Winter in South Bend & Mishawaka, Indiana
Around here, the action doesn't stop when the cold temps set in. Whether ice skating, cheering on the Irish, exploring a unique museum, or savoring the flavors of our local dining scene, you can expect the pleasantly unexpected this time of year around The Bend. Is it time to travel outside the typical? Give your routine a rest and read on for inspiration to Bend Your Rules this season and beyond.
Where to Ice Skate Around South Bend
Without a doubt, one of the most fun things about winter around The Bend is the return of ice skating. Putting on skates and gliding across the ice is a well-loved local tradition…
Read More
How to Spend the Holiday Season in South Bend & Mishawaka
Get ready to bundle up and enjoy all of the different ways to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you are looking to have a date night, family time, or something fun to do with…
Read More
5 Fun Outdoor Winter Activities
Think you can't enjoy the outdoors as the temperatures drop and snowflakes fly? Think again. Lace up your boots, zip up that coat, and pull on some gloves before heading…
Read More
Rejuvenate with a Wellness Weekend in The Bend
Sometimes we need to put the bustle and stress of everyday life behind us for a few days. Plan a wellness retreat to The Bend and you'll emerge rejuvenated. 3 Can't-Miss…
Read More
Cozy Dining
Barnaby's South Bend
Indulge in our great-tasting pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and more. We take pride in the quality of…
Fiddler's Hearth
Carry out, curbside pick up, delivery, indoor and al fresco dining available. Failte! Gaelic for…
O'Rourkes Public House
O’Rourke’s Public House is the place to go for great food, great drinks, and great fun. Stop in for…
Chicory Cafe
Fresh homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked pastas in a comfy setting. A full bar featuring…
Chicory Cafe of Mishawaka
A French Quarter Style Coffee House with Cajun New Orleans favorite dishes, vegetarian dishes, baked…
Cafe Navarre
The style of food offered by Café Navarre includes French, Italian and Spanish. Cuisine…
Cascade Prime Steak & Seafood
Cascade presents a modern steakhouse experience with classic steakhouse fare. The chef-driven menu…
LaSalle Grill
A fine dining AAA Four Diamond award-wining establishment committed to providing guests with…
The General Deli & Cafe
Located on the East Bank in the old General Store, the General Deli & Cafe is a comfy and casual…
The Cellar Wine Bar and Kitchen
The Cellar is sharing its passion for great wines and shareable plates in a cozy atmosphere that is…
Ironhand Vineyard
IRONHAND Vineyard is a small boutique winery (~4000 bottles/year) that embraces explorer Henri de…
Roselily
Roselily is an an elevated yet approachable addition to the South Bend dining scene. Our mission is…
Tippecanoe Place Restaurant
Built by Clem Studebaker from 1886 - 1889, the Tippecanoe Place mansion has a rich and colorful…
Doc Pierce's Restaurant
Doc. Pierce’s Restaurant serves up quality American cuisine in the heart of historic downtown…
Ciao's Catering and Cakes
Adele Ciao started catering 1995 and in 1999 opened a full restaurant. The rest is history, and…
The View Tavern
Voted as having the Best Burger in Northern Indiana, The View Tavern is a 21 and over establishment…
Moser's Austrian Cafe
Traditional Austrian and German cuisine including schnitzel and spaetzle served in a cozy space with…
Fatbird
A welcoming restaurant exploring the experience of the contemporary South. Offers gluten-free and…
The Exchange Whiskey Bar
Opening July 6. The Exchange Whiskey Bar and The Vault Banquet room are both located on the ground…
The Indiana Whiskey Company
A veteran-founded artisan distillery, the Indiana Whiskey Company crafts delicious high corn whiskey…
Sidebar South Bend
Discover a refined escape nestled in the heart of South Bend. Sip and bite meticulously crafted…
Java Cafe
Organic fair-trade coffee and tea. Breakfast & lunch menu. Freshly baked pastries. Outdoor patio…
JC's Coal Oven Pizza Co.
