Things to Do in South Bend (2025)

South Bend’s car-making past springs to life across three levels of design, innovation, and presidential carriages. Regularly spotlighted by regional travel editors and covered by local outlets for timely exhibits, it’s a perennial must. Featured by Midwest Living.

Tour the Oliver family’s 38-room 1897 mansion—original furnishings, gardens, and daily guided tours. Recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and often cited by regional magazines for its immersive period detail and neighborhood context.

Operating since 1924, this vendor-owned market hums year-round with produce, meats, flowers, and a beloved café. Celebrated locally for its centennial and frequently recommended by travel editors for authentic Midwest market culture.

A downtown institution since 1991 with hardwood-grilled steaks, polished service, and a deep cellar. Holder of AAA Four Diamond honors and praised by wine publications; locals see it as the city’s benchmark special-occasion table.

A chef-led dining room known for elegant seasonal plates, an artful tasting menu, and attentive hospitality. Earned AAA Four Diamond recognition and highlighted by Eater Chicago as a defining South Bend restaurant.

House-brewed beers, smoked meats, and a vegan-friendly menu on the river with postcard views. Praised by Eater Chicago and Edible Michiana for brisket and inventive bites like Ewe Tso cauliflower.

Downtown’s Celtic hub blends traditional fare with live sessions and open jams that knit the community. Noted on Midwest Living’s foodie trail and beloved by local critics for music-forward pub culture.

Free-admission galleries inside Century Center showcase regional and national work, plus artist-led programs. Regularly featured for juried exhibitions like Biennial 33 and respected by arts writers for community impact.

Go behind the scenes at a hometown confectioner: tour the working lines, visit a vast chocolate museum, and taste along the way. Frequently recommended by Visit South Bend and family travel writers.

Member-owned and open to all, this neighborhood co‑op champions local producers and hosts a year-round Wednesday market. Cited by community publications for advancing food justice and South Bend’s local-food economy.

An indie club run by comedians for comedians, now enlivening a creative venue with touring acts, open mics, and locals’ nights. Covered by event press and lauded by fans for intimate, laugh-filled weekends.

An urban wine bar overlooking the river with live music, makers’ markets, and seasonal bites. Frequently noted by local media for community events and relaxed tastings—an easygoing South Bend evening.