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, fall and a few winter items. A guide featuring summer outdoor concerts will be published in June.
MAY
• Fat & Skinny Tirefest
May 15-17 │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.
• New Buffalo Home, Builder & Garden Festival
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 │ Free;
Find home improvement specialists, custom builders, interior designers, artisans, landscapers and garden experts all in one location. Downtown New Buffalo, 29 N. Whittaker St.; exitoneevents.org/new-buffalo-home-and-garden/.
• Homespun Spring Market
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16 │$5-Free;
100+ local artisans, live music, food trucks, local bakeries and more. St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 S. Ironwood, South Bend.
• Sip! Buchanan
8 a.m. – 10 p.m. May 16 │ $60-Free;
Stroll through newly renovated downtown while enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere with entertainment and activities for all ages. Farmers Market, car show, live music, concert featuring Shock Roxy. Attendees 21 and older can purchase a tasting wristband for tasting-size pours of regional wine, beer and spirits. Advance tickets for wristbands at sipbuchanan.eventbrite.com. This event is rain or shine.
• 175 Series: Waterways to Railways Walking Tour
9:50 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 16, June 6, July 18, Aug. 29 │ Free;
Discover Elkhart’s origins at the confluence of three waterways as you explore history on location with a tour that highlights the forces that shaped the city. Walking tour is presented by National New York Central Railroad Museum and Ruthmere. Tour covers 2.5 miles and begins and ends at the Beardsley Discovery Center, 819 N. Main St., Elkhart. There will be a water break and a lunch stop at Old Style Deli around noon. Registration required at elkhartrail175.zite.so. For more ElkhartRail 175 events, visit nnycrrmuseum.org.
• Niles Renaissance Faire
May 16-17 │$10-$5, children 4 & under free;
Step back and celebrate the medieval times. Armored combat, live performances by bards and entertainers, merchants, jailer who will gladly lock up a member of your party … for a price, children’s scavenger hunt, and more. Plym Park, 401 Marmont St., Niles; nilesrenaissancefaire.com.
• Pets & Pours
Noon to 4 p.m. (CT) May 17 │$60-$20;
Leashed pups, families and friends are invited to stroll the gardens, live music by Help Hounds, food/drinks, pet-friendly vendors, raffles, giveaways, yard games and more. Proceeds benefit the Michiana Humane Society. Friendship Botanic Gardens, 2055 E. U.S. 12, Michigan City. Purchase tickets at michianapets.org. Children 13 and younger are free.
• Senior Veteran Celebration
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 17 │ Free;
Family-friendly event to honor veterans, active military personnel, and families, while highlighting the life-changing impact of Therapeutic Equestrian Center’s equine-assisted services. Color guard ceremony is at 10:45 a.m. followed by full schedule of activities, games, entertainment with live music by Curtis Lee Putman and more. Food and beverages available for purchase. Donations to support TEC’s programs will be accepted. Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Jane M. Hiler Facility, 1207 E. Galien-Buchanan Road, Buchanan.
• PechaKucha SJ/BH
7 to 9:30 p.m. May 21 │$5;
Presenters show 20 images, each for 20 seconds, and tell a story, with visuals guiding the way. Tickets purchased at the door. Shadowland Ballroom, 333 Broad St., St. Joseph.
• 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.
• St. Mary of the Lake Family Festival
May 22-24 │Free;
Carnival rides, food, vendors and more. Single day wristbands, $25. St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 704 W. Merchant St., New Buffalo; Michigan.org/events.
• Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 23 │Free;
More than 30 artists display a wide range of mediums, activities for children, food and drink vendors. Oakwood Resort, 702 E. Lake View Road, Syracuse; chautauquawawasee.org.
• Lighthouse Tours
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 23 – Sept. 5 │$5-Free;
Weather permitting, tours are weekly on Saturdays, begin at North Pier to lighthouse at 10 a.m., free first-floor exhibit, $5 per person to climb to the top of lighthouse. Cash only at lighthouse; cash/credit at St. Joe Today Welcome Center, 301 State St., St. Joseph. Parking at Tiscornia Park, 80 Ridgeway St., St. Joseph; stjoetoday.com.
• MC Food and Music Festival
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT) May 23-24 │Free;
Twenty local and regional food trucks, live music, “Battle of the Bands,” Guy Foreman Amphitheater, 115 Lakeshore Drive, Michigan City; mcfoodandmusicfest.com.
• Art Walk Wednesdays
5 to 8 p.m. May 27, June 24, July 29, Aug. 26, Sept. 30 │Free;
Local artists, creative displays, music, interactive experiences, monthly themes. Downtown Elkhart; Facebook.com/elkhartartwalk.
• Michiana Christian Community Women’s Conference
May 28-31 │$225-Free;
Check-in at 2 p.m. May 28 at Bethel University, Mishawaka. Services: 7 p.m. May 28, 29, 30 and 9:30 a.m. May 29 and 30 and 10 a.m. May 31 at Michiana Christian Community Church, 1217 S. Logan St., South Bend. Cost is $225 to stay in a Bethel dorm. There is no cost to attend the services only. Call Rebecca Parker for more information: 574-876-0063.
• Egg Festival
May 28-30 │ Free;
This three-day event features entertainment, games, food, a parade, play area for kids, a car/truck/motorcycle/tractor show, flea market, crafts, and more. This year’s theme, “The 80th Birthday of the Big Egg.” To see a complete list of events, go online to mentoneeggcity.com/egg-festival.
• Studebaker Car Show
7 to 9 p.m. May 29 │ Free;
Unique exhibition of vintage wheels, each with a story and history. Hosted by South Bend Chapter – Studebaker Driver’s Club. Ironworks Plaza, 235 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka.
• “A Barbershop Home Companion”
3 to 5 p.m. May 30 │$20;
Join the Valleyaires Chorus tribute to a classic radio program as they present “A Barbershop Home Companion,” featuring the Generations Trio jazz ensembles and special guest quartet Michigan Jake. John Adams High School Auditorium, 808 S. Twyckenham Drive, South Bend; tickets at valleyaires.org.
• Quilt Gardens Along the Heritage Trail
Daylight hours May 30-Sept. 15 │ Free;
The gardens combine quilting, gardening and art into a one-of-a-kind visitor experience. Go to visitelkhartcounty.com/things-to-do/attractions/quilt-gardens/ to find a list and map of locations of the gardens.
