Calendar

Bike Expeditions

Celebrate the 12th annual Kalamazoo Area Bike Week from May 13 - 20, 2023. Enjoy the many benefits of cycling during National Bike Month by participating in NEW self-guided bike tours in the beautiful City of Portage. Choose one or all adventures and explore at your leisure. This program launches on Saturday, May 13, and continues until October 1, 2023.

Geo Mystery Tours: SECRET LIFE OF BOGS

Experience the secret side of bogs and wetlands. Set out on a quest this summer; every other month, a different mystery will be revealed and it’s up to you to uncover the secrets of Portage. Join the story at any time, but all adventures must be completed by the end of the month. An Apple or Garmin device is highly recommended for this program. Beginning GPS coordinates and secret instructions will be emailed to registered participants at the start of each month or within a week of registration. For additional information, please contact Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522.

City Hall Exhibitions: Wild Wetlands: The Secret Life of Bogs

Rotating exhibitions that focus on local arts, nature, and history are displayed in the lobby at Portage City Hall (7900 South Westnedge Avenue) throughout the year. These exhibitions are FREE to the public and are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Experience the secret life of wetlands. Discover how wetlands, like fens and bogs, help the City of Portage combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Explore the relationship between wetlands and climate change and find out how you can help protect these natural resources for generations to come.

Pump Track Tricks

Learn the best tips and tricks for riding the Pump Track at Lexington Green Park from Pedal Bicycle instructors. Using the pump track is a great way to build your skills for mountain biking, BMX riding, and much more. Generate some momentum for your summer fun and sign up today! Participants must bring a bike and helmet for this program. Knee and elbow pads are highly recommended. A chaperone is required for anyone under the age of 18.

Portage Farmers Market

Paddlesports Sampler

The Paddlesports Sampler introduces a variety of watercraft activities to aspiring paddlesports enthusiasts. Learn basic skills for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards through games and fun activities with certified instructors from the American Canoe Association. All the necessary equipment will be provided. Participants should dress accordingly for the weather and the possibility of getting wet. The registration deadline is one week prior to each class. Maximum of 8 participants per class. Ages 8 to adult.

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Intermediate

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

Explore Archery for Adults

This introductory archery program is for adults interested in learning basic archery skills and safety. Bows and arrows will be provided for those who do not have their own. Maximum 12 participants per class.

IdeaWorx - Business Incubator: Cottage Food Law 101

Transform your idea into reality by participating in business development programs and services at Portage IdeaWorx. IdeaWorx classes focus on food, arts, and science ideas and help turn your dream into a new business venture. Classrooms and a rentable commercial kitchen (coming soon) will offer a variety of programs in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Western Michigan University and MSU Extension. IdeaWorx offers a variety of topics to help launch your new business or grow an existing small business. Are you looking to learn more about selling foods made in your own home kitchen? Discover what it takes to become a Cottage Food Law vendor by taking this workshop hosted by the Small Business Development Center. Learn about Michigan Cottage Food Law licensing requirements and guidelines for preparing and selling cottage foods

Park Board Meeting

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Recreational

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Motortown

Make memories with your friends and family at our Summer Concert Series. On the second Thursday of each month, we will feature a different genre of music that is fun for all ages. Bring a chair or blanket with you for lawn seating and leave yourself a little room for getting your groove on! Admission is FREE to the Summer Concert Series, thanks to our series sponsor, Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Direct from Detroit, world-class vocalists and musicians from the ranks of The Miracles, The Temptations, and more have joined forces. The show is jam-packed with impeccable harmonies, dazzling choreography, and those timeless Motown grooves that everyone knows and loves. You can choose to dance, sing along, or just sit back (if you can) and watch the show as they perform all of the greatest hits from the likes of the Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.

Scalin' Up For Summer

Portage Parks & Recreation is kicking off the summer with the hit program – Scalin’ Up for Summer. Get an up-close encounter with an array of scaly creatures from reptiles to fish. This event has something for everyone! Explore the world of fishing and boating and learn about aquatic conservation. Learn fun facts about your favorite reptiles and their ideal habitats and participate in fun activities and crafts. Scalin’ Up for Summer is one of the biggest events of the season, so get ready to be amazed by your new, scaly friends. The first 100 kids will receive a FREE FISHING ROD courtesy of Honor Credit Union & Future Angler Foundation

Portage Farmers Market

Ramona Beach Bonfire

Take a break from your hectic summer schedule to relax and enjoy the warm summer night air, live music, and a bonfire at Ramona Park Beach. Gather with friends and family for this summer tradition under the stars. S’more making supplies will be provided.

