As spring hits its stride, May in The Bend blooms to life with events, outdoor adventures, and local experiences in slowly warming weather. The South Bend Cubs are back, Potawatomi Zoo is still illuminating the night, and nature is inviting you to explore! Here are a few things to add to your to-do list this month.
Watch a WNBA game in South Bend
A rare experience is coming to Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame will host a WNBA preseason game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Dallas Wings on Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m. Three former Notre Dame women's basketball stars will be welcomed back! Ariken Ogunbowale (Dallas), Jewell Loyd (Las Vegas) and Jackie Young (Las Vegas) will be playing on the court they used to call home. Don't miss this opportunity!
RELATED CONTENT: Notre Dame Women's Basketball
Visit Potawatomi Zoo and Experience Zoo Luminate
Potawatomi Zoo is officially open for the season and 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.
RELATED CONTENT: Attractions
Party for the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is upon us and there are a couple of watch parties around town! Celebrate Derby Day on May 3 at Ball Band Biergarten in Ironworks Plaza with local bands, the derby on the big screens, food trucks and more. You can also join Bar Louie for their Kentucky Derby Party. Sip on mint juleps and flaunt your best Derby outfit for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Check out the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition
See firsthand some amazing musical ensembles as they compete for one of the most prestigious prizes in classical music at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Fischoff brings together chamber musicians from around the world for three days of competition at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. The 52nd Annual Fischoff Competition will take place from May 9-11. Get your tickets in advance for the Gold Medal Concert on Sunday, May 11.
Cheer on South Bend Cubs Baseball
Baseball is back at one of the country's best Minor League stadiums. The Cubs have home games May 6-11 and May 20-25 at Four Winds Field including special Memorial Day commemorations and promotions. You can expect fun for the whole family, delicious food and great promotions. Check our guide for everything you need to know about the South Bend Cubs.
RELATED CONTENT: Take Me Out to the Ball Game: South Bend Cubs Baseball.
Celebrate Mother's Day
A day that's just for the mothers in our lives! We celebrate them every day, but there are lots of ways to show them how extra special we think they are on Mother's Day. We curated a whole list of inspo and events happening for the occasion in our list of ways to celebrate Mother's Day in South Bend.
Pedal into National Bike Month
The Bend is home to miles of trail for those looking to explore on two wheels. Local cyclists love the Indiana + Michigan River Valley Trail, which encompasses 17 miles from Niles, Mich. to downtown Mishawaka. There are several points of interest along the way as you ride along the St. Joseph River through South Bend.
Mountain bikers will find fun and challenging trails and Bendix Woods County Park, Potato Creek State Park and Rum Village Park.
RELATED CONTENT: Best Bike Trails in The Bend
Don't miss Downtown South Bend's First Fridays: Pedals & Petals May 2. Enjoy "Pedals" activities such as a bicycle parade, bicycle games, bicycle valet parking, and bicycle safety demonstrations. Fun "Petals" activities include a flower craft activity, plant sale & swap on the Gridiron, and flower arranging classes.
Enjoy a Show at the Morris Performing Arts Center
May 3: Nathan Gunn Sings Broadway - One of America’s most accomplished and in-demand Baritones today, Nathan Gunn, comes home to South Bend for one magical night with the Symphony for a power packed evening of Broadway’s biggest hits!
May 15: Kevin James: Owls Don't Walk - King of Queens star and stand-up comedian Kevin James brings his talents to the Morris stage this month. He is also well-known for movies such as Grown-Ups, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Zookeeper and many more.
May 16-18: Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations - The electrifying smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
May 24: Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances - Indulge in an unforgettable musical journey as Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances sweep you into a whirlwind of emotion, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis enchants with its ethereal beauty, and Piazzolla’s Bandoneon Concerto captivates with its passionate rhythms.
Indulge in some Donuts & Beer
Indiana's Donut & Beer Festival is coming to South Bend. Delight your taste buds with brews and bakery items at Four Winds Field May 17. The festival will feature over 30 unique and local vendors serving over 200 mouthwatering donuts, complimented by over 150 beer, cider and seltzer selections.
Events Around The Bend
Old-Timey Music Session
Join us at Fid's as local musicians gather around the Hearth to play Old-Timey Music!
2025 YMCA Hiking Club
The YMCA of Greater Michiana invites adults of all ages and experience levels to join its seasonal…
999: The Forgotten Girls (2025)
Michiana Jewish Film Festival Directed by Heather Dune Macadam, Beatriz Calleja Documentary, 90…
Pinhook Painters
Pinhook Painters welcomes artists of all abilities and mediums for studio time each Wednesday from…
Kevin James: Owls Don't Walk
Kevin James began his career as a stand-up on the Long Island comedy scene. After being discovered…
Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying smash-hit Broadway…
COMPANY
COMPANY Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by George Furth Directed by David Ferrell May 2-18…
Graduation Brunch
Saturday and Sunday we open at 10 am for brunch! Brunch will go till 3 both days in addition to a…
Kids to Parks Day
Kids to Parks Day is a national day focused on outdoor play with the goal of connecting families and…
Kids to Parks Day
Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play that connects kids and families with their…
Plant Lady Night
Gather your friends for a fun, relaxing night of creativity and greenery! At the Plant Lady Night…
Speaker Series: THe Architectural Legacy of the Studebaker Family
Join the Museum Wednesday, May 21st, as Indiana Landmarks Director, Todd Zeiger, speaks on the…
South Bend Cubs vs. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers - Friday Fireworks
Game Highlight: Fantastic Friday Fireworks Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show after the game.
Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances
Indulge in an unforgettable musical journey as Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances sweep you into a…
South Bend Westside Memorial Day Parade
Join us on Ford St, from Lombardy to Olive in the 99th South Bend Westside Memorial Day Parade. The…
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring…
Mishawaka Market
The Mishawaka Market is a vibrant outdoor marketplace where local vendors come together to offer…
Stockroom Standup Series: Aaron Weber
Aaron Weber is a standup comedian based in Nashville, TN and is a regular performer at the world…
Insights in History - Moving an 1820 Log Cabin
In 2024, the 1820 Navarre Cabin—the oldest structure in St. Joseph County—was carefully relocated to…
Kids Summer Garden Club: Farm Animals
Garden Club for Kids starts up again with a fun farm animals class! After learning about some common…
South Bend Cubs vs. Great Lakes Loons - Spin to Win Saturday
Game Highlight (2): Spin to Win Saturday Nine lucky contestants could win a 50" Smart TV, Martin's…
5th Annual Operation Duck Drop with U93
It's back!! Join your favorite radio personalities on the East Race Waterway in Downtown South Bend…
Wine & Beer Fest 2025
JA Wine & Beer Fest 2025 is back, supporting Junior Achievement of St. Joseph County! Mark your…
Summer Fitness Series
DTSB has partnered with local fitness organizations to provide a free outdoor summer fitness program…
Leeper Park Art Fair
The 58th annual Leeper Park Art Fair will bring over 80 fine artists to South Bend Father's Day…
Fondue Night
Join us for a relaxed evening centered around one thing: melted cheese. This night is all about…
FIRST Tech Challenge Michiana Premier Event
GEARS is proud to present the inaugural FIRST Tech Challenge Michiana Premier Event. This will be a…
Independence Day Celebration
Join us for our annual Independence Day Celebration at Central Park. Bands, inflatables for the…
Jo Dee Messina
Jo Dee Messina, chart-topping country music artist, is known for her powerful vocals and extensive…
Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm
The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm co-presented by LaVine Restorations & The JBS Collection…
South Bend Cubs vs. Beloit Sky Carp - Friday Fireworks
Game Highlight: Fantastic Friday Fireworks Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show after the game.
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…
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…
The Taylor Experience
Are you a Swiftie that knows all of Taylor's music? Well, lucky for you, Taylorville will be coming…
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 Cubs vs. Fort Wayne TinCaps - Thirsty Thursday
Game Highlight: Thirsty Thursday Enjoy 16 oz. fountain sodas and 16 oz. domestic draft beer for just…
South Bend Cubs vs. Fort Wayne TinCaps - Friday Fireworks
Game Highlight (2): Scouting America Night Scouting America packs can purchase a special ticket to…
Art Beat
Join us for the largest annual event in downtown South Bend, where the streets of downtown are…
South Bend Cubs vs. Fort Wayne TinCaps - Sunday Funday
Game Highlight (2): Sunday Funday Arrive early for a special autograph session with the South Bend…
Found & Foraged Market @ The Lot Next Door
A market celebrating nature’s abundance and the beauty of the unexpected. Vendors specializing in…
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…
Cars & Coffee
Join us from 8-10am on Saturday, September 6th, at the Navistar Proving Grounds, for the opportunity…
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…
Notre Dame Football vs. Texas A&M
The Fighting Irish host Texas A&M for their 2025 home opener at Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish…
Paws & Whiskers: A Pet Friendly Market @ The Lot Next Door
Happening alongside the Near Northwest Neighborhood’s annual Arts Café celebration, this market is…
Notre Dame Football vs. NC State
The Fighting Irish host NC State at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame last played NC State in 2023 in…
Beatles vs Stones - A Musical Showdown
The British Invasion brought us the two most popular rock groups of all time, the Beatles and the…
Notre Dame Football vs. USC
The Fighting Irish host rival USC at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 49-35 in Los Angeles in…
Honor Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a time to honor and reflect on those that have gone before us, and those who gave their lives to serve and protect us. There are locations around town to remember, learn, and pay respects. Check our guide for honoring Memorial Day in South Bend & Mishawaka.
Memorial Day Weekend is also a time used to spend with friends and loved ones, kicking off the start of summer and enjoying the long weekend with warmer weather. Here's our guide on how to spend Memorial Day Weekend in The Bend.
Head Out for a Hike
As spring takes shape and The Bend comes into bloom, there's no better time to get outside. Some of our best hiking spots will be ready for your boots to hit the trail.
RELATED CONTENT: Outdoor Recreation