Casual pizzeria offering coal-fired pies, plus comfort food, beer, and wine, in a dog-friendly spot.
Winter Sports
Women's Basketball
Recognized as one of the top women’s basketball programs in the country, Notre Dame routinely…
Men's Basketball
Notre Dame men’s basketball is known for its winning ways with a couple recent appearances in…
Hockey
South Bend is known as a hockey town and Notre Dame’s team is a big reason why. Considered one…
Football
If you don’t know anything else about The Bend, there’s a pretty good chance you know…
Explore Museums
Indiana Dinosaur Museum
Stepping into the Indiana Dinosaur Museum is to go back through 1.9 billion years of history…
The History Museum and Oliver Mansion
The History Museum's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, exhibit and teach the heritage of…
Studebaker National Museum
The Studebaker National Museum is a state-of-the-art, 55,000-square-foot facility that opened in…
What to Do with Kids in The Bend this Winter
If you're looking to get the family out of the house this winter, we have some ideas for how to do so. Kid friendly activities are around every corner. Ice Skating Winter…
Read More
Where to Find Winter Outdoor Dining
Patio season isn't over just yet. As temperatures drop during fall and into winter, restaurants around The Bend are getting creative when it comes to outdoor seating. Igloos…
Read More
Things to Do this December in South Bend & Mishawaka
December can only mean one thing: The holiday season has officially arrived. Getting into the the swing of winter is easy in The Bend, where there are dozens of ways to celebrate…
Read More
Try The Bend's Best Winter Cocktails
It's official — cozy season is here. And that doesn't just mean crackling fires and warm sweaters. Order one of these winter cocktails at bars and restaurants…
Read More
Events Around The Bend
Arthur Miller's The Crucible
Mass hysteria consumes the town of Salem, Massachusetts amidst the witch trials of 1692 while…
City and Campus: Rediscovering Lost Landmarks
City and Campus: Rediscovering Lost Landmarks Raclin Gallery of Notre Dame History December 7, 2024…
Enchanted Kingdom Ball and Fantasy Faire
Once every year, under the light of a shimmering crescent moon, the eight great courts—each…
Fire Arts 2025 Annual Resident Artist Holiday Show
Fire Arts Inc. presents its Annual Holiday Show and Sale featuring art work created by all the Fire…
Freshwater Fury: Great Lakes Shipwrecks
Freshwater Fury: Great Lakes Shipwrecks June 7 - July 12, 2026 This year marks 50 years since the…
Interwoven Expressions 2025
Holiday shopping starts at this 40th annual showcase by 20 leading Midwest fiber/textile artisans!…
Los Lonely Boys
Leveraging the power of their connection, brothers communicate in their own vernacular understood by…
Michiana Hotwheelers Collectors Club
The Michiana Hot Wheelers Collectors Club is a die cast collector's club whose main goal is to have…
Niles Scream Park
The Niles Scream Park is not just scary, it is considered by many to be one of the top haunted…
Notre Dame Football vs. Navy
The Fighting Irish host Navy at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame played undefeated Navy at MetLife…
Sippin' Strings Saturday with Dan Fester at Round Barn Winery & Estate
Every other Saturday, the Round Barn comes alive with the sounds of local, solo artists during the…
South Bend Farmers Market
South Bend Farmers Market. Enjoy a wide variety of regional vendors of seasonal produce, baked…
THE LEVEL UP LOCK IN
🎮 Level Up Lock-In – A Night of Gaming, Prizes & Community! Join us Friday, November 8th…
The Spanish Tragedy at The Well Coffee House
Don Andrea will see his revenge — from beyond the grave. Following his dishonorable demise in battle…
Yoga in the Greenhouse at Potawatomi Conservatories
Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful plants, you’ll practice yoga the iconic Potawatomi…
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…
Gilgamesh Visual Song Cycle (2025)
This is a free but ticketed event. Tickets will be available for pick-up at the Ticket Office one…
