top of page

CELEBRATE SUMMER

Screen Shot 2022-06-15 at 3.16.42 PM.png

A complete list of all the 2023 events taking place May through September in downtown South Bend. Check out the events below for complete details. We can't wait to see you downtown!

​

*Indicates that advance registration or tickets are required.

 

JUNE ACTIVITIES

Please show your email receipt on your device at the Strawberry Festival between 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Walk-up or Drive-up service is available. Delivery is available for orders of 5 shortcakes or more in Downtown South Bend, Notre Dame, St. Mary's, and Holy Cross.

Shortcakes on the blacktop.png

Cathedral of Saint James
Thursday, June 8
11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Delicious homemade shortcake topped with fresh strawberries, ice cream, and whipped topping. Gluten-free shortcakes are available upon request.

Lauber Pride Launch Image.jpeg

504 E. Lasalle Ave.
Thursday, June 1
6:00 p.m.

They will need your help to do it; so bring out all of your celebratory energy and let's kick things off right!

Grab your people and meet us at The Lauber to kick off a month full of Pride events! They are excited to see you and share all of the exciting ways they are making South Bend Pride 2023 bigger and better than before. 

June First Fridays.jpg

The Gridiron
Friday, June 2
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Gridiron Kids' Fun Zone will be filled with activities for kids, St. Joe County Public Library will be hosting the Summer Reading Club Kickoff Party in their courtyard, South Bend Bike Garage will be providing a free Bike Valet at Key Bank Plaza, plus Architectural Walking Tours, Howard Park Concert Series, and much more.

Join us for the June First Fridays, where the theme will be "Kids' Night Out." We will have something for kids of all ages! We will be closing the 100 & 200 blocks of S. Michigan for a block party with dining in the street, a beer garden, face painters, balloon artist, caricaturist, vendors, a Studebaker Car Show, and the second annual DTSB Youth Talent Show!  

b84546906a7c0993265bc85097df7e01.webp

501 W. South St. 
Saturday, June 3
6:30 a.m.

This year’s race will be on June 3 and features some exciting changes – including a new start-finish line and an after-party for adults and families. Find all the details here (under the New in 2023 tab). Register today and get ready to celebrate big in The Bend!

Beacon Health System invites you to register for the 2023 Sunburst Races. Held in South Bend, this annual endurance event raises funds to support Beacon Children’s Hospital. The South Bend race was first held in 1983 and they're proud to continue growing this popular event

342048463_1198700950834383_303501077115098594_n.jpg

Visual Artists:

Masha Nolte, Christina Casperson, Jeremy, Vohwinkle, Terrible Tony, Lauren Steinhofer, Abstraction, Spencer Lee Toner, Phat Minds, Theatrical troupe: Shades of Orange. 

​

Music:

Rebel Noire & the Accomplices (Afroetic Rock)
Autumn Academy (Rock, Acoustic Performance)
New Age Premonition (Rock, Acoustic Performance)
Reminisce X (Hip Hop)
Jammie Bosstel (Rock, Acoustic Performance)

​

Vendors:
Homegrown Hype

Stockroom East
Saturday, June 3
7:00 p.m.

Join Stockroom East for live music and vendors!

U93 Duck Drop Image _ Celebrate Summer.jpeg

After the duck drop head over to the Lauber for an afternoon of live music, raffles, food and drink specials, and a ton of fun! All to benefit RoofSit 2023!

East Race
Sunday, June 4
10:00 a.m.

Join U93 on the East Race Waterway in Downtown South Bend, they're going to drop over one thousand rubber ducks into the river!

The first 93 ducks collected win! There will be 93 different prizes; one for each winning duck.

*You do not need to be present to win

DSS-2023-Willy-Wonka-1920x1080-1.jpg

While this screening is free to the public, you must still get tickets which will be distributed through Pulse FM. 8:00 pm Showtime; Doors at 7:00 pm. 

Morris Performing Arts Center
Friday, June 9
8:00 p.m.

Join Pulse FM for a FREE screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at the Morris Performing Arts Center! This beloved film follows a poor but hopeful boy who seeks one of the five coveted golden tickets that will send him on a tour of Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory.

