Gather your family or friends, get in the car and attend one, or all, of these exciting festivals or events scheduled for the week of June 1-7, 2026.
SYMBOLS OF FREEDOM – CELEBRATING AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY — This exhibit is now showing through July 31 at the Midwest Museum of American Art, 429 S. Main St., Elkhart. The exhibition takes visitors through two centuries of American identity through the imagery of flags and patriotic symbols such as the iconic figure of Uncle Sam. Both celebratory and critical, viewers are invited to consider the power of visual symbols to inspire pride, provoke debate, and define collective identity. Museum hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Admission: $15-$8; children under 3 are free; midwestmuseum.org.
AMERICA 250 FILM SERIES “THE POST” — Watch a screening of “The Post” (2017), a historical political thriller directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. The film depicts The Washington Post’s 1971 decision to publish the classified Pentagon Papers, exposing government secrets about the Vietnam War. Rated PG-13. St. Joseph County Public Library, Leighton Auditorium, 305 S. Michigan St., South Bend, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 1.
“ABIGAIL/1702” — The Acting Ensemble StageWorks Staged Reading will perform the play “Abigail/1702” by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa at 7:30 p.m. June 2 at 602 E. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka. Ten years after the Salem witch trials, Abigail Williams, the main accuser, seeks to escape her past and struggles for her soul. Tickets: $11-$10 at door or actingensemble.com.
INSIGHTS IN HISTORY — “The Long Exposure: Photography History and a Community Camera Store” will be presented by Gene’s Camera owners Jon Gilchrist and Melaney Miller at 1:30 p.m. June 3 at The History Museum, 897 Thomas St., South Bend. Gilchrist will chronicle the evolution of photography, cameras and film, and Miller will talk about their purchase of the business. Admission is $3; $1 for members. Reservations are required by June 1 by calling 574-235-9664.
FIVE DRIVEN WOMEN — Studebaker National Museum opens the exhibit “Five Driven Women” on June 3. The exhibit focuses on pioneering women who were among the earliest female automobile owners and drivers and the gender discrimination they faced. The exhibit runs through July 19. The museum is at 201 Chapin St., South Bend. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and from noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission: $13-$9.
CLASSIC CAR CRUZE IN — Check out classic cars at the beautiful Swan Lake Resort, 5203 Plymouth-LaPorte Trail, Plymouth, from 5 to 8 p.m. June 3. Dinner available at The Chophouse; swanlakeresort.com.
“IT’S IN THE AIR” — New Day Intake Center’s Motels4Now Art Workshop will exhibit “It’s in the Air” at Cloud Walking Coffee, 1215 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, from June 3–July 28. It will feature up to 100 artwork pieces by participants. Artwork will be available for purchase. A closing event will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. July 25. Attendees will be able to meet the artists, hear about the program, and view and purchase additional artwork brought in for the event.
VICKERS THEATRE CINEMA — Vickers Theatre, 6 N. Elm St., Three Oaks, will offer the following films this week. For tickets and more information on each movie, go to vickerstheatre.com. Tickets: adults, $12; seniors/students, $10.
• June 4 at 7 p.m.: Cinema Paradiso (1990), Rated PG.
• June 5, 6, 7 at 4 p.m.; June 5, 6, 9 at 7 p.m.; June 7 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.: Pressure (2026), Rated PG-13.
ESSENHAUS CLASSIC CAR CRUISE-IN — From 4:30 to 8 p.m. June 4, stroll through vintage vehicles and compare makes, models and memories at this free event. If you have a vehicle you’d like to display, registering is also free. Das Dutchman Essenhaus, 240 US-20, Middlebury; essenhaus.com/cruise-in.
FIRST FRIDAYS BIRTHDAY BASH — Goshen downtown will celebrate 19 years of First Fridays programming, civic participation and community spirit from 5 to 9 p.m. June 5. Eat and drink at your favorite downtown restaurant. Enjoy family activities and various promotions from downtown shops. Find a schedule of events at downtowngoshen.org/events/2026-june.
FIRST FRIDAYS “KIDS’ NIGHT OUT” — Head to downtown South Bend from 5 to 9 p.m. June 5 with your kids and find something for kids of all ages. Face painters, a balloon artist, storybook characters, vendors, Studebaker car show and more. For more information, go online to downtownsouthbend.com/june.
ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR — Fun and informative guided walking tour of South Bend’s landmark buildings at 6 p.m. June 5. This month, participants will tour downtown beginning at the American Trust Company clock, on the corner of Washington and Michigan Streets. The cost is $10 (cash only and small bills). Reservations can be made online at downtownsouthbend.com/walking-tours or by calling 574-282-1110.
RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” — Set in 1938 Austria, “The Sound of Music” follows the true story of Maria, a young woman who leaves a convent to become governess to seven children of a widowed naval captain. Elkhart Civic Theatre brings this musical to life on stage at the Bristol Opera House, 210 E. Vistula St., Bristol, from June 5-7. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25-$19 and are available at elkhartcivictheatre.org/sound or by calling 574-848-4116 weekday afternoons.