• Art Markets at KAC
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 30, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 5 │ 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 30, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 5 │ Free;
Eclectic craft fair with more than 50 local vendors. Lake Bluff Park, 520-598 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph; stjoetoday.com/artisanfair.
JUNE
• Movies in the Park
8:30 p.m. (CT) June 3, 10, 17, 24 │ Free;
Bring blankets and chairs for seating, concessions available; Wythogan Park Performance Stage, 101 W. Washington St., Knox; cityofknox.net/calendar.
• Classic Car Cruze In
5 to 8 p.m. June 3, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2 │ Free;
Al show vehicles welcome. No pre-registration needed. Chance to win door prizes and a coupon for The Chophouse special. Swan Lake Resort, 5203 Plymouth LaPorte Trail, Plymouth; swanlakeresort.com/events.aspx.
• Cassopolis Beach Bash
June 5-6 │ Free;
Stone Lake Beach, Lake Street, Cassopolis. Friday: 4 p.m. Beer Garden at Sinclair Station, 200 S. Broadway, 21+ only with valid ID, $5/drink; 4 p.m. food trucks (some cash only); 7 to 10 p.m. live music with PS Dump Your Boyfriend; 10 p.m. fireworks. Saturday: noon-6 p.m. vendor market; noon-3 p.m. free kids’ area; noon, Beer Garden and food trucks (some cash only); 7 to 10 p.m. live music with Blammo; 10 p.m. drone show; cassopolismainstreet.com.
• 43rd Annual Studebaker Car Show
June 5-6 │ $5 per person;
Car show, swap meet and car corral. All makes and models welcome. More than 130 vendor booths selling Studebaker and classic car parts, accessories, memorabilia, crafts. St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 S. Ironwood Road, South Bend; southbendchaptersdc.com.
• DTSB First Fridays
5 to 9 p.m. June 5, July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4 │Free;
Different themes 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 5, July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4 │Free;
Different themes each month, music and specials. Downtown Goshen; downtowngoshen.org/events.
• South Bend Architectural Walking Tours
6 to 7:30 p.m. June 5, July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2 │$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.
• Kosciusko County Freedom Fest
June 5-7 │ Free;
Parades, vendors, fireworks, concerts, reenactments, antique tractor show and more. East Smith Street, Warsaw; kcfreedomfest.org.
• Fantastic Fishing Derby
11 a.m. June 6 │$5;
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 2 at Goshen Park Office, 524 E. Jackson St., Goshen.
• Brew at the Zoo
5 to 8 p.m. (CT) June 6 │Tickets required;
Craft brews, wine, hard ciders, mead and seltzers; live music; and more. Must be 21 with valid ID. Washington Park Zoo, 115 Lake Shore Drive, Michigan City; michigancitylaporte.com/events-directory. Proceeds support the animals and programs of the zoo.
• Kids Fishing Clinic
9 a.m. to noon June 6 │Free;
For ages 7+, this clinic features a series of stations to teach kids the aspects of fishing: stewardship, conservation, safety and casting, knot tying, basic tackle, and water safety. Live fish from the Elkhart River will be on display. Food available for purchase. High Dive Park, off Baldwin Street, Elkhart; cityofelkhartin.gov/fishing-clinic/.
• FARMette 2026 Music Showcase and Conference
9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. June 6 │$30-$20;
Day-long summit bringing together singer-songwriters with industry hosts, original music and house concert venues, radio shows and festivals. Includes 88 private musician showcases, panel discussions by industry experts and keynote speaker singer-songwriter Tim Easton. Day concludes with music showcase that is open to the public. Hosted by Hoosier Original Music Association, Indiana University South Bend, 1700 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend; hoosieroriginalmusic.com.
• Fun Fest
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 6 │ Free;
The Michigan Maritime Museum will hold this high-energy, waterfront celebration filled with hands-on activities, live demonstrations and family fun. Free city-wide shuttle service is available. Boat rides, tours, games, free ice cream and root beer. Food and raffle tickets available for purchase. The museum is at 260 Dyckman Ave., South Haven; michiganmaritimemuseum.org.
• Village Art Fair
June 6-7 │ Free;
Artwork from 70 juried vendors, live music, kid’s activities, food vendors. The Village at Winona, Winona Lake; villageatwinona.com/events.
• Junk in the Trunk
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7 │ Free;
Shop for everything from crafts, flea market items or antiques all from the back of vendors’ car trunks. 820 Antiques, 820 N. Ward St., Elkhart.
• Rebel Art Fest 2026
Noon to 8 p.m. June 7 │Free;
Festival showcases local makers, artists and musicians. Food and drink vendors. Parking is available at the park, Indiana University South Bend and Adams High School. Wall Street will be blocked from the zoo entrance to Greenlawn Avenue. Potawatomi Park, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend; rebelartfest.com.
• Antiques on the Bluff
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4 │Free;
Premier antique show overlooking Lake Michigan with more than 50 vendors. New hidden treasures each month. Rain or shine. Lake Bluff Park, 520-598 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph; stjoetoday.com/antiques.
• Bremen Firemen’s Festival
June 9-13 │Free;
Parade, carnival rides, vendors, food, fireworks, 5K run/walk, more. Sunnyside Park, 400 E. Maple St., Bremen; bremenfire.org/events. Register for the 5K at bremenfire.org/firemens-festival-5k.
• Hartford Strawberry Festival
June 12-13 │ Free;
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary strawberry style. Multiple locations throughout Hartford, Michigan, including the library at 12 Church St. and Hartford United Methodist Church, 425 E. Main St.; hartfordmichamber.org.
• Rhapsody Arts & Music Festival
June 12-13 │Free;
Set along the river at Island Park, enjoy a summer celebration of art vendors, children’s entertainment, food and live music. Island Park, North Main and Sycamore streets, Elkhart; elkhartindiana.org/Rhapsody.
• Three Oaks Flag Day Weekend
June 12-14 │Free;
Vendors, food trucks, live music, 5K run/walk, pet parade, Quilts of Valor presentation, and fireworks. Downtown locations, Three Oaks; threeoaksflagday.com.
• Potato Creek & Lions Strawberry Festival
June 12-13 │Free;
Arts, crafts, food, live music, strawberry shortcake and more. Indiana 23 and Indiana 4, downtown North Liberty; Facebook.com/PotatoCreekFestival.