East Race White Water Festival.jpeg

East Race
June 9 to June 11

A Great Time for All at the East Race! It’s the 2nd annual ERWWKC festival with a weekend of fun and exciting competition, including a practice day, an event day and a purely fun on the water day.

Stand by Me walk South Bend _ Celebrate Summer.png

Join them as they honor the thousands of caregivers in our community!

Howard Park
Saturday, June 10
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The 33rd Annual Alzheimer's and Dementia Services Walk supports real, local caregivers. This year, the Walk will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Howard Park from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Matilda.webp

The movie will begin at dusk (approx. 9:30 p.m.) and the following pre-movie activities will begin at 7:00 p.m

Gridiron
Saturday, June 10
7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The DTSB Outdoor Film Series returns!

Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and join us on the Gridiron on June 10 for a FREE viewing of "Matilda".

Back to Bricks .jpeg

South Bend has been selected to be one of four host cities for the 2023 Back to the Bricks Promo Tour, an event series leading up to and promoting the Back to the Bricks car show taking place in Flint, Michigan August 14-19.

Gridiron
Monday, June 12
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Downtown South Bend along with Visit South Bend and the Studebaker National Museum invites you to a FREE giant car show on the afternoon of June 12 - the Back to the Bricks Promo Tour!

Brother-Sage-768x512.webp

Verge “Brother Sage” Gillam will be honored with The History Museum’s 2023 African American Legacy Award at the Juneteenth Luncheon, taking place in the museum’s Historic Oliver Gardens from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13.

History Museum
Tuesday, June 13
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The African American Legacy Award is presented annually by The History Museum to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of African Americans in the St. Joseph River Valley, to honor the legacies and achievements of past generations, to shine a light on those in the present, and to influence efforts that will impact the future.

ClientFile(478980).jpeg

Enjoy such musical classics as "Luck Be a Lady, "A Bushel & A Peck", and "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat".

South Bend Civic Theatre
June 16 through July 2

Guest performer Maestro Alastair Willis, of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, in the role of high roller Sky Masterson takes a bet on making missionary Sarah Brown fall for him, but he never gambled on falling in love himself. 

Leeper Park Art Fair .webp

They're also again featuring great food and music, free parking, and shuttle service from Century Center. Leeper Park is fully accessible with paved pathways throughout the park.

Leeper Park
June 17 through June 18

Leeper Park will host 81 fine artists from across the US in our beautiful park setting along the St. Joe River. Favorite artists along with exciting new exhibitors will highlight the weekend. 

0623-0624-SouthBend-JohnMellencamp-1920x1080-1.jpg

A reissue of Mellencamp’s beloved eighth studio album, Scarecrow, is set for release on November 4 on Mercury/UME.

Morris Performing Arts Center
June 23 through June 24

See John Mellencamp perform LIVE at The Morris Performing Arts Center! Presented by longtime promoter AEG Presents and sponsored by Turner Classic Movies, the tour will see 76 shows beginning with two nights in Bloomington, Indiana on February 5 and 6 and concluding with two nights in South Bend, Indiana on June 23 and 24.

batb.png

Participants over the age of 21 will also have the opportunity to toast their achievement with festive libations (bacon and Bloody Mary's anyone?).

Family Justice Center
Saturday, June 24
8:00 a.m.

Join the Family Justice Center on Saturday, June 24, 2023, for the sixth annual Bacon Around the Bend 5k! Participants will complete this 5k piggy parade while feasting on savory strips of meat candy. All finishers are invited to celebrate their achievement with post-race bacon-themed snacks at a finish-line party hosted at Corby's Irish Pub.

Princess Bride .jpeg

After a screening of the iconic film, Elwes will engage in a moderated discussion on classic scenes, revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics!

Morris Performing Arts Center
Sunday, June 25
6:00 p.m.

In this highly-anticipated event, fans of The Princess Bride will join the heroic Westley (actor Cary Elwes) in a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set of the classic film.

346098929_6738848292793819_7878347713855450398_n.jpg

Howard Park
Friday, June 30
8:00 p.m.

Celebrate 4th of July weekend with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra at Howard Park!

