Events in Mishawaka today

Weekly kids’ DIY paint workshops at Knotted Boards give young creators a chance to explore their imagination with a fresh project each session. Materials and step-by-step guidance are included, so beginners and experienced artists alike can feel comfortable and have fun. Some activities may feature personalized signs; when personalization is part of a chosen project, the organizer requests the child’s name with correct spelling during registration so everything can be prepared ahead of time. Private bookings are also available for birthday celebrations and other kids’ parties with custom themes. Capacity is limited and registration is required.

Geared to children ages 2 to 4, this program builds very early literacy skills through talking, reading, writing, singing, and play. No registration is necessary.

Build your business through networking with a focus on referral-based marketing. The gathering takes place in the upstairs meeting room by the side-door deli at Martin’s Super Markets.

Downtown Elkhart hosts a self-guided art walk through shops and outdoor spaces, featuring local artists, creative displays, and chances to engage with live and interactive elements. Presented in partnership with the Downtown Elkhart Merchants Alliance, it offers a relaxed way to explore the district while supporting both artists and neighborhood businesses. Themes, featured artists, and participating locations will be announced as the season progresses.

Enjoy a hot yoga class with Yogi Erin in the cozy Cottage Classroom, gently heated to 90 degrees to help muscles release and support deeper stretching. The session welcomes all experience levels, from newcomers to seasoned practitioners. Participants can expect benefits often associated with hot yoga, including improved flexibility, cardiovascular support, calorie burn, stress relief, and a cleansing sweat. Bring your own mat or use one that is available, and consider a towel for your mat since the room is heated. This class is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to a friend by contacting Wellfield at (574) 266-2006.

Explore the art of pickling with Chef Patsy in the opening session of a five-part Fall Food Series. Learn practical techniques for preserving your harvest and making the most of the last of your garden produce. Sessions take place on Wednesday evenings. Registration is optional and used only to estimate attendance.

Settle into a midweek practice that makes space to breathe, move, and connect with your community in a beautiful outdoor setting. This weekly yoga class weaves together Yin and Vinyasa, offering a playful experience that supports both strength and restoration. Guided by Lindsey Frick, a supportive teacher who motivates movers of every experience level, the session takes place at Howard Park. Look for signs for Flow with Frick to meet the group near the river by the pedestrian bridge behind the Lodge.

Manny’s is adding trivia to its weekly lineup in collaboration with Indiana Trivia, a well-known local group bringing a fresh mix of clever questions and brain teasers. Participants compete for bragging rights and the chance to win gift cards.

Enjoy a full day of unlimited laser tag for $20 per person. Team up with friends, go head to head, and aim for the top of the leaderboard with nonstop rounds. Ideal for groups, teams, and players of all ages. Taking place at Generations Adventureplex in Mishawaka.

The farmers market returns for the season as a community hub for fresh food and handcrafted goods. Set in the New Kitchen Store parking lot, it features farm-fresh vegetables, baked treats, sourdough loaves, smoothies, cold brew, and other locally made favorites. Vendors who wish to take part are welcome, with the guideline that all products must be grown or created by the seller.

A welcoming carnival experience features exciting rides, plenty of food, and fun games. Created with families in mind, it provides a lively setting for all ages to enjoy time together.

Create a festive pumpkin centerpiece in a relaxed, cozy setting. Participants receive a ceramic pumpkin vase, autumn florals, and all necessary supplies and mechanics, then follow a guided demonstration with step by step instruction to design a custom arrangement. No prior experience is required, making this an easy, inviting fall activity.

Enjoy live acoustic music at Catch 22 in Mishawaka, IN.

Vintage Swing South Bend presents a welcoming social swing dance at The Hammer & Quill. The evening starts with a beginner-friendly lesson to get everyone comfortable, followed by open dancing. DJs spin an upbeat mix of swing, from classic big band sounds to contemporary tracks. Admission is $10 at the door. All are welcome, including first-timers and solo attendees, and no partner is required.

An Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that provides a confidential, supportive space for anyone seeking help with addiction recovery. Participants come together to share personal stories, draw strength from one another, and nurture hope in a judgment free environment. The focus is on compassion, understanding, and walking the path of healing together, with the reminder that recovery is possible.

