This weekend in St. Joseph County, IN

A festive fall community event showcasing talented local artisans, handmade goods, unique gifts, seasonal décor, and other one-of-a-kind finds. It is ideal for anyone starting holiday shopping, hoping to support small businesses, or simply enjoying an autumn atmosphere. Attendees can browse beautiful handcrafted items, connect with local makers and vendors, and experience it all at Twin Branch MPG. Organizers note they will not comment on posts or send direct messages first, encouraging everyone to stay alert for potential scams while seeking vendor or event information.

At Howard Park South Bend, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Michiana brings the community together for a walk in support of the American Cancer Society. The event welcomes survivors, caregivers, and all who care about this cause. Registration is open, and every step taken and every donation contributed helps make a meaningful difference.

At the Century Center in downtown South Bend, this market showcases more than 200 booths with handmade creations, work by artisans and makers, boutique finds, baked goods, local businesses, specialty products, home decor, gifts, and more. Attendees can discover unique items and support local while getting an early start on holiday shopping. Vendor spaces are still available for artisans, makers, small businesses, and local companies. Plan a weekend of browsing, discovering, and shopping local.

The event features a Trunk or Treat, with candy handed out while supplies last. A Falloween Fest takes place alongside it.

A free, family-friendly community health event brings local healthcare providers, community organizations, and neighborhood families together to make wellness resources accessible, approachable, and fun. Indiana Health Centers’ Mobile Health Unit will be on site, accepting Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans, with a sliding fee scale available for those who qualify. For mobile health services, attendees should bring a valid photo ID and an insurance card if applicable. Those applying for the sliding fee scale should bring proof of income from the last 30 days, such as recent pay stubs, tax forms or 1099s, or a notarized letter from an employer. Festivities include a bounce house, the Hoop South Bend trailer, family-friendly fall activities, and chances to connect with community resources that support health and wellness. Complimentary treats include hot cocoa, a caramel apple station, and candy, and costumes are welcome. The South Bend Medical Foundation’s blood donation mobile will also be on site, offering an opportunity to help patients in need through lifesaving donations that support emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, and other serious conditions. Everyone is welcome. Admission and family activities are free, and medical services may be billed to insurance or subject to income-based fees. Presented by Indiana Health Center, Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Organization, Northeast Neighborhood Council, Oaklawn, South Bend Heritage, and Historic Firehouse #7.

Mishawaka East End’s 4th annual fall festival is a free-to-attend community celebration featuring music, activities, and local vendors. Highlights include DJ music by Party Time, baseball and softball skills competitions, cornhole, an inflatable obstacle course, and more than 30 local vendors, nonprofits, and businesses. Food will be available from six local favorites, including Mr. MJ’s Hot Sauce and Catering, Gelati on The Bend, Rico Suave, Kona Ice, Pinoy’s Kitchen, and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee. The festivities also include a community celebration with 2027 announcements, a costume contest, and a Trunk or Treat. Raffles will award four free 2027 player registrations, and the winning trunk receives a free 2027 player registration for every member of one family. Businesses, campaigns, and nonprofits can participate with a vendor table or trunk.

Oktoberfest comes to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum with a family-friendly celebration featuring live music from Die Musikmeisters, hearty German fare and beer, and a full lineup of seasonal activities. Test your strength in stein holding contests, enjoy wagon rides from Continental Divide Park, and savor treats like caramel apples and Butterbeer floats. Enjoy a pumpkin patch with carving, face painting, and outdoor games that add to the autumn fun. Everyone is welcome, and the Oktoberfest festivities have no admission fee.

Kids can enjoy two free games each day all summer with advance registration. The offer is available all day on weekdays, and on weekends it is limited to a shorter window. Play is first come, first served since availability depends on open lanes, and reservations are not accepted. Check the bowling center’s webpage for any updates to operating hours on the day you plan to visit. Family pass options are offered.

Robert Rolfe Feddersen performs a live, full-band rock and roll set at Four Winds Field during the Michiana Festival of Beers in South Bend, Indiana. This ticketed event welcomes all ages and is family friendly.

