Calendar

City Hall Exhibition: Annual Photo Contest

These rotating exhibitions are featured in the lobby at Portage City Hall (7900 South Westnedge Avenue) throughout the year and focus on local arts and history. The exhibitions are FREE to the public and are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM. Get a glimpse of Portage Parks through the lens of the community. This exhibit displays the winning photos from the Annual Photo Contest. Photos were judged by a panel of area photography professionals and have been sorted into four categories; Seasonal Changes; Outdoor Recreation; Flora, Fauna & Wildlife; and Youth.

Geo Mystery Tour - Myths & Legends

Geocaching with a twist! Hunt for adventure in the Portage Parks System. A different mystery is revealed every other month and it’s up to you to uncover the answers. Join the story at any time, but all adventures must be completed by the last day of the month.

Kingpins Drumline

Students with special needs are invited to participate in a six-week drumming program tailored for performers of different abilities. Drumming provides a thrilling outlet for each participant. Students learn to listen, follow suggestions and how to work together. Students will be guided through each one-hour lesson. Registration is required by Wednesday, July 20. Space is limited. The class dates include: Wednesdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, September 7,

YMCA Youth Tennis Camp

Participants will acquire basic knowledge of all tennis strokes with an emphasis on playing points on a scaled-down court utilizing developmental equipment. Match situations will be introduced. This camp is for beginner players ages 5-14. Friday is the make-up day in case of inclement weather. Register at Portage YMCA: (269) 324-9622 or kzooymca.org.

Environmental Board Meeting

Summer Concert Series - Jeffrey Cavataio

Enjoy a music filled summer with the Summer Concert Series! Each month features a different genre of music that is fun for all ages. Bring a chair or blanket and don't forget to leave a little room for busting a move. 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 these, he 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. Admission is FREE to the Summer Concert Series thanks to our series sponsor, the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo!

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. Materials for making s’mores will be provided.

Portage Farmers Market

The Portage Farmers Market opens May 1 and runs through October 16, every Sunday from 9 AM – 1 PM. Browse local vendors offering fresh produce, meat, eggs, fruits, baked goods, flowers, crafts, gifts, and more! Vendors interested in participating may contact Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522. For more information or to check vendor offerings, go to farmersmarket.portagemi.gov or visit us on Facebook @PortageMarketMI and Instagram @PortageMarket.

Advanced Anglers School of Fish Day Camp - Ages 12-14

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 outdoors and learn skills necessary to start their own fishing memories. Professional instruction and guidance is provided as youth participate in many hands on activities, and of course... GO FISHING! The registration deadline is two weeks prior to each start date. Maximum of 12 participants per camp.

Senior Citizen Services Advisory Board Meeting

Junior Ranger Earn-A-Badge: Endurance

Be a Junior Ranger and get some help earning your badges. During these programs, a Junior Ranger may bring an adult to work on specific badge activities. These FREE programs include supplies and are led by Portage Parks & Recreation staff. The registration deadline is two days before each workshop. For more information about the Junior Ranger Club visit portagemi.gov/725.

Planning Commission Meeting (3rd week)

Portage Farmers Market

The Portage Farmers Market opens May 1 and runs through October 16, every Sunday from 9 AM – 1 PM. Browse local vendors offering fresh produce, meat, eggs, fruits, baked goods, flowers, crafts, gifts, and more! Vendors interested in participating may contact Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522. For more information or to check vendor offerings, go to farmersmarket.portagemi.gov or visit us on Facebook @PortageMarketMI and Instagram @PortageMarket.

City Council Meeting

Paw Prints

Come to the South Westnedge Dog Park with your pooch and make one-of-kind paw print art! Using non-toxic materials, capture your pup’s love on paper. Clean up materials will be provided. This activity may not be for every pup, so follow your dog’s lead about participating.

Portage Cornhole League

Kalamazoo Cornhole will help host cornhole leagues in Portage! Play with friends or bring your own ‘A’ game. Experience fun with this low impact sport all season long. This is an eight-game season with game times running from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Registration begins on July 25 and closes August 19.

Friday at the Flats

We are bringing the taste of Portage to you! Friday at the Flats returns to the Celery Flats Pavilion in 2022. Join us on the fourth Friday of the month for dinner and experience a wide range of food trucks and live music. Seating is limited, but lawn space is plentiful, so bring a blanket or chair. Connect with your loved ones at Celery Flats through food and fun.

Movies in the Park - The Iron Giant

Join us for FREE family-friendly entertainment at the Celery Flats Historical Area. The movie starts at 9 PM (or shortly after depending on sunset). Bring a blanket or chair for lawn seating. Stop by Friday at the Flats before the movie (4:30 - 8:30 PM) for a bite to eat from local food trucks or bring your own snacks. Thank you to Kenneth W. Grabowski Orthodontics for sponsoring this movie!

Portage Farmers Market

The Portage Farmers Market opens May 1 and runs through October 16, every Sunday from 9 AM – 1 PM. Browse local vendors offering fresh produce, meat, eggs, fruits, baked goods, flowers, crafts, gifts, and more! Vendors interested in participating may contact Portage Parks & Recreation at (269) 329-4522. For more information or to check vendor offerings, go to farmersmarket.portagemi.gov or visit us on Facebook @PortageMarketMI and Instagram @PortageMarket.

School of Fish: Fishing with Rangers

If you love to fish, come spend some time with Portage Park Rangers to learn some of the best tips and tricks for fishing. Bring your own fishing pole, brush up on techniques and hang out! This activity is for everyone, from Fish Camp graduates to first time anglers. Enjoy boardwalk and dock fishing on Austin Lake. Bait will be provided. Registration is required by August 22.