Things to Do this May in South Bend & Mishawaka
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.
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 the 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 from 7-11 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays until June 28, so don't miss out on this unique experience.
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Party for the Kentucky Derby
Celebrate Derby Day on May 2 at Ball Band Biergarten in Ironworks Plaza with The Michael Kelsey Band, the derby on the big screens, food trucks and more. Purchase tickets!
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 1-3, May 5-10 and May 26-31 at the newly renovated Four Winds Field. 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.
53rd Annual Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition
You're in for a musical treat as the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition kicks off with their Community Soirées around town May 7-8. You can find them at places like Howard Park Public House, Four Winds Field, Raclin Murphy Museum of Art and Cafe Navarre. Continue the fun at their competition all weekend long through Sunday, May 10. Be sure to check the schedule for dates and times!
Celebrate Mother's Day
May 10, 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.
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Enjoy a Show at the Morris Performing Arts Center
May 6: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight - Prepare for a spellbinding 90-minute spectacle that infuses iconic Rock & Metal anthems with a hauntingly beautiful energy. In ethereal candlelit settings, this band of 14 classical musicians unleash effortlessly enchanting melodies alongside powerful walls of distortion.
May 9: Celebrating the Music of John Williams - The South Bend Symphony Orchestra season closes with the music of John Williams. Expect a thrilling evening dedicated to the legendary film composer’s most iconic scores. Music from blockbuster hits such as Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and so much more!
May 29-31: CLUE - Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
Events Around The Bend
Indiana's Mac & Cheese Festival
The cheesiest festival of the year is taking over the ballpark! Indiana's Mac & Cheese Festival is headed to Four Winds Field May 23. Dozens of local vendors will be serving up gooey goodness while you wash it down with craft brews, ciders, seltzers and non-alcoholic options. BONUS: Whiskey Friends-Morgan Wallen Experience will be live on stage! You can also expect Micro Mania Midget Wresting bringing the energy.
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.
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