the public. 

Wednesday, July 11

  • Global Art—4 to 5 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Washington Square Branch Community Room, 1244 Portage St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Explore history, geography, language, and culture by creating art inspired from around the world. Free and open to the public.

Friday, July 13

  • Movies in the Park: Coco—9 p.m. at the Celery Flats Historical Area, 7328 Garden Lane, Portage, hosted by the city of Portage. Come and watch "Coco", the story of Miguel, who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician despite his family's generations-old ban on music. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, July 14

  • Global Art—2 to 3 p.m. at LaCrone Park, 535 W Paterson St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Explore history, geography, language, and culture by creating art inspired from around the world. Free and open to the public.

Friday, July 20

  • Drum Beats—2 to 3 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Alma Powell Branch, 1000 W Paterson St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Experience an engaging and memorable introduction to West African musical culture at this hands-on drumming workshop. Registration required; free.

Saturday, July 21

  • 45th Annual Richland Art Fair—9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Richland Village Square, downtown corner of M-89 and M-43, hosted by Gull Lake Area Community Volunteers. Up to 100 artists from all over Michigan and beyond exhibit in beautiful Richland Village Square Park. Free and open to the public.  

Monday, July 23

  • Life Cycle presents: A Tea Program—6 to 7 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Eastwood Branch Community Room, 1112 Gayle Ave., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Come, join Tony from Life Cycles at Eastwood to sample, and learn about Organic Asian teas. Free and open to the public. 

Tuesday, July 24

  • Urban Fiction Book Discussion—6 to 7 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Alma Powell Branch, 1000 W Paterson St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library.  The book discussion group will discuss August Snow written by Stephen Mack Jones. Free and open to the public. 
  • Reading Race Book Group—6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Kalamazoo Public Library Oshtemo Branch Community Room, 7265 W Main St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Society for History and Racial Equity and KPL's Antiracism Transformation team. Book topics focus on race and racism in American society. Free and open to the public.

Friday, July 27

  • Global Art—3 to 4 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Central Branch, 315 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Explore history, geography, language, and culture by creating art inspired from around the world. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, July 28

  • Ramona Park Luau—3 to 9 p.m. at Ramona Park, 8600 S Sprinkle Road, Portage, hosted by the City of Portage. Enjoy carnival games, inflatables, magic shows, balloon animals, music by a local DJ, Island Dancers with a fire show, a watermelon eating contest, and a limbo contest! Food truck concessions will be available for purchase. Free and open to the public. 

Sunday, July 29

  • Historical tours and Speaker Series—2 p.m. at the Celery Flats, 7335 Garden Lane, Portage. Hear fascinating stories about the trials and tribulations of the boys from Kalamazoo County serving in the 13th Michigan Infantry during the Civil War. Free and open to the public.

Monday, July 30

  • Meg Tang Jewelry—4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Central Branch, 315 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Local jewelry artist, Meg Tang, will help you craft a one-of-a-kind piece using found items, wire, and more! Supplies provided. Registration Required. 

Tuesday, July 31

  • Mystery Writer Stephen Mack Jones visits Kalamazoo—6 to 7 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Alma Powell Branch, 1000 W Paterson St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Stephen Mack Jones, poet and writer, will join us at the Alma Powell Branch and share his story and tidbits from his book August Snow. Free and open to the public.

August 2018

Friday, August 3

  • Art Hop—5 to 8 p.m. in Downtown Kalamazoo, hosted by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. An evening of art exhibits and events held on the first Friday of every month that’s fun, interactive, and a great way to explore our downtown. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, August 4

  • Reptile Weekend 2018—9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek, hosted by Binder Park Zoo.  One of Michigan’s largest reptile events, Reptile Weekend encompasses a full weekend of fun, entertainment, and hands-on encounters with over 100 different reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Regular admission required. 

Sunday, August 5

  • Reptile Weekend 2018—9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek, hosted by Binder Park Zoo.  One of Michigan’s largest reptile events, Reptile Weekend encompasses a full weekend of fun, entertainment, and hands-on encounters with over 100 different reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Regular admission required. 

Monday, August 6

  • Jennifer Pharr Davis, The Pursuit of Endurance—6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Central Branch, 315 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Listen to Jennifer Pharr Davis, a hiker, author, and speaker who has covered over 14,000 miles of long-distance trails on six different continents, discuss her new book. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, August 18

  • Learn to Speak Mandarin Chinese—2 to 3 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Central Branch, 315 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Come to this introductory program and receive a free workbook to help you learn some basic words in Mandarin Chinese. Registration required; free. 

Monday, August 20

  • Australian Didgeridoo workshop—2 to 3 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Oshtemo Branch Community Room, 7265 W Main St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Explore Australian Aboriginal history, art, culture and music, then create your own Didgeridoo instrument and learn how to play with award-winning Australian singer & songwriter Peter D. Harper. Registration required; free.

Tuesday, August 21

  • Meg Tang Jewelry—4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library Central Branch, 315 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, hosted by the Kalamazoo Public Library. Local jewelry artist, Meg Tang, will help you craft a one-of-a-kind piece using found items, wire, and more! Supplies provided. Registration Required.

September 2018

Wednesday, September 26

  •  2018 Study Abroad Fair—11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sangren Hall, hosted by the WMU Study Abroad. WMU Study Abroad Fair attendees get the chance to speak with WMU students who have studied and interned abroad, as well as with WMU professors who coordinate programs and courses around the globe. Free and open to the public. 

Events archive