• Candy Land Comes to Nappanee
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 13 │ Free;
Downtown businesses will join the fun with candy-themed activities, treats and special surprises; visitnappanee.com/Nappanee-events.
• Movies on the Gridiron
7 to 11:30 p.m. June 13, July 18 │Free;
June 13 – Zootopia 2; July 18 – KPop Demon Hunters. Weather permitting. Free parking is 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.
• Summer Fest & Flea Market
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 13-Oct. 10 │Free;
Shop 25+ vendors featuring vintage items, furniture, handmade crafts and more. Southgate Crossing, 27751 County Road 26, Elkhart; southgatecrossing.info.
• The Painted Ladies
June 13-Aug. 23 │$12-$7;
Painted Ladies to have an art exhibit from June 13-Aug. 23 with an art opening reception on June 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fernwood Botanical Gardens, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles. Fernwood hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Children 4 and younger are admitted free to the gardens.
• 38th Elkhart Jazz Festival
June 18-21 | $105-$40.30 for headliners; passes are $105.80-$33.65
The 38th Elkhart Jazz Festival features a variety of jazz concerts in downtown. Headliners are Larkin Poe on June 18; Jeff Hamilton Trio, June 19; St. Paul and the Broken Bones, June 20; and John Pizzarelli, June 21. Headliners’ concerts are at The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main St., Elkhart; 574-293-4469 or elkhartjazzfestival.com.
• Fulton County Historical Power Show
June 19-20 │$3-Free;
Antique tractors, vendors, crafts, food, toy show from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and more. Free parking. No pets. Fulton County Historical Society grounds, 37 East 375 North, Rochester; fultoncountyhistory.org.
• North Judson Mint Festival
June 19-21 │Free;
Celebrate all things mint — cooking with mint, family activities, bands, carnival, food/craft vendors and more. Lane Street and North Judson Park, North Judson; northjudsonmintfest.com.
• Shipshewana Antique Market
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 19-20 │Free;
Dealers selling antiques, vintage, collectibles, furniture, primitives, toys, signs, jewelry and more. Food vendors, $5 parking per vehicle. Held rain or shine. Shipshewana Misc. & Antique Auction Building, 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana; shipshewanatradingplace.com/events/Shipshewana-antique-market/.
• Foam Fest
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 20 │ $10;
Day full of foam-tastic fun and games! Ironworks Plaza, 235 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka; Mishawaka.in.gov/parksandrecreation.
• Tour de Unity
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 20 │ $40-$20;
Join a group bike ride led by volunteers from the South Bend Bike Garage to five Unity Garden satellites. Each stop will feature a small plate in theme created by culinary students at Ivy Tech. Bring a bike, helmet and any additional gear you may need. Tour times: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Begin at LaSalle Square Garden, 3701 Prast Blvd., South Bend; theunitygardens.org to get a ticket.
• 59th Annual Leeper Park Art Fair
June 20-21 │Free;
More than 80 fine artists from across the U.S., food, music, free parking and shuttle service from Century Center, 120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Fully accessible with paved pathways throughout the park. Leeper Park, 907 Riverside Drive, South Bend; leeperparkartfair.org.
• Shipshewana Swap Meet Dates
Daylight to 1 p.m. June 20, Aug. 1, Sept. 19, Oct. 17 │ Free;
Hunt for bargains in outdoor, open-air marketplace. Small animals, produce, baked goods, antiques, flowers, local vendors and food. Most vendors only accept cash. Parking $5. Shipshewana Flea Market, 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana.
• Sturgis Fest
June 23-27 │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 “A Night at The Musical”; sturgisfestmi.com.
• Arts in Bloom Garden Walk
9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 24 │$25 advance, $30 at event;
Self-guided tours of home gardens. This year, artists will be painting in the gardens included in the walk. Begin at The History Museum, 897 Thomas St., South Bend. Sponsored by The Art League; proceeds benefit children’s programs at the South Bend Museum of Art. Purchase tickets at southbendart.org or the South Bend Museum of Art office, 120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., South Bend, by June 23 at 5 p.m.
• Rumely Allis-Chalmers Antique Tractor Show
June 26-28 │ Freewill donation;
Hit-n-miss engines, antique chainsaws, vintage tractors of all makes and years, farm tow vendors, parts vendors, cruise-in car show on June 28, parade, kids pedal pull, and more. Southwest corner of the LaPorte County Fairgrounds at Rumely Allis-Chalmers LaPorte Heritage Center, 2859 W. Indiana 2, LaPorte. Enter between the animal shelter and county extension office. More information on Facebook or rumelyallis.com.
• 38th Annual British Car Show
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 27 │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.
• Pop-Up Water Park
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27 │ $10;
Water slides for all ages and endless fun for the entire family. Get admission tickets now at Goshen.in.gov/government/departments/parks-rec/water-slide-events, search “water park.” Food vendors on site for additional purchase price. Pringle Park, 1912 W. Lincoln Ave., Goshen.
• Benefit Car Show
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 27 │Free;
Berrien County Firefighters Assoc. & Sheriff’s Department host at Maiden Lane Park, 1051 Maiden Lane, St. Joseph. Opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Cacklefest Nitro cars fire up, noon; bounce fire truck, door prizes, swap meet, silent auction, food vendors, music, pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m., no pets, donations appreciated. Corvettes featured this year. Car show entry fee: $10 per vehicle (at the gate). Gates open at 7 a.m.; mi-BCFA.org/CarShow.htm.
• Family Fun Day & Fireworks Show
2 p.m. (CT) June 27 │ 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.
• Artisan Market
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27│Free;
An array of booths and vendors, crafted wines, mulled wine and hot chocolate for sale. Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck onsite. Filkins Vineyards, 6991 Ryno Road, Coloma; filkinsvineyards.com/upcoming-events/.
• 175 Series: “What Happened at Benham West”
2 p.m. June 27 │ Free;
A screening and discussion of the 80-minute documentary, “What Happened at Benham West: African American Series of Community, Displacement and Hope,” presented by Nekeisha Alayna Alexis, intercultural competence and undoing racism coordinator at AMBS. Event will take place at National New York Central Railroad Museum, 721 S. Main St., Elkhart; nnycrrmuseum.org.
