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!

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