Things To Do in South Bend & Mishawaka
As the saying goes, there's a little something for everyone around here. That's not simply a cliché — it's the truth. From can't-miss exhibits and heart-stopping outdoor adventures in South Bend to serene walks along the St. Joseph River in Mishawaka, there are endless options when it comes to planning your itinerary.
Take a look for yourself at some of the memories you can make while visiting The Bend.
Notre Dame
Find out everything you need to know – from restaurants to tours of iconic…
Outdoors & Recreation
Eager to get outside and explore? The Bend is home to dozens of outdoor spaces for…
Attractions
Surprises around every museum corner. Serenity in the quiet of expansive…
Arts, Entertainment & Culture
Colorful River Lights dancing across the water. The wonder of a violin expertly…
Shopping
The surge of adrenaline when you find a great deal. A warm coffee in…
Nightlife
Nightfall is no reason to wrap up your day of adventure in The Bend. Take a look at…
Weekend Activities in South Bend & Mishawaka
Make the most of your weekend in The Bend! From exploring scenic trails and riverfront views to catching live music, cheering on local sports, or diving into the city’s vibrant food scene, there’s something for every pace. Whether you’re after family-friendly fun, a night out with friends, or a little arts and culture, South Bend offers plenty of ways to turn a couple of days into lasting memories.
Fall Weekend Getaway in South Bend & Mishawaka
Here are some of the best things to do and places to stay during a fall getaway near South Bend and Mishawaka.
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Things to Do in Mishawaka
Discover all there is to do in Mishawaka, where small-town charm meets big opportunities for fun. Stroll the scenic Riverwalk, shop and dine at local favorites, explore the city’s parks and trails, or catch live events and entertainment. From outdoor adventures to family-friendly attractions and a growing food scene, Mishawaka offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Family-Friendly Attractions in South Bend & Mishawaka
The Bend is packed with family fun at every turn. Explore hands-on exhibits at Indiana Dinosaur Museum or the Children's Museum of South Bend, let imaginations run wild at Potawatomi Zoo, or enjoy a day of play at one of the area’s many parks and splash pads. Stroll the Mishawaka Riverwalk, catch a family-friendly show, or cheer together at a Notre Dame game. With interactive museums, outdoor adventures, and activities for kids of all ages, it’s easy to create lasting memories.
Things To Do With Kids
Many of our attractions feature something designed specifically for kids or, even better, are totally kid-centric. Sports fans, animal lovers, chocolate enthusiasts or adventure seekers…
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Dog-Friendly Things to do in South Bend & Mishawaka
The Bend is a pup-friendly destination with plenty of ways to explore together. Take a walk along the scenic East Race or Mishawaka Riverwalk, let your dog run free at local off-leash parks, or enjoy the trails and open spaces at St. Patrick’s County Park. Many restaurants and breweries welcome four-legged guests on their patios, making it easy to grab a bite or a drink without leaving your best friend behind. With so many tail-wagging adventures, South Bend is the perfect getaway for you and your dog.
Dog-Friendly Spots
Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in South Bend & Mishawaka
What’s better than a lazy Sunday brunch with your dog at your feet? There are many places…
1 Day in South Bend with Your Dog: A Summer Itinerary
It's officially summer and that means outdoor adventures are around every corner. Even better…
Seven Things To Do This Fall With Your Dog
GO FOR A WALK: The Bend is full of gorgeous walking trails from downtown all the way to Potato Creek…
Events Around The Bend
Arthur Miller's The Crucible
Mass hysteria consumes the town of Salem, Massachusetts amidst the witch trials of 1692 while…
City and Campus: Rediscovering Lost Landmarks
City and Campus: Rediscovering Lost Landmarks Raclin Gallery of Notre Dame History December 7, 2024…
Enchanted Kingdom Ball and Fantasy Faire
Once every year, under the light of a shimmering crescent moon, the eight great courts—each…
Fire Arts 2025 Annual Resident Artist Holiday Show
Fire Arts Inc. presents its Annual Holiday Show and Sale featuring art work created by all the Fire…
Freshwater Fury: Great Lakes Shipwrecks
Freshwater Fury: Great Lakes Shipwrecks June 7 - July 12, 2026 This year marks 50 years since the…
Interwoven Expressions 2025
Holiday shopping starts at this 40th annual showcase by 20 leading Midwest fiber/textile artisans!…
Los Lonely Boys
Leveraging the power of their connection, brothers communicate in their own vernacular understood by…
Michiana Hotwheelers Collectors Club
The Michiana Hot Wheelers Collectors Club is a die cast collector's club whose main goal is to have…
Niles Scream Park
The Niles Scream Park is not just scary, it is considered by many to be one of the top haunted…
Notre Dame Football vs. Navy
The Fighting Irish host Navy at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame played undefeated Navy at MetLife…
Sippin' Strings Saturday with Dan Fester at Round Barn Winery & Estate
Every other Saturday, the Round Barn comes alive with the sounds of local, solo artists during the…
South Bend Farmers Market
South Bend Farmers Market. Enjoy a wide variety of regional vendors of seasonal produce, baked…
THE LEVEL UP LOCK IN
🎮 Level Up Lock-In – A Night of Gaming, Prizes & Community! Join us Friday, November 8th…
The Spanish Tragedy at The Well Coffee House
Don Andrea will see his revenge — from beyond the grave. Following his dishonorable demise in battle…
Yoga in the Greenhouse at Potawatomi Conservatories
Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful plants, you’ll practice yoga the iconic Potawatomi…
Cheers Open Jam Open Mic with the Nicole London Acoustic Project, Every Sunday from 4PM to 8PM
Come Join us for a fun filled Sunday Afteroon at Cheers Bar and Grill, for Cheers Open Jam Open Mic…
Gilgamesh Visual Song Cycle (2025)
This is a free but ticketed event. Tickets will be available for pick-up at the Ticket Office one…
Notre Dame Women's Basketball vs. Chicago State - "The Bend" Game
Join Notre Dame Women's Basketball as they host Chicago State at Purcell Pavilion. This is "The…
Rockne, Art & Technology
The History Museum will host “Rockne, Art & Technology,” a studio session and panel conversation…
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Sing-along (1993)
Professor Pfinklepfunder's $1 Sunday Films Directed by Bill Duke With Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy…
The Traveling Salvation Show: A Tribute to Neil Diamond
The Traveling Salvation Show is a one-of-a-kind tribute to the legendary Neil Diamond. Often…
Irish Music Session
Join us every Monday as local musicians gather 'round the Hearth to play traditional Irish music.
