Celebrate Summer
A complete list of all the 2026 events taking place June 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
Summer Concert Series: PT and The Cruisers
June 4 | 6-8 p.m.
Howard Park
PT and the Cruisers is a 4-piece band based in La Porte, IN, delivering a unique blend of blues, classic rock, oldies, and rare gems that few other bands perform. Enjoy a live performance during Howard Park's Summer Concert Series.
6 Week Pottery Wheel Class
June 4 | 6 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.
Pigeon & Hen
Learn the basics of throwing on the wheel and explore handbuilding techniques with experienced instructor Amy. Create functional and decorative pieces, including mugs, bowls, plates, vases, and more.
DTSB First Fridays: Kids' Night Out
June 5 | 5-9 p.m.
Downtown
Join us for the June First Fridays, where there will be 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, face painters, balloon artists, vendors, live music, art exhibits, and a Studebaker Car Show.
SJCPL Summer Reading Club Kickoff Event
June 5 | 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Main Library
Come celebrate the start of the Summer Reading Club at the Main Library! Enjoy many activities, food trucks, and live music.
Half-Built Homes
June 5 | 8 p.m.
Mccormick's
Grab a drink and enjoy a wild night of rocking music with a live show by Half-Built Homes.
Shiny Shiny Black & Friends
June 7 | 12-2 p.m.
Chicory Cafe
Welcome, Shiny Shiny Black, an award-winning alternative folk duo from Goshen, IN. This month, they'll be joined by folk friends as a wrap-up to Farmette 2026 - Indiana's one-day Folk Alliance event, hosted in downtown South Bend all weekend.
Mosaic Art: Turkish Lamps
June 13 | 9 p.m.
Doubletree by Hilton
Join this exciting Mosaic Lamp Workshop and transform vibrant glass into a stunning, glowing treasure. No experience is needed; bring your imagination and let the colors guide you.
36th Annual Alzheimer's & Dementia Walk
June 13 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Howard Park
Show your support for those struggling with Alzheimer's and Dementia, and their hard-working caregivers.
Movies on the Gridiron
June 13 | 7-11:30 p.m.
The Gridiron, Downtown
Experience Zootopia 2 on the Gridiron, a fun-filled adventure for everyone. Join Officer Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on their next case as they uncover the secrets of Zootopia.
FTCMPE
June 18 | 1-9 p.m.
Century Center
Watch genius at work at the FIRST Tech Challenge, with many impressive inventions from 96 teams worldwide.
Summer Concert Series: The Erly
June 18 | 6-8 p.m.
Howard Park
The Erly is a Michigan-based indie-soul/Americana rock band featuring a 1960s-70s-inspired sound blended with modern funk, jam, and pop influences, here to bring their music to Howard Park for the Summer Concert Series.
Beetlejuice
June 19-21 | 7:30 p.m.
The Morris Performing Arts Center
Based on the wildly popular film, this hilarious and high-energy musical follows Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager, whose life changes when she encounters a recently deceased couple and a mischievous demon with a flair for chaos. Packed with outrageous comedy, jaw-dropping visuals, and a score that’s as irreverent as its title character, Beetlejuice is a frightfully fun night at the theater.
Bacon Around The Bend
June 20 | 8 p.m.
Family Justice Center
Join the Family Justice Center on Saturday, June 27, 2026, for the ninth annual Bacon Around the Bend 5k! This scenic downtown 5k will once again feature the famous BACON STATION at the halfway point along the route. 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.
South Bend Pride
June 20 | 10 a.m.
Howard Park
Celebrate community and love with a walk through Howard Park. South Bend Pride has many fun activities and other exciting attractions, like food trucks, and a live drag show.
AUGUST ACTIVITIES
DTSB First Fridays: Ice Cream Social
August 7 | 5-9 p.m.
Downtown
More info coming soon.
Summer Concert Series: Happy Campers
August 13 | 6-8 p.m.
Howard Park
Come to Howard Park and enjoy a free live concert featuring Happy Campers, a punk rock band.
Nitro Circus
August 13 | 7 p.m.
Four Winds Field
Featuring the world’s top athletes in FMX, BMX, scooter, and more, this adrenaline-fueled spectacular unleashes jaw dropping stunts, World First tricks, and laugh out loud contraptions off the one of a kind Giganta Ramp and Next Level kickers. With over 4 million tickets sold worldwide, Nitro Circus remains the unrivaled pinnacle of action sports entertainment.
