Beyond Campus: The College Student's Guide to South Bend & Mishawaka
Back to School, Back to Adventure
South Bend Mishawaka has plenty of places to study, unwind, eat and make memories all semester long.
Start taking notes now and create your bucket list for exploring The Bend this school year!
Budget Friendly Eats
Pizza
Who doesn't love a good pie? Bonus, it goes a long way! Share with friends or eat those leftovers all week long.
Taco Tuesdays
Try some of the best spots to get tacos around town.
Late Night Food
For the night owls that need a snack! Here are some spots that stay open late.
Sweet Treats
Reward your hard work with a treat from one of these sweet destinations.
Things to Do When You Need a Study Break
Walk the Riverwalk
Sometimes you need a break from screen and books, and need a scenic stroll! Try a walk along the St. Joseph River in downtown South Bend or the Mishawaka Riverwalk.
Visit Parks
The St. Joseph County Parks and Potato Creek State Park offer perfect opportunities for those scenic strolls, outdoor adventures or quiet afternoons.
Recreational Activities
There are plenty of options around town to have some indoor, or outdoor, fun! Think mini golf, bowling, go-karts, arcade games, laser tag, rock climbing, axe throwing, and more!
Explore Museums
Try expanding your interests and horizons by exploring local museums. There is so much to learn and see from local history, to art, superheroes and everything in between.
Live Music
There are spots you can find live music all year-round! Check our events calendar regularly to catch some vibes.
Trivia, Bingo & Group Activities
Who doesn't love a good trivia night? As mentioned, check our events calendar for fun activities taking place on the regular around town.
Cheer on Local Sports
Notre Dame Athletics
While not burying the lead here, there are exciting Notre Dame athletic events all year long. Most notably, catching a Notre Dame Football game in the fall is a must. Don't forget Notre Dame Women's and Men's Basketball from November through March as well as Notre Dame Hockey. There are many more Notre Dame athletics taking place, and they are FREE to attend! Check here for some inspo.
South Bend Cubs
While usually a summer sport, the South Bend Cubs baseball team does overlap with the school calendar! Catch the Cubbies through September in South Bend as they wrap up their regular season and also kick-off the post season. The Cubs also open their season in April- so catch them again as the school year comes to an end! And if you're staying in South Bend over the summer, you can enjoy the fun at Four Winds Field all season long.
Pro Tip: Tuesdays during homestands are Titan Tuesdays where IUSB students receive special discounts!
Check our event calendar for other local sporting events that might be taking place.
Get Outside
Kayaking, Canoeing and White Water Rafting
The St. Joseph River as an outdoor playground. It offers some of the best rafting, kayaking, canoeing, rowing and fishing in the region. Here are some of the best ways to experience the river with paddle in hand.
Hiking
Few activities offer a better chance to explore nature than taking a hike. Around The Bend, trails are everywhere. Here are seven of our favorite places to explore.
Biking Trails
One of the best ways to explore The Bend is on two wheels. Here are a few ideas for getting around via bicycle.
Pumpkin Patches
A perfect fall activity, you can find pumpkin patches and you-pick orchards closer than you think.
Thistleberry Farm bursts with activity. You can pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving ahead of Halloween. But there’s so much more — a sunflower field for photo ops, corn mazes, storybook walking trails, hayrides, etc.
Instagram-Worthy Spots
Nightlife
Events You Won't Want to Miss
*Dates noted are for 2026-2027. Check events calendar for most up-to-date information.
Football weekends
-Sept. 12 Rice at Notre Dame
-Sept. 19 Michigan State at Notre Dame
-October 10 Stanford at Notre Dame
-November 7 Miami at Notre Dame
-November 14 Boston College at Notre Dame
-November 21 SMU at Notre Dame
Festivals & Art Fairs
-Michiana Renaissance Festival August 29
-South Bend Fusion Fest September 26-27
-Zombie Fest October 1
Seasonal & Holiday Events
-Boos and Brews Haunted Brewfest October 16
-Mystery at The Mansion (October)
-Holiday Lights on the Diamond November 13-January 2
-Winterfest at Ironworks Plaza (December)
-Dyngus Day (Day after Easter Sunday)
New events are always being added to our Events Calendar! Be sure to check it regularly for fun things to do.
