The Tribune’s Festival Guide offers you a variety of events, festivals and county fairs. Most are family-friendly but watch for some 21+ only events. There is something for everyone to experience this summer and fall. A guide featuring summer outdoor concerts will be published in June.
MAY
• Classic Car Cruise-Ins
4:30 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, May-September │Free;
Essenhaus, 240 U.S. 20, Middlebury; essenhaus.com/cruise-in.
• Fat & Skinny Tirefest
May 16-18 │Free;
Cycling enthusiasts can share the joy and benefits of cycling. Road/mountain bike races; countryside tours; family and kid activities; cycling demonstrations; food/drink vendors; live music. Winona Lake at The Village at Winona; villageatwinona.com/events.
• Homespun Artisan & More Spring Market
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17 │$5-Free;
100 local artisans, live musicians, plants, produce, food trucks and more. St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 S. Ironwood, South Bend.
• Indiana’s Donut & Beer Festival
3 to 8 p.m. May 17 │$72-$55;
30+ unique and local vendors serving more than 200 doughnuts, complemented by 150+ beer, cider and seltzer selections. All ages are welcome. Four Winds Field, 501 W. South St., South Bend; www.donutandbeerfest.com.
• Experience Nappanee
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 17 │Free;
Explore the heart of Nappanee through local flavor, fun activities, vendors, town-wide scavenger hunt, car show, live entertainment and more. Downtown Nappanee; visitnappanee.com.
• Niles Renaissance Faire
May 17-18 │$10-$5, free for ages 4 and younger;
Vendors, music, children’s scavenger hunt and more. Plym Park, 401 Marmont St., Niles; nilesrenaissancefaire.com.
• Pets & Pours
Noon to 4 p.m. CT May 18 │$60-Free;
Stroll the gardens, live music, raffle, pet photo booth, yard games, food/drinks, pet-friendly vendors. Proceeds benefit the Michiana Humane Society. Friendship Botanic Gardens, 2055 E. U.S. 12, Michigan City. Purchase tickets at michianapets.org.
• PechaKucha SJ/BH
7 to 9:30 p.m. May 22 │$5;
Presenters show 20 images, each for 20 seconds, and tell a story, with visuals guiding the way. Tickets purchased at the door. The Inn at Harbor Shores, 800 Whitwam, St. Joseph; facebook.com/pechakuchasjbh.
• St. Mary of the Lake Family Festival
1 to 10 p.m. May 23-25 │Free;
Carnival rides, food, vendors and more. Single day wristbands, $25. St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 718 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo; Michigan.org/events.
• South Bend Farmers Market Events
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 24: Memorial Day Cookout — burgers, hot dogs, sides.
7 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 14, July 12, Aug 9: Young Entrepreneurs Program.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 14: Father’s Day Cookout — brisket with mac and cheese.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 28: July Cookout — burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 19: Hawaiian Luau — kalua pulled pork, salad, grilled pineapple.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 30: Labor Day Cookout — ribs, mac and cheese, baked beans.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 6: Annual Car Show — no charge to enter, food 11 a.m., DJ, door prizes.
South Bend Farmers Market, 1105 Northside Blvd., South Bend.
• Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24 │Free;
Artists, activities for children, food and drink vendors. Oakwood Resort, 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse; chautauquawawasee.org.
• MC Food and Music Festival
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT May 24-25 │Free;
Local and regional food trucks, “Battle of the Bands,” performances by Funky Mojo Daddy, Party Foul, and Dick Diamond and the Dusters. Guy Foreman Amphitheater, 115 Lakeshore Drive, Michigan City; mcfoodandmusicfest.com.
• Art & Wine Festival
noon to 6 p.m. May 24-25 │Free;
Art exhibits, live music, wine specials, food trucks, family friendly. Lemon Creek Winery, 533 E. Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs; lemoncreekwinery.com.
• Memorial Day Market Craft & Vendor Show
May 24-25 │$5-Free;
140 vendors with handmade goods, kids’ activity corner, food trucks, HDTV giveaway. Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso.
• MHAM’s 5th Annual Family Fun Fair
4 to 6:30 p.m. May 30 │Free;
Celebration of wellness and community with kid-friendly activities, food trucks, Michiana resources, more. Mental Health Awareness of Michiana, Howard Park, 219 S. St. Louis Blvd., South Bend. Rain location is Community Learning Center at St. Joseph County Public Library.
• Movies in the Park
7 p.m. May 30-July 18 │ Free;
Enjoy family fun movies this summer. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions available. Pringle Park, 1912 W. Lincoln Ave., Goshen. May 30: “Wicked”; June 27: “IF”; July 18: “Descendants.”
• Festival of Dance
7 p.m. May 31 │Free;
Concert of local dance ensembles including Southold Dance Theater, New Industry Dance, UZIMA Drum and Dance, Conservatory of Dance, La Rosa Spanish Dance Studio, IUSB Tap & Kick Line, and Sisters of the Nile. Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend. Reserve your free ticket at morriscenter.org/festival-of-dance.