GENE STRATTON PORTER PROGRAM — Stop into the Michigan City Public Library at 4 p.m. CT June 5 for a first-person program by Glory-June Greiff as she portrays naturalist, novelist and photographer Gene Stratton-Porter, who lived from 1863 to 1924. Stratton-Porter was brought up in Indiana. Greiff is a public historian and published author from Indiana. The library is at 100 E. Fourth St., Michigan City.
“DEATHTRAP” — Dunes Arts Summer Theatre opens it season with Ira Levin’s thriller-comedy “Deathtrap” June 5-June 14. Set inside a secluded country home with wall-to-wall antique murder weapons, the audience will follow Sidney Bruhl, a once-successful playwright desperate for a comeback as he and his wife try to manipulate a guaranteed Broadway hit manuscript away from its author and former student, Clifford Anderson. “Deathtrap” delivers a blend of suspense, dark comedy and nonstop surprises. Performances take place at Dunes Summer Theatre, 288 Shady Oak Drive, Michigan City. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturday at 7 p.m. Central, and at 2 p.m. Central on Sundays. Tickets are $35-$15 and can be purchased at dunesarts.org.
CASSOPOLIS BEACH BASH — Enjoy a little fun on June 5-6 at Stone Lake Beach on Lake Street in Cassopolis. On Friday, beginning at 4 p.m., hit the Beer Garden at Sinclair Station, 200 S. Broadway for $5 drinks (21+ only with valid ID), there will be food trucks (some are cash only), from 7 to 10 p.m. live music with PS Dump Your Boyfriend and end the evening with fireworks. On Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., there will be a vendor market, from noon to 3 p.m. a free kids’ area, Beer Garden will be open and food trucks available. From 7 to 10 p.m. listen to Blammo and then end the weekend with a drone show. More information at cassopolismainstreet.com.
“THE ANTICHRIST COMETH” — The Acting Ensemble will perform the “The Antichrist Cometh” by David MacGregor June 5-14 at 602 E. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka. A comedy about a happily married man who discovers he might be the antichrist. Take a journey through the realms of good and evil and laugh the night away. Show times: 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $19-$16 at door or actingensemble.com.
43RD ANNUAL STUDEBAKER CAR SHOW — More than 130 vendor booths selling Studebaker and classic car parts, accessories, memorabilia and crafts. There will be a car show with all makes and models welcome, swap meet and car corral. Head out to the St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 S. Ironwood Road, South Bend, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 5 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 6. Admission: $5; southbendchaptersdc.com.
“THE PROM” — Twin City Players presents the musical “The Prom,” written by Chad Beguelin, from June 5-28 at the TCP Playhouse, 600 W. Glenlord Road, St. Joseph. Four eccentric Broadway stars need a new stage. When they hear about trouble brewing around a small-town prom, they know it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue … and themselves. Tickets: $20-$15 at twincityplayers.org or through the box office at 269-429-0400. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
FANTASTIC FISHING DERBY — All those ages 3 to 17 should bring your family, fishing pole and bait to the annual Fantastic Fishing Derby. There will be awards for the first fish, smallest fish, largest fish caught and many others. No fishing license required. Get to Fidler Pond Park, 1424 Lincolnway, Goshen, at 11 a.m. June 6. Register for $5 by June 2 at the Goshen Park Office, 524 E. Jackson St., Goshen.
STEPS FOR SAFE PAWS 5K FAMILY FUN WALK — Hosted by Safe Paws Recovery Housing of Michiana this 5K will help support the nonprofit as it continues to help expand support options for companion animals and families experiencing crisis. There will be resource tables, fun competitions for pups and pup cup treats. Dogs on a leash are welcome to join the free family-friendly walk. Walk along the East Bank Trail from Howard Park to Niles Avenue Dog Park and back. The event begins at 9 a.m. June 6 at Howard Park, 219 S. St. Louis Blvd., South Bend. Pre-registration is encouraged at safepawsrecoveryhousing.org. The walk is free, donations encouraged.
KAYAK THE ST. JOSEPH — Elkhart County Parks staff will lead a kayak trip down the St. Joseph River from Congdon Park in Bristol to Six Span Bridge at County Road 17 in Elkhart from 9 a.m. to noon June 6. All ages are welcome, but those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Life jackets must be worn. Participants are asked to bring their own kayak if they have one because a limited number of kayaks are available for rent. Participants with a kayak will drop their boat at Congdon Park, drive vehicles to Six Span, then be shuttled back to starting point by park staff. The cost is $10/person if providing your own kayak, or $40/person for a rental. Registration fee includes ice cream at conclusion. Register by June 3 at elkhartcountyparks.org/events/st-joseph-river-kayak-trip-6-6-26/.
