🍌 The Big Banana Car Rolls Into Portage for One Last Ride!

Ride in the Big Banana Car at Ritter’s Frozen Custard, 217 Romence Rd, Portage, MI on Saturday & Sunday, October 18–19, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

If you’ve lived in or around Kalamazoo for any length of time, you’ve probably seen some quirky sights—but few things bring smiles quite like the Big Banana Car.

This weekend, you’ll have one more chance to see (and ride in!) this world-famous four-wheeled banana right here in Portage, Michigan. The Big Banana Car will be giving rides at Ritter’s Frozen Custard, 217 Romence Rd, on Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

And in true Banana Car fashion, the event is all about fun and community:

• 🏁 Take a ride—pay what works for you!

• 👕 Wear your craziest outfit (because why not?)

• 👶 Bring car seats for little riders (if they’d need one in a regular car).

• 🌤️ And cross your fingers for good weather!

Why This Might Be the Last Ride 🍂

The Big Banana Car team calls this weekend the “last hurrah” for a reason—Michigan weather doesn’t exactly love open-air fruit cars once the fall chill sets in! As temperatures drop and road conditions get unpredictable, the Banana Car heads south for the winter months, often touring warmer states or working on new creative projects. So this could be your last chance this year to hop aboard and be part of the fun before it peels out of Michigan until spring.

The Story Behind the Big Banana Car 🍌🚗

This one-of-a-kind creation was dreamed up by Steve Braithwaite, a British-born artist and car enthusiast who turned a 1993 Ford F-150 pickup into a drivable banana—yes, you read that right. Built over several years with help from friends and lots of fiberglass, the Big Banana Car has toured across the U.S. (and even parts of Canada), spreading smiles and raising funds for charity.

Steve and his cheerful yellow masterpiece have been featured on “Jay Leno’s Garage,” “Ridiculous Rides,” and countless news outlets. But perhaps the best part? Steve says the car’s mission is simple: make people happy. And from the looks of it, mission accomplished!

Why We Love Events Like This 💛

Here in Greater Kalamazoo, it’s not just about cool cars—it’s about community. It’s about coming together for something joyful, spontaneous, and delightfully weird. Whether you’re grabbing a scoop at Ritter’s, cheering on a Growlers game, or taking a spin in a giant banana, these are the moments that remind us why we love calling this area home.

So gather your kids, grab your camera, and let’s make this “last hurrah” of the season a big one!

📍Where: Ritter’s Frozen Custard, 217 Romence Rd, Portage, MI
🗓️ When: Saturday & Sunday, October 18–19, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
💰 Cost: Pay what you can
🎉 Dress Code: Something crazy (bananas encouraged!)

At the Veenstra Team, we’re all about celebrating what makes our community special—and that includes events that make people smile.