• Art Markets at KAC
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 31, July 19, Aug. 16, Aug. 30 │ Free;
Featuring 12 regional artists at each market, explore sculptures and gallery exhibitions. Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph.
• Lake Bluff Artisan Fair
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 31, July 19, Aug. 16 and 30│ Free;
Eclectic craft fair with over 50 local vendors. Lake Bluff Park, 520-598 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph; stjoetoday.com/artisanfair.
JUNE
• Rebel Art Fest 2025
Noon to 8 p.m. June 1 │Free;
Festival showcases local makers, artists and musicians. Potawatomi Park, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend; rebelartfest.com.
• Antiques on the Bluff
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5 │Free;
Premier antique show overlooking Lake Michigan. Rain or shine. Lake Bluff Park, 520-598 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph; stjoetoday.com/antiques.
• Movies in the Park in June
8:30 p.m. CT │Free;
June 4: “Moana 2”; June 11: “Mufasa”; June 18: “Wild Robot.” Bring blankets or chairs, concession stand open. Wythogan Park, 101 W. Washington St., Knox; cityofknox.net.
• DTSB First Fridays
5 to 9 p.m. June 6, July 4, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5 │Free;
Different theme each month, live music, dining and retail specials, art receptions, kid-friendly activities, more. Downtown South Bend; downtownsouthbend.com/first-fridays.
• Goshen First Fridays
5 to 9 p.m. June 6, July 4, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5 │Free;
Different theme each month, music and specials. Downtown Goshen; downtowngoshen.org/events.
• South Bend Architectural Walking Tours
6 to 7:30 p.m. June 6, July 4, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3 │$10 (cash only) with reservation;
Tours in June, August and October begin at the American Trust Company clock, corner of Washington and Michigan streets. Tours in July and September begin at Ambassadors for Christ Church, 302 W. Washington St. Reservations: 574-282-1110 or online at downtownsouthbend.com/walking-tours.
• “Denver … or Bust!” — A Barbershop Show
3 p.m. June 7 │$25-Free;
The chorus will be on a mythical quest to get to the International Barbershop Convention in Denver. Featuring the Valleyaires chorus, local quartets, and special guest quartet “Full Effect.” Afterglow follows with opportunity to meet the quartets and hear more music, $15. John Adams High School Auditorium, 808 S. Twyckenham Drive, South Bend; tickets at valleyaires.org.
• Robofest in the Plaza
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7 │Free;
Mishawaka Robotics team will turn the plaza into a robot battlefield. Ironworks Plaza, 112 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka.
• Yesteryear’s LaPorte Tractor Showcase
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT June 7 │Free;
Local artisan fair, museum entrance by donation, LaPorte County Sunday Farmers Old Iron Club, concessions available. LaPorte County Historical Society Museum, 2405 Indiana Ave., LaPorte.
• Fantastic Fishing Derby
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 7 │$3;
All those ages 3 to 17 should bring your families, fishing poles and bait to the annual Fantastic Fishing Derby. Awards for first fish, smallest fish, largest fish caught and many others. No fishing license required. Fidler Pond Park, 1424 Lincolnway E., Goshen; register through June 6 at Goshen Park Office, 524 E. Jackson St.
• Brew at the Zoo
5 to 8 p.m. CT June 7 │$50-$20;
Craft brews, wine, hard ciders. Must be 21 or older with valid ID. Tickets include parking, tasting cup, food, water, soda, live music, plenty of drinks. Washington Park Zoo, 115 Lake Shore Drive, Michigan City; michigancitylaporte.com/events-directory.
• Kids Fishing Clinic
8 a.m. to noon June 7 │Free;
For ages 7 and older, this clinic features a series of stations to teach kids the aspects of fishing: stewardship, conservation, safety and casting, knot tying, basic tackle. Sponsored by Elkhart Environmental Center, Elkhart Parks & Rec, and Public Works Aquatic Biology departments. High Dive Park, off Baldwin Street, Elkhart; elkhartindiana.org/fishing-clinic/.
• Village Art Fair
June 7-8 │ Free;
Artwork from 70 juried vendors, live music, kid’s activities, food vendors. The Village at Winona, Winona Lake; villageatwinona.com/events.
• Lighthouse Tours
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 7–Aug. 30 │$5-Free;
Weather permitting, tours are weekly on Saturdays from start of North Pier to lighthouse at 10 a.m., free first-floor exhibit, $5 per person to climb to the top of lighthouse. Tiscornia Park, 80 Ridgeway St., St. Joseph; stjoetoday.com.
• Three Oaks Flag Day Weekend
June 7-8 │Free;
40 vendors, food trucks, live music, 5K run/walk, pet parade, Quilts of Valor presentation, and fireworks. Parade at 3 p.m. June 8. Downtown locations, Three Oaks; threeoaksflagday.com.
• Bremen Firemen’s Festival
6 to 10 p.m. June 10-14 │Free;
Parade, carnival rides, vendors, food, fireworks, 5K run/walk, more. Sunnyside Park, 400 E. Maple St., Bremen; bremenfire.org/events; register for run at bremenfire.org/firemens-festival-5K.
