Regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil says, spring activities will be underway this March! It's time to get outside, explore and maybe even celebrate one of your favorite holidays. Here are a few ideas for things to do in The Bend this March. Don't forget to embrace the Madness!
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Scheduled for March 22, the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown South Bend is a fun way to celebrate the holiday. After the parade ends, those lining the streets head to the East Race Waterway for the river to be turned green. Note: The parade was previously scheduled for March 15, but rescheduled due to weather.
St. Patrick's Day Events
Find Your Favorite Paczki
Fat Tuesday is March 4 and locals know what that means..."Paczki Day!" There are some great local bakeries to find the most delectible Polish treat you've ever had. Check our list for the best places to find paczki in South Bend, and learn a little about them!
Zoo Luminate
A spectacular lantern festival made of huge, luminous, artistic lanterns is coming to Potawatomi Zoo! In partnership with Tianyu, an experienced lantern festival producer, Zoo Luminate will bring more than 60 lantern displays to life. The lanterns will only be on display from March 19 to May 25, so don't miss out on this unique experience. Winter Days at the Zoo will also still be taking place March 2, 8 and 9.
Fat Tuesday at Chicory Cafe
Feel the Mardi Gras vibes at Chicory Cafe South Bend March 4. Expect beads and New Orleans faves such as junbalaya, gumbo, muffulettas and beignets. Can't forget the live music and huricane specials!
Sugar Camp Days
One of our favorite annual traditions, Sugar Camp Days returns March 8-9 to Bendix Woods County Park as we celebrate the coming of spring by making maple syrup. Visitors can tour the Sugar Bush, learn more about the syrup-making process and explore the park with other family friendly activities.
March Madness in South Bend
What sports fan doesn't love the madness of March? The NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments tip off March 20 and 21. Notre Dame Women's basketball is on track to earn a top seed and host first and second rounds at Purcell Pavilion! There are plenty of sports bars around The Bend to spend full days of game watching. Here's our list of the 8 best spots to watch March Madness.
RELATED CONTENT: March Madness in South Bend
Experience Broadway in The Bend
Dive into a devilishly delightful musical comedy when The Addams Family comes to town March 14-16. A tribute night to the legendary Aretha Franklin, R.E.S.P.E.C.T takes place March 26. Enjoy broadway in The Bend at Morris Performing Arts Center all year long.
Head Out for a Hike
As The Bend thaws out from winter, everyone wants to head outside. Late winter or the early days of spring are a great time to visit some of our best places for a hike.
Spring Sports at Notre Dame
The NCAA basketball tournaments will be underway but so will spring sports at Notre Dame! The back-to-back National Champions, Notre Dame men's lacrosse, return to the pitch as well as women's lacrosse, baseball and softball. Check the Spring Sports at Notre Dame schedules and catch the action for free.
First Fridays: Disney Downtown
Downtown South Bend is celebrating all things Disney with a special Disney Downtown theme this First Fridays. There will be a Disney Character Crawl available at various downtown businesses for meet and greets throughout the evening, and more.
Artisan Market
Don't miss the Artisan Market happening March 8 and 9 at the Century Center that will feature over 150 vendors including local makers, artists, and creatives selling their hand-crafted unique items, along with bakers, boutiques, innovatives, entrepreneurs promoting their local businesses, and more!
Events Around The Bend
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…
Kamm Island Fest
The Mishawaka Business Association (MBA) is excited to announce the 22nd Annual Kamm Island Fest…
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…
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…
Summer Thursday - Upland Breweing Co.
Join us for a rooftop party sponsored by Upland Brewing! With a DJ spinning the tunes and awesome…
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.
