Summer in South Bend & Mishawaka, Indiana
It’s the season for weekends you don’t want to end. The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and great times are guaranteed! There's no shortage of ways to spend your summer days exploring, eating, drinking, and Bending Your Rules Around The Bend.
Summer Around The Bend
6 Picks: Summer in The Bend Bucket List
Summertime is arguably The Bend's best season. These are some of the things to do that should…
Your Guide to the East Race Waterway
There are few thrills like tackling the East Race Waterway. Imagine the adrenaline rush of…
Your Guide to a South Bend Golf Getaway
A championship-caliber weekend awaits in South Bend for your golf getaway. We've already done…
1 Day in South Bend with Your Dog: A Summer Itinerary
It's officially summer and that means outdoor adventures are around every corner. Even better…
10 Places to Eat and Drink Before a South Bend Cubs Game
Nothing says summertime in South Bend quite like a trip to the ballpark. Home to the South Bend…
Potato Creek State Park Camping
Situated about 12 miles southwest of South Bend, Potato Creek State Park is the crown jewel of The…
Discover The Bend's County Parks
Heading outdoors is a great escape. And there are few better places around The Bend to get outside…
Six Picks: Must-Visit Mishawaka Parks
If there is just one thing you need to know about Mishawaka, it might as well be that it is home to…
Take Me Out to the Ball Game: South Bend Cubs Baseball
South Bend Cubs games offer more than just baseball. Promotions, fun zones, rooftop views, amazing…
Take Me Out to the Ball Game: South Bend Cubs Baseball
South Bend Cubs games offer more than just baseball. Promotions, fun zones, rooftop views, amazing food — Four Winds Field is a family friendly entertainment destination all season long! You…
Read More
Restaurants
From cozy diners to go-to burger places, The Bend is home to a delicious variety of places to eat.
Read More
Places To Stay
From chic hotels to quiet bed and breakfasts, there are plenty of options in The Bend when it comes to lodging.
Read More
Ice Cream
Nothing says summertime like stopping at an ice cream or frozen yogurt shop for a…
Outdoor Seating
Long summer days and warm nights mean patio season has arrived in Indiana. These are…
Breweries
Craft beer isn’t just a drink. Nor are brewpubs just another place to visit…
Potawatomi Zoo
Potawatomi Zoo is home to over 400 animals. Some favorites include the new giraffe exhibit, rhinos, red pandas and more.
Read More
Potato Creek State Park
Potato Creek State Park is one of The Bend's crown jewels. With Worster Lake at its center and miles of trail, the park is an outdoor lover's dream.
Read More
Howard Park
Howard Park offers something for every season, but there’s no doubt it shines brightest during winter with ice skating and its massive accessible playground.
Read More
Ironworks Plaza
Ironworks Plaza is home to the open-air Ball Band Biergarten, which partners with Indianapolis-based Sun King Brewery. Ironworks Plaza is also home to the Mishawaka…
Read More
Family Summer Fun
Parks
Heading outdoors is always an escape from our everyday lives, never more so than during these times…
Potawatomi Zoo
Potawatomi Zoo is home to over 400 animals. Some favorites include the new giraffe exhibit, rhinos…
Indiana Dinosaur Museum
Stepping into the Indiana Dinosaur Museum is to go back through 1.9 billion years of history…
Museums
South Bend and Mishawaka have rich history and deep culture. We have a collection of…
Performing Arts & Theater
Taking in a night of theater doesn’t necessarily mean visiting a big city. Instead you can…
Things To Do With Kids
Many of our attractions feature something designed specifically for kids or, even better, are…
Notre Dame
Find out everything you need to know – from restaurants to tours of iconic landmarks and the many events happening on campus.
Read More
Iconic Landmarks
When you visit the University of Notre Dame, be sure to check out these iconic campus landmarks.
Read More
Explore Outdoors
Golf
Playing golf in The Bend means choosing from championship-caliber options. Whatever kind of…
Hiking
Few activities offer a better chance to explore nature than taking a hike. Around The Bend, trails…
Biking
One of the best ways to explore The Bend is on two wheels.
Birding
Word is starting to get out on The Bend’s birds. Five birding spots are considered popular…
Fishing
South Bend Mishawaka offers some of the best fishing in the Midwest. Discover what the St. Joseph…
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Check our list of camping sites around The Bend to experience the great outdoors.
Kayaking, Canoeing & Whitewater Rafting
Thrill seekers don’t need to stray far from the beaten path in The Bend when looking their…
Trails
Explore the scenic South Bend trails and outdoor attractions! Enjoy outdoor recreation at local…
Events Around The Bend
2026 Scholastic Art Awards
Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition February 6–April 13, 2026 Celebrate the creativity of…
2026 South Bend BrewFest
The 2026 South Bend Brewfest is keeping the spirit alive with a festive and energetic Winter Olympic…
Baby Goat Day at River Valley Farmers' Market
Come hang out with 1-2 week old baby goats! They are great for holding and cuddling. All ages will…
Crafting with the Creatures
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by painting with our ambassador animals. You’ll meet one of our amazing…
Fasching (German Mardi Gras)
German Carnival celebrations in Germany: Here's how it's done ... Germans celebrate carnival in late…
For the Love of Art Fair
Inspire, educate and Ignite Art in the lives of others. For the Love of Art fair combines an…
Freshwater Fury: Great Lakes Shipwrecks
Freshwater Fury: Great Lakes Shipwrecks June 7 - July 12, 2026 This year marks 50 years since the…
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (2025)
Directed by Mary Bronstein With Rose Byrne, Conan O'Brien, Danielle Macdonald Rated R, 113 minutes…
Marty Supreme (2025)
Directed by Josh Safdie With Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin O'Leary Rated R, 149 minutes…
National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast
National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast at Vanilla Bean Creamery We’re celebrating National Eat Ice…
Notre Dame Men's Basketball vs. Florida State
Join Notre Dame Men's basketball as they host Florida State at Purcell Pavilion.