AUGUST ACTIVITIES

Totally80's_edited_edited.jpg

The Gridiron
Friday, August 4
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

August First Fridays will have a totally rad, "Totally 80's" theme!

howard-park.jpg

Michiana Gospel Fest

Howard Park
Saturday, August 5

More information coming soon.

Meet me on the island.jpeg

Meet Me on the Island

Century Center Island
Tuesday, August 11
5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

More information coming soon.

ClientFile(478979).jpeg

This year's Classics in the Park pairing features a witty adaptation of Jane' Austen's most beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice, along with one of William Shakespeare's most popular plays, the fanciful A Midsummer Night's Dream. 

Music Fest 812.jpg

Four Winds Field
Saturday, August 12
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the first act beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the South Bend Cubs website.

Enjoy live entertainment presented by Michiana Music Fest, featuring Smash Mouth with special guests LFO and Ryan Cabrera!

1920x1080-BG-Email-Website-FB-Event.jpg

Morris Performing Arts Center
Saturday, August 12
7:30 p.m.

At 86 years young, Buddy Guy remains a genuine American treasure and one of the final surviving connections to a historic era in the country’s musical evolution. 

See Buddy Guy performing LIVE at the Morris Performing Arts Center! The recipient of the 2015 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Buddy Guy’s incredible career spans over 50 years, with just as many albums released.

307A0013.jpg

Jefferson St. Bridge
Saturday, August 19
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

More information coming soon!

Rock-the-pink-concert-1.png

Morris Performing Arts Center
Saturday, August 26
8:00 p.m.

Come “Rock The Pink” and have an experience you will always remember! 

The Morris Performing Arts Center presents “Rock The Pink” Concert, benefitting The Susan G. Koman Foundation! Featuring: Grammy Nominated Shanice (I Love Your Smile), Deniece Williams (Let’s Hear It for the Boy) and the New Pop Group Sensation, The Funky Divas!

JULY ACTIVITIES

3.png

Morris Performing Arts Center
Saturday, July 1
8:00 p.m.

Their debut album, Blackstreet, featured the singles “Baby Be Mine,” “Before I Let You Go” and the co-written double platinum hit by Michael Jackson “Joy.” In 1996, they released their sophomore album Another Level. It was a breakthrough success due to the top single “No Diggity” (with Dr. Dre), which was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Blackstreet is one of the top Grammy award-winning vocal groups of the 90s. With original members consisting of New Jersey’s own Chauncey Black, Levi Little, Eric Williams, and New York’s own Mark Middleton. In 1993, their first song “Baby Be Mine” was released on the movie soundtrack to the Universal Pictures comedy CB4 (starring Chris Rock).

Independence Day Celebration.jpeg

Four Winds Field
Monday, July 3
5:30 p.m.

In addition to the movies, popular Four Winds Field attractions will be open including the Toyota Fun Zone, Miller Lite Tiki Hut, 1st Source Bank Performance Center, and the right field splash pad.

While the South Bend Cubs are on the road, fans can still celebrate Independence Day with a special double-feature movie night and fireworks show at Four Winds Field on July 3.

Fireworks and Century Center Island_edited.jpg

Gridiron
Friday, July 7
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Information coming soon!

Meet me on the island.jpeg

Century Center Island
Friday, July 7
5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Information coming soon!

354459913_634807008683899_1521536301838357292_n.jpg

Gridiron
Friday, July 7
4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Visit https://www.downtownsouthbend.com/vendor-info to register for a booth. Click July First Fridays and Gridiron Garage Sale. Payment can be made online in advance or at the start of the event. A limited amount of spaces are available and the application deadline is June 30. A map and setup info will be emailed to applicants by July 5.

As part of the DTSB July First Fridays, we are having our first ever Gridiron Garage Sale! This event is free to attend and open to the public.

Gridiron Garage Sale booth spaces are currently available for just $30 per 10x10 booth.

2022+Concours+D'Elegance+49+for+web.jpg

Copshaholm
Saturday, July 8

The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm co-presented by LaVine Restorations & The JBS Collection is the premier celebration of automotive design and styling in northern Indiana.

Join them for a one-day event filled with programming for all ages and a selection of unique and rare vehicles of many marques.

