Upcoming Events
Looking for fun things to do with the family this fall in Kalamazoo? Come enjoy the sights, sounds, and traditions of autumn at Westside Garden Center and The Backyard of Kalamazoo.
We are creating a fun, family-friendly fall experience with something for everyone. Explore indoor and outdoor pumpkin patches, take a hayride, get some climbing energy out at the hay-bale playground, sling-shot some pumpkins, snap some fall photos, and enjoy the beautiful colors of the season.
THEN enjoy fall themed refreshments at The Backyard of Kalamazoo while kids can safely play in the enclosed backyard or new farm-themed area!
WHEN: September 24-October 31
WHAT TO EXPECT at Westside:
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Indoor and outdoor pumpkin patch
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Pick-a-pumpkin (cost of pumpkins range $4-$10)
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Hay-bale playground and climbing areas
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Fall photo-op areas
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Sunflower photo area & U-pick sunflowers, WHILE THEY LAST!
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Plenty of flowers and fall color to enjoy and MORE!
PLUS Thursdays - Saturdays enjoy:Hayrides ($ fee) Pumpkin sling-shot ($ fee)
WHAT TO EXPECT at The Backyard of Kalamazoo:
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Hay-bale playground
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Fall themed refreshments
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Enclosed backyard and new farm-themed area!
EXTRA SPECIAL EVENT DATE ADDITIONS
SEPT. 26th: Build-A-Scarecrow (<<< sign up on Facebook)
OCT. 17th: Mobile Petting Zoo & Build-A-Scarecrow (Link to be added)
ADMISSION:
Admission to The Backyard of Kalamazoo play area is just $3.00!
Admission to Fall Family Fun area at Westside is FREE, with hayrides and sling-shots available for an extra fee, so you can choose the activities that are right for your family.
Can't wait to see you here!
Come build your own life-size scarecrow at Westside. Bring the kids/grandkids for some family friendly fun! Rain or shine, it's an indoors event, in our greenhouse. ☼
When: September 26,2026 from 10am-2pm
Details: For just $35.00, you can create your own 6-foot scarecrow together and make unique autumn decor for your yard or porch at a bargain price!
All materials are included, but you are also welcome to bring your own additional items for extra "flair" First come, first serve, while supplies last.
Materials included:
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6-foot frame
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burlap head (paints and items to add a face also included)
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felt scarecrow hat
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shirt
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pants
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straw stuffing
Be sure to take a pic with your new family member in our Autumn Photo Booth!
And while you're here, we've teamed up with The Backyard of Kalamazoo to offer a smorgasbord of other fun family fall activities like a hayride, pumpkin patch, pumpkin sling-shot, hay bale playground, dry corn sandbox, LOTS of Autumn photo opts, and much MORE! So come make a day of it!
RED ARROW CONVOY: LIGHTED TRUCK PARADE
WHEN: Saturday, December 12, 2026 @ 6:15pm
WHAT TO EXPECT: Join us while we wait for the convoy to arrive around 6:15. Come early to find a parking place, enjoy some hot chocolate, visit with friends, warm yourself around the fire pits, and watch the kids play in the snow piles. Bundle up!
This is a free event!
Previous Events
INDOOR Easter Egg Hunt
Come and celebrate spring with us! Enjoy refreshments as we host an Indoor Easter Egg Hunt, warm and dry inside our garden center.
Kids have a chance to win a special Easter prize if they find the GOLDEN EGG! It's a great way to kick off the holiday weekend and enjoy the garden center together. Children, please bring your adult to attend!
This event is FREE! Limited to the first 85 egg-hunters
When: Saturday, April 4, 2026 @ 11:00AM
Paint & Plant
Herb Garden Workshop
Get your HANDS DIRTY and start the spring season with FRESH FLAVOR! This hands-on workshop is for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
Paint and decorate either a large 14" x 5" x 4" rectangular wood planter, or 3 small 4" terra cotta pots, then choose from a variety of herbs to create your own fresh indoor herb garden.
When: Saturday, March 21 @11:00AM
Cost: $30
First come basis, while supplies available.