This weekend in Mishawaka, IN

A drive-thru community recycling event at the Southeast Berrien County Landfill Recycle Center offers a convenient way to clear out hard-to-dispose-of items. It is limited to Berrien County residents, and waste from businesses is not accepted. The Berrien County Parks Department coordinates the event. There is no admission charge, donations are welcomed to help cover collection costs, and some electronics have fees. This site uses a different entrance than the regular landfill, so follow the yellow yard signs. Drivers proceed through five stations. At the greeting stop, staff provide directions for navigating the line and can accept voluntary donations that support the Berrien County Parks Department’s collection costs. The foam and polystyrene stop takes clean and dry items such as foam coolers, cups, to-go containers, egg cartons, block packaging, and pink or blue Styrofoam, while packing peanuts and soft foam are not taken. The household chemicals station accepts a wide range of home, garden, and garage materials, including used motor oil and filters, antifreeze, gasoline, stains, oil-based paint, varnish, household and vehicle batteries, cleaners, paint thinner, medications and sharps, mercury items, compact fluorescent bulbs and tubes, photo and pool chemicals, small 1-pound propane cylinders, sterno canisters, adhesives, and driveway sealer. It cannot accept grill-size propane tanks, ammunition, fireworks, or latex paint. The on-site paper shredding stop handles paper only, including office paper, mail, brochures, folders, blueprints, and checkbooks. Staples and paper clips may stay in place, documents are removed from vehicles and placed into a collection bin, and the contents are shredded on-site when the bin is full. Non-paper items such as CDs, disks, x-rays, identification cards, binder clips, three-ring binders, cardboard, books, plastic, metal, and other materials are not accepted. The final station collects household electronics that plug in or run on batteries. Examples include computer monitors with a fee per monitor, televisions with a fee per TV, printers, computers and accessories, phones, tablets, routers, DVD or VCR players, stereo equipment, cameras, power tools, vacuum cleaners, holiday light strings, small and large appliances, and items containing Freon with a per-item fee. Freon examples include refrigerators, mini fridges, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and water coolers. Payment for electronics goes to Green Earth Electronics, and materials are processed by Green Earth Electronics Recycling. For questions, send a Facebook message, call 269-983-7111 ext. 8232 or 8133, or email recycle@berriencounty.org.

Michiana Authors presents its first writers conference designed to ignite creativity. Local talent will share real-world experiences in writing and publishing, with practical guidance on developing characters and telling compelling stories. The event is free, and no experience is necessary to participate. There will be a lunch break. Registration is limited through Eventbrite.

Explore a weekly market under the Downtown Pavilion, where the lineup of vendors changes from week to week. Each visit offers something new to discover. Vendor opportunities are available.

On certain Saturday mornings, Fernwood Dog Days welcomes leashed, well socialized dogs to explore the garden and nature preserve alongside their owners. Members receive early entry, and with an active membership both people and pets are admitted at no charge. Visitors are welcomed during public hours with standard general admission and a $5 fee for each dog. To keep the experience safe and enjoyable, dogs must remain under supervision and on leash at all times, including in the parking lot, and should be current on vaccinations and registrations. For the protection of plants and wildlife, please remain on established paved and dirt paths. Owners are responsible for their dogs' behavior. Clean up after your pet and place waste in outdoor receptacles; waste bags can be picked up at the Visitor Center when you arrive. Some spaces are reserved as areas where dogs are not allowed, including natural springs, ponds and other water features, the Fernwood Café, the Fern Conservatory, manicured garden beds, and the Gift Shop. Dogs are admitted only on designated days and during designated hours. Service animals are welcome. Emotional support animals are not permitted.

At the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, ADEC marks 50 years of Ride A Bike, a tradition that began in 1972 to champion people with disabilities and has since grown into a key source of support for the services it provides. The day centers on a welcoming bike experience for all abilities, featuring a family friendly loop sprinkled with playful Pedal Portals, with the option for seasoned cyclists to continue onto the longer Pumpkinvine Trail from the main route. Beyond the ride, the grounds transform into a lively festival with inflatables, games, food trucks, giveaways, a transformation station and selfie stop, Art by ADEC, live music from Froggy 102.7, and more. Seating will be available, and attendees may bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Community members can get involved by registering, volunteering, or fundraising to help sustain ADEC’s programs and services. This event is presented by Froggy 102.7, Welch Packaging, and THOR Industries.