• JA Wine & Beer Festival 2025
June 13 │$100-$15;
Reusable tasting glass, premier and local vendors, live music, games. Junior Achievement, Four Winds Field, 501 W. South St., South Bend; stjosephcounty.ja.org/events.
• Potato Creek & Lions Strawberry Festival
June 13-14 │Free;
Arts, crafts, food, live music, train rides, strawberry shortcake, more. Indiana 23 and Indiana 4, downtown North Liberty; Facebook.com/PotatoCreekFestival.
• Rhapsody Arts & Music Festival
June 13-14 │Free;
Arts and craft vendors, children’s entertainment, food, and music. Island Park, North Main and Sycamore streets, Elkhart; elkhartindiana.org.
• Mint Festival
June 13-15 │Free;
Celebrate mint — cooking with mint, family activities, bands, car show, carnival, food/craft vendors, 5K, pet parade. Lane Street and North Judson Park, North Judson; northjudsonmintfest.com.
• Summer Fest & Flea Market
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 14 │Free;
Arts and crafts, antiques, baked goods, flea market finds, concessions available, more. Southgate Crossing, 27751 County Road 26, Elkhart; southgatecrossing.info.
• GATE Fundraiser
6 to 9 p.m. June 14 │$15;
Talent Show and open mic night, cash bar, raffle baskets, appetizers. Talent show made up of local queer and allied people in the community. Aloft South Bend, 6th Floor, 111 N. Main St., South Bend; tickets at eventbrite.com/e/1357424436029?aff=oddtdtcreator. Event is not funded, sponsored or assisted by GATE’s Organization.
• 58th Annual Leeper Park Art Fair
June 14-15 │Free;
Eighty-eight artists from across the U.S., food, music, free parking and shuttle service from Century Center. Fully accessible with paved pathways throughout the park. Leeper Park, 907 Riverside Drive, South Bend; leeperparkartfair.org.
• Father’s Day Festival
Noon to 7 p.m. June 15 │Cover charge;
Two live bands, hayrides, vendors, food trucks, more. Lemon Creek Winery, 533 E. Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs; lemoncreekwinery.com.
• Fulton County Historical Power Show
June 19-21 │$3-Free;
Antique tractors, vendors, crafts, food, Toy Show from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., more. Free parking. No pets. Fulton County Historical Society grounds, 37 East 375 North, Rochester; fultoncountyhistory.org.
• Shortcakes on the Blacktop
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 20 │Fee charged;
Homemade shortcake, strawberries, ice cream, whipped topping. The Cathedral of Saint James, 117 N. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend.
• Shipshewana Antique Market
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 20-21 │Free;
Vendors, food, prizes, rain or shine, $5 parking per vehicle; Shipshewana Misc. & Antique Auction Building, 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana; shipshewanatradingplace.com.
• South Bend Pride in the Park
Noon to 6 p.m. June 21 │ Free;
Vendors, family fun activities, live entertainment, food. Potawatomi Park, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend; southbendpride.org.
• 37th Annual British Car Show
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21 │Free;
Entrants may register at the show or online; entry fee is $20 per vehicle and $25 day of show; vehicles may arrive after 8:30 a.m., judging from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; food sales. Michiana Brits, Trinity Lutheran Church, 30888 County Road 6, Elkhart; michianabrits.com/events.
• Movies on the Gridiron
Dusk (about 9:30 p.m.) June 21, July 12 │Free;
June 21: “Moana 2”; July 12: “Inside Out 2.” Weather permitting. Free parking available on-street and in Leighton Garage. Bring blankets, chairs and snacks. Themed pre-movie activities begin at 7 p.m. Gridiron Plaza, 111 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., South Bend; downtownsouthbend.com.
• Sturgis Fest
June 24-28 │Free;
Week-long adventure with Kick-off dinner, Family day, Bike night, Cruise/parade night, and All-sports day and fireworks on Saturday. This year’s theme is “Traveling Through Time”; sturgisfestmi.com.
• Arts in Bloom Garden Walk
9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 25 │$20 pre-sale, $25 at event;
“A Brush with Nature” is a self-guided tour of stunning Granger home gardens. Begin at Hospitality Center. Sponsored by The Art League, proceeds benefit the South Bend Museum of Art’s efforts to provide arts education and outreach programming across Michiana; purchase tickets at southbendart.org, South Bend Museum of Art or day of event at Hospitality Center, Christ the King Lutheran Church, 17195 Cleveland Road, South Bend.
• Elkhart ArtWalk
5 to 8 p.m. June 26, July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 23 │Free;
Hands-on art activities, live music. Downtown Elkhart; visitelkhartcounty.com/events/annual-events.
• Middlebury Summer Festival
June 27-28 │Free;
Live bluegrass and gospel music, festival food, crafters, children’s activities, parade, 5K and 1 mile race, and more. Memorial Park, 105 N. Main St., Middlebury; middleburyinchamber.com.
• Lavender Festival
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CDT) June 28 │Free;
Held at the height of purple, lavender varieties in bloom. U-pick bundles, artisan vendors, food, classes, frozen lavender lemonade and ice cream. Lakeside Lavender and Herbs, 273 W. Johnson Road, LaPorte.
