Volunteer
More people, more impact.
Please view our events below that offer volunteer opportunities.
Click on the name (button) to go to the websites
FB: @EventKzoo
What: Kalamazoo Block Parties is a series of events that are designed to connect Community Police Officers with youth in the neighborhood. The events vary depending on the neighborhood, but typically they are only a couple of hours. You work with amazing KDPS officers, community groups, and of course the kids. .
This is the biggest single event in downtown Kalamazoo and it's a tradition. Hosted the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this event needs volunteers to carry balloons, manage the staging areas, collect food donations, and distribute information.
Where: Traditional parade route
When: Date for 2026 is TBD, shifts are about 3 hours and there are many different times and shifts to pick to volunteer. The slots start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
Festival Fridays
If you like festivals, then this event is for you. It's only 3.5 hours and you get to have a great time helping to support a partnership festival arrangement that helps festival happen at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place.
Where and When:
S. Burdick Street - May 8
Plainwell (Bridge Street) - June 12
New Year's Fest
FB: @NewYearsFest
What: New Year’s Fest is an all-ages showcase of performing arts that takes place on New Year's Eve in Downtown Kalamazoo. There will be a ball drop & fireworks at midnight in Bronson Park. Volunteers are needed for button checking (get to see the shows and volunteer), site supervision, and band support.
2025 Event Date: Wednesday, December 31st from 5:30 - 12 a.m.
Where: Downtown Kalamazoo and Bronson Park - shifts are 3 hours and start at 3 p.m. and end at midnight.