National Tourism Week 2025

In conjunction with U.S. Travel and the entire tourism industry, we're celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week from May 4-10 by highlighting the amazing experiences The Bend has to offer locals and visitors alike. Join us by visiting some of these attractions, small businesses and events.

 

Explore Parks and Trails

The Bend is home to dozens of outdoor spaces for you to adventure through. If you’re looking for something a little more organized, many of our parks offer guided hikes and other types of events for visitors looking to spend time outside.  

Take a Public Art Tour

The Bend's public art scene is simply underrated. Check our list of murals, sculptures and galleries you can visit during National Travel and Tourism Week in our guide to public art in South Bend, Indiana.

 

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is Monday, May 5. What better way to celebrate than by visiting some of the authentic restaurants on the westside of South Bend? You can also use our guide to The Bend's best tacos to find a lunch or dinner spot. 

 

Head to the Ballpark

South Bend Cubs baseball games are a staple of spring and summer in The Bend. Four Winds Field is one of the best minor league ballparks in the country with delicious concessions, play areas for the kids and so much more. Check our event listings for the game schedule and promotions of the day.

Museums & Arts Around The Bend

The Bend is home to history, arts and prehistoric experiences. Natinal Tourism Week is a perfect time to explore the past and marvel the arts.

History & Arts

Indiana Dinosaur Museum

Stepping into the Indiana Dinosaur Museum is to go back through 1.9 billion years of history…

South Bend Museum of Art

Scheduled to open July 3. The South Bend Museum of Art features a full spectrum of historical and…

South Bend Civic Theatre

South Bend Civic Theatre is the oldest, continuously- operating community theatre company in the…

Catch a Show

There are some great productions happening around town this week. See our listings below.

 

Performing Arts

Zoo Luminate

A spectacular lantern festival made of huge, luminous, artistic lanterns is decorating Potawatomi Zoo! In partnership with Tianyu, an experienced lantern festival producer, Zoo Luminate brings more than 60 lantern displays to life. The lanterns will only be on display until May 25, so don't miss out on this unique experience. 

 

Zoo Luminate luminary zebras and animals.

Events Around The Bend

Latin Wednesday Jun 18

Latin Wednesday

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

Pinhook Painters Jun 18

Pinhook Painters

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

Fitness Bootcamp Jun 18

Fitness Bootcamp

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

Wood Window Restoration 101 Jun 24

Wood Window Restoration 101

Event Description: Expert window restorers, Adam Toering and Elicia Garske, cover the basics of wood…

Werewolf Night at The Well Jul 01

Werewolf Night at The Well

Welcome to our next game night! This event's theme is Ultimate Werewolf! We have played and learned…

Summer Thursday Jun 19

Summer Thursday

Join us for a Summer Thursday party on the rooftop featuring Revolution Brewing! Enjoy free samples…

Shortcakes on the Blacktop Jun 20

Shortcakes on the Blacktop

Each year the Cathedral of St. James hosts Shortcakes on the Blacktop to benefit charities. They…