The Native Plant Sale at Pinhook Park features a seasonal selection from a variety of vendors. A full vendor lineup will be announced soon. Several vendors are offering pre-sale ordering to reserve plants ahead of the sale.

A two day golf camp for children and young adults who want to get better at the game, presented by Scratch Golf LLC at Parmore Golf And Driving Range.

Sharpen your jumping technique at a focused, one-hour mountain bike skills session at Bonneyville Mill County Park. A NIMBA instructor with BICP certification will guide riders through safe, effective takeoffs and landings, with practice on a range of features suitable for beginner to intermediate skill levels. The clinic is free for NIMBA members. Non-members are encouraged to make a $30 donation, and those unable to contribute are still welcome at no cost. Prior completion of Level 1 and Level 2 fundamentals clinics, or at least a year of riding experience, is strongly recommended. Bring your own bike and helmet, as both are required and not supplied. Elbow and knee pads are recommended. Advance registration is required. Meet at the Meadow Shelter parking lot inside the park. For questions, email info@nimbamtb.org.

Enjoy a 16,000 square foot expo showcasing reptiles, amphibians, tropical birds, and other small exotic animals. The layout features broad aisles that make it easy to move at your own pace while you explore, with opportunities to observe and handle animals, learn about them, and possibly bring one home. Vendors offer new and used tanks and enclosures, plus heating and lighting gear, filters, substrate, and other supplies for proper care. Live feeders including crickets, mealworms, silkworms, hornworms, and superworms are available, along with live and frozen rodents and additional essentials for exotic pet needs. Hosted at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Singles in the Michiana area ages 46 to 63 can connect at The Cellar Wine Bar and Kitchen in South Bend during a relaxed mixer centered on easy conversation. The program begins with a welcome from Elizabeth Marshall, CEO of WhoU, then moves into a series of brief one-on-one introductions with fellow attendees, a giveaway drawing, and a short group activity. After the structured portion, participants can continue conversations or grab lunch together. Upon arrival, attendees check in for a name tag and assigned table, may purchase a drink from the cash bar, and will find a QR code at each table to download the private WhoU Community App for staying in touch after the event. A reminder email is sent beforehand, and the organizers ask to be notified if plans change so the group remains balanced. Registration is required in advance and there are no tickets at the door. To keep an even mix, registration may be paused briefly and a waitlist is used, with names contacted in the order they are added as spots reopen. Women may occasionally see a waitlist while numbers are adjusted. Included with admission are event registration, access to the private WhoU app for follow up, and automatic entry into giveaways. Refunds are provided only if the event is canceled, and if someone cannot attend, tickets can be transferred to a future event or to a friend with sufficient notice. Ticket options include an early bird price of $28, or $31.72 with Eventbrite tax, and a general admission price of $30, or $33.72 with Eventbrite tax. It is also possible to arrange payment via Venmo by contacting the organizers by email.

Think Outside the Box is a drop in program offering hands on experiences and themed activities, including crafts, puzzles, and problem solving games. It is family friendly and open to all ages, with a special focus on children under 10. Families can drop in and participate at their own pace.

Taste of Excellence Fest brings a vibrant celebration to the Tolson Center for Community Excellence, showcasing cultures from around the world through food, music, art, and shared community pride. It is designed as a gathering that honors excellence and culture in one welcoming space. Further event details will be released, and information for prospective vendors will be provided soon.

On the first Saturday of each month from March through October, Ninja Golf turns the course into a ninja-themed celebration. Show up in full ninja attire and your round of mini golf is free. Effort matters, so think beyond a single accessory and bring your best look. Staff may hand out extra rewards for standout style, including treats like ice cream, a Japanese soda, or another surprise. Favorite costumes are also recognized with special prizes.

Kids can enjoy complimentary bowling all summer with advance registration. Each day includes two free games. Weekend access is limited to a short window, while weekday play is available all day. Lane use depends on availability and reservations are not accepted. For the latest operating hours, check the venue’s website before you go. Optional family passes are offered.