• Lavender Festival
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CT) June 27-28 │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; facebook.com/Lakesidelavenderandherbs.
• Civil War Train Raids Weekend
June 27-28 │ $5 admission + cost of train rides;
Explore the North and South encampments on the Hesston Steam Museum campus. Board the Hesston & Galena Creek Narrow Gauge Railroad as the train transports troops and Union Army gold through hostile territory. The museum is at 1201 E. 1000 N., LaPorte. Tickets: $11-Free; hesston.org/civil_war-train.
• Buchanan Pride 2026
1 to 8 p.m. June 28 │Free;
Vendors, food, entertainment and more. The Common, 122 Days Ave., Buchanan; facebook.com/BuchananPride or buchananpride.org.
JULY
• Red, White & BBQ Festival
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 3 │ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. free; after 1 p.m., $10;
Children 12 and younger free all day;
BBQ, live country music, showcasing regional pit-masters, craft beer, local wines and food trucks. Lions Park, 101 Marquette Drive, New Buffalo; exitoneevents.org/red-white-bbq/.
• Berrien Springs Pickle Festival
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4 │ Free;
Vendors, pickle fling, contests, old-fashioned pickle games, delicious food, more and lots of community spirit. History Center at Courthouse Square, 313 N. Cass St., Berrien Springs; Facebook.com/BerrienSpringsPickleFestival.
• Topeka Festival
7 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 │Free;
Fireworks, buggy races, full day of outdoor fun. Food trucks, farmer’s market, kids’ activities and more. Pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., Road Race & Fun Walk at 8 a.m. Town of Topeka, IN; visitshipshewana.org/events/.
• Cars & Coffee
8 a.m. to 10 a.m. July 4, Aug. 1 │Free;
Enjoy coffee and doughnuts while checking out featured cars. Also, free admission to Studebaker National Museum throughout the event. Rain or shine. Studebaker National Museum, 897 Thomas St., South Bend; studebakermuseum.org/about/cars-coffee.
• Bristol Homecoming Festival
July 9 –11 │ Free;
Since 1883, family-fun events, entertainment, rides, food, free kids’ area, more. No pets. No alcohol. Congdon Park, 200 N. Division St., Bristol.
• Civilians and Soldiers in History Day
July 10-11 │Free; charge for train rides
A wide range of displays dating back to the Civil War and up to near modern day will be on display. Jeeps, cannons, half tracks, encampment displays, reenactors and more. Special Friday evening train ride at 6 p.m. CT. Diesel train rides at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 5 p.m. 8 p.m.; steam train rides at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. (all times CT). Tickets are $30-$10; Toddlers 0-2 are free. Purchase tickets online at hoosiervalley.org.
• Experience Nappanee
July 10-11 │ Free;
Downtown Nappanee will come alive for two days with sidewalk sales, a car show, live music, artisan vendors, food trucks, city-side garage sales and more; visitnappanee.com/nappanee-events.
• Concours d’Lemons South Bend
July 10 │Free;
Tongue-in-cheek event celebrates the weird, the flawed and the un-best of the automotive world from noon to 5 p.m. Also, Automotive History Live: A Lecture Forum — lectures from automotive historians and speakers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Weekend passes (all Friday and Saturday events) $40-$20 in advance only. Studebaker National Museum, 897 Thomas St., South Bend; tickets at: concoursatcopshaholm.org.
• Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 11 │ $20-$15 in advance, $30-$20 at gate, 17 and younger, free;
Premier celebration of automotive design, unique and rare vehicles, family friendly. This year, the event will celebrate Pontiac’s centennial with a class devoted to Pontiac automobiles of all years. Weekend passes (all Friday and Saturday events) $40-$20 in advance only. Studebaker National Museum, 897 Thomas St., South Bend; tickets at: concoursatcopshaholm.org.
• Pollinator Promenade
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 11 │ $1-Free;
All ages are welcome to compete in a speed walking race, pollinator-themed costume contest and scavenger hunt. Enjoy local vendors, food, information booths, kids’ activities, games. To register for any of the competitions, at $1/activity, go online or at the event. Elkhart Environmental Center, 1717 E. Lusher Ave., Elkhart; cityofelkhartin.gov/pollinator-promenade/.
• Celebrate Bridgman
July 11 │ Free;
Celebrate the history and charm of Bridgman with a 5K/10K and fun run, parade, artisan market, Auto’s-n-Ales at Haymarket, Street Dance with live music, food vendors, and Bridgman-made wines, beers, and spirits. Downtown Bridgman; bridgmancga.org/resource-center/events/.
• Ruthmere Ceramic Showcase
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11 │ Free;
Shop local artists and purchase a one-of-a-kind ceramic work of art. Enjoy a free cup of coffee and purchase lunch onsite from Ricky’s Taqueria, enjoy locally crafted beer or wine. The Ely will perform from 10 a.m. to noon at Coffee on the Piazza event. Reggae artist Kingly T. Enjoy will perform in the afternoon. Ruthmere, 302 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart; Ruthmere.org/Ceramic-showcase.
• 175 Series: 175 Years of Railroads in Elkhart
2 p.m. July 11 │ Free;
Steve Barton and Steve Dinehart will take participants back in time to experience the 175-year history of rail in Elkhart and tour the 1870s locomotive shops through eyewitness accounts. Event space, National New York Central Railroad Museum, 721 S. Main St., Elkhart; nnycrrmuseum.org.
• Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff
July 11-12 │Free;
Handmade artworks by 172 artists from across the U.S. Lake Bluff Park, 520-598 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph; krasl.org/art-fair/event-information.
• Underground Railroad Days
July 11-12 │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 M-60, Vandalia; urscc.org.
• South Bend Record Show Summer Bash
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12 │$7-$2;
Shop 100+ tables and 100,000+ items, including LPs, 45s, CDs, cassettes, gear and memorabilia. Outside, enjoy DJs, vendors, food trucks, cash bar and live screen printing. Early entry at 9 a.m. is $7; general admission at 11 a.m. is $2; kids 12 and younger free. Gillespie Conference Center, 53995 Indiana 933, South Bend; ftrvinyl.com/southbend/.
• Kamm Island Fest
5 to 9:30 p.m. July 15 │ $10;
Taste of Mishawaka, live music, car show, VIP tent and more. Adult-only event. Kamm Island Park, 600 W. Front St., Mishawaka.
