All summer, South Bend and surrounding communities will offer a variety of events certain to pique your interest. Gather your family or friends, get in the car and attend one, or all, of these exciting activities scheduled for the week of June 16 to June 22, 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.
FULTON COUNTY HISTORICAL POWER SHOW — From June 19-21, journey down memory lane and view antique hit-miss engines, garden tractors, farm equipment and watch antique tractor pulls. The show is open from noon to 8 p.m. June 19 and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 20-21. There will be a flea market, swap vendors, a toy show, activities for kids, demonstrations and an onsite parade. In addition, the museum and living history village will be open to festival visitors only. Admission is $3 per person; 11 and younger are free. The Power Show is located at Fulton County Historical Society, 37 E. 375 N (just off N. U.S. 31), Rochester; fultoncountyhistory.org.
SHORTCAKES ON THE BLACKTOP — This 31st annual event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 20 and will offer homemade shortcake, fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream for only $7. There will also be gluten-free and dairy-free options available upon request. Drive through the Episcopal Cathedral of St. James parking lot, 117 N. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend or delivery is available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to downtown South Bend, the East Bank and the Notre Dame campus. There is a minimum order of five shortcakes for delivery. Call 574-707-5130 beginning June 16 to order. Proceeds benefit St. Margaret’s House, Dismas House and Imagination Library.
SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION — Celebrate the longest day of the year by surrounding yourself with the abundance of natural beauty found at Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles from 1 to 4 p.m. June 20. Enjoy a variety of solar-themed activities for all ages: sample herbal sun teas, build a suncatcher, learn about sun-loving plants and more. This event is free with paid admission ($10-free) to Fernwood. Registration is encouraged at fernwoodbotanical.org. Walk-ins will be accepted if space is available.
SHIPSHEWANA ANTIQUE MARKET — The Shipshewana Antique Market will be held rain or shine from 8 to 4 p.m. June 20-21 in the Auction Building, 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana. There will be hundreds of treasures to find, a swap meet on Saturday and the flea market will be open both days. Admission is free. Parking is $5 per vehicle.
SOUTH BEND PRIDE – LIVE YOUR PRIDE — Experience a vibrant festival filled with live performances, vendors, food and family-friendly activities, all in the spirit of love and inclusion. South Bend Pride is hosted by The LGBTQ Center. Be part of this celebration at Potawatomi Park, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend from noon to 6 p.m. June 21; southbendpride.org.
37TH ANNUAL MICHIANA BRITISH CAR SHOW — All British-produced vehicles will be on view at this annual show hosted by the Michiana Brits British Car Enthusiasts Club. Head out to Trinity Lutheran Church, 30888 County Road 6, Elkhart, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21 to see the featured cars The Wedge TR-7 and TR-8. Food sales available and free admission and parking to the viewing public.
MOVIE ON THE GRIDIRON — The Outdoor Film Series will present “Moana 2” on June 21 at Gridiron Plaza, 111 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., South Bend. Themed pre-movie activities begin at 7 p.m. Bring your own blanket or chair and snacks. Free parking is available on-street and in the Leighton Garage. Screenings are free and held weather permitting. The movie will begin at dusk. Sponsored in part by DTSB.
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.
LEST WE FORGET – GOLDSTARS TRIBUTE WALL — The GoldStars Tribute Wall is a traveling Memorial honoring those who gave ALL for our freedom. The Wall remembers by name the 7,200 men and women fallen while serving in the United States military from the beginning of the Gulf War through the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. It will be located June 21-22 at 275 Upton Drive, St. Joseph. Special guest, SPC Shoshana Johnson, a POW in Iraq in 2003 will share her story and how her captivity affected her family. Three Men and a Tenor will perform an outdoor concert at 7 p.m. on June 21, bring a lawn chair. Starting at 9 a.m. June 21 and 10 a.m. June 22, a Higgins boat, and LVT-2 Buffalo and a DUKW will give rides on the St. Joseph River, there will be an obstacle course and climbing wall, kids can ride the Plane-Train and enjoy a hands-on military museum. A Robinson R44 helicopter will be giving rides for a fee. Schedule updates are available at LestWeForgetUSA.org and Lest We Forget USA in Southwest Michigan on Facebook.
STARKE COUNTY 4-H FAIR — June 21-28 at the Starke County 4-H Fairgrounds, 400 Division St., Hamlet. Featuring fun, exhibits, and lots of animals. Baja Amusements Carnival & Rides will be at the entertainment field from 5 to 10 p.m. CDT June 24-28.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: What festivals and events are happening in the South Bend area from June 16 to 22?
Reporting by Cheryl Morey, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
