269 Fest

Thank you, Kalamazoo! 💙
What an incredible first 269 Fest - it wouldn’t have been possible without this community showing up big all week long.

From sunrise yoga at Heritage Hall to backyard beer gardens in Haymarket Plaza, from Beats on Bates to Oddlympics in Bronson Park, and from live music at Sounds of the Zoo to late-night laughs at the Roper Romp - Kalamazoo brought the energy. We celebrated with Bell’s 40th anniversary party, sipped on Negroni Monday, discovered local art and makers, cheered on our neighbors, and made unforgettable memories together.

This was more than just a festival - it was a citywide celebration of Kalamazoo’s creativity, culture and community spirit.

✨ Until next year, thank you for making the very first 269 Fest one to remember!

Plan ahead! 🎶

There's a full line up of events on Wednesday, September 24, for 269 Fest:

• Strech & Sip w/ Rosewell Being @ Heritage Hall — 7-8 AM
• 2025 Oddlympics @ Mayor’s Riverfront Park — 2-5 PM
• Final Beats on Bates of the season! @ Bates Alley — 5-10 PM
• Joy Modulaters @ Old Dog Tavern — 7:30-8:30 PM
• The Fat Animals @ Old Dog Tavern — 9-10 PM
• The Red Sea Pedestrians also playing tonight @ Old Dog Tavern

Want more great events? Check out the full schedule and see what else is happening this week: the269.com/schedule

269 Fest is here! From now through September 27, Kalamazoo is alive with music, food, film, tech, culture and creativity. Block parties, live shows, local markets and more are happening all week long across the city.

Don’t miss out — explore the full schedule and join the celebration:

269 Festival • Sept 19-27 Press release available here about schedule contact • block party • music • film • technology • culture • creativity • innovation • bold ideas • block party • music • film • technology • culture • creativity • innovation • bold ideas • block party • music • film...

🍹 Negroni Monday is back at Stamped Robin during 269 Fest! From 4–8 PM tomorrow, guests can sip on classic Negronis and creative variations in one of downtown’s coziest spots.

It’s the perfect way to kick off the week with great drinks, great vibes and great company.

📍 Stamped Robin | Monday, Sept. 22 | 4–8 PM

🍹 Negroni Monday is back at Stamped Robin during 269 Fest, in partnership with .kalamazoo! From 4–8 PM, guests can sip on classic Negronis and creative variations in one of downtown’s coziest spots.

It’s the perfect way to kick off the week with good drinks, good vibes and good company.

📍 Stamped Robin | Monday, Sept. 22 | 4–8 PM

🍻 Bell’s turns 40 and the Garden Party is on! 🎉
Throwback beers, vintage tastings, retro eats, exclusive merch + live music with The 1985.

Don’t miss the birthday bash of the year! 🎂
📍 Details & tix: https://events.bellsbeer.com/event/bells-brewery-40th-anniversary-party/bells-brewery-tours/
More 269 events and info at the269.com

Kalamazoo’s future is breaking ground 🎉 Join the community Friday, Sept. 26 from 5–7 PM for a free block party on Water Street & the Mall! Live music, food trucks, fan fun, and appearances from WMU + K-Wings 🏒🎶

Burdick’s Downtown has been the spot for good eats, game day vibes and all the memories for 30+ years.

Now it’s serving a whole new era with a fresh glow-up and a space that hits different. ✨🍔🏈

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 23, from 5-8!