• Mike Yore Memorial Car Show
4 to 8 p.m. July 17 │ Free;
“Cruise” along the bluff and enjoy classic hits as you take in more than 150 eye-catching vehicles. Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph.
• Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival
July 17-19 │Admission Fee;
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, standard Washington Park parking rates apply; michigancityin.gov/city-event/singing-sands-sand-sculpting-festival-2026/.
• 18th Annual Old Car Show
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT July 18 │$3-Free;
Come out and see a variety of autos. To enter a vehicle that is 30 years old or older, the cost of registration is $20 and the auto will be entered to compete for a variety of awards and trophies. Food trucks and vendors will be on site. Admission into the museum is included with car show tickets. LaPorte County Historical Society Museum, 2405 Indiana Ave., LaPorte; laportecountyhistory.org.
• Dowagiac Summer Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 18 │Free;
Family-friendly event, live music, dance performances, kid’s interactive entertainment, games, food trucks, artisan booths and vendors. Downtown Dowagiac, Michigan; dowagiacchamber.com.
• Resonant Vibe’s Good Vibes Food Truck Fest
3 to 9 p.m. July 18 │$20-$5;
A full day of flavor, fun and community. Enjoy a wide range of food trucks, explore artisan booths and take in live entertainment. Tournaments, obstacle course, bounce houses, flight simulator or relax with friends in the beer garden. Southgate Farmers Market, 27751 County Road 26, Elkhart; resonantvibe.org/event-details/good-vibes-food-truck-fest-2026.
• Our Lady of Hungary Parish Festival
4 to 9 p.m. July 18 │ Free;
Fun for the entire family. Our Lady of Hungary Parish and School, 735 W. Calvert St., South Bend.
• SerbFest
4 p.m. to midnight July 18 │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.
• Lest We Forget Reenactment Weekend
July 18-19 │ Free;
This year’s theme will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Riverview Park, 2927 Niles Road, St. Joseph; lestweforgetusa.org.
• Benton Harbor Children’s Art Fair
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. July 19 │Free;
Celebration of young talent with live entertainment, hands-on art stations, food trucks, more. Arts! Park, 143 Territorial Road, Benton Harbor. Sponsored by the Benton Harbor Arts Association.
• Valparaiso Wine Festival
5 to 8 p.m. CT July 18 │ $80-$25;
Enjoy a summer evening of wine tasting, live entertainment, 20+ vendors. Food is available for purchase. 21+ event, must present valid ID. Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso; valparaisoevents.com/event/valparaiso-wine-festival.
• Saugatuck Venetian Fest 2026
July 24-25 │Free;
Friday 7 to 11 p.m.: 1980s cover band Starfarm, tickets $20 at gate, credit/debit cards only, must be 21 with valid ID, no re-entry permitted. On Saturday: Paddle Poker event, Dinghy Poker run, Douglas Duck Dash, fireworks. For times of each event and tickets, go online to saugatuckvenetianfest.com.
• LakeFest
July 24-26 │Free;
Live music, art, food trucks, steamboat rides on Pine Lake, fitness classes, family beach bash along Stone Lake, brew fest, car show, family-friendly activities and more on Pine, Stone and Clear Lakes; for a full schedule, visit laportelakefest.com.
• New Carlisle Hometown Days
July 24-26 │ Free;
Family-friendly fun, Friday night fireworks. Memorial Park, in the center of New Carlisle; schedule of events at hometowndays.net.
• ARTS in the Street Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 25 │Free;
Full day of art, music and community celebration at an open-air gallery and stage for local and regional artists. Food vendors, activities for all ages. Hosted by Heartland Art Center. Downtown Plymouth, 214 N. Michigan St.; heartlandartgallery.com.
• Central Park Art Festival
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 25-26 │ Free;
More than 150 artists, live musicians, food truck and more. Central Park, 235 E. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka.
• Westside BBQ and Craft Fest
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 26 │Free;
Food trucks, craft vendors and informational booths, open garden, music and more. The Unity Gardens, 3701 Prast Blvd., South Bend; theunitygardens.org.
• Xinsurance Great Lakes Grand Prix
July 27–Aug. 2 │$535.78 – $45.10;
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.
• Midwest Invitational Rodeo – South Bend
July 31 – Aug. 1 │$25;
Kick off a rodeo weekend with a true western festival atmosphere filled with live rodeo action, music, energy and excitement. From 7 to 9:30 p.m. both nights. St. Joseph County Fairgrounds, 5117 S. Ironwood Road, South Bend; midwest-invitational.com.
• Shipshewana Antique Market
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 31-Aug. 1 │Free;
Dealers sell antiques, vintage, collectibles, furniture, primitives, toys, signs, jewelry and more. Food vendors, $5 parking per vehicle. Held rain or shine. Shipshewana Misc. & Antique Auction Building, 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana; shipshewanatradingplace.com/events/Shipshewana-antique-market/.
• Chalk the Block
July 31–Aug. 2 │ Free;
Artists take over Broad Street and part of Pleasant Street Plaza. Watch as both amateur and professional artists prepare their squares for Sunday’s viewing. In addition, there is a farmers market, chalk kids zone and more over the three days. Attendees vote for favorite chalk masterpiece. Broad Street, St. Joseph; stjoetoday.com.
AUGUST
• Chesterton Art Fair
Aug. 1-2 │ Admission charge;
80+ 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
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4 │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
5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 4 │ Free;
Elkhart Police Department will host community members for free food, inflatables, animal encounters, a K9 demonstration and more at Studebaker Park, 1020 McDonald St., Elkhart.
• National Night Out
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4 │ Free;
National Night Out Annual Crime Prevention Event with fire trucks, police cars and other emergency vehicles to view. Food provided free of charge. Maiden Lane Community Park, 3450 Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph.
• Elkhart Grand Prix
Aug. 7-8 │Free;
Street kart racing, 5K run/walk, free concerts, tournaments, kid’s events, more. Downtown Elkhart; elkhartgp.com.
• Osceola Music Festival
Aug. 7-9 │Free;
Five bands, frog jumping contest, Scouts pancake & sausage breakfast, food trucks, beer garden, 60+ artisans and crafters, watermelon and corn eating contests, and more. Fern Hunsberger Park, 202 N. Lamport, Osceola; osceolamusicfestival.com.