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…
Mishawaka Market
The Mishawaka Market is a vibrant outdoor marketplace where local vendors come together to offer…
Mishawaka Summer Concert Series
Join the Mishawaka Parks Department for our annual summer concert series! Battell Park Bandshell…
Historic Downtown Mishawaka Walking Tour
Come out & enjoy a walking tour of historic Downtown Mishawaka Pete De Kever, historian laureate…
Food Truck Friday
Looking for an end of the week pick-me-up? Head down to the Ball Band Biergarten for dinner on the…
Music in the Gardens
The Whistle Pigs will take center stage in the Historic Oliver Gardens when The History Museum…
Summer Restaurant Weeks
Established by the Downtown Dining Association, Restaurant Weeks are held twice a year. South Bend…
Sunset Skating at Howard Park
Sunset Skating at Howard Park! Kick back with a live DJ, spinning all your favorite tracks. Bring…
Westside BBQ and Craft Festival
Celebrate the Westside with a festival featuring live music, food vendors and artisan craft vendors!…
South Bend Cubs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits
Game Highlight (3): Triple Play Tuesday This ticket bundle includes a game ticket, jumbo hot dog…
South Bend Cubs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits - Thirsty Thursday
Game Highlight (2): Thirsty Thursday Enjoy 16 oz. fountain sodas and 16 oz. domestic draft beer for…
Howard Park Summer Concert Series
Join us for the Howard Park Summer Concert Series 2025, happening on the First Fridays from May to…
South Bend Cubs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits - Friday Fireworks
Game Highlight: Fantastic Friday Fireworks Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show after the game. Ticket…
South Bend Cubs vs. Quad Cities River Bandits - Los Cabritos Maldichos Days
Game Highlight (2): Sunday Funday Arrive early for a special autograph session with the South Bend…
South Bend Record Show
One of the Midwest’s Largest Record Shows! Join us for the next South Bend Record Show from 9 a.m…
South Bend Cubs vs. Fort Wayne TinCaps - Tail Waggin' Tuesday
Game Highlight (4): Triple Play Tuesday This ticket bundle includes a game ticket, jumbo hot dog…
South Bend Cubs vs. Fort Wayne TinCaps - Thirsty Thursday
Game Highlight: Thirsty Thursday Enjoy 16 oz. fountain sodas and 16 oz. domestic draft beer for just…
Osceola Music Festival
The OSCEOLA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION is proud to announce the 41st ANNUAL OSCEOLA MUSIC FESTIVAL Held at…
South Bend Cubs vs. Fort Wayne TinCaps - Friday Fireworks
Game Highlight (2): Scouting America Night Scouting America packs can purchase a special ticket to…
Wednesday Wine Walk
𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲…
Evening Paddle: Neon Night Kayakers
End your day by taking leisurely kayak trip! Enjoy 2 hours of paddling on the serene waters of Baugo…
Movies at the Park
𝐉𝐮ly 1𝟏: A League of their Own - this event will honor the legacy of former South Bend Blue Sox…
Michiana Grill Fest
The ultimate summer celebration of food, flavor, and community is coming to South Bend! Join us for…
Touch-A-Truck
Finish your summer with a big-wheeled adventure at the Studebaker National Museum and The History…
Adult Zoo Camps
The Zoo isn’t only fun for kids! Join us for a fun day of games, crafts, animal encounters, a Zoo…
Fondue Night
Join us for a relaxed evening centered around one thing: melted cheese. This night is all about…
South Bend Cubs vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels - Friday Fireworks
Game Highlight: Fantastic Friday Fireworks Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show after the game.
80's Color Run
Dress up in your favorite 80's attire and join us for the Color Fun Run at Ironworks Plaza. Race…
South Bend Classic Car Show
Nunbutdemlacs X Spokes-N-Vogues Presents The Inaugural South Bend Classic Carshow Family-friendly…
South Bend Cubs vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels - Los Cabritos Maldichos
Game Highlight (2): Sunday Funday Arrive early for a special autograph session with the South Bend…
Tyler Hubbard at Four Winds Field
Live country music is set to return to Four Winds Field for the first time since 2018 as 22x No. 1…
Yart
We’re on year 7 of our magical journey of forest artistry and we’re going for 2 days! Yart is an…
South Bend Cubs vs. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers - Thirsty Thursday
Enjoy 16 oz. fountain sodas and 16 oz. domestic draft beer for just $3. Plus, 16 oz. draft craft…
South Bend Cubs vs. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers - Friday Fireworks
Game Highlight: Fantastic Friday Fireworks Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show after the game.
Family Fun Fair
Save the date for the Fall Family Fun Fair on Saturday, September 6, from 10 am to 2 pm! More…
South Bend Cubs vs. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers - Fireworks
Game Highlight (3): Spin to Win Saturday Nine lucky contestants could win a 50" Smart TV, Martin's…
Zach Bryan at Notre Dame
How lucky are we to welcome Grammy-award winning musician Zach Bryan to the House that Rockne Built…
South Bend Cubs vs. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers - Sunday Funday
Game Highlight (2): Sunday Funday Arrive early for a special autograph session with the South Bend…
Wednesday Wine Walk
𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲…
Music on the Island Concert Series
Join Memphis Underground at this amazing Island venue next to the River lights and waterfall. Doors…