Explore a Variety of Exciting Festivals and Events in the South Bend Area
If you’re looking for a fun-filled summer, there’s no better time to gather your family or friends and head out to experience some of the most exciting festivals and events happening in the South Bend area. From classic car shows to film showcases, music festivals, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the week of July 21-27, 2025.
Classic Car Cruise-Ins
Every Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. through the end of September, you can enjoy the Classic Car Cruise-Ins at Essenhaus. Located at 240 U.S. 20 in Middlebury, this event is a must-see for car enthusiasts. You’ll get to see a wide range of classic cars, trucks, and other vintage vehicles. For more details about special events and additional information, visit essenhaus.com/cruise-in.
Sweetwater Film Showcase
The Michigan Maritime Museum will host the Sweetwater Film Showcase on July 24-25. This two-day event celebrates the lives, legacies, and contributions of underrepresented communities connected to the Great Lakes. The showcase will feature 10 films, followed by a panel discussion with filmmakers and representatives. A multi-award-winning documentary,The Fish Thief: A Great Lakes Mystery, will also be shown. Tickets are $20 per day or $15 for museum members. Seating is limited, so it’s recommended to register in advance.
Saugatuck Venetian Fest 2025
From July 25-26, the Saugatuck Venetian Fest offers a variety of events, including a concert in Coghlin Park with the 1980s cover band StarFarm, the Douglas Duck Dash, the Dinghy Poker Run, a lighted boat parade, and fireworks. The theme this year is “Christmas in July.” Tickets and more information can be found at saugatuckvenetianfest.com.
New Carlisle Hometown Days
New Carlisle’s three-day festival from July 25-27 includes a parade, Home Run Derby, entertainment, music, and fireworks. It’s a great way to celebrate the community spirit and enjoy family-friendly activities. For a full schedule of events, visit hometowndays.net.
Lapeorte Lake Fest
This festival, held from July 25-27, offers three days of music, art, food, and fun for the entire family. Highlights include concerts, fireworks, kids’ activities, an artisan market, and a car show. More information and the full schedule can be found at laportelakefest.com.
Bass Lake Festival
From July 25-27, Bass Lake in Knox hosts a family-friendly festival featuring a car show, cardboard boat race, cornhole tournament, entertainment, a market, fishing derby, and more. For more details, visit basslakefest.com.
Arts in the Street Festival
On July 26, more than 85 regional artists and artisans will line North Michigan Street in downtown Plymouth from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can explore ceramics, fine paintings, handmade textiles, food trucks, and local restaurants. There will also be a Beer & Wine Garden, live entertainment, and hands-on art activities for all ages.
SerbFest
Enjoy food, live music, dancing, cold drinks, and fun for the kids at this year’s SerbFest, which runs from 4 p.m. to midnight on July 26. Monetary donations to Hope Ministries will be accepted. The event takes place at the Saints Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church, 59250 Keria Trail, South Bend.
Festival of Hope
This free community event, held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 26 at Goshen Brewing Company, features music, kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks, Tropicana ice cream, and community resources.
Play Palooza
The Mitten Children’s Museum invites families to Play Palooza 2025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 26. Activities include crafts, games, prizes, bounce houses, music, circus performers, balloon artistry, face painting, and a food truck. The event will take place in Riverfront Park, 345 Water St., South Haven.
Lighthouse Tour
Explore the North Pier’s inner and outer lights on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from June 7 to August 30, weather permitting. Admission to the first floor is free, while climbing to the top costs $5. The first floor features exhibits on nautical history, and the top offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Tickets can be purchased in person with cash only at the lighthouse or at the St. Joseph Today Welcome Center.
Westside BBQ and Craft Fest
Unity Gardens hosts its annual summer food and craft festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 27 at 3701 Prast Blvd., South Bend. Live musical performances by Red Light Radio, Music Village Jammers, and The 6th Day Choir will be featured, along with craft vendors and plenty of BBQ to enjoy.
County Fairs
Several county fairs will also take place during this time. The Elkhart County Fair runs from July 18-26 at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, while the Cass County Fair is scheduled for July 27-Aug. 2 at the Cass County Fairgrounds. Both fairs offer a wide range of activities, including exhibits, concerts, rodeos, and more. Tickets can be purchased online.