• Southold Dance Theater Summer Showcase
7 p.m. Aug. 8 │Free;
Special performance featuring the work of summer students choreographed by both guest and staff teachers. Performances include jazz, modern, neoclassical and classical ballet. Bring a chair or blanket and snacks. Chris Wilson Pavilion at Potawatomi Park, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend.
• U.S.-12 Heritage Trail Garage Sale
Aug. 7-9 │ Free;
Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale runs from New Buffalo to Detroit. Shop in yards, fields, parking lots and roadside stands for anything from antiques and collectibles to homemade goods, fresh produce, furniture and more; us12heritagetrail.com/garage-sale.
• Michiana Auto Mania
Aug. 7-9 │ $20 per day, kids 8 and younger, free;
KOI Drag Racing, 26,000-square-foot burnout pit. The RV Hall of Fame, 5600 Executive Parkway, Elkhart; michiana-automania.com.
• HannaFest
Aug. 8 │Free;
Celebration of the history, culture, heritage and community spirit of Hanna, Indiana. There will be a softball tournament, town-wide garage sale, craft fair with 100+ vendors, entertainment tent, lots of activities for the kids and much more; facebook.com/ourhannafest/.
• Nitro Circus 2.0 Tour
7 p.m. Aug. 13 │ $119-$52;
Nitro Circus’ live event features athletes and daredevils performing stunts in Freestyle Motocross, BMX, Skate, Scooter and everything in between. Four Winds Field, 501 W. South St., South Bend. Visit nitrocircus.com for tickets.
• Great Cardboard Boat Race
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 14 │ Free;
Community fundraiser where teams build boats entirely out of cardboard and race across LaSalle Bristol Pond. This year’s theme is “Party Like It’s 1776.” Funds support Crossroads United Way. Watch the races, enjoy food and family entertainment. LaSalle Bristol Pond, 601 County Road 17, Elkhart; crossroadsuw.org/great-cardboard-boat-race.
• Boots on the Bend
Aug. 14-15 | $653.99-$99.99; parking passes begin at $75;
Inaugural country music festival with headliners Hardy on Aug. 14 and Eric Church on Aug. 15. The lineup also includes Chase Rice, Graham Barham, The Jack Wharff Band, Lakeview, Eddie & the Gateway and McCoy Moore on Aug. 14 and Ashley McBryde, Flatland Cavalry, Maddie, Emily Ann Roberts, Will Moseley and Joe Stamm Band on Aug. 15. RV and tent camping packages are available and do not include festival tickets. St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 S. Ironwood Road, South Bend; bootsonthebend.com.
• South Bend Art Beat
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 15 │Free;
Day-long celebration of local artists with a variety of performing, visual and culinary artists. Jefferson Boulevard Bridge and East Bank, South Bend; downtownsouthbend.com/art-beat.
• 175 Series: Elkhart’s Rail Accidents — The Past, Present & Future
2 p.m. Aug. 15 │ Free;
Join Andrew Medford for a presentation that will explore how rail accidents and safety shaped Elkhart. He will also look to the future of safety and emergency response to rail accidents. Event space, National New York Central Railroad Museum, 721 S. Main St., Elkhart; nnycrrmuseum.org.
• Lubeznik Arts Festival
Aug. 15-16 │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. 15-16 │Free;
Games, food trucks, vendors, car show, fireworks, more. Starke County Fairgrounds, 400 S. Division St., Hamlet; yellowstonetrailfest.com.
• Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival
Aug. 18-30 │ $60-$10;
2026 NDSF Professional Company production will perform “Macbeth,” directed by Matt Hawkins. Patricia George Decio Theatre, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame; Shakespeare.nd.edu/.
• EnviroFest
4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 21 │ Free;
Celebrate sustainability and the environment by visiting booths by local organizations and vendors, food vendors, live music, kid’s area, silent auctions, workshops and more. Island Park, North Main and East Sycamore streets, Elkhart; elkhartenvirofest.com.
• Canal Days
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 22 │ Free;
Family-friendly activities, craft and art booths, food vendors, kid’s activities, cardboard boat race. Village at Winona, Ind.; villageatwinona.com/events.
• Pierceton Heirloom Tomato Festival
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 22 │ Free;
Enjoy a day of food, crafts and art. There will be a 5K Run/Walk, tomato baking contest, art show and more. Bower Park, 105 E. Market St., Pierceton.
• Mill Pond Festival
Aug. 22-23 │ Free;
Food and craft vendors, live entertainment, car show, kid’s games, fireworks, pancake breakfast and more. Union Mills Conservation Club, 100 Mill Pond Road, Union Mills; millpondfestival.org.
• Taste of the Gardens
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 23 │$ TBD;
Peruse fine art while listening to live music and sampling the area’s food and drinks. Wellfield Botanic Gardens, 1011 N. Main St., Elkhart; wellfieldgardens.org.
• Michiana Renaissance Festival
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 29-30 │$15-$7; 5 and younger, free;
Step into the past and discover history in a fun and exciting way. Family-friendly with four immersive reenactment areas. Food and drink vendors, falconry, jousting tournaments, six stages of nonstop entertainment, and a marketplace. Event is 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.
SEPTEMBER
• Buchanan Scarecrow Invasion
Sept. 1-Oct. 31 │ Free;
More than 200 handmade life-size scarecrows are displayed throughout the Buchanan business district. Sponsored by Buchanan Scarecrow Charities. Scarecrow Happenings include a Scarecrow Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 12 and a Build-a-Scarecrow Workshop from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19. For $40 and an hour of your time, build a junior size scarecrow of your own, all materials provided. Both events take place in the Scarecrow Factory, 606 Carrol St., Buchanan.
• River Bend Film Festival
Sept. 3-5 │ Admission charge;
Doug Jones (“The Shape of Water,” “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” “Tank Girl,” “Fantastic Four: Rise of Silver Surfer”) will appear live with a Q&A Session, Meet & Greet Opportunities, Special Screenings and Insider Stories. Three days of films, mixers, talkback sessions and special events. Goshen Theater, 216 S. Main St., Goshen. Tickets: riverbendfilmfest.com.
