Art Beat
August 9, 2025
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!
​
Applications are now closed for this year's event, but check back next March for the 2026 applications!​
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!
​
If there is a strong chance of inclement weather in the forecast for the 9th, the event will be moved to the 10th, and that announcement will be made on the 8th on this page and on social media.
​
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!
​
​
​
Poster Design
Meet Jeanne, the winner of this year’s Art Beat poster design contest—a young artist whose journey proves that creativity doesn’t have to follow the rules. From snapping crayons to collecting watercolor scraps for future collages, Jeanne has always seen artistic potential where others might not. Her winning design is a vibrant celebration of community, using color and shape to highlight the unifying power of art across all backgrounds.
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!
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.
Zen Zone
Venture off the beaten path and into the art of well-being at the Conscious Michiana Zen Zone.
Located in Plaza Park, just behind the Everwise Credit Union booth and Lounge, this peaceful space will be easy to spot—just look for the colorful lanterns! Inside, you’ll find a calming mix of wellness offerings including tarot readings, Reiki, mindfulness activities, chair massages, and more. Whether you’re looking to recharge, reflect, or simply relax, the Zen Zone offers a soothing escape from the bustle of the festival.
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.
The Bend Lounge
121 S. Niles Ave. 8:00 pm - 1:00 am
Saturday Brunch at Night! Imagine creamy, cheesy grits… topped with slow-braised, fall-off-the-bone oxtails smothered in rich, savory goodness. Netty G’s Cuisine is bringing the flavor and DJ Gino J is bringing the vibe. You know it’s always a good time at your new favorite place! See you soon!
The Hammer & Quill
613 E. Jefferson Blvd. 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Enjoy complimentary light appetizers while they last (set up on The General side) plus $1.50 off all draft beers and a signature cocktail.
Howard Park Public House
602 E. Jefferson Blvd. 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Live music by the Justin Staublin Band.
LaSalle Kitchen & Tavern
115 W. Colfax Ave. 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Live music by Molly Abraham from 8-11pm as well as $5 pours of their Whisky of the Week and $8 cocktails made with the Weekly Whisky as well!
After Parties
Art Beat ends at 7 pm, but the excitement does not! Head to these places during and after Art Beat:
Art Beat Committee
​Culinary Arts
Gwenn Mottl
Michelle Blandford
​​​​
​
Community Art Project
Amy Roush
Danielle Wilborn
Kylie Carter
​
Performing Arts
Jill Tulchinsky​​
​​​​​
Visual Arts Jury
Barbie Freel
Danielle Wilborn
Dennis Anderson
Kylie Carter
Linda Scopelitis​​
Creative Commons
Kolton Sizer
Katie Neece
Sarah Martin​​
Super Volunteers
Amy Roush
Chris Carter
Linda Raven
​
Partners & Sponsors
Presented by
.jpg)