Singles ages 35 to 49 can mix and mingle at Ironhand Wine Bar during a relaxed afternoon that blends speed dating, light group activities, and fun giveaways. The experience pairs face-to-face introductions with continued connection through a private community app so conversations can carry on after the event. Upon arrival, attendees check in, pick up a name tag, find their assigned table, and may purchase a drink from the cash bar before activities begin. A QR code on the tables provides access to the WhoU Community App for post-event messaging. The program opens with a welcome from Elizabeth Marshall, CEO of WhoU, followed by a series of speed-dating rotations. Giveaways are announced afterward, and a brief group activity may follow if time allows. Guests can stay to socialize at the wine bar after the formal program ends. Registration includes entry, giveaways, select service discounts, and access to the private app. Attendance is limited to 20 men and 20 women. Advance registration is required and there are no door sales. A reminder email will be sent prior to the event. Refunds are provided only if the event is canceled, and tickets may be transferred to another person or a future date with at least 48 hours’ notice. If the event sells out while balancing the male to female ratio, a first come, first served waitlist may be used. Ticket options include $28 Early Bird and $30 General Admission.

The event features food, enjoyable activities, and candy treats.

Emmons Elementary hosts a family-friendly Halloween event with games, interactive activities, and prizes for all ages. Admission is $10 per family for up to six people. Costumes are encouraged for a spirited night of Halloween fun. Dinner will be available for purchase in the café. This celebration returns each year and continues to grow, offering a simple way to enjoy the holiday with kids and friends.

Trivia Night returns to the University Grill on the IUSB campus in South Bend. Form a team of up to eight or register as an individual to be paired with others, then put your knowledge to the test across topics like sports, our region, music, IU, and more. Bring sealed, store-bought snacks for your table. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at a cash bar. A silent auction featuring IU-themed items will run alongside the competition. Registration is available to reserve a spot. Pricing is $25 per person or $150 for a team of up to eight. Proceeds support the St. Joseph County Alumni Chapter Scholarship, which assists incoming students from St. Joseph County attending any IU campus. Trivia category sponsorships are offered for $100 to help offset costs and direct more funds to scholarships. For questions or sponsorship details, contact Rob DeCleene at rdecleen@iu.edu or 574-520-4679.

Following the Halloween Party, Ninja Golf presents its first annual yokai-themed walk, a lantern-lit stroll around the property inspired by creatures and legends from Japanese folklore. Participants are encouraged to bring a lantern, lamp, or flashlight and keep watch for playful nods to these stories along the route. The experience is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, with a light dose of spookiness rather than real scares. After the walk, everyone can enjoy s’mores with Basho. A suggested tip is $5 per person or $20 per family.

At the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend, this festival premiere offers an early preview of The Greatest, arriving two weeks ahead of its release. Produced by Michael B. Jordan, the officially authorized scripted series created with Muhammad Ali’s estate traces his life, legacy, and lasting impact. Jaalen Best leads as Ali, with Omari Hardwick and Giovanni Ribisi in the supporting cast, and Michael Ealy portraying Malcolm X. A festival ticket or pass is required for entry.

Baroque refinement meets tango-charged energy as Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons is paired with Piazzolla’s Buenos Aires Seasons. The program highlights Spring and Summer in two contrasting sound worlds, one clear and songful, the other propelled by syncopation and a vividly charged pulse. The June H. Edwards Mosaic Series is sponsored by Jack M. Champaigne.

Create a personalized felt voodoo doll in a relaxed, hands-on workshop at Jackie Lee Apothecary. Learn simple stitching techniques, then give your doll character with buttons, hearts, and other decorative details. All supplies are included, and the only thing to bring is your creativity. This is a walk-in format with no appointment required, and participants may arrive at any time during the workshop window. The cost is $10 per person.

Enjoy a day of fun at Strikes & Spares while helping the JAHS Band Boosters. Tell the staff you are there for the fundraiser and 100 percent of your activity costs will benefit the Boosters. Pricing options include $10 per person for two games of bowling with shoe rental, $12 per person for one game of bowling with shoes and unlimited mini golf, and $15 per person for one game of bowling plus mini golf and two go-kart rides.

Kids Bowl Free offers two free bowling games for kids every day throughout the summer. Registration is required, and family passes are available.