Enjoy a storytime that features a read-aloud followed by a craft activity. Spend some time with a shared story and a bit of hands-on creativity.

Complimentary live music sets the tone at Red Top Winery & Cidery. Settle into a seat on the scenic back patio, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and sip distinctive wines and crisp ciders. It is a laid back way to unwind with refreshing drinks, fresh air, and lively tunes.

Downtown Goshen transforms into a harvest celebration as streets and storefronts fill with seasonal decorations. Pumpkin focused activities, local artisans, warming seasonal drinks, and live music set a cheerful tone. Small businesses and restaurants across the district roll out special promotions, creating a lively showcase of the community.

Create the seasonal painting Welcome Fall during a guided oil painting class at Heartland Art Center Plymouth. Laura Wildwoods, a Bob Ross Certified Instructor and local member of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, the Lakeland Art Association, and the Northern Plein Air Artists, leads a clear, step by step lesson suitable for all skill levels. All materials are provided, including the canvas, and the class fee is $30. Registration and payment are coordinated directly with the instructor, who accepts PayPal Friends and Family, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, cash, check, or credit card with a small processing fee.

Wellfield transforms into a playful realm of heroes and villains for a Halloween-themed celebration created in partnership with the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum and Comic-Collection Of Michigan Indiana Cosplayers. The gardens set the stage for trick-or-treat fun alongside comic book characters and colorful cosplay. Stroll the main promenade to catch live character performances inspired by favorites like Dr. Doom, the Ghostbusters, the Joker, Deadpool, and Wolverine. The Hall of Heroes will showcase special statues, and photo opportunities will be available throughout. Local frontline professionals will also be present to share safety tips and talk about how they serve the community. Costumes are encouraged. Dress as a superhero, a villain, a Halloween original, or simply come as you are. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, and food and drink will be available for purchase from onsite vendors. Candy will be distributed at designated stations across the gardens, and small bags are welcome. Children 12 and under receive free admission, and a ticket is still required for each child. Extra tickets can be purchased at the gate. Tickets are nonrefundable, though they may be gifted by forwarding the confirmation email. Unused tickets are treated as a donation to Wellfield Botanic Gardens and the Hall of Heroes Museum. The event takes place rain or shine except in severe weather. Wellfield may delay or cancel because of conditions, and in the rare case of cancellation due to dangerous weather, tickets may be used for one regular admission to Wellfield within one year of the event.

Skate into sunset at Howard Park during the Sunset Skating series, a casual roll-around with a live DJ and a relaxed atmosphere. This edition spotlights Fall Vibes with DJ Cherry. Bring personal skates, or pick up a rental on site for $3. All ages are welcome at no cost, and no registration is needed.

Enjoy a refined yet relaxed dining experience at McCollum’s in Buchanan’s downtown. The atmosphere blends polish with an inviting feel.

Octave Cat brings a dynamic trio featuring Eli Winderman on keyboards, Jesse Miller of Lotus on bass and modular synth, and Charlie Patierno on drums. Their music spans tight, groove-centered jazz and analog synth-fueled dance rhythms, drawing inspiration from Herbie Hancock’s jazz-funk and Four Tet’s electronica. Blending improvisational jazz and jam energy with electronic textures, they have shaped a sound that is distinctly their own. Future Joy appears as the special guest. This all-ages show is general admission at $20 and takes place at Ignition Music Garage.

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.

Step into the Adventurer's Guild for self-contained quests that fit your schedule. Take on as many missions as you like, or keep it light with no minimum commitment. Collect gold, gear, and glory as you rise through the ranks and work to defend Terra from Reznor, a powerful mage from beyond. Along the way, battle countless minions, overcome obstacles, and help rebuild the kingdoms. Characters are created when you enroll in the guild and are kept until the end of the season. Play begins at level 3, and newcomers start at the same level as the group. Play uses the 2024 ruleset, and choices for classes and races are limited to those in official, physically printed Wizards of the Coast D&D books for 5th Edition and 2024. Each session has an $8 fee. Ages 16 and up are welcome, and all skill levels can take part.

Enjoy a free yoga session in a garden setting led by Zana, a certified instructor. If it rains, the class will be held indoors. The last session of each month includes a soothing sound bath with Sarah. Bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing. Optional registration is available.