DTSB Art Beat presented by Everwise Credit Union
August 15 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Jefferson Bridge and East Bank
Come walk the streets of downtown South Bend and visit the free, family-friendly event to see the hand-crafted work of many local artists, including potters, painters, photographers, jewelers, crocheters, woodcarvers, and many more. You can also enjoy the many different kinds of food that the region has to offer.
Movies at the Park
August 21 | 6-9 p.m.
Howard Park
Watch Chase and his Paw Patrol Team on a big screen in Howard Park. Bring a picnic blanket and grab snacks from the Howard Park Public House before the movie starts.
World Dance Showdown
August 27 | 1 p.m.
August 30 | 3 p.m.
Century Center
150+ Dance Workshops and Competitions for line dancers, couples, line dance choreographers and dance teams. 6 workshops an hour from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Dancing in 4 ballrooms to dj music until 3:00 am. Come see one of the biggest dance events of the year.
Howard Park Artisan Market
August 29 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Howard Park
Shop several booths around the Howard Park area and find some of your favorite local vendors. From baked goods to crochet creatures, there's something for everyone to like at the market.
JULY ACTIVITIES
Summer Concert Series: Equipo Elevado
July 2 | 6-8 p.m.
Howard Park
Come to Howard Park and enjoy a free live concert featuring Equipo Elevado!
Salute to Freedom
July 3 | 7:30 p.m.
The Morris Performing Arts Center
Enjoy an inspiring celebration of freedom at the Morris Performing Arts Center. This admission-free community concert honors service and sacrifice with patriotic favorites and uplifting orchestral music.
Friday's By The Fountain
July 3 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
The Morris Plaza
This year, Fridays by the Fountain will return to Jon R. Hunt Plaza at the Morris. Each concert is free of charge. Now in its 26th year, Fridays by the Fountain showcases live entertainment from bands in the area playing blues, jazz, rock, R&B, pop, folk, and Irish music.
DTSB First Fridays: Backyard BBQ
July 3 | 5-9 p.m.
Downtown
Come join us for the July First Fridays, where the theme is Backyard BBQ! We will be closing the 100 block of S. Michigan for a block party with dining in the street, face painters, balloon artists, vendors, live music, art exhibits, a Studebaker Car Show, a downtown Fourth of July celebration with fireworks, and so much more!
All-American Rock Party
July 4 | 5 p.m.
Four Winds Field
The South Bend Cubs are throwing a Four Winds Field Rock Party with Hairball LIVE on the field.
Spark In The Park
July 8 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Howard Park
These activities are geared toward little kids to come out and enjoy some good ol' fashioned fun in the sun during summer break. Enjoy curated educational and fun activities for an outdoor morning in the park, followed by nearby lunch options for families.
Concours d'Élégance at Copshaholm
July 11 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Studebaker National Museum
Enjoy a two-day event filled with programming for all ages and a selection of unique and rare vehicles of many marques. The Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm, co-presented by The JBS Collection & LaVine Restorations, is the premier celebration of automotive design and styling in northern Indiana.
Emo Night Dance Party
July 11 | 7-11 p.m.
Stockroom East
Dust off your skinny jeans and get ready to relive the glory days. Join the Humane Society of St. Joseph County for our Emo Night Dance Party Fundraiser
Summer Concert Series: Why Not Both
July 16 | 6-8 p.m.
Howard Park
Come listen to a live performance by Indie-rock band, Why Not Both, as part of the Howard Park Summer Concert Series.
Movies on the Gridiron:
A Minecraft Movie
July 18 | 7-11:30 p.m.
The Gridiron, Downtown
A mysterious portal pulls four misfits into the Overworld, a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they'll have to master the terrain while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected crafter named Steve.
Yappy Hour at the Lauber
July 26 | 6-8 p.m.
The Lauber
Enjoy a night of fuzzy friends and drinks at the Lauber. A dollar of select drinks will be given back to the SBARC. Cuddle with adoptable puppies and yap with your friends during this event. Everyone can find their pup at the Lauber.
Bluey's Big Play
July 30 | 6 p.m.
The Morris Performing Arts Center
Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets. This is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life.
Summer Concert Series: Jazz Assemblage
July 30 | 6-8 p.m.
Howard Park
Enjoy classic, smooth jazz at Howard Park with an invigorating performance by Jazz Assemblage. Part of the Summer Concert Series in Howard Park.
Music in the Gardens with the Whistle Pigs
July 31 | 5-9 p.m.
History Museum
Come see The Whistle Pigs at the Historic Oliver Gardens and enjoy a night full of music, food, and fun.
SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES
DTSB First Fridays: Dog Days of Summer
September 4 | 5-9 p.m.
