All summer, A range of activities will be available in South Bend and the neighboring areas., including festivals, concerts and theater productions, guaranteed to grab your attention.
Gather your family or friends, get in the car and attend one, or all, of these exciting festivals scheduled for the week of Aug. 25-31, 2025.
NOTRE DAME SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL —The 25th season marks a milestone with its inaugural staging of William Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” running until August 31. This production depicts an aging King Lear realizing that devotion fades away once he divides his kingdom and its riches among his adoring daughters. Showtimes are Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the University of Notre Dame’s DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $10 to $45 and are available for purchase online.Shakespeare.nd.edu.
5th ANNUAL PORCH-A-PALOOZA — Celebrate local flavor, fun and live music from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 27 at Purple Porch Food Co-op, 123 N. Hill St., South Bend. There will be more than 20 local farmers market vendors, face painting, kid’s activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and live music of local talent including Echo Drive, Tiny House Fire, Molly Moon and Riely O’Connor, and Joe Baughman + The Righteous Few. Admission is $5 per person (21 and older); free for attendees 20 and younger.
ELKHART ART WALK THIS WEDNESDAY —Hands-on arts activities, live music, food and fun from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 in downtown Elkhart. Music guests include Quite Frank Lee, Wyatt Marshall and Doug Harsch. Visit elkhartartwalk.com for more information.
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.
OAK RIDGE CEMETERY WALKING TOUR — Join Elkhart County Historical Museum staff for a tour of one of Bristol’s most important historical sites that dates to the 1870s from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 28. Learn about the history of the cemetery and several of the burials within. Be prepared for a 1-mile walk. Cost: $5 per person, register online at elkhartcountyparks.org/events by Aug. 27. The cemetery is located on Indiana 120 in Bristol.
RIVER BEND FILM FESTIVAL — This is a celebration of independent films featuring special guests from film and television, mixers, Q&A sessions, red carpet events, and three days of film screenings from Aug. 28-30. Events are held at various venues in downtown Goshen. Some events are free and open to the public; others are ticketed or all-access pass holder events only. For a schedule of events and times or to purchase tickets, go online to riverbendfilmfest.com. Tickets: $140-$12.
SUMMER MOVIE SERIES — Grab a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the movie “Little Giants” at Newton Park, 801 N. Michigan St., Lakeville. From 7 to 11:30 p.m. enjoy food from local food trucks or the concession stand. The movie will start promptly at dusk. In case of rain, the movie will be moved to the indoor facility on grounds. No pets, alcohol or coolers allowed.
59th ANNUAL MARSHALL COUNTY BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL — Attend this annual festival from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. Festival hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. Three stages and the Beer Garden will be packed full of free entertainment including The Homemade Conspiracy, Cody Ikerd & the Sidewinders, Ashlyn, and Nate Venturelli. There are crafts, vendors, tournaments, a garden tractor pull, carnival rides, food and all the blueberry food items you can eat. No pets allowed. Parking is $10 per car or $20 per car for a weekend pass — official parking located at Plymouth High School with free round-trip tram service to and from the festival. The festival is held in Centennial Park, 1660 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. See full event guide at www.blueberryfestival.org.
69th ANNUAL HESSTON STEAM & POWER SHOW — Head over to Hesston Steam Museum and experience the world of the steam engine for this special Labor Day weekend event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Aug. 29–Sept. 1. Take a train ride on three different types of railroads, see an antique sawmill, a threshing machine, blacksmith shop, antique farm machinery and more. Be sure to get some ice cream at the 1930 soda fountain. This weekend will also include a flea market. Campus admission is $5 for adults. Train tickets are $9-$5. The museum is located at 1332 E. 1000 N., LaPorte.
MICHIGAN CITY OKTOBERFEST — From Aug. 29-Sept. 1 enjoy live entertainment on three stages, multiple bars, wide variety of food, art, crafts, merchandise vendors and a Kids Zone. Fun for the entire family at Washington Park, 6 on the Lake, Michigan City. Admission is free. More information can be found at Facebook.com/MichiganCitySpecialEvents.
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. 30. 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. 30 at Lake Bluff Park, 520 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph.
SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET EVENT — From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 30 head to the Farmers Market, 1105 Northside Blvd., South Bend, and enjoy a Labor Day Cookout with ribs, macaroni & cheese and baked beans. Cost: varies.
LIGHTHOUSE TOUR — Explore the North Pier’s inner and outer lights on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 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.
ICE CREAM TRAIN — Hoosier Valley Railroad, 507 Mulberry St., North Judson, is offering diesel and steam train excursions on Aug. 30-31. Enjoy a cool summer treat from Sallie’s Small Batch Ice Creams before boarding the train to enjoy a 45-minute leisurely ride through the countryside. Open-air, coach and lounge seating available. Choose your style of seating when purchasing tickets. Ticket prices begin at $14. Two scoops of ice cream are included in the ticket price. For more information on train departure times and to purchase tickets, go online to hoosiervalley.org. Remember to save time to tour the museum and grounds and see one of the largest museum collections of working railroad signals and a restored WWII Pullman Troop Car.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: What festivals and events are happening in the South Bend area from Aug. 25-31?