• Fall Cruise-in Series: Gears & Grub
5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25 │Free;
Fun-filled evening with food trucks, music, show cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors. Playground is open for kids. No tobacco, weapons, alcohol or drugs allowed. 801 N. Michigan St., Lakeville; newtonpark.org.
• Blueberry Festival
Sept. 4-7 │Free;
Crafts, vendors, food, carnival rides, sport tournaments, garden tractor pull, car show, live music and entertainment, more; no pets allowed. Parking is $10 per car or $20 per car for a weekend pass. Centennial Park, 1660 N. Michigan St., Plymouth; blueberryfestival.org.
• Michigan City Oktoberfest
Sept. 4-7 │Free;
Live entertainment acts on 3 stages, bars, food vendors, arts, crafts and more. Washington Park, 6 on the Lake, Michigan City; michigancityin.gov/city-event/Oktoberfest-2026/.
• Antique Engine & Tractor Show
Sept. 10-13 │ $10-$5;
Four days filled with parades, entertainment, kids’ activities, demonstrations and hundreds of old tractors are on tap for the Michigan Flywheelers Museum’s Antique Engine & Tractor Show. There is also an outdoor flea market, working displays at the mills and blacksmith shop, and consignment auction. Michigan Flywheelers Museum, 06285 68th St., South Haven.
• LaPorte County Draft Horse Show
Sept. 10-12 │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
Sept. 11-12 │Free;
Locally grown produce in the Farmers Market, food vendors, artisans, crafters, cornhole tournament, fireworks, more. Bring lawn chairs. East Park, 108 N. Main St., Middlebury; middleburyinchamber.com/festivals-events.
• Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival
Sept. 11-13 │Free; some events charge a fee;
Wine and beer tastings and tours, 5K, grape stomp, kayak race, craft show, parade, contests, entertainment, carnival rides, fireworks. Check schedule online. Downtown Paw Paw, Michigan; wineandharvestfestival.com.
• Niles Scream Park
Sept. 11–Nov. 7│$52-$5;
44 acres of blood-curdling fear and fun. Purchase tickets online (price is $10-$5 more at gate). Niles Scream Park, 855 Mayflower Road, Niles, 269-687-FEAR; haunted.org.
• Market on Teeple’s Pond
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 11-12 │ Free;
Rain or shine, this 2-day event offers shoppers a chance to purchase vintage, antique and handcrafted items; cottage foods; and more. Food trucks will offer breakfast and lunch. Teeple’s Pond, 8995 N. 250 W., Milford.
• Fall Bash
4 p.m. (CT) Sept. 12 │ Free;
Craft beer garden, food and cornhole. Knox Alumni All Class Reunion will also be held with this event. Open to all classes and the public. Wythogan Park, 101 W. Washington St., Knox; cityofknox.net/calendar.
• Bristol Corndog Festival
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 12 │Free;
Talent shows, live music, Well Crafted Artisan Village featuring area artists and vendors, Corndog Alley, contests, vintage games, and more. Congdon Park, 200 N. Division St., Bristol; bristolcorndogfest.com.
• 47th Annual Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (CT) Sept. 12 │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.
• 175 Series: Intercity Passenger Rail in the Postwar Era
2 p.m. Sept. 12 │ Free;
Stephen Wylder explores the epic drama of intercity passenger rail in the postwar era, from the Great Steel Fleet of 1948 to the “Great Train Robbery” of 1970. Learn of the end of the passenger rail travel’s golden era and the railroad’s struggles to stay alive with new equipment and designs. Event space, National New York Central Railroad Museum, 721 S. Main St., Elkhart; nnycrrmuseum.org.
• Nappanee Apple Festival
Sept. 17-20 │Free;
50th Annual Festival! 7-foot baked apple pie, vendors, crafts, games, food, music, rides, contests, more. Downtown Nappanee; nappaneeapplefestival.org.
• PechaKucha SJ/BH
8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 18 │$5;
Presenters show 20 images, each for 20 seconds, and tell a story, with visuals guiding the way. Tickets purchased at the door. The Livery, 190 Fifth St., Benton Harbor.
• Sunflower Fair
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CT) Sept. 19 │Free;
Crafters and vendors, entertainment, food, kid’s activities, more. Michigan Avenue, downtown LaPorte; sunflowerfair.com.
• Trail of Courage Living History Festival
Sept. 19-20 │$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.
• Mish! Fall Fest
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 25 │ Free
This new event is for the entire family. Traditional fall games, music, inflatable and beverages from the Ball Band Biergarten. Ironworks Plaza, 235 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka.
• Brew at the Zoo
Sept. 25 │Admission TBD;
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. The zoo will be closed all day for Brew. Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend; potawatomizoo.org/annual-events.
• Falloween Fest
Sept. 25-27 │ 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. 25-27 │Free;
Arts and crafts, food, parade, scarecrow sculpting, fun runs, music, variety of entertainment, bingo, more. North Main and East High streets, Wanatah.
• Elkhart Hispanic Heritage Festival
Sept. 26 │ Free;
Come and enjoy a celebration filled with live performances, food trucks, free children’s activities, a magic show, fireworks and more. Performances include Chicago Sonora, Los Ortega, Pazaporte, Magician Kevin, Ballet Folklorico and Mariachi. Elkhart Central Green, 300 S. Main St., Elkhart; facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095166400943.
• Valpo Brewfest
1 to 4:30 p.m. (CT) Sept. 26 │$99-$25;
Get ‘hopped’ at the 2026 Valpo Brewfest! Live music, sample over 200 beers, ciders, and meads from America’s best 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. 26-27 │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.
• Waggin in the Woods
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27 │Free (donations accepted);
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, puppy therapy, nail trims and temporary doggie dyes, and a raffle. For a list of suggested donation items to help a local dog rescue and a detailed list of events, go online to cityofelkhartin.gov/waggin-in-the-woods/. Elkhart Environmental Center, 1717 E. Lusher Ave., Elkhart
OCTOBER
• Four Flags Area Apple Festival
Oct. 1-4 │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.
• 175th Anniversary of Rail Celebration (ElkhartRail 175)
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3 │ Free;
Celebrate 175 years of rail in Elkhart County with a celebration full of fun and history with local food vendors, games and activities for all ages, historical demonstrations, train rides aboard the NIBCO Century Flyer, and more. National New York Central Railroad Museum, 721 S. Main St., Elkhart; nnycrrmuseum.org.
