Things to Do this September in South Bend & Mishawaka
September is a special time around The Bend.
Notre Dame football returns, the temperatures break, and some of our favorite end of summer/beginning of fall events take place. Whether you’re here for game day energy, cozy vibes, or outdoor adventures, September offers a little something for everyone.
Home Stretch for the South Bend Cubs
Football season has arrived but South Bend Cubs have one last home stand for the season vs. Cedar Rapids September 1-6. Don't miss one last change at family fun, drinks from the Tiki Hut and delicious eats at the ballpark!
AC/DC at Notre Dame Stadium
Watch AC/DC and The Pretty Reckless at the House that Rockne Built on Friday, September 4. This marks the sixth 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.
SBVPA Summer Concert Series
Catch the last performances of the South Bend Venues Parks & Arts Summer Concert Series this September at different downtown locations. Spend time exploring different parks throughout the region and enjoy performances by local talent.
Potawatomi Park | Sundays | 6-8 PM
September 6 | Los Luna Latin Band
September 13 | Van Dyke Revue
Seitz Park | Sundays | 3-5 PM
September 6 | Left Side of the Dial
September 13 | Memphis Underground
Howard Park | Thursdays | 6-8 PM
September 10 | Hipposonics
First Fridays | 6-8 PM
September 4 | Los Hermanos Bueno
Wednesday Wine Walk
Eat. Drink. Downtown South Bend's last summer Wine Walk takes place September 9. 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.
Find a map of participating restaurants and secure your Wine Walk pass with EatDrinkDTSB.
Jim Gaffigan: Everything is Wonderful!
Laugh the night away at Jim Gaffigan's Everything is Wonderful! comedy tour. The legendary three-time Emmy award winner takes the stage at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on Friday, September 11.
Notre Dame Football Returns
Football season is officially back! Notre Dame kicks off its home schedule September 12 against the Rice Owls. The following week, on September 19, the Irish host Michigan State. 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, check out the game day guide to get up to date on everything you need to know before arriving on campus.
Shop the Mishawaka Market
The Mishawaka Market is an outdoor marketplace where local vendors come together to sell fresh produce, artisanal goods, and 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! Note: There will not be a market on September 6th.
Insights in History – The First Settlers of Indiana
Join Exhibits Coordinator Emily Demler at The History Museum for an afternoon of local history at Insights in History – The First Settlers of Indiana. Held in conjunction with the museum's First Peoples, First Settlers: Indiana’s Interwoven Roots on display through January 3, 2027. Learn about the first European settlers to come to Indiana, including Pierre Navarre, Alexis Coquillard, and others then tour the exhibit after the talk. Reservations are requested by August 31st.
Brew at the Zoo
Potawatomi Zoo's annual beer tasting event is always a big hit. Brew at the Zoo is 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, September 25. 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.
Falloween Fest at John Glenn High School
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 25-27, Falloween Fest is an annual tradition with all sorts of charm.
Fusion Fest
Mark your calendars! Fusion Fest is back September 26 and 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.
Thistleberry Farm
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. Check back soon for the 2026 opening date!
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