• Summer Artisan Market
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 28 │Free;
An array of booths and vendors, La Chula Food Truck, crafted wines for sale. Filkins Vineyards, 6991 Ryno Road, Coloma.
• 2025 Buchanan Pride
1 to 8 p.m. June 29 │Free;
Vendors, food, concert, Samba performance with dance lessons, and more. The Common in Buchanan; facebook.com/BuchananPride.
JULY
• Berrien Springs Pickle Festival
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4 │ Free;
Vendors, pickle fling, Big Wheel races, old fashioned pickle games, Pickled Piper Tasting Room, relish eating contest and dunk tank. History Center at Courthouse Square, 313 N. Cass St., Berrien Springs; berrienhistory.org/programs/.
• Topeka Festival
7 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 │Free;
Pancake breakfast, Road Race & Fun Walk, farmer’s market, kids’ games, parade, buggy races, concert with Jake Hoot, fireworks, more. Town of Topeka, Indiana; visitshipshewana.org/events/.
• Family Fun Day & Fireworks Show
2 p.m. CT July 5 │ Free;
Parade at 1 p.m., family fun, food, music, beer garden, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Wythogan Park, 101 W. Washington St., Knox.
• Cars & Coffee
8 a.m. to 10 a.m. July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4 │Free;
Enjoy coffee and doughnuts while checking out featured cars. Also, free admission to both Studebaker and History museums throughout the event. Rain or shine. Studebaker National Museum, 201 Chapin St., South Bend; studebakermuseum.org.
• Bristol Homecoming Festival
July 10–12 │ Free;
Since 1883, family-fun events, entertainment, rides, food, free kids’ area, more. No pets. No alcohol. Congdon Park, 200 N. Division St., Bristol.
• Nappanee Friday Fests
5 to 9 p.m. July 11 and Aug. 15 │ Free;
Artisans, entertainment, food, crafts, shopping. Downtown Nappanee, 201 W. Market St.; visitnappanee.com/nappanee-events.
• Foam Fest
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 12 │ $10;
Day full of foam-tastic fun and games. Ironworks Plaza, 235 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka; Mishawaka.in.gov/parksandrecreation.
• Concours at Copshaholm
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12 │ $16 pre-sale, $20 at gate, $10 members, children ages 7 and younger, free;
Premier celebration of automotive design, unique and rare vehicles, family friendly. Studebaker National Museum, 897 Thomas St., South Bend; tickets at: concoursatcopshaholm.org.
• Ruthmere Ceramic Showcase
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 12 │ Free;
Shop local artists. Enjoy a free cup of coffee and music from 10 a.m. to noon at Coffee on the Piazza event. Ruthmere, 302 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart; Ruthmere.org/Ceramic-showcase.
• Pollinator Promenade
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 12 │$1-Free;
Compete in a speed walking race, pollinator-themed costume contest, scavenger hunt, vendors, face painting, more. Registration for competitions is $1/activity. Elkhart Environmental Center, 1717 E. Lusher Ave., Elkhart; elkhartindiana.org/pollinator-promenade.
• Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff
July 12-13 │Free;
172 artists. Lake Bluff Park, 520-598 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph; krasl.org/art-fair/event-information.
• Underground Railroad Days 2025
July 12-13 │Free;
Guided tours of 1847 Kentucky Slave Raid, 102 U.S. Colored Troops Civil War soldiers camp, Underground Railroad sites open houses, displays and presentations, periodic music. Village of Vandalia: art/craft booths, food trucks/booths, car show on Saturday and church service on Sunday. Underground Railroad Society of Cass County and Village of Vandalia, Milo Barnes Park, Highway M60, Vandalia; urscc.org.
• Mike Yore Memorial Car Show
4 to 8 p.m. July 18 │ Free;
“Cruise” along the bluff and enjoy classic hits as you take in over 150 eye-catching vehicles. Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph.
• Dowagiac Summer Festival and BBQ Competition
July 18-19 │Free;
Family-friendly event, music, dance, kid’s interactive entertainment, games, food trucks, artisans, vendors. Downtown Dowagiac, Michigan; dowagiacchamber.com.
• Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival
July 18-20 │$5 daily, ages 6 and younger free with paid adult;
Professional sand sculpting competition and exhibition, live music, full bars, food, crafts, Kid’s Sand Zone. Washington Park Beach, 6 On the Lake, Michigan City; michigancitylaporte.com/events-directory.
• Our Lady of Hungary Parish Festival
4 to 9 p.m. July 19 │ Free;
Family-friendly activities. Our Lady of Hungary Parish and School, 735 W. Calvert St., South Bend.
• Benton Harbor Children’s Art Fair
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 19 │Free;
Celebration of young talent with live performances, art demonstrations, hands-on art stations, food trucks, more. Arts District Park, corner of Water and Territorial Streets, Benton Harbor. Sponsored by the Benton Harbor Arts Association.