• Fall Festival
2 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 │Free;
Autumn-themed fun with hayride, kid’s train, bonfires with s’mores, food, and much more. Coppes Commons, 401 E. Market St., Nappanee; coppescommons.com/plan-your-visit/events.
• Westville Pumpkin Festival
Oct. 3 │Free;
Enjoy pumpkin baked goods, crafts, food vendors, 5K, basket raffle, kid’s games, parade and more. Prairie Meadow Park, U.S. Highways 6 and 421, Westville; westvillepumpkinfestival.com/Westville-pumpkin-festival-schedule/.
• Donut Fest
Oct. 3-4 │TBA
Donut Fest is back at Round Barn Winery & Estate, 10983 Hills Road, Baroda. Zo’s Mini Donuts will supply a full day of sugary goodness. Event will feature live music, drink features, food offerings and more; roundbarn.com/event/donutfest.
• Beach Glass Brew Festival
Noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 10 │ TBD
Festival highlights craft beer, local breweries and seasonal flavors paired with a relaxed, coastal-inspired atmosphere with live music and good food in the heart of downtown New Buffalo on Whittaker Street. Tickets at exitoneevents.org.
• Under the Harvest Moon Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 10 │Free;
Vendors of handmade and artisan products, antiques, family activities, fall produce. Downtown Dowagiac; dowagiacchamber.com.
• 2026 Arts Café
Oct. 11 │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.
• Southgate Crossing Fall Fest
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 │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.
• Spooktacular Express & Haunted Train Rides
Oct. 21 │ $6-Free;
Spooktacular Express: all-day Halloween event with treats, activities, games and free spooky train rides all day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: adults, $6; children (ages 4-12), $5; children (ages 3 and younger), free.
Haunted Train Rides: experience the spookified NIBCO Century Flyer after-dark with an evening of free nighttime rides from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
National New York Central Railroad Museum, 721 S. Main St., Elkhart; nnycrrmuseum.org.
• Haunted Walk Through the Woods
Oct. 22-24 │ Admission fee;
Elkhart Environmental Center’s spooky Halloween event. Decorated trails, vendors, food vendors, live music and more. Elkhart Environmental Center, 1717 E. Lusher Ave., Elkhart; cityofelkhartin.gov/haunted-walk.
• Michiana Festival of Beers
2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 24 │$55-$10;
100% craft festival. Commemorative 5 oz. sample mug and unlimited samples. Live music, food trucks, vendors, costumes encouraged. Must be 21+ with valid ID. No children or pets. Four Winds Field, 501 W. South St., South Bend; festivalofbeers.us.
• Ship-Chic Craft Show
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 and Dec. 5 │ $5;
Enjoy shopping inside the Shipshewana Auction Antique & Misc. Building, 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana. Vendors will offer old and new stuff, gift items, home décor, crafts, clothing, accessories, beauty products, baked goods, signs and more. Kids 14 and younger admitted free. First 100 through door receive reusable tote and four bags will have a $25 gift certificate that can be used at the show. Parking is free. Snacks and drinks available.
• Spooktacular
5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30 │Free;
Walk the haunted trail and enjoy other seasonal festivities. LaSalle Square Garden, Unity Gardens, 3701 Prast Blvd., South Bend.
NOVEMBER
• Fall Artisan Market
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7│Free;
An array of booths and vendors, crafted wines, mulled wine and hot chocolate for sale. Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck onsite. Filkins Vineyards, 6991 Ryno Road, Coloma; filkinsvineyards.com/upcoming-events/.
• 2026 Holiday Spectacular
Nov. 13-14 │Free;
Handmade artisan and craft vendors, baked goods, antiques, and more. Concessions available. Southgate Crossing, 27751 County Road 26, Elkhart; southgatecrossing.info/event-calendar.
DECEMBER
• Winterfest – Elkhart
Dec. 5 │Free;
Seasonal activities and entertainment, live music and performances, warm treats, and much more. 410 S. Main St., downtown Elkhart; visitelkhartcounty.com.
• Winterfest – Mishawaka
5 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5 │ 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.
• Holly Days
3 to 6 p.m. (CT) Dec. 5 │Free;
Live entertainment, ice sculptures, holiday lights, carolers, Santa, live nativity and more. Downtown Valparaiso, 16 E. Lincolnway and Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso; valparaisoevents.com/event/holly-days.
• Bridgman Holiday Village
10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Dec. 5 │Free;
Activities for everyone, including a pancake breakfast (fee charged), vendors, activities for kids, photo opportunities, food and much more. Downtown Bridgman; bridgmancga.org/resource-center/events/.
• All Aboard with Santa
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. │ $6-Free;
Don’t miss Santa as he rides the rails. Eat cookies with Santa and enjoy family-friendly seasonal games and activities. Admission: adults, $6; children (ages 4-12), $5; children (ages 3 and younger), free; nnycrrmuseum.org.
• Holiday Historic Walking Tour
1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 13 │Free;
Self-guided tours of historic homes and businesses in the West Washington National Historic District. Participating locations offer either a guided or self-guided tour; downtownsouthbend.com.
COUNTY FAIRS
• Starke County 4-H Fair
June 20-26; Starke County 4-H Fairgrounds, 400 Division St., Hamlet.
• St. Joseph County Fair
July 3-11; St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 S. Ironwood Road, South Bend; 4hfair.com.
• LaPorte County Fair
July 11-18; LaPorte County Fairgrounds, 2581 Indiana 2, LaPorte; lpfair.com.
• Kosciusko County Fair
July 12-18; Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw; www.kcfair.com.
• Marshall County 4-H Fair
July 17-24; Marshall County 4-H Fairgrounds, 211 W. Walnut St., Argos.
• Elkhart County 4-H Fair
July 24-Aug. 1; Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen; 4hfair.org.
• Cass County Fair
Aug. 2-8; Cass County Fairgrounds, 590 N. O’Keefe, Cassopolis; mycasscountyfair.com.
• Berrien County Youth Fair
Aug. 17-22; Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds, 9122 Michigan 139, Berrien Springs; bcyf.us.
• St. Joseph County Grange Fair
Sept. 20-26; St. Joseph County Grange Fairground, 316 E. Charlotte St., Centreville; sjcgfair.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Summer festivals, fairs and fun activities in the South Bend area
Reporting by Cheryl Morey, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
