Community Newsletter | February 3rd, 2026
Dear Northside Neighbors, Partners, & Community,
As we move into February, we’re excited to share what’s ahead for the Northside! And most importantly, to officially begin building momentum around one of our biggest community celebrations yet: Northside Day 2026.
This month’s newsletter focuses on what Northside Day is, how you can get involved, and the many opportunities available throughout February to stay connected, access resources, and support the growth of our neighborhood.
We’re proud to announce Northside Day 2026, a new annual celebration created to uplift our community, showcase local talent, and support NACD’s work in workforce development, housing access, and neighborhood revitalization.
Northside Day will be a full-day experience featuring:
A 5K Walk/Run to kick off the morning
A Community Celebration at LaCrone Park with food, music, vendors, and family activities
Beats on Northside Alley, an evening music experience for adults
This event is designed to bring neighbors together, celebrate the strength of the Northside, and invest in the future of our community.
Want to get involved?
There are many ways to be part of Northside Day!
5K Walk/Run
Step into the day with a neighborhood tradition in the making! This all-ages 5K run/walk will take you through the heart of the Northside, beginning at NACD and finishing at LaCrone Park, where the celebration continues.
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Start: NACD (612 N Park St)
Finish: LaCrone Park (535 W Paterson St)
Registration: $25/person
All registered participants receive:
Race bib
Finisher medal
Post-race community welcome at the park
All ages welcome. Bring your family, crew, stroller, or squad!
Community Celebration @ LaCrone Park
Once the 5K wraps, the party begins! Spend the afternoon enjoying music with DJ No Limit, bounce houses & kids activities, food trucks & local favorites, local vendors & artisans, community organizations & resource tables, and family fun throughout the entire park.
Time: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: LaCrone Park | 535 W Paterson St
Support local businesses, meet your neighbors, and enjoy the best of the Northside all in one place.
Beats on Northside Alley (21+ Only)
Close out the night with an evening designed just for the grown folks. Sounds provided by The Skeletones and The Most Incredible DJ Chuck.
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: NACD | 612 N Park St
No tickets, no RSVP. Just show up ready to vibe, connect, support, and enjoy a night on the Northside.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors throughout the evening.
Valid ID required for entry.
Become a Vendor!
Support the celebration and grow your business! We welcome:
Food trucks
Craft + retail vendors
Local businesses
Community organizations + resource tables
Vendor fee: $50
Vendor must provide tents, tables, chairs. Electricity is not guaranteed.
Become a Volunteer!
Northside Day is powered by community, and we’d love your help!
Volunteer roles include:
5K route support
Festival support & family activities
Youth volunteers welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Become a Sponsor!
Northside Day is a catalyst for the future of our neighborhood. All proceeds support NACD’s work in:
Workforce development
Housing access
Neighborhood revitalization
Sponsors play a vital role in supporting the execution of Northside Day. Their investment helps cover event costs, elevate the overall experience, and ensure that this celebration remains accessible to the entire community.
For questions or inquiries about sponsorship, please email info@nacdkzoo.com.
Thank you to our Northside Day 2026 Sponsors!
Patterson St Partner
N Westnedge Ave Partners
We’re excited to have you be a part of Northside Day 2026 and can’t wait to celebrate the Northside with you on August 8th!
This event is all about community, connection, and pride, and we’re just getting started.
In the meantime, here’s a look at everything happening this February as we continue building momentum together.
Diapers, Wipes, & Period Product Distribution | Every Monday & Wednesday, 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Through our partnership with Care Collective of Southwest Michigan, NACD continues to provide essential items to support families in our community. Appointment required, please call 269.344.5490.
Build Your Career at The Kalamazoo Event Center | February 4th, 4:00 - 6:00PM
Connect directly with employers, contractors, and partners working on the Kalamazoo Event Center and explore career opportunities in construction. This event was originally scheduled for Jan 28th but postponed due to weather.
Connect with Michigan Works! Southwest | February 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th, 1:00 - 4:00PM
Michigan Works! Southwest will be onsite to provide career support, job search assistance, resume help, and connections to training opportunities.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance | February 9th, & 23rd, 1:00 - 4:00PM
Free tax preparation services are available for eligible individuals and families through the VITA program. Get help filing your taxes accurately and on time.
Monthly Community Board Meeting | February 17th, 6 - 7PM
This is your opportunity to stay informed on local initiatives, share your concerns, and help shape the future of the Northside. Diapers, wipes, and period products will be available to attendees.
Design It! Northside Neighborhood Meeting | February 26th, 6 - 8PM
Be part of the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 planning process and help envision what the Northside can look like in the years ahead. Your voice matters in shaping our neighborhood’s future.
As we move through 2026, we’re excited to continue building momentum, expanding opportunity, and creating spaces for connection across the Northside.
Whether you’re joining us at an event, volunteering your time, or supporting Northside Day, your involvement makes a difference.
Thank you for being part of this community and for helping move the Northside forward.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Yarbrough
Executive Director
Northside Association for Community Development