• Valparaiso Wine Festival
5 to 8 p.m. CT July 19 │$80-$20;
Wine tasting of over 100 red, white and sparkling varieties, live entertainment, 20+ vendors. VIP Hour from 4 to 5 p.m. CT. Food available for purchase. 21+ event with valid ID. Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso. Tickets at valparaisoevents.com/event/valparaiso-wine-festival.
• Saugatuck Venetian Fest 2025
July 25-26 │Free;
Friday: 1980s cover band Starfarm, tickets $20-$15, gates open at 5 p.m., must be 21 with valid ID. On Saturday: Douglas Duck Dash, dinghy poker run, lighted boat parade, fireworks. Theme: Christmas in July. Pre-order admission and drink tickets at saugatuckvenetianfest.com.
• New Carlisle Hometown Days
July 25-27 │ Free;
Family-friendly fun, Friday night fireworks. Memorial Park, in the center of New Carlisle; schedule of events at hometowndays.net.
• LaPorte LakeFest
July 25-27 │Free;
Music, art, food and fun for all on Pine, Stone and Clear Lakes. Fireworks, kids activities, car show, lots more. Stone, Clear and Pine Lakes; laportelakefest.com.
• Bass Lake Festival
July 25-27 │Free;
Family-friendly activities: car show, craft marketplace, parade, more; Bass Lake, Knox; basslakefest.com.
• SerbFest
4 p.m. to midnight July 26 │Free;
Food, live music, dancing, cold drinks, bouncy house for kids; monetary donation to be collected to support Hope Ministries. Saints Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church, 59250 Keria Trail, South Bend.
• 11th Annual ARTS in the Street Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 │Free;
Full day of art, music and community celebration at an open-air gallery and stage for local and regional artists. Hosted by Heartland Art Center. Downtown Plymouth, 214 N. Michigan St.; heartlandartgallery.com.
• 5th Annual Festival of Hope
5 to 9 p.m. July 26 │Free (donations welcome);
Music, kid’s activities, vendors, food trucks, community resources, more. Goshen Brewing Company, 315 W. Washington St., Goshen.
• Westside BBQ and Craft Fest
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 27 │Free;
Live music, the garden, vendors, family-friendly activities and BBQ. The Unity Gardens, 3701 Prast Blvd., South Bend; theunitygardens.org.
• Xinsurance Great Lakes Grand Prix
July 28–Aug. 3 │$200-$15;
Free action-packed weekend boasts a boat parade, block party, live entertainment, family activities, festival food and drinks, meet the racers and team members, and power-boat racing. Washington Park, 6 on the Lake, Michigan City; greatlakesgrandprix.com.
AUGUST
• Shipshewana Antique Market
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 1-2 │Free;
Vendors, food, prizes, rain or shine, $5 parking per vehicle; Shipshewana Misc. & Antique Auction Building, 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana; shipshewanatradingplace.com.
• Elkhart Grand Prix
Aug. 1-2 │Free;
Kart racing, free concerts, tournaments, kid’s events, fireworks, more. Downtown Elkhart; elkhartgp.com.
• Chalk the Block
Aug. 1-3 │ Free;
Artists take over Broad Street, watch as artists prepare their squares, farmers market, kids Zone, and more over the three days. Attendees vote for favorite chalk masterpiece. Broad Street, St. Joseph; stjoetoday.com.
• Fish Lake Festival
2 to 7 p.m. CT Aug. 2 │Free;
Crafters, vendors, food, games, duck race, cruise-in, hog roast at $14-$7. Fish Lake Conservation Club, 7873 E. Indiana 4, Walkerton.
• Goshen’s Splash-Tastic Weekend
Aug. 2-3 │ $10 per participant per session;
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Abshire Park, 1302 E. Lincoln Ave., Goshen. No on-site registrations. Pre-registration required at Parks and Recreation Office, 524 E. Jackson St., Goshen, or online at https://secure.rec1.com/IN/goshen-parks-and-recreation-in/.
• Chesterton Art Fair
Aug. 2-3 │ Admission charge;
90+ artists, live music, family activities, food vendors, free parking. Dogwood Park, 1504 S. 23rd St., Chesterton; chestertonart.org/chesterton-art-fair.
• Chill with a Cop at National Night Out
5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 5 │Free;
Evening of popsicles, games, inflatables, music, Safety Pup and more with Mishawaka Police Department. Merrifield Park, 1000 E. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka.
• National Night Out – Elkhart Police Dept.
5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 5 │Free;
Join the Elkhart Police Department for free family fun! Inflatables, food, K-9 demonstration, more. Central Green, 300 S. Main St., Elkhart; elkhartpolice.org/event/national-night-out.
• EnviroFest
4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8 │Free;
Food vendors, booths, silent auction, live music, kid’s area and entertainment, workshops, more. Donations appreciated. Island Park, North Main and East Sycamore streets, Elkhart; elkhartenvirofest.com.
• HannaFest
Aug. 8-9 │Free;
Celebration of the history, culture, heritage and community spirit of Hanna, Indiana.