Notre Dame Women's Basketball vs. Chicago State - "The Bend" Game
Join Notre Dame Women's Basketball as they host Chicago State at Purcell Pavilion. This is "The…
Rockne, Art & Technology
The History Museum will host “Rockne, Art & Technology,” a studio session and panel conversation…
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Sing-along (1993)
Professor Pfinklepfunder's $1 Sunday Films Directed by Bill Duke With Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Najimy…
The Traveling Salvation Show: A Tribute to Neil Diamond
The Traveling Salvation Show is a one-of-a-kind tribute to the legendary Neil Diamond. Often…
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…
A Teeling & Art Experience -- Whiskey Meets Canvas
Join us at LaSalle Kitchen & Tavern on Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30 PM for a one-of-a-kind…
Art League Luncheon Series- November 2025
Join us for the Art League of the South Bend Museum of Art luncheon on November 18th at the South…
Dos Monjes (1934)
Classics in the Browning Directed by Juan Bastillo Oro Not Rated, 79 minutes, DCP With VÃctor…
Fondue Night
Welcome to Fondue Night at IRONHAND Wine Bar! Join us from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a cozy evening…
Notre Dame Men's Basketball vs. Eastern Illinois
Join Notre Dame Men's Basketball as they host Eastern Illinois at Purcell Pavilion.
Old-Timey Music Session
Join us at Fid's as local musicians gather around the Hearth to play Old-Timey Music!
Adult R&B Line Dance Class
Join our Adult R&B Line Dance Class every Wednesday from 7–10 PM! Learn smooth and soulful…
DanceSport101: Beginner Ballroom Dance Class
💃 DanceSport 101 – Beginner Ballroom, Latin & Swing 💫 Ready to step onto the dance floor…
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…
Notre Dame Women's Basketball vs. Akron
Join Notre Dame Women's Basketball as they host Akron at Purcell Pavilion.
Pinhook Painters
Pinhook Painters welcomes artists of all abilities and mediums for studio time each Wednesday from…
Survivor Watch Party
🌴🔥 Outwit. Outplay. Outdrink. 🔥🌴 Join us every week for South Bend’s only Survivor Watch Party…
The Music Village Community Jam
Enjoy acoustic jams with The Music Village Community Jammers, every Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM at…
Theresa Caputo: The Experience Live
For over a decade, Theresa Caputo, known worldwide as the Long Island Medium, and star of the…
Extreme Bar Bingo Night at King’s Play Café!
Extreme Bar Bingo Night at King’s Play Café! Get ready for a wild night of laughter, competition…
Faculty-Student Interdisciplinary Dialogue: Calculating Medieval Religious Women
Join the Medieval Institute for a Faculty-Student dialogue between Associate Professor and MI…
Renaissance Quartet
Presenting Series Last season, violinist Randall Goosby carried a sold-out audience to the highest…
Swan Lake
Experience the world’s most in-demand ballet, Swan Lake , presented by Classical Arts Entertainment…
The Handmaiden (2016)
Learning Beyond the Classics: Voicing Intergenerational Trauma in Postwar Korea and Japan through…
The Sweet Hereafter (1997)
MFA Students Pick Some Films for Us to Watch Directed by Atom Egoyan With Ian Holm, Maury Chaykin…
B100 Country Night Every Friday @ Cheers Bar and Grill
Come Enjoy all the fun with B100 country night at Cheers Bar and Grill. Starting at 9PM we have Kara…
Notre Dame Hockey vs. Michigan State
Join Notre Dame Hockey as they host Michigan State at Compton Family Ice Arena.
Ontologics w/ guests Stay Nameless & pendle
ONTOLOGICS is an experimental, multi-instrumentalist duo that has been recognized for fusing genres…
Fall 2025 South Bend Artisan Market
Mark your calendar and grab your friends for the Fall 2025 South Bend Artisan Market at the Century…
Fischoff’s Stories & Music with Verona Quartet
Verona Quartet performs an interactive musical retelling of David Shannon’s "A Bad Case of Stripes"…
Holiday Craft Fair
Get into the festive spirit at our curated Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 15th from 9:00…