Things to do this September in South Bend & Mishawaka

We welcome Grammy-award winning musician Zach Bryan to the House that Rockne Built in concert with comedian, Shane Gillis, and Irish singer and songwriter, Dermot Kennedy, on Saturday, September 6. This marks the fourth concert at historic Notre Dame Stadium since 2018. It will be quite the celebration to welcome the students back to campus, say goodbye to summer and hello to fall just as football season kicks off.

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Football season is officially back! Notre Dame kicks off its home schedule September 13 against Texas A&M, a huge rematch of last year's epic matchup in College Station. The following week the Irish host Purdue September 21. 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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RELATED CONTENT: Notre Dame Football Game Day Guide

The Mishawaka Market is a vibrant outdoor marketplace where local vendors come together to offer fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a variety of handcrafted items at Ironworks Plaza. Taking place every Sunday through the warmer months, September is the final month the Market is open for the year. Don't miss it!

Of all the great legends who coached or played on Notre Dame’s football field, none is as iconic as Knute Rockne. His remarkable life will be celebrated in The History Museum’s exhibit Rockne: Life & Legacy, on view August 23, 2025 – May 31, 2026. This ultimate retrospective of Knute Rockne will be the most significant presentation of Rockne artifacts ever assembled and made available to the public, offering a unique look at Notre Dame’s and college football’s greatest legend.

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. They open for the fall season on September 6.

Football season has arrived but South Bend Cubs have one last home stand for the season vs. Wisconsin September 2-7. Don't miss one last change at family fun, drinks from the Tiki Hut and delicious eats at the ballpark!

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Eat. Drink. Downtown South Bend's last summer Wine Walk takes place September 10. Gather your friends and taste around town at some of South Bend's best locally-owned restaurants and bars. You will find food and wine pairings at each location. Take your taste buds on a tour of downtown! Tickets are required in advance.

RELATED CONTENT: Restaurants

Mark your calendars! Fusion Fest is back September 27 at Howard Park. This free, family friendly festival will feature food vendors, music, local artisans and unique things to do in and around South Bend's most popular park. It's sure to be a weekend of fun for everyone.

Potawatomi Zoo's annual beer testing event is always a big hit. Brew at the Zoo is 4-9:30 p.m. Saturday, September 27. Guests get unlimited samples of local and regional beer, wine, cider and seltzers, plus the opportunity to walk through the zoo. Food is available for purchase and there's live music.

Food, games, special events and a variety of activities for all ages abound at this wonderful fall festival. Held at John Glenn High School in Walkerton September 26-28, Falloween Fest is an annual tradition with all sorts of charm.