Downtown
Come join us for the September First Friday, where the theme is our beloved dogs! There will be special activities and games for both pets and people. We will be closing the 100 block of S. Michigan for a block party with dining in the street, face painters, balloon artists, vendors, live music, art exhibits, a Studebaker Car Show and so much more! There will also be special activities for both pets and people.
"GO CRAZY" The Live Concert
September 12 | 8-10 p.m.
Langlab
Get ready for an experience of a lifetime, lights, camera, action, costume changes, and live Good music. Join SHIKO as he celebrates his new album
Jake From StarHeart at Chicory
September 13 | 12-2 p.m.
Chicory Cafe
Jake from StarHeart comforts students and alumni from Rice University after their L at Notre Dame
Fusion Fest
September 26-27 | Sat. 12-5 p.m.
Sun. 12-5 p.m.
Howard Park
Come visit this two day festival celebrating every region of the world! Howard Park will be separated into different global regions with vendors and performers located at their respective regions: North/America, Africa, Europe, and Asia/Australia.
EVENT SERIES
Yoga Flow with Frick*
Wednesdays | 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Howard Park
Whether seeking self-care, social connection, or simply an hour to unwind, this weekly class offers a playful yet nourishing blend on Yin and Vinyasa Yoga.
Zumba
Thursdays | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Howard Park
Come workout with Carlitos where excercises and high-energy cardio work are combined with Zumba moves to create a workout dance party!
Purple Porch Co-op Market
Wednesdays | 5-7 p.m.
Purple Porch Co-op
Visit Purple Porch Co-op and support local farmers! EBT/SNAP accepted!
DTSB First Fridays
First Friday of every month, year-round | 5-9 p.m.
Downtown
Come visit downtown and see what our local business have to offer while you enjoy live music, food, and so much more!
Downtown South Bend Architecture Walking Tours*
June 5 - September 4 (First Fridays) | 6 p.m.
Downtown
Take a guided walking tour and learn all about South Bend's historical landmarks.
Howard Park Summer Concert Series
June 4 - September 10 |
6-8 p.m.
Howard Park
Come enjoy free live concerts every First Friday at Howard Park.
Yoga for EveryBODY
May 1 – August 26 (Monday - Wednesday)
Monday & Tuesday at Oliver Gardens; Wednesday at SJCPL | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Take free yoga classes taught by certified instructors to learn how to connect your mind and body.
Kids Spark in the Park
June 10 - August 5 (every other Wednesdays) | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Howard Park
From getting musical and dancing, to learning about the world around us, Spark in the Park is a day at the park you and your littles won't want to miss.
Mommy and Me Movements
Tuesdays | 10-10:30 a.m.
Howard Park
Moms with little ones ages newborn to three years old, help your little one learn new skills while maintaining overall physical wellness in a fun-loving and nurturing environment!
Fridays by the Fountain
June 6 - August 29 (Fridays): |
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Leeper Park (June), Howard Park (July), and Seitz Park (August)
Bring your own chair or picnic blanket, or use one of the tables and chairs available there, and enjoy a free live concert each Friday while you eat your lunch!
DTSB Summer Fitness Series (excluding July 4 & August 15 for Art Beat)
June 8- August 31 (Saturdays) |
8 a.m., 9 a.m.,10 a.m.
Gridiron
Come take a fitness class available every Saturday morning led by local fitness instructors.
Wednesday Wine Walks
June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9 (second Wednesdays) |
5-9 p.m.
Downtown
Enjoy taking a walk to different restaurants and sampling wine along with light pairing chosen by each chef.
Movies in the Park
August 21, October 23 | 7-9 p.m.
Howard Park
Enjoy your evening at Howard Park by watching your favorite movies and participating in themed activities.
DTSB Outdoor Film Series
June 13, July 18 | 7 p.m.
Gridiron
Come out and bring your picnic blanket and enjoy your night by watching a movie and eating popcorn.
Cars & Coffee at the Studebaker National Museum
July 4, August 5 | 8-10 a.m.
Studebaker National Museum
Bring your classic car and enjoy coffee and donuts while looking at others classic cars.
Summer Restaurant Weeks
July 24 - August 9 | All Day
Downtown
Come out and enjoy the special menus that downtown restaurants have created to show off their most notable dishes.
Sunset Skating at Howard
June 5, July 10, August 7, September 4
October 2 | 7-9 p.m.
Howard Park
Bring your roller skates and have until the sun goes down! There will be a live DJ experience for each of these evenings and each will feature a different local favorite DJ.
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