Located at the heart of southwest Michigan, Kalamazoo is the perfect city to spend an inspiring and relaxing weekend. With multiple college campuses, a thriving music scene, famous beer, and a strong sense of community, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable time, especially if you take our advice as two locals, born and raised in “the Zoo.”
Sounds of the Zoo
- Recommended by Payton
Sounds of the Zoo is a local music festival that is an exciting new addition to the Kalamazoo community. And the best part? It’s free! Founded in 2022 by my colleague, Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert, this multicultural event aims to reconnect the Michigan community with local music.
Kalamazoo is no stranger to music, as it is home of the original Gibson Guitar Company, where Orville Gibson is said to have created some of the most iconic stringed instruments of all time. Kalamazoo’s Gibson Guitar Company played an important role in American music, this importance demonstrated in a quote from the Kalamazoo Public Library stating, “at one point 85% of all fretted stringed instruments manufactured in the United States were made in Kalamazoo” .
Although it is a small city, Kalamazoo’s identity is grounded in music, and I’ve experienced this first hand growing up in the city as a musician myself. I’ve had the pleasure of performing in Sounds of the Zoo many times throughout the years in my own band, Payton&Annabelle. From my own experiences I can confidently say that this is a lively event, full of local spirit, where you are sure to dance and meet some new friends!
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe/Brewery
- Recommendation by Josephine
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe is the perfect place to spend your evening after exploring the city. You’ve probably sipped Bell’s award winning Two Hearted Ale before if you drink beer and have been anywhere else in Michigan, but now you’ll have the chance to try a wide selection of Bell’s beer on tap, right in the town where it all began. This location also serves incredible food and has tons of different seating areas.
Check their website to see which shows they’ll be hosting when you’re in town! Featuring performances from artists like May Erlewine, Kurt Vile, and Sarah Jarosz, Bell’s plays a crucial role in keeping the Kalamazoo music spirit alive. Bell’s provides a space for established acts and up and coming performers, as they often host local musical acts. The best part about these local shows– the community shows up for their local musicians to soak up some Kalamazoo spirit in not only the music, but also in the beer.
Bell’s beer is so popular that there’s even a holiday honoring their Oberon. According to MLive, “Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recognized the beer-centric holiday in recent years, proclaiming March 21, 2022, as Oberon Day across Michigan.” My personal favorite drink from Bell’s is the Kalamazoo Stout, as I love any drink that tastes like chocolate or coffee.
Vintage In The Zoo
- Recommendation by Payton
Vintage in the Zoo sets up shop a few times a year in the Kalamazoo Farmer’s Marketplace, where 1000s of people gather to shop vintage and handmade while they listen to a live DJ and eat locally from Kalamazoo’s food truck vendors. This uniquely Kalamazoo event was founded in 2017 by Kalamazoo residents Megan Zielke and Patrick Turner, starting as a humble way to encourage people to shop sustainably, but it has now grown into a major regional event that includes over 70 vendors.
Vintage In The Zoo is my favorite local shopping event, and I always leave with the perfect signature pieces that have my friends asking for details. You can always expect bargains, a large vintage collection of high quality clothes, a large quantity of vintage accessories, and a smaller collection of more expensive vintage clothing. If you’re a shopper that loves to ruffle through the five dollar bin for the pieces that give you bragging rights, Vintage In The Zoo is a must visit. In 2026, you can find Vintage In The Zoo in both Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids during the summer and early fall months.
Caffe Casa
- Recommendation by Josephine
Caffè Casa sits at the center of the downtown walking mall and is the perfect spot to get coffee and debrief after a day of exploring. It also serves as a relaxing and warmly lit spot if you have a book to sink into or work to catch up on. There’s also little patio seats on the sidewalk outside, which level up the experience in the summertime!
The best part of this shop is that it’s locally owned and frequented by customers that the owners know by name and order. As a regular myself, my favorite drink to get in the colder months is the café con leche, and in the heat of summer I usually do a fresh banana smoothie. “Looking ahead, Caffè Casa will keep on brewing, baking, and connecting with the community, just as they’ve done for the past 30 years.”
Crow’s Nest
- Recommendation by Payton
Hidden up a flight of stairs, Crow’s Nest feels like home with light spilling through the windows and cinnamon wafting through the air. As someone who has lived in Kalamazoo since childhood, this is my favorite breakfast spot to stop at with my family. Providing consistent service and delicious food with unique drink options and a diverse menu, this chatter-filled breakfast spot is as charming as it gets!
Oftentimes on the weekends throughout my middle and high school years my family and I would spend the morning together either at the gym or taking a long walk on Kalamazoo’s beautiful Kalhaven trail, and if we were lucky, when we were finished there would be a three seat table available for us at Crow’s Nest to keep the energy flowing into the late morning. I remember feeling giddy looking over their menu for the first time as a plant-based eater.
Typically in Kalamazoo and surrounding cities I will have one plant-based food option if I’m lucky when going out to eat. With over six specially crafted vegan dishes and almost every non-vegan dish on the menu customizable to be vegan, no one at the table has to suffer from unmet cravings! Besides just the vegan options, their regular menu is just as appetizing. Featuring unique items like their pumpkin chai French toast and an endless list of savory options, Crow’s Nest truly does think of everything.
Henderson Castle
- Recommendation by Josephine
If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s within walking distance to all of these events and restaurants downtown, one of the best choices is the Henderson Castle. It was built in 1895 and offers extra enjoyments like wine tastings and a spa, as well as a complimentary breakfast for guests.
Many themed rooms are available with diverse styles to suit your unique preferences. My personal favorite is the “Italian Suite.”
According to MLive, the Henderson Castle was for sale in 2024 and recently passed into new ownership. “The mansion at 100 Monroe St. is also home to a restaurant, organic garden, vineyard and day spa, as well as a cottage house. An in-ground pool and rooftop jacuzzi are among recent additions to the three-acre property.”
There’s also lots of historic homes in the area, and it’s very easy to get lost in your surroundings.When I stayed here, my favorite thing to do was take an evening walk through the neighboring Mountain Home Cemetery, which covers rolling hills and includes beautifully unique gravestones.
No matter what you end up seeing in Kalamazoo, you’re sure to have a good time and discover something new. Every business owner has a story, every season brings a different charm, and the city truly has a unique culture to offer everyone!
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