One of our great celebrations is right around the corner. Bonus, Independence Day is on a Friday this year! Start planning your trip after checking out some of the events listed below.

Fireworks in South Bend and Mishawaka

If you're looking for fireworks shows, we have options. Starting as early as June 28, scroll through below to get the best spot for the sparks in the sky!

Independence Day Events

Salute to Freedom with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra 

Join fellow music lovers for the Salute to Freedom show at 7:30 p.m. July 4 at the Morris Performing Arts Center. The orchestra is sure to captivate as it plays patriotic tunes and salutes the armed forces. This event is free but registration is required. 

RELATED CONTENT: South Bend Symphony Orchestra

First Fridays: Backyard BBQ

Join Downtown South Bend for the July First Fridays, celebrating the simple joys of summer - picnics, BBQ, time outdoors with friends and family, live music, yard games, and more! The 3rd Annual BBQ Cook-off will also take place.

St. Joseph County 4-H Fair 

Nothing says summer quite like the fair. Head to the midway for games and rides, walk through the animal barns and make sure to save room for some of your favorite fair food. This year's fair runs from June June 27-July 5 with entertainment planned for every day. This year is even more exciting, as it is the 100th St. Joseph County 4-H Fair!

RELATED CONTENT: St. Joseph County Fairgrounds

4-H Fair ride

Enjoy Live Music

The summer concert series are in full swing around The Bend. Stop by Howard Park for the the Howard Park Concret Series featuring Size Matters at 6 p.m. To see more concert series listings, visit our Events Calendar.

Whitewater Rafting at the East Race Waterway

Want some adventure? Look no further than North America's first man-made white water rafting course. With waves up to six feet or higher and a total fall of about 12 feet, the East Race Waterway is built for thrills. Open Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, you can go down the rapids in a raft (provided) with others or try your hand at going down in a kayak (bring your own).

RELATED CONTENT: Outdoor Recreation

Feel the American Spirit

A lot of us feel the patriotism that comes with celebrating Independence Day. Here are a few places you can go to find some local and national American history around The Bend.

RELATED CONTENT: Honoring Memorial Day in South Bend & Mishawaka

American History

A group of people rafter down the East Race Waterway in the heart of downtown South Bend

Summer In South Bend & Mishawaka

It’s the season for weekends you don’t want to end. The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and great times are guaranteed! There's no shortage of ways to spend your summer days…

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Events Around The Bend

Fitness Bootcamp Jul 16

Fitness Bootcamp

Get moving every Wednesday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Howard Park! Fitness Bootcamp features…

Kamm Island Fest Jul 16

Kamm Island Fest

The Mishawaka Business Association (MBA) is excited to announce the 22nd Annual Kamm Island Fest…

Latin Wednesday Jul 16

Latin Wednesday

Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue & More. Beginner's lesson of 30 minutes @7 PM, followed by open…

Pinhook Painters Jul 16

Pinhook Painters

Pinhook Painters welcomes artists of all abilities and mediums for studio time each Wednesday from…

2025 Kids Triathlon Jul 19

2025 Kids Triathlon

A fun and challenging triathlon for your little ones to compete in! Open to children ages 5-14, kids…