Oblates of Blues
One performance only! This is part of Acting Ensemble's "Poets and Playwrights" series, which…
Rockne: Life & Legacy
Knute Rockne is one of the most iconic of all the great legends who coached or played on Notre…
Roofsit Trivia Night
Help kick off Roofsit’s 30th Anniversary! Bring your team (or come solo) for a fun, family-friendly…
South Bend Farmers Market
South Bend Farmers Market. Enjoy a wide variety of regional vendors of seasonal produce, baked…
South Bend Scavenger Hunt: Rollin' Round The Bend
Welcome to the South Bend, Indiana scavenger hunt! Get ready for a thrilling adventure through the…
Studebaker Trivia Night
Rev up your brainpower and buckle up for a thrilling night of fun at The Studebaker National…
Valentine's Dinner and Dance
Celebrate Valentine's Day with St. Stan's! Tickets are $60 and include dinner and cocktails. Doors…
Winter Restaurant Weeks
Downtown Restaurant Weeks are back! From January 23 to February 8, you've got the time to taste, sip…
Yoga in the Greenhouse at Potawatomi Conservatories
Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful plants, you’ll practice yoga the iconic Potawatomi…
Zoo Winter Days 2026
The Zoo is open every Saturday and Sunday from January 3 through March 15 from 11 am to 4 pm for…
Cheers Open Jam Open Mic with the Nicole London Acoustic Project, Every Sunday from 4PM to 8PM
Come Join us for a fun filled Sunday Afteroon at Cheers Bar and Grill, for Cheers Open Jam Open Mic…
Crowns, Crafts and Cats - with a Queen!
Join Miss South Bend, Hannah Stombaugh, for a fun and FREE afternoon of crafts! She's a cat lady and…
Galentine's Wellness Pop-Up
Grab your girlfriends and stop by Beyond Zen on February 8th between 9:30-12:30 for a Galentine’s…
Galentines Brunch
Grab your girlfriends and join us at The Cellar Wine Bar and Kitchen for a Galentines Brunch with…
Hedda (2025)
Directed by Nia DaCosta With Tessa Thompson, Nina Hoss, Imogen Poots Rated R, 117 minutes A…
Manny's Big Game Watch Party and Buffet
Who needs to be in California to have a good time at the Big Game? Join Manny's for the ultimate fan…
The Miracle Season (2018)
Professor Pfinklepfunder's $1 Sunday Films Directed by Sean McNamara With Helen Hunt, Erin Moriarty…
Whiskey & Wellness
Welcome back to Whiskey & Wellness, a wellness-focused pop-up series hosted in collaboration…
Irish Music Session
Join us every Monday as local musicians gather 'round the Hearth to play traditional Irish music.
Tours of the Morris Performing Arts Center
Step behind the Morris curtain .... You may have seen a concert or Broadway show at the Morris…
"Love a Book" Sale
The IU South Bend Libraries' annual - and largest - book sale! Every book is just a dollar. A…
Old-Timey Music Session
Join us at Fid's as local musicians gather around the Hearth to play Old-Timey Music!
Chrome Horse: Bob Dylan Tribute - Solo show
Get ready for a night of legendary music as Chrome Horse takes the stage to celebrate the timeless…
Fitness Bootcamp
Get moving every Wednesday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Howard Park! Fitness Bootcamp features…
Latin Wednesday
Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue & More. Beginner's lesson of 30 minutes @7 PM, followed by open…
Pinhook Painters
Pinhook Painters welcomes artists of all abilities and mediums for studio time each Wednesday from…
Starting Small Summit
Starting Small Media is gearing up for our fifth year of hosting the Starting Small Summit right…
The Music Village Community Jam
Enjoy acoustic jams with The Music Village Community Jammers, every Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM at…
Trivia at Manny's!
Manny's is teaming up with Indiana Trivia to bring the best round of trivia you can find in the East…
2026 Daddy Daughter Dance
Let’s dance! It’s Daddy & Daughter Dance Night. Join us for the 25th annual Daddy Daughter Dance…
Film: The Riot Report
A timely documentary that examines the aftermath of a major historical event and what happens when a…
Galentine's Day Floral Design Workshop
Join us to create a fully custom Galentine’s Day floral arrangement with instruction from our shop…
No Other Choice (2025)
Directed by Park Chan-wook With Lee Byung Hun, Son Yejin, Park Hee Soon Rated R, 139 minutes In…
Possession (1981)
Thursday, February 12, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Learning Beyond the Classics: Grand Dames Directed by…
Valentines Paint Night at La Esperanza
Celebrate love with clay, color, and margaritas! Join us for a fun Valentine’s paint night at La…
Whiskey & Chocolate Master Class
Experience the ultimate sensory pairing at our Whiskey & Chocolate Master Class on February 12…
Aliah Sheffield
We’re honored to bring @aliahsheffield to Stockroom on Friday, February 13th at 7:30PM! Since her…
Amélie (2001)
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet With Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Lorella Cravotta Rated R, 123…