Community Calendar

The Baby Steps 5k, an event to bring awareness to pregnancy and infant loss, is returning to Spring Valley Park in Kalamazoo for the fourth year running on September 26, 2026. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

This event creates a space for families across West Michigan to honor their children who have died, hear their names read aloud at a memorial ceremony, and find community support and resources to help them grieve and remember in a healthy and supported way.

Proceeds from this year's race will be donated to Star Legacy Foundation, Amos' Anchors, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and the TEARS Foundation. All organizations providing resources and support to families throughout West Michigan.

The Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance is proud to present our annual Shake Your Teal Feathers awareness event!

Join us at The Meadows at Millennium Park on Sunday, September 27, 2026, for a family-friendly community picnic and casual 1-mile walk/run.

Bring family and friends, wear your teal, and enjoy an ice cream treat while connecting with others and browsing our silent auction. It’s a fun and meaningful way to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and come together as a community.

Counter-Culture, Change, and Community Action
Explore the evolution from 1950 to the present.

When: Sunday, September 27th | 1:00 PM

Where: Meet at Southeast Career Pathways (1250 Sigsbee Street SE)

Focus: Learn how Eastown transitioned from an upper-middle-class suburb into a diverse, counter-cultural, and sometimes overlooked neighborhood, leading to the organization of the Eastown Community Association (ECA).

Cost: $25/person

The annual Franciscan Rhythms 5K Trail Run & Walk benefiting the Franciscan Life Process Center’s music therapy program and land restoration efforts will take place Saturday, Oct. 3.

The all-ages and all-fitness levels 5K will give participants an opportunity to “Run with Nuns” and experience a variety of restorative projects on a scenic path through our Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE.

As race participants enjoy the course, they will be surrounded by deciduous woodland, pine forest and a restored prairie that contains all native plants. Visitors have spotted many beautiful birds, insects and woodland animals on the land – even an adventurous beaver!

A variety of live music stations featuring Irish, rock and folk music will be spread out along the trail route to motivate and inspire participants.

Learn more at https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Lowell/FranciscanRhythmsTrail5KRunWalk.

Join us for an evening of exceptional food, community, and purpose. Enjoy a strolling tasting featuring signature creations from 10 of West Michigan’s finest chefs, an open bar, and a seated program with dessert, a live auction, and a celebration of event honoree Mark Secchia, our local culinary community, and the impact of Meals on Wheels Western Michigan.

Practice your cackle because the Zoo is brewing up a ghoulishly good time. We put a spell on Zoo! Collect heaps of sweets at twisted treat stations nestled between spooktacular decorations and otherworldly entertainment including magicians, fire dancers, villains, and more!
Don’t miss this wickedly fun family tradition.

Thirteen twisted treat stations will be scattered throughout the zoo featuring a variety of Halloween treats. Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to bring a bag for candy. Allergy-friendly options will also be available, just look for booths with teal pumpkins and ask for a special token. Tokens can be redeemed for allergy-friendly options at a specialty booth.

Get in the Halloween spirit, we want to see your best costumes. Dressing up isn’t just for the kids, costumes for all are encouraged! Don’t have a costume? No problem! Choose from a variety of festive face painting designs.

Practice your cackle because the Zoo is brewing up a ghoulishly good time. We put a spell on Zoo! Collect heaps of sweets at twisted treat stations nestled between spooktacular decorations and otherworldly entertainment including magicians, fire dancers, villains, and more!
Don’t miss this wickedly fun family tradition.

Thirteen twisted treat stations will be scattered throughout the zoo featuring a variety of Halloween treats. Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to bring a bag for candy. Allergy-friendly options will also be available, just look for booths with teal pumpkins and ask for a special token. Tokens can be redeemed for allergy-friendly options at a specialty booth.

Get in the Halloween spirit, we want to see your best costumes. Dressing up isn’t just for the kids, costumes for all are encouraged! Don’t have a costume? No problem! Choose from a variety of festive face painting designs.

Practice your cackle because the Zoo is brewing up a ghoulishly good time. We put a spell on Zoo! Collect heaps of sweets at twisted treat stations nestled between spooktacular decorations and otherworldly entertainment including magicians, fire dancers, villains, and more!
Don’t miss this wickedly fun family tradition.

Thirteen twisted treat stations will be scattered throughout the zoo featuring a variety of Halloween treats. Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to bring a bag for candy. Allergy-friendly options will also be available, just look for booths with teal pumpkins and ask for a special token. Tokens can be redeemed for allergy-friendly options at a specialty booth.

Get in the Halloween spirit, we want to see your best costumes. Dressing up isn’t just for the kids, costumes for all are encouraged! Don’t have a costume? No problem! Choose from a variety of festive face painting designs.

Practice your cackle because the Zoo is brewing up a ghoulishly good time. We put a spell on Zoo! Collect heaps of sweets at twisted treat stations nestled between spooktacular decorations and otherworldly entertainment including magicians, fire dancers, villains, and more!
Don’t miss this wickedly fun family tradition.

Thirteen twisted treat stations will be scattered throughout the zoo featuring a variety of Halloween treats. Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to bring a bag for candy. Allergy-friendly options will also be available, just look for booths with teal pumpkins and ask for a special token. Tokens can be redeemed for allergy-friendly options at a specialty booth.

Get in the Halloween spirit, we want to see your best costumes. Dressing up isn’t just for the kids, costumes for all are encouraged! Don’t have a costume? No problem! Choose from a variety of festive face painting designs.