This family-friendly fall festival offers a hayride, a kids’ train ride, bonfires with s’mores, tasty food, and vendors. It features autumn-themed fun and additional seasonal activities.

Enjoy free live music at Red Top Winery & Cidery on the back patio. Settle in, take in the atmosphere, and sip a selection of daringly different wines and ciders. Fresh air and live tunes come together for a laid-back way to unwind.

Now in its second year, this fundraiser blends a round of trivia with music bingo, along with a returning silent auction offering a variety of items. Proceeds benefit Sports Cards 4 Veterans and its mission supporting veterans’ mental health, with last year’s event raising a little over $1,700. Guests may bring their own food, and a cash bar will be available. Tables can be reserved by phone or text at 574-360-8783 or by emailing tyler@sportscards4veterans.org.

J&J Acoustic features the duo of Jamie Warren and Jeff Spicher sharing an all-acoustic performance. With two guitars and smooth vocal harmonies, they span a wide range of songs, from the classic sound of Seals & Crofts to contemporary pop by Dua Lipa, all delivered in an acoustic setting. Both musicians have more than twenty five years of experience performing locally and regionally, together and in other projects. Jamie Warren also runs Warren Guitar Lessons in Mishawaka and studied at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. Jeff Spicher has taught guitar at Hoosier-dads Music and Home-Run Music in Mishawaka, recorded several albums, and contributed soundtrack music for independent film director Donald Corthier. Their background allows them to draw on many styles to keep the music lively for the audience.

Back for its second year, this Mishawaka Market marks the final event of the season, featuring live music, a wide range of vendors, and an array of food trucks. Beverages will be available in the Ball Band Biergarten, rounding out a night of shopping and entertainment under the lights.

The St. Joseph County and Marshall County Out of the Darkness Walk brings the community together at Howard Park in South Bend for a day focused on remembrance, support, and hope. The event begins with check-in and community activities, followed by an opening program that includes an Honor Bead ceremony. The walk takes place after the ceremony. Proceeds support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, advancing research, education, advocacy, and programs that offer help and work to prevent suicide in local communities. Participants come together as part of a nationwide effort to elevate mental health and suicide prevention in Indiana. The AFSP Indiana Chapter has been honored with the Richard E. Kirkoff Overall Chapter of the Year award, and it earned Mid-size Market Chapter of the Year recognition in 2024 and 2025.

Advance registration is required. Enjoy two free games each day throughout the summer. Weekend availability is limited to set hours, while weekday access is available all day.

Enjoy a free live music performance from Shane Lindeman at Red Top Winery & Cidery. Settle into a seat on the back patio, take in the easygoing atmosphere, and savor distinctive wines and ciders while the music plays. Fresh air and live tunes make for a relaxing break.

Support the animals at South Bend Animal Resource Center through a donation drive focused on collecting needed supplies. Item lists will be available to help determine what to give, and financial donations are welcome as well.

Celebrate inclusion and support individuals with special needs at the 2nd Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk/Run at Centennial Park in Plymouth, Indiana. The event features opening ceremonies, a 1 mile fun run, and a 5K walk/run, along with registration and T-shirt pickup. Registration is $25 for the 1 mile fun run and $30 for the 5K. Family-friendly activities include basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing where the winner must be present, and food trucks. All proceeds benefit individuals with special needs in the local community. Last year more than 350 participants helped raise nearly $20,000 that provided equipment and resources for local therapists and students, and this year aims to expand support for additional organizations and programs.

Enjoy a traditional music session in the event tent where people can take part by playing or singing, or simply relax and listen. This gathering occurs on the first Sunday of the month.

The Speak Of Love Tour comes to the Howard Performing Arts Center with David Phelps, a vocalist widely recognized for extraordinary power and a range that spans more than three octaves. Known for conveying songs with uncommon warmth and clarity, he has earned ovations on many of the world’s most respected stages. With multiple Dove and Grammy honors and several platinum-selling recordings, this performance showcases both dazzling technique and heartfelt storytelling.

This event presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show in a newly restored 4K version, paired with a live shadow-cast performance and opportunities for the audience to participate. Featuring Nell Campbell, the original Columbia, the evening includes a hosted presentation of the film, a VIP meet-and-greet, and a costume competition. Late entry is not permitted. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is rated R.