Nearly a Year Later, Kalamazoo State Theatre Set to Reopen

Almost exactly a year ago, Kalamazoo lost one of its most beloved venues.

The Kalamazoo State Theatre, a historic gem that brought so many incredible shows to southwest Michigan, shut its doors in November 2024 to search for new ownership.

That closure hit close to home for me. My husband worked at the State Theatre until shortly before it paused operations, and we both saw firsthand how much the venue meant to this community. It wasn’t just a stage in the Downtown Kalamazoo Mall, it also brought music legends, comedians, and world-class performers to Kalamazoo.

For decades, the theatre gave the city a chance to experience the kind of shows you’d normally have to travel to Detroit or Chicago to see. Now, nearly a year later, there’s good news: the theatre has found new owners with big plans to bring it back to life.

On Tuesday morning, Dan and Holly Carmichael announced their purchase of the Kalamazoo State Theatre, along with their commitment to preserve, restore, and “fill the halls with music, comedy, and performances of all types.”

Dan Carmichael expressed his gratitude to the Hinman family, who owned and operated the venue for 40 years, calling it “one of the greatest venues in the country.” He added, “To say we are excited is an understatement. We can’t wait to dig in and get this theatre back filled with performances.”

As someone who has seen the impact this theatre has had on our community (both personally and through the memories created inside those walls) it’s hard not to feel hopeful. The thought of those lights shining again, the sound of music filling the hall, and audiences once again gathering in downtown Kalamazoo is something to celebrate.

The State Theatre is more than a building, it’s a place where southwest Michigan comes together to celebrate art and music. And now, it finally has a future again.