Get ready for a festive weekend in Kalamazoo! We’ve got St. Patrick's Day celebrations kicking off Saturday, nature activities, and plenty of art and crafts for the whole family on March 14th and 15th, 2026. Don't miss the big parade on Sunday!
See our top picks
24th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
Downtown Kalamazoo
Catch the big parade downtown Saturday afternoon!
Board Game Sundays
Sit and Stay Winery
A cozy, all-ages way to spend Sunday afternoon indoors.
Storybooks in the Zoo
Downtown Kalamazoo Mall
Reading time at the Mall Saturday—perfect for preschoolers.
· March 14
624TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADEFREE : Kalamazoo celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with its annual parade winding through downtown streets. This is a classic local spectacle that is fun for everyone. Check local listings for the exact step-off time!It's the local St. Patrick's Day parade, a guaranteed family outing for Saturday.
: Get creative at the Nature Center on Saturday! This likely involves nature-based arts and crafts, perfect for keeping little hands busy indoors or out.An art event specifically at the Nature Center on Saturday.
: Visit the KIA for their Art Detectives program, focusing this Saturday on the 'Kicks' exhibit. This provides an interactive way for kids to engage with the art gallery.Art programming specifically designed to engage kids on Saturday.
: Check out this Wings Event Center event on Saturday. The 'Green Ice' theme suggests a fun, seasonally appropriate sporting or exhibition event suitable for local families.A local sporting/exhibition event happening Saturday.
: Enjoy story time located right on the Downtown Kalamazoo Mall this Saturday. Events centered around 'Storybooks' are usually perfect for preschoolers and early elementary kids.A specific Saturday event focused on reading/stories in the downtown area.
YOUTH TTRPG (IN-PERSON)FREE : If you have a tween or teen interested in D&D or similar tabletop games, this group meets in person Saturday afternoon. Dice and tools are provided, making it easy to jump in.A dedicated activity for the older kids/teens on Saturday afternoon.
· March 15
5KALAMAZOO HOME & GARDEN EXPO : This is the final day to check out Southwest Michigan's premier show for home and garden inspiration. Good for older kids who enjoy looking at displays or if you need home project ideas.It’s the final day of a major local expo happening this weekend.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADEFREE : While this is in Detroit, it's one of the biggest parades of the weekend! Detroit's massive St. Patrick's Parade steps off at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Look for the Family Fun Zone if you want reserved seating.The biggest regional St. Paddy's parade is Sunday, worth the drive for some.
: This Lake Orion event is built specifically for families looking for Irish fun without the nightlife. Expect kid-friendly activities and entertainment throughout the village this weekend.Explicitly geared toward families celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
: The LaughFest spans the weekend, featuring dozens of shows in the greater West Michigan area. Check the schedule for family-specific daytime events like the Clean Comedy Showcase.This major festival runs through Sunday and includes family-appropriate comedy.
TACOS, TREATS AND TREASURES - 2ND ANNUAL : Head slightly north to Greenville for this annual community event featuring food, sweets, and treasure hunting. A great Sunday afternoon activity for younger kids.A dedicated Sunday event that sounds geared towards young children and families.
Also On· anytime this weekend
2: Visit the zoo on Saturday morning to see a special event featuring falconers. This is a great way to see the animals while learning about birds of prey in an engaging environment.It’s a specific zoo event happening Saturday morning.
: Check out the Gilmore Car Museum's ongoing Winter Lecture Series this Sunday. While the topic isn't specified, car museums usually offer plenty of hands-on visual interest for kids.It's a recurring Sunday event at a popular museum, falling on the target date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Kalamazoo this weekend?
The best free option this weekend (Mar 14-15) is the 24th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade downtown on Saturday. Board Game Sundays at Sit and Stay Winery is also listed as likely free/low-cost for entertainment.
Are there any St. Patrick's Day events for kids on Sunday?
Yes! While Kalamazoo has its parade Saturday, there are family-focused St. Patrick's events nearby, like Leprechaun Days in Lake Orion (Mar 14-15) and Tacos, Treats and Treasures in Greenville on Sunday.
What can families do on Saturday besides the parade?
Saturday, March 14th offers diverse options including FALCONERS at the Zoo, the Art Detectives program at the KIA, and holiday cookie decorating at Sit and Stay Winery.
