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
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
Military Honor Park
Outdoor miltary park and indoor museum. Displays include airplanes, tanks, weaponry, uniforms, small…
The History Museum and Oliver Mansion
The History Museum's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, exhibit and teach the heritage of…
Mishawaka Historical Museum
The Mishawaka Historical Museum offers a unique glimpse into the area’s past and teaches residents…
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…

Events Around The Bend
City and Campus: Rediscovering Lost Landmarks
City and Campus: Rediscovering Lost Landmarks Raclin Gallery of Notre Dame History December 7, 2024…
Drama and Play Adventure Camp
Drama & Play Adventure Camp July 21–25, 2025 | Ages 3–5 A magical blend of theatre…
Fitness Bootcamp
Get moving every Wednesday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Howard Park! Fitness Bootcamp features…
Flora and Fauna: Mark Ghyselinck CSC and Julie Neises
Fire Arts invites the public to an exhibit by Impressionist artist Mark Ghyselinck CSC, and sculptor…
Flora and Fauna: Mark Ghyselinck CSC and Julie Neises
Flora and Fauna: Mark Ghyselinck CSC and Julie Neises June 14 through July 26 Opening reception on…
For the Win - Food Truck Wedneday
Looking for a mid-week pick-me-up? Head down to the Ball Band Biergarten for lunch every 1st and 3rd…
Freshwater Fury: Great Lakes Shipwrecks
Freshwater Fury: Great Lakes Shipwrecks June 7 - December 31, 2025 This year marks 50 years since…
K Kidz Dance Camp Glow Like Swiftie
Get ready to sparkle, shine, and dance like a superstar in our Glow Like a Swiftie Dance Camp!…
Kamm Island Fest
The Mishawaka Business Association (MBA) is excited to announce the 22nd Annual Kamm Island Fest…
Latin Wednesday
Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue & More. Beginner's lesson of 30 minutes @7 PM, followed by open…
Lifting the Roof: The World of Dollhouses
Lifting the Roof: The World of Dollhouses June 22, 2024 – August 10, 2025 Changing Gallery…
Pinhook Painters
Pinhook Painters welcomes artists of all abilities and mediums for studio time each Wednesday from…
Spark in the Park
Ignite this summer with Spark in the Park! Schedule: 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟒: Kick off the summer with a…
Speaker Series: Women & The Automobile
America’s automotive museums represent an untapped resource in the recovery of women’s automotive…
Summer Concert Series
Join the Mishawaka Parks Department for our annual summer concert series! Battell Park Bandshell…
The Music Village Community Jam
Enjoy acoustic jams with The Music Village Community Jammers, every Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM at…
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Summer Film School Directed by Wes Anderson With Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson Rated R…
Tours of the Morris Performing Arts Center
Step behind the Morris curtain .... You may have seen a concert or Broadway show at the Morris…
Masks & Meows
Join our friend Pam from Lemongrass Spa as she once again pampurrs us! She will have a variety of…
Mishawaka Summer Concert Series
Join the Mishawaka Parks Department for our annual summer concert series! Battell Park Bandshell…
Punk Rock Prom
PUNK ROCK PROM is crashing into Hop Station like a power chord to the face! Join Teeling Whiskey…
South Bend Farmers Market
South Bend Farmers Market. Enjoy a wide variety of regional vendors of seasonal produce, baked…
Summer Thursday - Upland Breweing Co.
Join us for a rooftop party sponsored by Upland Brewing! With a DJ spinning the tunes and awesome…
Waitress
Stuck in a small town and loveless marriage, Jenna, a waitress at Joe's Pie Diner, tries to escape…
"It's a Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad World" by Kyle Hutslar
NEXT IN THE GARY SIEBER POETS AND PLAYWRIGHTS SERIES!!! This comedic spoof on horror films gives a…
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…
Exhibition opening — Jessica Hightower: From Life, Our Youth
Benton Harbor based artist Jessica Hightower brings depictions of young people of color in a manner…
Fridays by the Fountain (On the Road in 2025 to South Bend Downtown Parks)
Looking for lunch plans for your Fridays this summer? Fridays by the Fountain, a 13-week lunchtime…
Nick Swardson: Toilet Head
A comedian, actor, writer, and producer, Nick Swardson's unique comedic view has established him as…
South Bend Cubs vs. Beloit Sky Carp - Friday Fireworks
Game Highlight: Fantastic Friday Fireworks Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show after the game.
2025 Kids Triathlon
A fun and challenging triathlon for your little ones to compete in! Open to children ages 5-14, kids…
4th Annual Plant Pride @ Botany & Co
Celebrating The Botany Shop's anniversary and the many ways we grow together! This market is perfect…
Early Birds Hike
Join a park naturalist to explore bird life at St. Patrick's County Park before the gates open. No…
Portage Farm Stands Farmer's Market
Portage Farm Stands (PFS) is our neighborhood farmers’ market and has been operating in the parking…
ShakeScenes (NDSF 2025)
Back for another round of delightful Shakespearean shenanigans, ShakeScenes will brighten the stage…
South Bend Cubs vs. Beloit Sky Carp - 80's Night
Game Highlight (2): Spin to Win Saturday Nine lucky contestants could win a 50" Smart TV, Martin's…
Summer Fitness Series
DTSB has partnered with local fitness organizations to provide a free outdoor summer fitness program…
Vendor Market & Sports Cards/Pokémon Trade Show at Detroit Red Wings Alumni Game
We are having a huge Vendor Market and Sports Card/Pokémon trade show at the Detroit Red Wings…
Yoga in the Greenhouse at Potawatomi Conservatories
Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful plants, you’ll practice yoga the iconic Potawatomi…
Brunch, Bingo & Bubbly
Start your Sunday right with delicious brunch at 10 AM, followed by Bingo at 11 AM! Get ready for a…
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…
Mishawaka Market
The Mishawaka Market is a vibrant outdoor marketplace where local vendors come together to offer…
Potawatomi Park Concert Series
The Potawatomi Park Summer Concert Series 2025 runs every Sunday from late May through August, from…
South Bend Cubs vs. Beloit Sky Carp - Christmas in July
Game Highlight (2): Sunday Funday Arrive early for a special autograph session with the South Bend…
Irish Music Session
Join us every Monday as local musicians gather 'round the Hearth to play traditional Irish music.
Mishawaka Summer Concert Series
Join the Mishawaka Parks Department for our annual summer concert series! Battell Park Bandshell…
Summer Clay with Elisabeth Simeri
This workshop will provide instruction, materials and firing fees for 6 consecutive Monday evenings…
Old-Timey Music Session
Join us at Fid's as local musicians gather around the Hearth to play Old-Timey Music!
Paint with Dogs
Paint with Dogs @ The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery Tuesday, July 22nd 6-8 pm. We’re teaming up with…
Puch, Patches & Purrs
Create your own belt bag with patches and pins, plus spend time with our adoptable cats! Ticket…