• Osceola Music Festival
Aug. 8-10 │Free;
Five bands, artisans, craft makers, traditional and unique festival food, frog jumping contest, more. Fern Hunsberger Park, 202 N. Lamport, Osceola; osceolamusicfestival.com.
• Slide the Hill
Aug. 8-11 │$7 admission, $8 tubes;
Slip-n-slide down the hills on a giant foam and water slip-n-slide. Bring your own tube. Pre-register online at https://mishawaka.recdesk.com/Community/Calendar. George Wilson Park, 2605 Clover Road, Mishawaka.
Friday: Session 1 for preschool/special needs: 3 to 5 p.m.; Session 2: 6 to 8 p.m.
Saturday: Session 3: 1 to 3 p.m.; Session 4: 4 to 6 p.m.
Sunday: Session 5: 1 to 3 p.m.
Monday: Session 6: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• South Bend Art Beat
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 9 │Free;
Day-long celebration of our local artists with a variety of performing, visual and culinary artists. Jefferson Street Bridge and East Bank, South Bend; downtownsouthbend.com.
• Touch-A-Truck
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 16 │Free;
Hands-on experience for children of all ages to touch, climb and explore various types of vehicles. Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum campus, 897 Thomas St., South Bend.
• Lubeznik Arts Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT Aug. 16-17 │Free;
80 artists, food vendors, indoor exhibitions, family activities, live demonstrations. Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. Second St., Michigan City; LubeznikCenter.org.
• Yellowstone Trail Fest
Aug. 16-17 │Free;
Game, food trucks, vendors, car show, fireworks, more. Starke County Fairgrounds, 400 S. Division St., Hamlet; yellowstonetrailfest.com.
• Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival
Aug. 21-31 │ $45-$10;
“King Lear” will be performed. Tues.-Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays 2 p.m. DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame; Shakespeare.nd.edu/shows for tickets.
• Canal Days
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 23 │ Free;
Family-friendly activities, craft and art booths, food vendors, kid’s activities, cardboard boat race. Village at Winona, Ind.; villageatwinona.com/events.
• Mill Pond Festival
Aug. 23-24 │ Free;
Food and craft vendors, live entertainment, car show, parade, fireworks, raffles and more. Union Mills Conservation Club, 100 Mill Pond Road, Union Mills.
• Michiana Renaissance Festival
Aug. 23-24 │$15-Free;
Fun and educational activities for the whole family, rain or shine. Donate canned food items and receive $1 off ticket price. St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend; michianarenfest.com.
• Blueberry Festival
Aug. 29-Sept. 1 │Free;
Crafts, vendors, food, carnival rides, sport tournaments, garden tractor pull, car show, live music and entertainment, more; no pets allowed. Centennial Park, 1660 N. Michigan St., Plymouth; blueberryfestival.org.
• Michigan City Oktoberfest
Aug. 29-Sept. 1 │Free;
50 live entertainment acts on 3 stages, bars, food vendors, arts, crafts, merchandise vendors and kid’s zone. Washington Park, 6 on the Lake, Michigan City; emichigancity.com.
SEPTEMBER
• LaPorte County Draft Horse Show
Sept. 4-6 │Free;
Hitch teams from across the country, farm team, youth events, halter shows; bleacher seating or bring a chair, concessions or bring your own. LaPorte County Fairgrounds, 2581 Indiana 2, LaPorte; full list events at laportecodrafthorse.org. All times Central.
• Middlebury Fall Festival 2024
Sept. 5-6 │Free;
Farmers Market, food, pork chop dinner at Fire Department from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, artisans, crafters, cornhole tournament, fireworks, more. Bring lawn chairs. Downtown Middlebury; middleburyinchamber.com/festivals-events.
• Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival
Sept. 5-7 │Free; some events charge a fee;
Wine and beer tastings, grape stomp, craft show, parade. Check schedule online. Downtown Paw Paw, Michigan; wineandharvestfestival.com.
• Country Fest
3 to 10 p.m. Sept. 6│TBD;
Join Mishawaka Parks Department and B100 for an evening filled with all things country. Food trucks, kids’ zone and more. Ironworks Plaza, 235 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka; Mishawaka.in.gov/parksandrecreation.
• Arts on the Millrace
10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 6 │Free;
Art, music, food, drink, celebrate the region’s art, kid-friendly activities. Millrace Canal, Powerhouse Park, West Washington Street, Goshen; artsonthemillrace.org.
• Corndog Festival
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 6 │Free;
Artisan Village featuring area artists and vendors, Corndog Alley, Weiner Dog costume contest, Corndog king contest, music, entertainment, more. Congdon Park, North Division Street, Bristol; bristolcorndogfest.com.
• 46th Annual Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. CT Sept. 6 │Free;
Popcorn parade at 10 a.m. CT, 300+ vendors, Main Stage Music in Central Park Plaza, Poppin’ Play Zone, beer garden, more. Downtown Valparaiso, 16 E. Lincolnway; valparaisoevents.com/event/valparaiso-popcorn-festival.
• Door Village Harvest Festival
Sept. 6-7 │Free;
Craft vendors, food, kids’ zone, car show, horse and wagon rides, cemetery tours, petting zoo, tractor pulls, live music, more. Door Village, Indiana; michigancitylaporte.com/events-directory.
