2025 Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest

kalamazoo scrabble fest

On Saturday, August 9, 2025 the Kalamazoo Literacy Council will host the 14th annual Kalamazoo SCRABBLE® Fest, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, to benefit adult literacy. Each year, players meet up for an exciting day of gaming to raise awareness and funds that directly serve adult learners across the region. Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest is the city’s only Scrabble tournament and is the KLC’s largest fundraiser!

Last year, our 50th anniversary, proved to be a spectacular occasion. We had 99 players and 34 sponsors, which raised nearly $20,000 to support our programs. We expanded our downtown presence by partnering with retailers who created unique giant Scrabble tiles. Each tile was designed in the spirit of their brand and products, and were on display along the mall sidewalks for two weeks leading up to the main event.

Serving a need
Literacy is a right that everyone deserves. But in Kalamazoo County, 25,000 people –1 in 8 adults — struggle to read, which means they are not able to apply for jobs, manage their health, or help their children learn. In fact, children of parents with low literacy levels have a 72% chance of being at the lowest reading levels themselves. The KLC provides FREE basic literacy services that empower adults to become more confident and capable parents, employees, and community members. Each year, we serve hundreds of native English speakers and English language learners with one-on-one tutoring and classes that strengthen reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension skills. 100% of funds raised for Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest positively impacts adult learners and their families, the volunteers that support them, and will help to further the KLC’s vision to make Kalamazoo County a fully literate community.

How you can help
Become a player: Participation in Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest is a fun and easy way to help empower local adults through literacy. The registration fee ($25) includes a commemorative tshirt, snacks, parking, and gaming materials. The registration deadline is July 18. Get tickets here!

Become a sponsor: Sponsorship has many benefits! From supplying materials to funding volunteer training to supporting a Community Literacy Center, Scrabble Fest sponsors are making an immediate, positive impact in the community. You can download the 2025 sponsorship packet here – we have many levels to choose from, each with special recognition and opportunities. Please contact Kito at (269) 382-0490 ext. 4786 with any questions or to request a meeting to learn more about the KLC.

Thanks to all our 2025 sponsors, including Presenting Sponsors Maple Hill Subaru and Kalamazoo Community Foundation.

Special thanks to Princess Jhane Stepherson, our inaugural Grand Marshal. We are also grateful to our volunteer squad of word judges, timers, hosts, scorekeepers, and set up/clean up crew.

Watch:

2024 Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest

2023 Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest

2022 Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest

2021 Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest

See a Cage Match in action

2024 winners

CONGRATS!
Competitive Division:
1st Place: *Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest Champion* Chuck Armstrong
2nd Place: Matt Maynard
3rd Place: Ed Bowe

Teams Division:
1st Place: Humphrey Products
2nd Place: Maple Hill Subaru
3rd Place: NowKalamazoo

Just for Fun Division:
1st Place: Terese Banner
2nd Place: Lorelei Darling
3rd Place: Jackie Denoyer

Cage Match players:
Terese Banner
Christina Armit
Paula Aldridge
Rachel Van Den Broek

Donate to the klc

Can’t attend Scrabble Fest but still want to support the KLC? All gifts are welcomed and greatly appreciated. 100% of proceeds will directly benefit free adult literacy programs and services. Please use the button below to donate.