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Competitive

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

Paddlesports Sampler

The Paddlesports Sampler introduces a variety of watercraft activities to aspiring paddlesports enthusiasts. Learn basic skills for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards through games and fun activities with certified instructors from the American Canoe Association. All the necessary equipment will be provided. Participants should dress accordingly for the weather and the possibility of getting wet. The registration deadline is one week prior to each class. Maximum of 8 participants per class. Ages 8 to adult.

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Intermediate

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga

Combine your love for nature, adventure, and yoga with Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga. Whether you are a first-time paddleboarder or an experienced yoga practitioner, this class is for you. Classes will be taught by Kristin Fiore, a certified and experienced SUP Yoga instructor from Down Dog Yoga Center. Each class will begin on land with an introduction to SUP equipment and safety before taking a short paddle and dropping anchor for the yoga session. At the end of the class, students will be given time to relax and soak up some sun before paddling back to shore. Space is limited, so register now to save your spot. The registration fee includes one class, plus the use of a paddleboard, paddle, life jacket, and anchor. Ages 16 and up.

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Recreational

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate the legacy and long celebrated holiday of Juneteenth by joining us for a ribbon cutting followed by a self-led meditation and education session. This will take place within the gorgeous new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park which includes five bronze series of sculptures highlighting Dr. King’s message, a “Garden of Hope,” landscape corridors, meditative benches and shade trees, and an interactive interpretive kiosk highlighting Dr. King’s legacy.

Bog BioBlitz Hike

Join the Portage District Library and Park staff on an adventure through Bishop's Bog. Learn how to use the iNaturalist app to participate in a BioBlitz! In this program you will find and identify as many species as possible, with the goal of finding an overall count of organisms that live in Bishop's Bog.

Portage Farmers Market

School of Fish Day Camp: Little Lunkers

Day campers will experience all the joys and benefits associated with fishing and environmental conservation. During this unique adventure, youth will have the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and learn skills needed to make their own fishing memories. Park staff instruction and guidance are provided as youth participate in hands-on activities, and of course, GO FISHING! Maximum of 12 participants per camp. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced courses will all cover the basics of fishing, including topics such as fish identification & habitat, knot tying & rod rigging, casting skills & safety, catching & rigging live bait, and aquatic conservation. Each session offers different topics based on skill sets and participant ages. This session is for ages 7 - 8.

Adult Pickleball Intermediate Clinic

Are you ready to take your pickleball game to the next level? Participants should have a basic understanding of pickleball and the rules or have completed the Beginner Clinic. The Intermediate Clinic will focus on advanced strategies and practice exercises while offering helpful hints to advance your own personal game. Participants must bring their own paddle. Pickleballs will be provided. Adults 18 and up. Maximum 30 participants.

John Ball Zoo: Meet & Greet Animal Station

Meet and greet ambassador animals from John Ball Zoo. Learn about animals, their young, and how different animals grow up. Enjoy an up-close encounter with live zoo animals. Space is limited.

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Competitive

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

Paddlesports Sampler

The Paddlesports Sampler introduces a variety of watercraft activities to aspiring paddlesports enthusiasts. Learn basic skills for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards through games and fun activities with certified instructors from the American Canoe Association. All the necessary equipment will be provided. Participants should dress accordingly for the weather and the possibility of getting wet. The registration deadline is one week prior to each class. Maximum of 8 participants per class. Ages 8 to adult.

Kids Try It! Playground Sports

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Intermediate

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

IdeaWorx - Business Incubator: Launch Your Business

Transform your idea into reality by participating in business development programs and services at Portage IdeaWorx. IdeaWorx classes focus on food, arts, and science ideas and help turn your dream into a new business venture. Classrooms and a rentable commercial kitchen (coming soon) will offer a variety of programs in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Western Michigan University and MSU Extension. IdeaWorx offers a variety of topics to help launch your new business or grow an existing small business. Ready to start your own business, but not sure where to start? The SBDC is here to help. Learn how to write and develop a successful business plan, evaluate market potential, finance your business, and research strategies. This workshop is designed for entrepreneurs who are looking to write a business plan for the first time, or already have a plan they would like to improve.