• Apple Fest Arts & Craft Show
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 6-7 CT │Free;
Arts and crafts, 25 vendors, tractor and horse-drawn wagon rides, more. Garwood Orchards, 5911 W. 50 S., LaPorte.
• Niles Scream Park
8 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 6-27; 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 3-25; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays Oct. 12-26; Black Out 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 7-8 │$52-$5;
44 acres of blood-curdling fear and fun. Almost actorless nights, 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 30-31; adults only (18+) night, 7 to 11 p.m. Nov. 1. Purchase tickets online (price is more at gate). Niles Scream Park, 855 Mayflower Road, Niles, 269-687-FEAR; haunted.org.
• Nappanee Apple Festival
Sept. 18-21 │Free;
7-foot baked apple pie, vendors, crafts, games, food, music, rides, contests, more. Downtown Nappanee; nappaneeapplefestival.org.
• Sunflower Fair
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Sept. 20 │Free;
100 crafters and vendors, entertainment, food, kid’s activities, more. Michigan Avenue, downtown LaPorte; sunflowerfair.com.
• Trail of Courage Living History Festival
Sept. 20-21 │$10-Free;
Historic pre-1840 encampments and trading; food; crafts; period music and dance; historic programs, more, no pets. Fulton County Historical Society grounds, 37 East 375 North, Rochester, 574-223-4436; fultoncountyhistory.org.
• Four Flags Area Apple Festival
Sept. 25-28 │Free, $5 parking donation;
Parade, vendors, crafts, food, entertainment, rides, games and everything apple; purchase wristbands online at skerbeck.com/events. 1740 Lake St., Niles; fourflagsapplefestival.org.
• Falloween Fest
Sept. 26-28 │ Free;
Food, games, special events and activities, live music, carnival rides (fee); proceeds benefit JGHS scholarship fund. John Glenn High School, 201 John Glenn Drive, Walkerton; falloweenfest.com.
• Wanatah Scarecrow Festival
Sept. 26-28 │Free;
Arts and crafts, food, parade, scarecrow sculpting, fun runs, music, variety of entertainment, bingo, more. North Main and East High streets, Wanatah.
• Brew at the Zoo
3 to 9 p.m. Sept. 27 │$100-$75;
Beer-tasting event of local and regional breweries and wineries, explore the zoo, live music, food, drinks. Held rain or shine. 21+ event, valid ID to enter. Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn, South Bend; potawatomizoo.org/annual-events.
• Sauk Trail Festival: Echoes of our Past
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 27 │Free;
1650 to 1750 reenactors will provide demonstrations, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians to perform traditional dances in regalia, rides on a Voyageur canoe, archeological dig for children, more. Edwardsburg Area Historical Museum, 26818 W. Main St., Edwardsburg; 269-663-3005.
• Valpo Brewfest
1 to 4:30 p.m. CT Sept. 27 │$99-$25;
Get “hopped” at the 2025 Valpo Brewfest! Live music, sample over 200 beers, ciders, and meads from craft brewers. 21+ event, ID required. Food available for purchase. Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso; valparaisoevents.com/event/valpo-brewfest.
• Fusion Fest
Sept. 27-28 │Free;
Bringing together rich cultures from around the world that make up the South Bend region, food vendors, music, demonstrations and artisans, Howard Park, 219 S. St. Louis Blvd. and surrounding streets, South Bend; sbfusionfest.com.
• 2025 Arts Café
Noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 28 │Free;
Arts Café, hayrides, two outdoor stages, more. Rain or shine. Corner of California and Sherman to Portage, South Bend; nearnorthwest.org/news-and-events.
• Waggin in the Woods
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28 │Free;
Celebrate all things dogs! Family- and pet-friendly activities, vendors, food trucks, more. Pooch Parade at 2 p.m., bring your dog, costumes encouraged. Dog agility course, raffle prizes, Ask-A-Vet booth with $15 microchipping, nail trim and more. Donations appreciated. For a list of suggested donations, check out the event on Facebook. Elkhart Environmental Center, 1717 E. Lusher Ave., Elkhart.
OCTOBER
• Fall Festival
12 to 7 p.m. Oct. 4 │Free;
Pumpkin painting, hayrides, train rides, games, bonfire, food, more. Coppes Commons, 401 E. Market St., Nappanee.
• Westville Pumpkin Festival
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Oct. 4 │Free;
Enjoy pumpkin baked goods, crafts, food vendors, tractor pull, parade, 5K, raffle, kid’s games and more. Prairie Meadow Park, U.S. Highways 6 and 421, Westville.
• Southgate Crossing Fall Fest
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 │Free;
Arts and crafts, baked goods, antiques, flea market finds and more. Concessions available. Southgate Crossing, 27751 County Road 26, Elkhart; southgatecrossing.info/event-calendar.
• Under the Harvest Moon Festival
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 │Free;
Vendors of handmade and artisan products, antiques, family activities, fall produce. Downtown Dowagiac; dowagiacchamber.com.
