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 June 1, so don't miss out on this unique experience. 

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Zoo Luminate lily pad

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.

 

Macri's Italian Bakery located in downtown 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.

 

Pedals & Petals First Fridays

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

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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.

 

Veterans Plaza

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