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga

Combine your love for nature, adventure, and yoga with Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga. Whether you are a first-time paddleboarder or an experienced yoga practitioner, this class is for you. Classes will be taught by Kristin Fiore, a certified and experienced SUP Yoga instructor from Down Dog Yoga Center. Each class will begin on land with an introduction to SUP equipment and safety before taking a short paddle and dropping anchor for the yoga session. At the end of the class, students will be given time to relax and soak up some sun before paddling back to shore. Space is limited, so register now to save your spot. The registration fee includes one class, plus the use of a paddleboard, paddle, life jacket, and anchor. Ages 16 and up.

Explore Archery for Youth: Session 1

This introductory archery program is for youth ages 9 to 12 and 13 to 17. Bows and arrows will be provided for those who do not have their own. Maximum 12 participants per class.

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Recreational

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

Friday at the Flats

Friday at the Flats returns to the Celery Flats Pavilion in 2023. Join us on the fourth Friday of every month, May through September, for dinner and experience a range of food trucks and live, local musicians. Seating is limited, but lawn space is plentiful, so bring a blanket or chair. Connect with your family and friends at Celery Flats through food, live music, and fun.

Movies in the Park: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Wind down with your family in the park, under the stars, for this FREE family entertainment event at the Celery Flats Historical Area. The movies begin around 9 PM or shortly after, depending on the sunset that evening. Bring a blanket or chair for lawn seating. Don’t forget to stop by Friday at the Flats event before the movie (4:30 - 8:30 PM) for a bite to eat from local food trucks or bring your own snacks for the movie.

Smart Cycling: Traffic Skills 101 Course

Gear up for the ride of your life. Learn the basics of biking from League Certified Instructors, with a curriculum certified by the League of American Bicyclists. This course, taught by riders with extensive experience, will provide instruction on the following topics: basic bike fit, inspection, maintenance, safe & legal riding in traffic, skill building, bike safety, and crash prevention. Program participants must be 18 years or older and provide a helmet and bicycle. An online portion of this course must be completed prior to the in-person instruction. This course is also a prerequisite to become a League Certified Instructor.

Portage Farmers Market

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Competitive

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

Paddlesports Sampler

The Paddlesports Sampler introduces a variety of watercraft activities to aspiring paddlesports enthusiasts. Learn basic skills for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards through games and fun activities with certified instructors from the American Canoe Association. All the necessary equipment will be provided. Participants should dress accordingly for the weather and the possibility of getting wet. The registration deadline is one week prior to each class. Maximum of 8 participants per class. Ages 8 to adult.

Kids Try It! Playground Sports

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Intermediate

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga

Combine your love for nature, adventure, and yoga with Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga. Whether you are a first-time paddleboarder or an experienced yoga practitioner, this class is for you. Classes will be taught by Kristin Fiore, a certified and experienced SUP Yoga instructor from Down Dog Yoga Center. Each class will begin on land with an introduction to SUP equipment and safety before taking a short paddle and dropping anchor for the yoga session. At the end of the class, students will be given time to relax and soak up some sun before paddling back to shore. Space is limited, so register now to save your spot. The registration fee includes one class, plus the use of a paddleboard, paddle, life jacket, and anchor. Ages 16 and up.

Explore Archery for Youth: Session 1

This introductory archery program is for youth ages 9 to 12 and 13 to 17. Bows and arrows will be provided for those who do not have their own. Maximum 12 participants per class.

Adult Pickleball Leagues Session 1: Recreational

Presented by Kalamazoo Pickleball Outreach. Find out what pickleball is all about. Pickleball leagues are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 PM at Ramona Park (8600 South Sprinkle Road). Two six-week sessions are offered over the summer for each league. Leagues are offered for recreational, intermediate, and competitive players. Not sure which league fits your skill level? Call Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522 or visit portagemi.gov/780/Pickleball for more information.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Jeffrey Cavataio

Make memories with your friends and family at our Summer Concert Series. On the second Thursday of each month, we will feature a different genre of music that is fun for all ages. Bring a chair or blanket with you for lawn seating and leave yourself a little room for getting your groove on! Admission is FREE to the Summer Concert Series, thanks to our series sponsor, Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Back by popular demand, Jeffrey Cavataio is a classy modern-day crooner with an upbeat pop twist. Captivating his audiences with heartfelt original songs and soulful renditions, such as Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” With his style, Cavataio has invited vocal comparisons to Dean Martin, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Neil Diamond, and Barry Manilow, known for their emotionally expressive tenor to baritone voices.