• Antiques & Collectibles Show and Sale
Oct. 23-25 │$10-$4;
Appraisals Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: $5 first item, $2 each additional item. Fulton County Historical Society grounds, 37 East 375 North, Rochester; fultoncountyhistory.org.
• Quilt Show
Oct. 24-25 │ $10-Free;
Over 100 quilts made by Niles Piecemakers Quilt Guild. Vendors, silent auction, gift boutique, sewing flea market, one quilt to be raffled. Niles Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Hope Community Church, 2390 Lake St., Niles; nilespiecemakers.com.
• Michiana Festival of Beers
2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 │Admission fee;
Commemorative 5 oz. sample mug and unlimited samples. Live music. Must be 21 and older. Four Winds Field, 501 W. South St., South Bend; festivalofbeers.us.
NOVEMBER
• Flannel Formal
7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 7 │ $10;
Dress in your best flannel attire for axe-throwing, live music, drinks, 21+ event, IDs will be checked. Ball Band Biergarten, 230 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka; Mishawaka.in.gov/parksandrecreation.
• Fall Artisan Market
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8│Free;
An array of booths and vendors, crafted wines, mulled wine and hot chocolate for sale. Filkins Vineyards, 6991 Ryno Road, Coloma; stjoetoday.com.
• Shipshewana Lights of Joy
Mid November to Dec. 31 │$30-$20/vehicle;
Drive-through light experience featuring more than 2 million LED lights, 1.5 miles. Open various dates in November and December, 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Shipshewana Flea Market Grounds, enter from Indiana 5, 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana; shipshewanalightsofjoy.com.
• 2025 Holiday Spectacular
Nov. 21-22 │Free;
Handmade artisan and craft vendors, baked goods, antiques, more. Concessions available. Southgate Crossing, 27751 County Road 26, Elkhart; southgatecrossing.info/event-calendar.
• Goshen’s Nights of Lights
Nov. 27-Jan. 1, 2026 │Free;
Christmas light show from 5 to 10 p.m. nightly. Shanklin Park, 411 W. Plymouth Ave., Goshen.
• Gift of Lights
Nov. 28-Dec. 28 │Admission Charge;
Visit the Zoo for display of holiday lights, seasonal activities, visit Santa, ride the train, more. Open 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays. Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn, South Bend; potawatomizoo.org.
DECEMBER
• Winterfest – Elkhart
Dec. 6 │Free;
Breakfast with Santa, shopping, kid’s activities, lighted parade, tree lighting ceremony, more. Downtown Elkhart; visitelkhartcounty.com.
• Winterfest – Mishawaka
5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 │ Free (charge for some activities);
Lighted parade, tree lighting, food vendors, holiday market, pictures with Santa, ice carving, fire performers, axe-throwing, ice skating, more. Ironworks Plaza, 235 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka; mishawaka.in.gov/parksandrecreation.
• Michigan City Festival of Lights Celebration
Dec. 6 │Free;
Parade, chili cook-off, more. Franklin Street and Washington Park; emichigancity.com/1252/festival-of-lights.
• Holly Days
3 to 6 p.m. CT Dec. 6 │Free;
Live entertainment, ice sculptures, holiday lights, carolers, Santa, live nativity, more. Downtown Valparaiso, 16 E. Lincolnway and Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso; valparaisoevents.com/event/holly-days.
• Holiday Historic Walking Tour
1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 14 │Free;
Self-guided tours of historic homes and businesses in the West Washington National Historic District in South Bend. Participating locations offer either a guided or self-guided tour; downtownsouthbend.com.
FEBRUARY 2026
• Ice Time Festival
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 7, 2026 │Free;
Ice carvers, campfire, s’mores, Chili Crawl, kid’s activities and crafts at multiple locations. Dowagiac’s Central Business District in downtown; dowagiacchamber.com.
COUNTY FAIRS
• Starke County 4-H Fair
June 21-27; Starke County 4-H Fairgrounds, 400 Division St., Hamlet.
• St. Joseph County Fair
June 27-July 5; St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 Ironwood Road, South Bend; 4hfair.com.
• LaPorte County Fair
July 5-12; LaPorte County Fairgrounds, 2581 Indiana 2, LaPorte; lpfair.com.
• Kosciusko County Fair
July 6-12; Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw; www.kcfair.com.
• Marshall County 4-H Fair
July 12-18; Marshall County 4-H Fairgrounds, 211 W. Walnut St., Argos.
• Elkhart County 4-H Fair
July 18-26; Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen; 4hfair.org.
• Cass County Fair
July 27-Aug. 2; Cass County Fairgrounds, 590 N. O’Keefe, Cassopolis; mycasscountyfair.com.
• Berrien County Youth Fair
Aug. 11-16; Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds, 9122 Michigan 139, Berrien Springs; bcyf.us.
• St. Joseph County Grange Fair
Sept. 14-20; St. Joseph County Grange Fairground, 316 E. Charlotte St., Centreville; sjcgfair.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Make memories this summer by attending festivals, art fairs, county fairs, and more
Reporting by Cheryl Morey, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