Super Mario Bros.webp

Gridiron
Saturday, July 8

The movie will begin at dusk (approx. 9:30 p.m.) The South Bend Chocolate Cafe will have a concession stand for this event, with popcorn, soda, water, and candy.

mural mania stuff .jpeg

Mural Mania

Downtown South Bend
July 12 - July 16

Join us for South Bend's 2nd Mural Mania! During the festival, artists will be live painting murals in locations across South Bend.

Pulse FM Poster.jpeg

Morris Performing Arts Center
Friday, July 14
8:00 p.m.

8:00 pm Showtime; Doors open at 7:00 pm. Join them for a party in the Plaza at 5:00 pm!

They say “laughter is good for the soul,” so get ready to laugh the night away with Pulse FM at the Morris Performing Arts Center!

Big-Toss-Up-2019-FB-1600x800.jpg

Downtown South Bend
July 17 - July 23

Join the International Juggler's Association for the 76th annual festival with amazing shows, workshops, games, and opportunities to see your juggling pals!

8Ywfv-1587417526-162542-blog-united-way-st-joseph-county.jpg

Howard Park
Tuesday, July 20

More information coming soon!

Four-Winds-Field-South-Bend-Cubs.jpg

Superhero Weekend*

Four Winds Field
July 22 - July 23

More information coming soon!

347125393_1010325033282930_7378590346968350109_n.jpg

History Museum
Friday, July 28
5:00 p.m.

Guests can bring lawn chairs or blankets for a perfect spot on the lawn (no chairs are provided). The Landing is on deck with food and drinks favorites for purchase (no carry-in, please). This lively, classy yet casual event is a perfect way to experience summer.

The Whistle Pigs take center stage as The History Museum and WVPE partner for this night of music, food, and fun in the Historic Oliver Gardens at The History Museum. The seven-piece band is a close-knit family of musicians who perform all the favorites in contemporary, classic rock, jazz, and rhythm and blues.

https___cdn.evbuc.com_images_510033209_1193621891333_1_original.png

Howard Park
Friday, July 28
1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Shop with vendors, order from food trucks, and get a drink from the outdoor bar. Feel free to bring a blanket and folding chair as you enjoy sounds on the event lawn from four of the area's hottest bands and performers!

Mark your calendars! Venues Parks & Arts and A Gammage Solutions present the 4th Annual Vibes Music Festival.

SEPTEMBER

 ACTIVITIES

928C0309.jpg

Gridiron
Friday, September 1
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

More information coming soon!

Screenshot 2023-06-14 at 9.45.18 AM.png

Howard Park
September 9 to September 10

The City of South Bend presents a re-imagination of the Ethnic Festival! Coming to Howard Park on September 9th and 10th, Fusion Fest will bring together the rich cultures that make up our region into one celebratory weekend.

Color-Purple-1920-X-10801-1.jpg

Morris Performing Arts Center
September 9 to September 10

The musical features eventful dance scenes extraordinary lighting effects, and soulful singing to warm the soul. Don’t miss The Color Purple!

Nominated for eleven (11) 2006 Tony Awards®, and 2016 for Best Revival of a Musical , the Legendary Broadway Musical, The Color Purple, is an incredible story of hope and resilience, and presents a lively score including jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues.

1a.jpeg

Howard Park
Saturday, September 16
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

An annual free festival for individuals, friends and family members who want to recover from the effects of substance abuse.

18789.jpg

Howard Park
Saturday, September 23
10:00 a.m.

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. 

It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.

MW-I.png

Morris Performing Arts Center
Saturday, September 30
7:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this extraordinary concert – save your seats now for an unforgettable experience! 

Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing musical voyage as Music Director Alastair Willis opens the 91st Season which leads with Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series, Silk Road, and Strauss, featuring acclaimed percussionist Joseph Gramley!

JUNE
AUGUST
JULY
SEPTEMBER

EVENT SERIES

EVENT SERIES
Pound-Website-Photo-01.webp

Howard Park
Mondays
May 1 through September 25
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Are you looking for a way to exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise? Stay committed to your fitness goals and have fun with friends at Pound Fitness at Howard Park! This class consists of drumming, cardio, and strength training and is open for all!

