Art Beat
Presented by Everwise Credit Union
August 15, 2026
Jefferson Bridge and East Bank
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Join us for the largest annual event in downtown South Bend, where the streets of downtown are filled with performing, visual, and culinary artists, for a day-long celebration of our local artists!
Art Beat will be happening rain or shine on August 15. Please
come prepared for the weather:
-Bring your rain gear
-Dress for changing conditions
-Be ready to shop, eat, listen and explore—even if there’s a little rain!
Applications for 2026 are closed but will re-open in March of 2027.
About
Engage your senses in this day-long showcase of over 500 visual, performing, and culinary artists from the Michiana area.
Stroll the streets of downtown South Bend during this free, family-friendly event to see the hand-crafted work of local potters, photographers, painters, weavers, jewelers, sketchers, woodcarvers, crocheters, and filmmakers. You'll also hear the sound of acoustical melodies, African drumming, soulful Jazz, the power of rock, and more.
You'll taste the flavors of the region, the fresh local produce, and the intricate creations of top chefs and touch the artistic instruments to create your own masterpiece in one of the many community art projects!
We have made the decision to move forward with Art Beat on Saturday, August 15, rain or shine!
While there may be periods of rain throughout the day, the event will proceed as planned. We are excited to welcome our artists, vendors, performers, sponsors, and attendees downtown for a full day of art, music, food, and community.
Please plan to attend as scheduled on Saturday, August 15. We look forward to seeing you downtown!
Art Beat is happy to announce that Everwise will return as our presenting sponsor. Thank you, Everwise, for supporting this annual community event that showcases the incredible talent of our local artists!
2026 Commemorative Poster
.png)
Creative Commons
Formerly known as Kid Beat, the Creative Commons is a reimagined space for all ages to explore, create, and connect. Stop by for free hands-on activities—like crafts and interactive stations—hosted by local nonprofits and arts organizations. It’s the perfect place to tap into your creativity, learn about local programs, and discover how art brings our community together. Whether you're young or just young at heart, there's something fun waiting for you in the Creative Commons!
Conscious Michiana Zen Zone
Venture off the beaten path and discover the art of wellbeing at the Conscious Michiana Zen Zone, located at Plaza Park behind the Everwise sponsorship booth.
Take a moment to slow down, recharge, and explore new ways to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. The Zen Zone will feature a variety of classes, activities, authors, practitioners, and artists offering opportunities to learn, connect, create, and find your sense of calm.
Whether you’re looking to try something new or simply take a peaceful break from the festivities, the Zen Zone invites you to pause, breathe, and experience a different side of Art Beat.
Merch
Visit the Art Beat Info Booths located at MLK & Wayne and Jefferson & St. Louis to check out our merchandise: Commemorative Prints ($20) and Art Beat Shirts ($20), plus vintage Art Beat prints and shirts.
A Greener Art Beat
Art Beat Beat is proud to partner with the City of South Bend's Office of Sustainability to create a greener Art Beat by offering recycling and a water bottle filling station (located in the Howard Park Culinary Village); reusable water bottles are available for purchase by the water station and at the DTSB Info Booths for $5.
Volunteer!
Sign up yourself or a group for one of the following volunteer opportunities: Info Booth Volunteer, Stage Manager, Scene Host, Kid Beat Volunteer, Community Art Project Volunteer, Waste Watcher, Set-up Volunteer, Tear-down Volunteer.
All volunteers will receive a commemorative Art Beat T-shirt!
Special Thanks
All of the Art Beat volunteers, including Adams High School Boys & Girls Cross Country Team and the South Bend Community Re-entry Center, plus Art Beat parking partners - AM General , Crowe LLC, Everwise Credit Union, Matthews LLC, Peoplelink Staffing, and Zion Church. Additional thanks to Sunburst Races, Koontz Wagner for powering up our Culinary Village, and last but not least, we thank the City of South Bend Engineering, Traffic & Lighting, Bobby, South Bend Police, South Bend Fire, and Streets Departments.
Art Beat Committee
Culinary Arts
Gwenn Mottl
Community Art Project
Kolton Sizer
Katie Neece
Performing Arts
Laura Hensley
Visual Arts Jury
Amy Paul
Amy Roush
Cynthia Penaloza
Demetrius Kennedy
Jess Bamber
Erin Thornton
Hannah Ollen
Kiri West
Tony Bamber
Kolton Sizer
Mel Lutz
Sarah Martin
Beth Weber
Mike Chapple
Calyie Peet
Maria Gibbs
Creative Commons
Emelia Wetherall-Dehmlow
Super Volunteers
Amy Roush
Partners & Sponsors
Presented by
.jpg)
