Fall in Kalamazoo, Where Theaters Shine and Orchards Overflow

As crisper air comes to Southwest Michigan this autumn, Kalamazoo offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness to make it a fantastic fall getaway destination. Proving autumn in Michigan isn't just a time for vibrant foliage and cozy sweaters, Kalamazoo takes things a step further by combining the quintessential fall pastime of fruit-picking with a thriving theater scene, making it easy to soak up nature by day and culture by night.

Orchard Adventures

What's a fall getaway without indulging in some seasonal fruit picking? Kalamazoo is surrounded by picturesque orchards that come alive in the autumn months, offering visitors the chance to pick (or "U-pick") their own apples, pumpkins, and even late-season berries.

One of the area's most popular fruit-picking spots is VerHage Fruit Farms & Cider Mill, located just a short drive from downtown. This family-owned farm has been a local favorite for more than 60 years, and it's easy to see why. Every fall, the orchard brims with ripe apples just waiting to be picked, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of fresh cider being pressed onsite. VerHage also offers a variety of fall activities, including hayrides, a corn maze, and, for the more adventurous, even the longest zip line in Southwest Michigan. After a day of picking apples, unwind with a warm cider donut and a glass of freshly made cider.

Another fantastic option is Gull Meadow Farms in nearby Richland, which not only offers apple picking but has a wide range of fall-fun activities. From their pumpkin patch to their petting zoo, there's something for everyone at Gull Meadow. The farm's massive corn maze is a particular highlight, offering a fun challenge for visitors of all ages. And don't miss out on their bakery, where you can grab a slice of homemade pie or a bag of caramel apples to take home.

For a more rustic outing, Schultz Fruitridge Farms is an ideal destination. Located in a bucolic setting just outside Kalamazoo, Schultz's offers a down-to-earth, authentic fruit-picking experience. Several apple varieties are available for picking in the fall, as well as Concord grapes starting in mid-September. Schultz's also features a charming farm stand stocked with fresh produce, apple cider, and homemade jams, plus a food truck-like "Donut Depot" that makes fresh blueberry and apple cider donuts on site.

Exciting Stages

Kalamazoo boasts a vibrant arts scene that's been growing for decades. A pillar of Kalamazoo's theater scene is Miller Auditorium, located on the campus of Western Michigan University. One of the largest theaters in Michigan, Miller Auditorium regularly hosts touring Broadway productions, concerts, and special events. With its state-of-the-art facilities and an impressive lineup of shows, Miller Auditorium offers a big-city theater experience in a welcoming, small-town setting. This fall, Tony Award-winning musical "Dear Evan Hansen" comes to the Miller on November 14 and 15.

Another must-visit Kalamazoo venue is the Farmers Alley Theatre, which has quickly become a local favorite since its inception in 2008. Located in downtown Kalamazoo, the 100-seat Farmers Alley is known for bringing high-quality performances to the local community. This fall, they present the Broadway classic "Jersey Boys" from September 19 to October 6.

At the heart of this cultural hub is the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, one of the country's oldest and largest community theaters. Established in 1929, the Civic Theatre has been a cornerstone of the arts in Kalamazoo, drawing audiences from across the region with its high-quality productions and diverse repertoire.

Kicking off the Civic's theater schedule this fall is "Six: The Musical – Teen Edition," the modernized story of English King Henry VIII's wives, in a special version with a teenage cast that runs September 13 to 29. Next up is "Let It Be: A Musical Celebration of the Beatles" from October 4 to 13, followed by "Disney's Finding Nemo Jr." from October 25 to November 3. "Radium Girls," based on the true 1920s story of female laborers who were poisoned by their factory's radium-based paint, runs from November 8 to 17.

Savoring the Season

In Kalamazoo, fall is more than just a season, it's a celebration. The city's commitment to the arts, combined with its proximity to some of Michigan's most beautiful orchards, makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to savor the best of what autumn has to offer. So whether you're picking apples under a clear blue sky or watching a play unfold under the warm glow of stage lights, you'll find that Kalamazoo captures the essence of fall in a way that's uniquely unforgettable.