Facebook-Website-01.webp

Howard Park
Mondays
May 1 through September 25
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Strengthen both your body and mind with this gentle form of yoga. Chair yoga is practiced while sitting on a chair or using one for support and is designed specifically for those with physical disabilities or those who find a typical yoga session too challenging.

19575254_10154433207637581_2093150179754363031_o.jpg

Purple Porch Co-op
Wednesdays
May 3 - September 27

More information coming soon!

Flow with Frick.jpg

Howard Park
Wednesdays
May 3 - September 27
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Weekly physical yoga practice in nature located near the pedestrian bridge on the South side of Howard Park.

DSC_8159-e1675965780712.webp

Howard Park
Wednesdays
May 3 - September 27
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This vinyasa-style class focuses on breathwork and yoga postures while incorporating mindfulness concepts and practices. Come as you are to infuse a sense of well-being into your week! All levels are welcome!

Zumba-for-web-01.webp

Howard Park
Thursdays
May 4 - September 28
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Zumba Toning with Christina is a can’t miss fitness class! When it comes to body sculpting, Zumba® Toning raises the bar. It combines targeted body-sculpting exercises and high-energy cardio work with Latin-infused Zumba® moves to create a calorie-torching, strength-training dance fitness-party.

d7631f_23a56cfca97e4202ac430ef378971615_mv2.webp

Downtown
First Fridays
May 5 - October 6

A fun and informative guided walking tour of South Bend's landmark buildings, exploring their history and present-day use.

Concert-Series_website-photo-01.jpg

Howard Park
First Fridays
May 5 - September 1
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Another summer, another round of free concerts in the park! Bring a picnic, bring some chairs, and bring some friends! 

DSC_0104-for-website.jpg

Studebaker National Museum
(Second Saturday of the Month minus July)
May 13 - October 14

You bring the cars, and they’ll bring the coffee (and donuts)! Park your classic car in one of the Museum’s parking lots and join fellow car collectors and enthusiasts for a tasty treat. Each month, Cars and Coffee will highlight a different local car club.

1-1.jpg

Jon R. Hunt Plaza
Fridays
June 2 - August 25

 A 13-week lunchtime music concert series in Downtown South Bend that showcases live entertainment from area blues, jazz, rock, R&B, country, folk, and Irish music bands.

015f4eb2-6131-458d-8019-c5875cd17780-urbanadventuregames07312021_10.webp

East Race
Saturdays and Sundays
June 3 - September 17

The East Race Waterway is a one-of-a-kind recreational facility, as the first artificial white-water course in North America.

Flow with Frick.jpg

Gridiron
Weekdays excluding August 19 for Art Beat
June 10 - August 26

DTSB has partnered with local fitness organizations to provide a free outdoor summer fitness program at the Gridiron in downtown South Bend every Saturday morning to encourage healthy living. These free classes, beginning at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 10:00 a.m., include a mix of yoga, Zumba, Hip Hop, Grit, Barre, and more. 

Cubs Fireworks 2 .jpeg

Four Winds Field
June 7, June 9, June 23, July 4, July 7,
July 21, August 4, August 25, September 8, September 9

More information coming soon!

Wednesday Wine Walks.webp

Downtown
(Second Wednesdays)
June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13

Wine Walks are designed to allow you to sample wine and food from several different restaurants for one great price. Walk to as many participating restaurants as you like, where you will sample wines and a variety of foods chosen to pair with the wines.

Howard Park Movies .jpeg

Howard Park
June 16, July 21, August 18

Watching your favorite movies at home is fun… but watching your favorite movies at Howard Park makes for a perfect Friday! This summer, Boomer will be at Howard Park on three very special Friday nights for Movies in the Park!

Summer Restaurant Weeks.webp

Downtown
July 24 to August 6

Restaurant Weeks are held twice a year, typically in January or February and again in late July. South Bend is home to many local restaurants and their owners proudly participate in this event, offering the opportunity to enjoy some of their most notable hand-crafted dishes on the specially priced menus. These weeks are the perfect time to sample the variety of cuisines and experiences available in downtown South Bend. 

PRESENTED BY

vsbm-horizontalMISH_CMYKlogo2017.png
bottom of page