Have you heard the news? Summer is back in The Bend! Gone are the days of freezing temperatures, bone-chilling winds and record-breaking snowfall. Now, you can enjoy the sunshine on a warm summer day, the cool splashes of water as you go white water rafting and the sounds of live music filling the air. Whether you are an adventure seeker, sports fan, concert goer, or foodie, the South Bend Region will make sure your summer is one to remember!
During the summer months, performances take place outside nearly every day of the week with great local musicians performing across the community. Keep a look out for some of these great summer concert series.
May 31-August 30 (Monday-Thursday) | 11:45am-1:15pm | Studebaker Plaza
Take a seat and enjoy your lunch as you listen to free acoustical performances by local artists.
June 7-July 4 (Thursdays) | 6:30-8:30pm | Central Park
It is almost Friday! Celebrate the end of the work week with family, friends and great live music.
July 12-August 2 (Thursdays) | 6:30-8:30pm | Merrifield Park
Celebrate the end of the work week with family, friends at great live music.
June 1-August 31 (Fridays) | 11:45am-1:15pm | Jon R. Hunt Plaza
This free, outdoor lunchtime concert series (in front of the Morris Performing Arts Center) features live entertainment from local Blues, Jazz, Rock, Folk and Country bands.
June 4-August 27 (Mondays) | 7:00-8:00pm | Battell Park
This family friendly concert features some of the best local musicians from around town.
June 6-August 1 (Wednesdays) | 6:30-8:00pm | Eberhart Golf Course
This free concert is a great way to start off your weekend and is fun for the whole family.
June 24-August 26 (Sundays) | 7:00-8:00pm | Potawatomi Park
End your weekends in the summer with a Sunday night concert in Potawatomi Park at the Chris Wilson Pavilion. Best of all, it's free!
Nothing can beat seeing a South Bend Cubs game during a summer evening in downtown South Bend. Four Winds Field—the Best Single-A Ballpark in the Country according to BallparkDigest.com—has something for everyone. There is the Tiki Hut Bar and inflatable fun zone beyond the left field wall as well as batting cages, a splash pad, and playground in the right field corner. With tickets, parking, and concessions being reasonably priced, the Cubs become South Bend’s team to cheer for every summer.
See the remaining 2018 Home Schedule (June-August) here.
Be sure to take full advantage of this warm summer weather by heading outside for some adventure and fun. You can go ziplining through the trees and white water rafting in downtown. Don’t forget to visit Indiana’s first zoo and say hi to all your favorite animals this summer in South Bend.
June 10-August 26 (Saturdays & Sundays) | 12:00-5:00pm (Saturday); 12:00-4:00pm (Sunday) | East Race Waterway
Battle Class 2 rapids as you go white water rafting on the first man-made white water rafting course built in North America. Rafts vary in size and can accommodate groups from 2 – 6 people. Make sure you bring a towel and a change of clothes because when we say you will cool off on a hot summer day… we are not kidding!
May 30-August 31 | Times Vary (Closed on Tuesdays) | Rum Village Park
Take to the trees of Rum Village Park as you make your way through obstacles and ziplines that range from 16 – 60 feet in the air. There are three aerial ropes courses at Rum Village Park that vary in difficulty for participants of all skill and experience level. Afraid of heights? Don’t worry—With the 100% ON BELAY system, you are securely tethered to a safety line throughout the course.
Monday-Sunday | 10:00am-5:00pm | Potawatomi Zoo
Home to over 500 animals, the Potawatomi Zoo is Indiana’s first ever zoo! The South Bend zoo has all your favorite animal friends, such as lions, tigers, and monkeys, as well as many you may have not seen before, including the okapi, the river otters, and the kookaburra.
Along with all the fun summer attractions, there are plenty of awesome, upcoming events this summer in The Bend. Check out a few of this summer’s featured events below. To view a full calendar of events, click here.
May 28-June 3 | Times Vary | South Bend Area
June 1-2 | Times Vary | East Bank Emporium Parking Lot
June 2 | Races Begin at 6:30am | Four Winds Field
June 16-17 | 10:00am-6:00pm (June 16); 10:00am-5:00pm (June 17) | Leeper Park
July 9-22 | All Day Long | Downtown South Bend
July 28 | 8:00am-12:00pm | Wayne Street Parking Garage-South Bend
August 18 | 11:00am-7:00pm | Downtown South Bend