"From Cereal Fest to Arts & Crafts: Your Guide to Whirlwind Events in Cereal City!"

Welcome to the first full stretch of 2026! The holiday frenzy has settled, and we are getting back to business with a nice mix of community meetings, unique sporting events, and cultural celebrations.

From Olympic-style gymnastics podiums to Irish folk tunes and a major Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, here is what is happening in the Cereal City.

Week 1: Podiums & Pub Nights (Jan 7 – 13)

This week features one of the most unique gymnastics meets in the state, plus a transformation of the Franke Center into a lively Irish pub.

• Neighborhood Planning Council Meetings

  • When: Thursday, Jan 8 | 7:00 PM

  • Where: Various Locations (NPC 1 at Doris Hale, NPC 3 at Trinity Neighborhood Center)

  • The Scoop: Make your voice heard! These local meetings are the best place to discuss neighborhood improvements and concerns directly with city officials.

  • City Calendar

• Next Level Gymnastics Podium Challenge

  • When: Friday, Jan 9 – Sunday, Jan 11 | Starts 8:00 AM Daily

  • Where: Kellogg Arena

  • The Scoop: This is not a standard gym meet. Athletes compete on elevated podiums—giving them that "Olympic" feel right here in Battle Creek. It’s a great chance to see high-level talent up close.

  • Event Details

• Movies at The Bohm: "Avatar: Fire and Ash"

  • When: Jan 9 – 11 | Fri/Sat 7:00 PM, Sun 3:00 PM

  • Where: Bohm Theatre (Albion)

  • The Scoop: Catch the latest blockbuster in Albion's historic gem. Tickets are a steal at $5.00 before 5:00 PM.

  • Bohm Theatre Calendar

• Irish Pub Night feat. "On The Lash"

  • When: Saturday, Jan 10 | 8:00 PM

  • Where: The Franke Center for the Arts (Marshall)

  • The Scoop: A local favorite! The Franke Center transforms into a traditional pub for one night only. Grab a pint and stomp your feet to the Celtic folk sounds of On The Lash. This event usually sells out, so check for tickets early.

  • Franke Center Tickets

• HDI Federal Center Food Truck Parking

  • When: Tuesday, Jan 13 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

  • Where: Champion Street Parking Lot

  • The Scoop: The trucks are braving the cold to serve lunch. A perfect excuse to get out of the office for a hot meal.

Week 2: MLK Day & Comedy (Jan 14 – 21)

The second week of January brings a major community celebration to the Arena and some laughs at the golf course.

• Dangerous Buildings Meeting

  • When: Wednesday, Jan 14 | 1:00 PM

  • Where: City Hall Commission Chambers

  • The Scoop: For those interested in local real estate and city code enforcement, this public meeting covers current properties under review.

• January Comedy @ The Squirrel

  • When: Saturday, Jan 17 | 7:00 PM

  • Where: Squirrel Hollow Golf Course

  • The Scoop: Shake off the winter blues with a night of stand-up comedy at the golf course. A great low-key night out.

  • Eventbrite Listings

• 2026 MLK People's Belonging Ball

  • When: Monday, Jan 19 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Where: Kellogg Arena

  • The Scoop: A massive celebration of unity, culture, and community. This all-day event honors Dr. King's legacy with music, speakers, and connection.

  • Kellogg Arena Events

• City Commission Regular Meeting

  • When: Tuesday, Jan 20 | 7:00 PM

  • Where: City Hall Commission Chambers

  • The Scoop: Stay informed on the latest city ordinances and decisions. These meetings are open to the public and crucial for staying "in the know" about Battle Creek politics.

Save the Date

• Ice, Wine, Beer & Blues: Coming to Marshall Jan 30–31.

• Monster Truck Wars: Returning to Kellogg Arena Feb 7.

Stay warm and support local, Battle Creek!

FAQ: Cereal City Buzz (Jan 7 – Jan 21)

Q: What makes the "Podium Challenge" at Kellogg Arena different from a regular gymnastics meet? A: Most local gymnastics meets have equipment placed directly on the floor mats. The Next Level Podium Challenge places the apparatus on raised platforms (podiums), similar to how athletes compete in the Olympics or NCAA Championships. It offers a better view for spectators and a professional-level experience for the gymnasts.

Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance for the Irish Pub Night at the Franke Center? A: Yes, it is highly recommended. The Franke Center’s "Pub Nights" are very popular local events and frequently sell out. Since the event is on Saturday, Jan 10, you should check their website immediately for availability.

Q: Is the MLK People’s Belonging Ball a formal event? A: While the name says "Ball," this is a community-centered celebration held at Kellogg Arena on January 19. It runs all day (12:00 PM – 8:00 PM) and is focused on unity, culture, and connection rather than strict black-tie attire. It is designed to be accessible to the public to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

Q: Can anyone attend the Neighborhood Planning Council (NPC) meetings? A: Yes. These meetings (happening Jan 8) are open to the public. They are the best designated time for residents to speak directly with city officials and neighbors about specific issues in their ward, such as road safety, blight, or community improvements.

Q: Are the food trucks at the Federal Center open every day? A: During the winter, the schedule can be more sporadic due to weather. For this period, they are currently scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 13. It is always smart to follow the specific food truck’s social media page on the morning of, just in case of icy road cancellations.

Q: What movie is playing at the Bohm Theatre in Albion? A: The Bohm is screening the new blockbuster "Avatar: Fire and Ash" from Jan 9–11. Remember that ticket prices are discounted to $5.00 for shows before 5:00 PM.