January 2026 Alliance Newsletter

GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

Downtown Association leadership change announced

Casie Braden has stepped into the role of Downtown Association manager following the departure of longtime manager Susan Alexander.

Susan’s years of work helped shape many of the downtown events and initiatives our members know well, from the Strawberry Festival and First Fridays to Artist Alley and Keep Kokomo Beautiful. We’re grateful for the lasting impact she’s had on downtown Kokomo.

Casie steps into this role with a strong understanding of downtown programs and partnerships after supporting multiple areas of the Alliance and working closely with downtown businesses and events.

She’ll now oversee downtown programming and serve as the primary point of contact for downtown partners as we continue building on the momentum downtown has gained.

Learn more here

Applications now open for 2026 Strawberry Festival

Summer in Kokomo starts with strawberry shortcake, and planning for the 28th annual Kokomo Strawberry Festival is already underway. The festival returns to downtown Kokomo on Friday, June 5, and vendor and volunteer sign-ups are officially open!

From food vendors and artists to the volunteers who make it all happen, now’s the time to claim your spot in one of the community’s favorite traditions. Don’t wait — spaces fill quickly.

Click here to get started

Themes announced for 2026 First Friday events

On the first Friday of select months, the community will gather for an arts-based, open house

tour of beautiful downtown Kokomo featuring fun themes.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy family-friendly activities, shopping, dining, art, and more. The events are 5:30 to 8 p.m. (unless otherwise noted below) and the After Hours events for guests ages 21+ are 8 p.m. onward. Click on any photo below to learn more about First Fridays in downtown Kokomo.

MAY: A showcase of art and creative

expression in downtown’s arts scene.

JUNE: A full day (11 a.m.-9 p.m.) of festivities at one of Kokomo’s favorite summer traditions.

JULY: A special Saturday, July 4, event as part of a larger downtown celebration.

AUGUST: Show school spirit while connecting with community resources.

SEPTEMBER: A lively mix of local art, food, and music throughout downtown.

OCTOBER: An early start to Halloween with

costumes and themed activities.

NOVEMBER: Support local businesses while kicking off the holiday shopping season.

DECEMBER: A cheerful, holiday-themed

celebration to close out the year.

INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK

Level Up Business Branding applications still open!

Apply for the program here!

Keep up with the grant recipients through our blog

The Level Up Marketing Program blog gives readers an inside look at the entrepreneurs and small businesses participating in this year-long initiative. Follow along as participants share their stories, goals, and progress — and see how they’re using fresh branding tools, creative content, and professional marketing support to strengthen their visibility and grow with confidence.

Check it out here.

GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU

Don’t lock in your summer plans just yet!

Summer 2026 is shaping up to be something special in Kokomo. From the return of the beloved Strawberry Festival to a brand-new baseball team, a full lineup of summer concerts, and special events honoring our nation’s 250th birthday, it will be a season worth staying close to home for.

Stay tuned for more information on One Unforgettable Kokomo Summer.

Submit your community event!

The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau compiles a complete list of events for Kokomo and Howard County monthly. To have your event included in our calendar, contact Sherry Matlock at 765-457-6802 or smatlock@visitkokomo.org.

You can also submit your listing online by visiting visitkokomo.org/submit-your-event

Check out the Community Calendar

KOKOMO CONFERENCE CENTER

Meeting momentum is building in Kokomo

As plans for the Kokomo Conference Center move closer to reality, local event organizers already have something to look forward to. To start 2026, select booking incentives are available for corporate meetings, conferences, and celebrations, offering added value like complimentary in-house A/V, hosted drink stations for smaller gatherings, and waived breakout room fees for mid-sized events.

It’s another sign that expanded meeting and conference opportunities in Kokomo are coming together—and that the Conference Center will be here before you know it.

Learn more

Join the Kokomo Conference Center team

The Kokomo Conference Center is now hiring for a variety of positions as it prepares to open in summer 2026. This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic new venue hosting conferences, weddings, trade shows, and community events in downtown Kokomo.

Explore available positions and apply online at KokomoConferenceCenter.com/careers.

Spreading the word about the Kokomo Conference Center

The Kokomo Conference Center has brochures highlighting facility features, meeting spaces, and event capabilities. Businesses and organizations can request copies for their offices or clients.

To arrange delivery, visit the contact page: kokomoconferencecenter.com/contact-kcc.

GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Join us to celebrate this great small business!

4-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 Details here

Creating a successful 2026 starts right now!

Our 2026 Chamber event calendar and sponsorship opportunities are now live, offering a full year of networking, learning, and community engagement. From signature programs to business-building connections, there are plenty of ways to elevate your visibility and make meaningful relationships in the year ahead.

Explore the events and sponsorship options today to secure the opportunities that best fit your goals and set your business up for a strong start in 2026.

View 2026 sponsorship opportunities

View the 2026 calendar of events

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Connect your business with local nonprofits

Local businesses are invited to connect with the nonprofits doing important work in our community at this upcoming Business Matters Luncheon. Nonprofit Connections brings area nonprofit organizations together to share their missions, current needs, and opportunities for partnership.

Attendees can visit nonprofit booths, have one-on-one conversations, and hear brief presentations highlighting ways businesses can support and collaborate. It’s a simple, meaningful way to build relationships and make a local impact.

Sponsored by NIPSCO, this luncheon is ideal for business leaders looking to give back, strengthen community ties, or explore new partnership opportunities.

The event is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 at Elite Event Center.

Learn more and register here.