KALAMAZOO—March 23, 2026
The KIA Arts Fair Returns for Milestone 75th Year!
June 5 & 6, 2026
Friday 3–8pm and Saturday 9am–5pm
Kick off summer with the 75th Annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair in beautiful Bronson Park, located on the corner of Park and South Streets in downtown Kalamazoo. The Arts Fair began in 1951 in Bronson Park as the “Clothesline Art Show,” creating an opportunity for artists to show and sell their work. Celebrating its 75th year in 2026, it is the second oldest continuously running juried arts fair in the United States. The KIA Arts Fair will feature up to 145 fine artists in 12 distinct mediums presenting their jaw dropping, one of a kind works of fine art to collect, wear and use.
Shop a wide selection of fine artists working in a variety of mediums and including:
- Jewelry, Precious & Non-Precious
- Photography, Digital MediaDrawing, Pastels & Prints
- 2D & 3D Mixed Media
- Metal, Sculpture
- Fiber, Leather
- Ceramics
- Painting
- Wood
- Glass & more!
“The 75th KIA Arts Fair is both a celebration of our history and a reflection of our future. For generations, this event has made art accessible, supported artists, and energized downtown Kalamazoo. It’s also a powerful reminder of the role the arts play in bringing people together, fostering creativity, and strengthening our region. As a community-focused art institution, we’re proud to continue that legacy—inspiring new audiences, celebrating artists, and helping to shape the vibrancy of our city.” says Michelle Hargrave, Executive Director of the KIA.
Throughout Friday and Saturday you can partake in strolling, shopping, live entertainment, kids’ activities, artist demonstrations led by the Kirk Newman Art School. Food trucks and seating will be available during the two-day event.
The Arts Fair is FREE and open to everyone, welcoming all to visit the KIA with free admission on Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, allowing visitors a last chance look at the Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks exhibition before it closes on Sunday, June 7 (more information on Future Now below).
Awards Reception
On Saturday, June 6, at 10am, the “Best in Category” and the “Student Award” winners will be announced, with winners in each category receiving a cash prize.
New to the Arts Fair this year is the People’s Choice Award. Vote on Friday (3-8 pm) in the park, must be present to cast your vote! Awards will be announced at 10am on Saturday. The People’s Choice Award is sponsored by Discover Kalamazoo.
Live Music and Other Activities
Live music on the Bronson Park Stage, presented by the KIA and Sounds of the Zoo, runs throughout the weekend as well. More information regarding live music performances will be available soon.
The KIA is proud to celebrate and be a part of JumpstART Summer weekend featuring the KIA Arts Fair, Art on the Mall, the Do Dah Parade and Kalamazoo Pride. Join us in Bronson Park for an unforgettable celebration of creativity, community, and the power of the arts for our milestone 75th KIA Arts Fair!
Please check back throughout the year as Participating Artists and schedules are confirmed.
For more information about the 75th Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair, or to sponsor or volunteer at the event visit the KIA Arts Fair page.
About Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks (Open Now!)
Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is a groundbreaking exhibition featuring nearly 60 futuristic footwear designs pushing the boundaries of what footwear can be. Exhibiting an incredible mix of fashion, design, gaming, new media, architecture, and material arts as well as sustainable and collaborative practices, the exhibition showcases work by designers as diverse as Rem D. Koolhaas and Zaha Hadid, innovators Mr. Bailey and Salehe Bembury, as well as designs made in collaboration with fashion icons Rick Owens, Stella McCartney, and Yohji Yamamoto, and top gaming and innovation companies such as PlayStation, Gravity Sketch, and more.
Future Now features sections exploring Innovation, Sustainability, Transformative, and Virtual shoes. Exhibition highlights include the self-lacing Nike MAG (first conceived for the movie Back to the Future Part II), digitally designed and 3D-printed shoes, sneakers made from mushroom leather and reclaimed ocean plastics, virtual footwear, and more.
The Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks exhibition is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum, and curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator of the Bata Shoe Museum.
Extended Hours on FREE Thursdays
Enjoy free general admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays thanks to generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.
Free Thursdays removes barriers and opens doors to inspiration, learning, and connection, whether someone is a lifelong art enthusiast or just wants to explore and reflect.
About the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Founded in 1924, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) is a nationally accredited art museum and community art school that brings people together through creativity, learning, and shared experience. Each year, more than 100,000 visitors explore 10–15 rotating exhibitions across the museum’s 10 galleries, drawn from a permanent collection of more than 4,600 works spanning American, European, Asian, and contemporary art.
Beyond the galleries, the KIA is a place where art is not only viewed but made. The Kirk Newman Art School (KNAS) welcomes more than 3,400 enrollments annually, offering hands-on instruction in ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, drawing and painting, printmaking, fiber, photography, glass fusing, and enrichment programs for all ages. Students learn directly from professional artists and educators in a dynamic, studio-based environment.
The museum campus also includes a multi-media auditorium, a publicly accessible art library, an interactive children’s gallery, and the KIA Gallery Shop featuring work by local, regional, and international artists.
Through exhibitions, education, and community partnerships, the KIA serves as a cultural anchor for Southwest Michigan — a place where art sparks curiosity, strengthens connection, and inspires new ways of seeing. Learn more at kiarts.org.