Tours of the Morris Performing Arts Center
Step behind the Morris curtain .... You may have seen a concert or Broadway show at the Morris…
A Teeling & Art Experience -- Whiskey Meets Canvas
Join us at LaSalle Kitchen & Tavern on Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30 PM for a one-of-a-kind…
Art League Luncheon Series- November 2025
Join us for the Art League of the South Bend Museum of Art luncheon on November 18th at the South…
Dos Monjes (1934)
Classics in the Browning Directed by Juan Bastillo Oro Not Rated, 79 minutes, DCP With VÃctor…
Fondue Night
Welcome to Fondue Night at IRONHAND Wine Bar! Join us from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a cozy evening…
Notre Dame Men's Basketball vs. Eastern Illinois
Join Notre Dame Men's Basketball as they host Eastern Illinois at Purcell Pavilion.
Old-Timey Music Session
Join us at Fid's as local musicians gather around the Hearth to play Old-Timey Music!
Adult R&B Line Dance Class
Join our Adult R&B Line Dance Class every Wednesday from 7–10 PM! Learn smooth and soulful…
DanceSport101: Beginner Ballroom Dance Class
💃 DanceSport 101 – Beginner Ballroom, Latin & Swing 💫 Ready to step onto the dance floor…
Fitness Bootcamp
Get moving every Wednesday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Howard Park! Fitness Bootcamp features…
Latin Wednesday
Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue & More. Beginner's lesson of 30 minutes @7 PM, followed by open…
Notre Dame Women's Basketball vs. Akron
Join Notre Dame Women's Basketball as they host Akron at Purcell Pavilion.
Pinhook Painters
Pinhook Painters welcomes artists of all abilities and mediums for studio time each Wednesday from…
Survivor Watch Party
🌴🔥 Outwit. Outplay. Outdrink. 🔥🌴 Join us every week for South Bend’s only Survivor Watch Party…
The Music Village Community Jam
Enjoy acoustic jams with The Music Village Community Jammers, every Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM at…
Theresa Caputo: The Experience Live
For over a decade, Theresa Caputo, known worldwide as the Long Island Medium, and star of the…
Extreme Bar Bingo Night at King’s Play Café!
Extreme Bar Bingo Night at King’s Play Café! Get ready for a wild night of laughter, competition…
Faculty-Student Interdisciplinary Dialogue: Calculating Medieval Religious Women
Join the Medieval Institute for a Faculty-Student dialogue between Associate Professor and MI…
Renaissance Quartet
Presenting Series Last season, violinist Randall Goosby carried a sold-out audience to the highest…
Swan Lake
Experience the world’s most in-demand ballet, Swan Lake , presented by Classical Arts Entertainment…
The Handmaiden (2016)
Learning Beyond the Classics: Voicing Intergenerational Trauma in Postwar Korea and Japan through…
The Sweet Hereafter (1997)
MFA Students Pick Some Films for Us to Watch Directed by Atom Egoyan With Ian Holm, Maury Chaykin…
B100 Country Night Every Friday @ Cheers Bar and Grill
Come Enjoy all the fun with B100 country night at Cheers Bar and Grill. Starting at 9PM we have Kara…
Notre Dame Hockey vs. Michigan State
Join Notre Dame Hockey as they host Michigan State at Compton Family Ice Arena.
Ontologics w/ guests Stay Nameless & pendle
ONTOLOGICS is an experimental, multi-instrumentalist duo that has been recognized for fusing genres…
Fall 2025 South Bend Artisan Market
Mark your calendar and grab your friends for the Fall 2025 South Bend Artisan Market at the Century…
Fischoff’s Stories & Music with Verona Quartet
Verona Quartet performs an interactive musical retelling of David Shannon’s "A Bad Case of Stripes"…
Holiday Craft Fair
Get into the festive spirit at our curated Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 15th from 9:00…