Things to Do This October in South Bend & Mishawaka

Step into the shadows of the Morris Performing Arts Center for Whispers from the Past, a one-hour guided journey through more than a century of history, tragedy, and theatrical superstition. Wander beneath glittering chandeliers and into hidden spaces rarely seen by the public, where echoes of vaudeville spirits and long-forgotten patrons linger. From the opulent Palais Royale to the stage’s haunted wings, each stop reveals a story that blurs the line between legend and truth. Dare to listen—you may not leave alone. See dates and times.

Under blue-grey October skies, Notre Dame Football hosts three games this month. Boise State comes to town October 4. The Broncos also made the inaugural College Football Playoff last season, so we can expect this to be an exciting matchup. The Irish host NC State October 11, and storied rival, USC, October 18. There's nothing quite like a Notre Dame - USC matchup under the lights, and certainly nothing tops the pageantry and tradition of a Fighting Irish home game. Whether you're visiting for the first time or making a return trip, get up to date on everything you need to know before arriving on campus.

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Looking for a place to watch the game? Check out our list of Top Places to Watch a Notre Dame Football Game in South Bend & Mishawaka.

Join the Notre Dame women's and men's basketball teams October 3 in Eddy Street Commons for a celebration of Irish Basketball ahead of the 2025-26 season! This isn’t your average game day — it’s a full-on festival of hoops and hype. Save the date, lace up your kicks, and get ready to bring the noise. There is plenty of programing to be excited about. Be sure to check the schedule of events.

The Indiana Dinosaur Museum is hosting a whole lineup of fun this month, starting with Oktoberfest October 3-5. Find all your favorite fall activities at Harvest Fest from October 10-17, and finish the month off with Halloween Fest October 24-26. Haunted trails and mazes, coffin races, pumpkin carving and so much more!

More more fall fun and Halloween events in South Bend and Mishawaka, check our events calendar!

Spooky season comes alive in South Bend with festive fun for all ages. Haunted houses and ghost tours bring thrills for those who dare, while pumpkin patches, hayrides, and trunk-or-treats offer family-friendly ways to celebrate. The Vampire Circus at the Morris Performing Arts Center is a fusion of Tim Burton and Cirque Du Soleil, Monster Bash at Four Winds Casino will feature live music and a costume contest, and Zoo Boo offers fun for the whole family. Don't miss Niles Scream Park just across the border in Niles, Michigan for one of the top haunted attractions in the country.

For more fall fun and Halloween events in South Bend and Mishawaka, check our events calendar!

A community favorite, join the Potawatomi Zoo to celebrate Halloween with Zoo Boo! Taking place October 17-19 from 2-9 p.m., you can trick-or-treat, see the animals, and ride the Haunted Train (scary after dark) and Enchanted Carousel. The Zoo is closed for regular hours during Zoo Boo.

Don't miss the Potawatomi Zoo Pumpkin Patch from October 1-26. For $8 per person you can get a small pumpkin, games, photo ops, and a spooky snack.

Taking place October 17 & 24, The History Museum's annual Mystery at the Mansion performance takes place at Copshaholm (The Oliver Mansion). This year's Mystery takes place in 1910 Chicago. A factory owner, Sidney Bluth, holds an extravagant party aboard his personal ship. Tragedy strikes, and the ship sinks to the bottom of Lake Michigan. All guests escape the shipwreck except two – the captain of the ship and Bluth himself. The authorities suspect foul play. Was this act of sabotage meant to kill the wealthy Bluth? Or did the real target escape the shipwreck? Only you can discover the truth!

RELATED CONTENT: A History Lover's Guide to The Bend

Pumpkin patches, u-picks, farmers markets — it wouldn't be fall without visiting some of these places. Get ready for those photo ops by checking out our guide to harvest season.

Enjoy a cheesy adventure through downtown South Bend October 15 at restaurants serving up creative macaroni and cheese paired with ice-cold local brews!

Capture the magic of changing trees and explore Bendix Woods on their hayrides all October long. Public hayrides take place October 12, special neon night hayrides take place October 17, and night hayrides take place October 25.

Perhaps South Bend's most popular spot for fall fun, Thistleberry Farm has it all – pumpkins, photo ops, corn maze, a sunflower field, farm animals, pony rides and more. It’s a wildly popular spot for families as most of the activities are geared for kids.

Join The Bend's athentic French restaurant for a lineup of fun tastings throughout the month. Try a selection of seven unusual wines from around the world October 9, including a variety of Hors-d’oeuvres provided. Join for the Hunters Moon Cocktain Dinner October 11 which includes five courses paired with five cocktails. Finish the month with Wine Cabinet of Curiosities October 30 with seven more wine selections from around the world. C'est delicieux!

RELATED CONTENT: Brasserie 23: French Cuisine in The Bend

What better way to celebrate the change in seasons than by putting on the hiking boots or walking shoes and heading out to see nature's most vibrant colors? From college campuses to off-the-beaten-path nature preserves, we have some tips on where to go on your leaf peeping adventure.