All summer, South Bend and surrounding communities will offer a variety of events, including festivals, concerts and theater productions, certain to pique your interest.
Gather your family or friends, get in the car and attend one, or all, of these exciting festivals scheduled for the week of Aug. 11 to 17, 2025.
CLASSIC CAR CRUISE-INS — From 4:30 to 8 p.m. every Thursday through the end of September, head out to Essenhaus, 240 U.S. 20, Middlebury and check out a variety of classic cars, trucks and more. For more information and special events that evening, go to essenhaus.com/cruise-in.
RIVER BEND QUILT GUILD’S QUILT SHOW — Free and open to the public! See quilts and speak with members of the guild from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 14; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 15; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, 209 Lincolnway East, Mishawaka.
MOVIES IN THE PARK — This month’s movie in Howard Park will be Finding Nemo and the entire afternoon will be a splash! Enjoy slip n’ slides, sprinklers, and water slides at 6 p.m. before the movie begins at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 15. Bring towels, lawn chairs or blankets. Pita Love Food Truck will be onsite. Howard Park is located at 219 S. St. Louis Blvd., South Bend.
NAPPANEE AUGUST FRIDAY FEST — Gather for a Panther-packed evening from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 15 in downtown Nappanee. This Northwood Panther-themed event will showcase the talent of the high school community and be an unforgettable evening of school spirit and community fun. Live music on two stages, 20+ food trucks, vendors, magician, and much more!
THE GREAT CARDBOARD BOAT RACE — Festivities begin at 11 a.m. on Aug. 15 with the races starting at 3 p.m. The theme this year is “Rockin’ & Rowin.” Watch action-packed races and legendary sinkings, local food trucks and sweet treats, a silent auction and more. The races are being held at LaSalle Bristol Pond, 601 County Road 17, Elkhart and benefits Crossroads United Way.
TOUCH-A-TRUCK — The Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum invite families to a day of hands-on fun and discovery from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 16. The Museum’s parking lot and Thomas Street will turn into an interactive vehicle showcase, featuring a wide variety of first-responders, big rigs, service trucks and utility vehicles. Explore the vehicles and meet the people who operate them. Other special hands-on history displays and activities will be on-site. A sensory-friendly hour will be offered from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., during which flashing lights and loud noises will be minimized. Admission is free and includes full access to both museums. The Museums are located at 895 Thomas St., South Bend.
DOWAGIAC ROD & ROLL CLASSIC AUTO SHOW — Classic cars will line downtown Dowagiac streets from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 16. The event will feature about 250 registered show cars, music, food, and a scavenger hunt. Day of show registration for cars is $25. There is no charge for the public to view the cars.
ART MARKET AT KAC — The Krasl Art Center Art Market features 12 regional artists. Explore sculptures and gallery exhibits inside KAC also. Any purchases made support the artist directly. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 16. KAC is located at 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph.
LAKE BLUFF ARTISAN FAIR — This eclectic craft fair offers a variety of handcrafted goods by more than 50 local vendors. There is home décor, furniture, jewelry, candles, and more…something for everyone. Hit this fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 16 at Lake Bluff Park, 520 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph.
43RD ANNUAL LUBEZNIK ARTS FESTIVAL — This highlight of the summer will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT Aug. 16-17 on the grounds of Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. Second St., Michigan City. This year’s festival will have more than 80 artists, food vendors, indoor exhibitions, family activities and live demonstrations. Admission is $5 on Saturday, free for LCA members and children 16 and under. Sunday is Free Family Day. No pets allowed.
YELLOWSTONE TRAIL FEST — Head out to the Starke County Fairgrounds on Aug. 16 and 17 for this family-friendly event with something for everyone. There will be doughnut eating contests, a dinosaur show, parade, games, contests, antique tractor pull, fireworks, musical comedian “The Spoon Man” and music by Sentimental Journey, Bottoms Up, Colbalt Joy Band and Ball Diamonds DJ on Saturday and Petes Sake on Sunday. For a list of times and events go online to yellowstonetrailfest.com. All times are Central. The fairgrounds are located at 400 S. Division St., Hamlet.
LIGHTHOUSE TOUR — Explore the North Pier’s inner and outer lights on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 7 to Aug. 30, weather permitting. Go inside the North Pier Inner Light first floor for free or buy a ticket for $5 to climb to the top. The first floor offers exhibits on the rich nautical history of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor. Climbing to the top will give you a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Michigan. The pier is located at 80 Ridgeway St., St. Joseph. Tickets can be purchased in person with cash only at the lighthouse. Or purchase with cash or credit at the St. Joseph Today Welcome Center, 301 State St.
BERRIEN COUNTY YOUTH FAIR — Aug. 11 – 16 at Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds, 9122 M-139, Berrien Springs; bcyf.us. Grandstand events: Truck and tractor pulls, Circus Continental, Cooper Alan, The Riflemen, Demolition Derby, Bullmania. Cost: $8 to free for day passes; season passes, $23 to $12. Gates close at 10 p.m. daily.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: What festivals and events are happening in the South Bend area from Aug. 11 to 17?
Reporting by Cheryl Morey, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
