Do-Dah Parade

Call Directions Website Contact the establishment

Do-Dah Parade Do-Dah is a fun, innovative, and parody-filled parade in Downtown Kalamazoo on June 6, 2026 at 11a.m. In 1981, WKMI started the Do-Dah Parade.

It was started by Lori Moore in reaction to the need for more fun, innovative, and silly family programming. WKMI had a little bit of a reputation for a little edgy programming and this downtown parade provided a kick off to summer as well as fun family programming. The parade was a “spin off” from the Pasadena Parade called Doo-Dah. As the parade evolved, it also filled a need to provide a “silly parade” for all those businesses that couldn't meet the guidelines of the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade. In the mid-1990’s WKFR took over the parade operation and in 2004 they approached DKI to partner with them to host the parade and eventually take over the operation and ownership of the parade. In 2015 DKI asked the Kalamazoo Experiential Learning Center to take ownership of the parade and keep it right here in Downtown Kalamazoo. The Do-Dah Parade is a nonprofit, community organizing, grab-friends, and be in a parade event. It is the opposite of the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade and it opens the doors to groups that want to do something silly, dumb, and poke fun of a person, place, or thing | which we call a parody. It is built to make people laugh and is filled with costumes, themes, and entertainment! This year the parade will take place on Saturday, June 3rd, 2022. The parade will follow the same route as last year starting at the corner of Jasper and Lovell Street (Start at Lovell, Lovell to Rose, Rose to Michigan, Michigan to Portage, then Portage back to Lovell).

Remembering Lori Moore 💛Kalamazoo lost a bright spark. Lori Moore, the longtime WKMI morning host who helped create the ...
10/15/2026

Remembering Lori Moore 💛
Kalamazoo lost a bright spark. Lori Moore, the longtime WKMI morning host who helped create the Do-Dah Parade, has passed away.
Back in 1984, Lori led the charge to bring more fun, silly, family-friendly programming to the airwaves. Alongside Doc Holiday and Bob King, she helped turn a “borrowed” idea into one of Kalamazoo’s most beloved traditions. She was the organizer and casting director, and she worked hard to get people to embrace the parody. Those who got it really got it, and the entries were original, elaborate, and always hilarious.
Her favorite Do-Dah memory sums up the spirit of the parade. While handing out free t-shirts to entrants, a kid asked for a second one, explaining, “But mine doesn’t have a head hole.”
Thank you, Lori, for giving us a parade where everyone is invited to be a little goofy. Every wave, every wacky costume, and every belly laugh along the route carries a piece of you.
Share your favorite Lori Moore - Do-Dah memory or photo below. BONUS if you have a photo of Lori dressed as Imelda Marcos and all of the shoes!👇

07/01/2026

A huge thank you to Fran Dwight for the amazing pictures of the Do-Dah Parade! And another huge thank you to our 2026 Do-Dah Parade sponsors: Downtown Kalamazoo , Ibison Concessions , Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, News Channel 3 WWMT TV , Advia Credit Union , and Bronson Methodist Hospital ! We could not have made this parade magical without you!
Without further a due, here is a recap of the 2026 Do-Dah Parade!

Help us make the Do-Dah Parade even better! 🎪✨Now that the fun of the 42nd Annual Do-Dah Parade on June 6th is wrapped u...
06/19/2026

Help us make the Do-Dah Parade even better! 🎪✨

Now that the fun of the 42nd Annual Do-Dah Parade on June 6th is wrapped up, we want to hear from you. Whether you joined us as a participant or cheered from the sidelines, your feedback is incredibly valuable in helping us plan for future community celebrations.

Please take a few quick minutes to share your thoughts, favorite moments, and suggestions with us.
👉 Share your feedback here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/makingdo-dahbetter

A massive thank you once again to our incredible 2026 sponsors: Downtown Kalamazoo, Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Ibison Concessions, NewsChannel 3, Advia Credit Union, and Bronson. We couldn't have brought this magical day to life without your support!

It’s been almost a week since Do-Dah parade. But we still can see the Studio Cache princesses stealing the show and the...
06/12/2026

It’s been almost a week since Do-Dah parade. But we still can see the Studio Cache princesses stealing the show and the votes. Congrats to our Do-Dah people’s choice. If you took pictures, share the love in the comments.

Thanks WOOD TV8 for helping us spread the parade fun in Kalamazoo. We are super excited and want to remind people that ...
06/05/2026

Thanks WOOD TV8 for helping us spread the parade fun in Kalamazoo. We are super excited and want to remind people that rain or shine, we will be spreading the "Disney Sunshine" on the streets of Downtown Kalamazoo!

Beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, more than 30 floats will be participating in this year's Disney-themed Kalamazoo Do-Dah Parade.

Dust off those Mickey ears and get your favorite Pixar quotes ready! 🏰✨ The Disney/Pixar Movies Do-Dah Parade is taking ...
06/03/2026

Dust off those Mickey ears and get your favorite Pixar quotes ready! 🏰✨ The Disney/Pixar Movies Do-Dah Parade is taking over the streets this Saturday, June 6th!

We want you to have the absolute best day ever, so we’ve put together a quick cheat sheet for the festivities.

A few quick reminders:

🗺️ New Viewing Spots: Construction on Lovell means the prime spots start at E. Lovell & John Street!

🚗 Beat the Closures: Streets close at 10:30 AM.

🍽️ Support Local: Local businesses along the route are locked, loaded, and ready to serve up delicious food and drinks!

🗳️ Your Vote Matters: Check out the line-up and vote for the best entries at www.dodahkzoo.com.

Check out the full map layout in the graphic, grab your blankets and lawn chairs, and we'll see you there, rain or shine! ☀️🌧️

A whole new world of fun is heading to Downtown Kalamazoo! 🌟✨ A huge welcome to the West Michigan Whitetails for joining...
05/29/2026

A whole new world of fun is heading to Downtown Kalamazoo! 🌟✨ A huge welcome to the West Michigan Whitetails for joining this year’s Disney and Pixar-themed Do-Dah Parade! 🦌👑

Set your alarms for Saturday, June 6th at 11 AM—you won't want to miss a single second of the magic! 🙌🎉

Want to be part of the magic?
Whether you’re a group of Incredible humans or a bunch of Toys looking for adventure, there’s still room for you in the parade!
📅 Date: June 6th | 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Downtown Kalamazoo
📝 Apply Today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DodahParade

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Arcadia Center for OT and Kalamazoo Speech Associates to the 42nd Annual Do-Dah P...
05/28/2026

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Arcadia Center for OT and Kalamazoo Speech Associates to the 42nd Annual Do-Dah Parade! They are stepping into a world of wonder with us as proud co-sponsors for this year’s Disney & Pixar celebration. 🏰🦖

Disney and Pixar remind us that finding your voice and navigating the world around you are some of the most magical journeys of all. Through play-based therapy rooted in science and specialized speech-language support, these incredible teams help local kids overcome obstacles, communicate clearly, and thrive every single day. 🧩🗣️🌟

Want to be part of the magic?
Whether you’re a group of Incredible humans or a bunch of Toys looking for adventure, there’s still room for you in the parade!
📅 Date: June 6th | 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Downtown Kalamazoo
📝 Apply Today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DodahParade

We are thrilled to welcome Haunt Park to the 42nd Annual Do-Dah Parade! They are stepping into a world of wonder with us...
05/28/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Haunt Park to the 42nd Annual Do-Dah Parade! They are stepping into a world of wonder with us as a proud sponsor for this year’s Disney & Pixar celebration.

Who says you have to wait until October to get your spook on? Whether you're a fan of Halloween Town or love a good laugh over at Monsters, Inc., the crew at Haunt Park knows exactly how to bring those thrilling, unforgettable moments to life. We promise there are only happy haunts along the parade route on June 6th! 🧟‍♂️✨

Want to be part of the magic?
Whether you’re a group of Incredible humans or a bunch of Toys looking for adventure, there’s still room for you in the parade!
📅 Date: June 6th | 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Downtown Kalamazoo
📝 Apply Today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DodahParade

Ka-chow! ⚡️ The race isn’t over yet, but the clock is ticking! 🏁There’s still time to cruise down the streets of Downtow...
05/27/2026

Ka-chow! ⚡️ The race isn’t over yet, but the clock is ticking! 🏁

There’s still time to cruise down the streets of Downtown Kalamazoo for the 42nd Annual Do-Dah Parade! This year, we are bringing the magic of your favorite Disney and Pixar movies to life, and we want YOU on the starting grid. Whether you’re channeling your inner Lightning McQueen or going full Radiator Springs, let’s make this parade unforgettable!

📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ Lineup: 9:00 AM | Step-off: 11:00 AM
📍 Downtown Kalamazoo

Secure your spot before the green flag drops: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DodahParade 🏎️💨

Address

1417 S. Burdick Street
Kalamazoo, MI
49001

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12693882830

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Do-Dah Parade posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Do-Dah Parade:

Shortcuts

Share

Category