175 SERIES: WATERWAYS TO RAILWAYS WALKING TOUR — The National New York Central Railroad Museum is hosting ElkhartRail175, a yearlong celebration marking 175 years since the first train arrived in Elkhart on Oct. 3, 1851. From 9:50 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 6, the museum will offer a walking tour that will highlight the forces that shaped Elkhart and its industries. The tour covers 2.5 miles starting and ending at the Beardsley Discovery Center, 819 N. Main St., Elkhart. There will be a water break halfway as well as a lunch stop at Old Style Deli around noon. This tour is free and registration is required at elkhartrail175.zite.so. Please bring money to purchase lunch. To learn more about ElkhartRail175, visit nnycrrmuseum.org.
BIGGEST LITTLE BASEBALL MUSEUM HIGH NOON — 2026 is the 50th anniversary of when Mark Fidrych took America by storm with his incredible pitching and eccentric behavior. Brian Johnston presents “The Bird: Mark Fidrych and the Summer of 1976” at noon June 6 on the second floor of the Three Oaks Township Library, 3 N. Elm St., Three Oaks. Admission is free and includes a complimentary box of Cracker Jack.
KIDS FISHING CLINIC — This free clinic features a series of stations to teach kids (ages 7+) the various aspects of fishing, such as stewardship, conservation, safety, casting, knot tying, basic tackle and water safety. Live fish from the Elkhart River will be on display and food will be available for purchase. This clinic is from 9 a.m. to noon June 6 at High Dive Park, off Baldwin Street in Elkhart; cityofelkhartin.gov/fishing-clinic.
VILLAGE ART FAIR — Artwork from 70 juried vendors can be seen at the annual Village Art Fair on June 6-7 at The Village of Winona on Winona Lake. There will also be live music, kids’ activities and food vendors. Go online to villageatwinona.com/events for more information.
JUNK IN THE TRUNK — Shop for everything from crafts, flea market items and antiques all from the back of vendor’s car trunks. This annual event is held at 820 Antiques, 820 N. Ward St., Elkhart, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7.
REBEL ART FEST 2026 — This festival will showcase local makers, artists and musicians from noon to 8 p.m. June 7 at Potawatomi Park, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend. Food and drink vendors on site. Parking is available at the park, Indiana University South Bend and Adams High School; rebelartfest.com.
ANTIQUES ON THE BLUFF — Find hidden treasures among antique and vintage items along Lake Bluff Park in downtown St. Joseph from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 7. The event features more than 50 vendors on the first Sunday of the month, May through October. Rain or shine.
QUILT GARDENS ALONG THE HERITAGE TRAIL — During daylight hours through Sept. 15, take the time to stop and smell the flowers as you visit gardens that combine quilting, gardening and art into a one-of-a-kind visitor experience. For a list and map of garden locations, go to visitelkhartcounty.com/things-to-do/attractions/quilt-gardens.
“A SIMPLE SANCTUARY – MYSTERY MUSICAL” — Based on a novel by Beverly and David Lewis about Melissa James, who is pursued and living on the run. She finds sanctuary and friendship in Amish country. Part suspense and part romance. Through June 18, Blue Gate Music Hall, 175 N. Van Buren St., Shipshewana. Tickets, dates and times at thebluegate.com, $39.95.
ZOO LUMINATE — This year’s Zoo Luminate, a Chinese lantern experience, will be held through June 28, from 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, at Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend. This year’s theme is “Sea to Believe” with dozens of lanterns depicting undersea animals, habitats, aquatic scenery and more. Admission: $22-$18; zoo members receive a discount. Children 2 and younger are free. Weather permitting, the train and carousel will be open at $3 per person. Concessions are available and the gift shop will be open. Purchase tickets at potawatomizoo.org/zooluminate/#.
“LISTEN UP” — New Day Intake Center’s Motels4Now Art Workshop will exhibit “Listen Up” at the Civil Rights Heritage Center, 1040 W. Washington St., South Bend, through July 31. It will feature 10 artwork pieces by 10 different artists. Artwork will be available for purchase but must remain on display through July 31.
ST. JOSEPH LIGHTHOUSE TOURS — Tours will be offered from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. 5, weather permitting. Begin at North Pier to the lighthouse at 10 a.m. for a free first floor exhibit. To climb to the top of the lighthouse, there is a fee of $5, cash only at the light house; cash/credit if ticket is purchased at the St. Joe Today Welcome Center at 301 State St., St. Joseph. Parking is available at Tiscornia Park, 80 Ridgeway St., St. Joseph; stjoetoday.com.
SHIPSHEWANA FLEA MARKET — Discover unique treasures and unbeatable bargains at the Shipshewana Flea Market from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday through Sept. 30, rain or shine. More than 600 vendor spaces across 40 acres. New this year is a dedicated green space in the food truck area, complete with playground equipment for the kids. Also, on Wednesdays, attend the weekly auction beginning at 9 a.m. The market is at 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: What festivals and events area happening in the area from June 1 to 7?
Reporting by Cheryl Morey, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
