Celebrate Independence Day in The Bend
One of our great celebrations is right around the corner. We can practically hear the pop of fireworks and smell the barbecues with Independence Day fast approaching. The Bend has no shortage of events on or around the 4th of July, making it the type of destination the whole family can enjoy.
Plan your visit around a stay at the Morris Inn, the only AAA Four Diamond hotel in Northern Indiana. Guests at the Morris Inn stay in the heart of the University of Notre Dame’s campus. They have access to a pair of The Bend’s best restaurants — Sorin’s and Rohr’s. Plus it offers easy access to Warren Golf Course, Wind Family Fireside Terrace, walking tours of campus, downtown South Bend and more.
Start at the Morris Inn then explore everything The Bend has to offer around 4th of July, including these events listed below.
Fireworks in The Bend
What is Independence Day without fireworks? Here are some spectacular shows in the area throughout the week to commemorate the national holiday.
- June 29 | St. Joseph County Fairgrounds | Dusk
- June 29 | Four Winds Field | Postgame
- June 30 | St. Joseph County Fairgrounds | Dusk
- July 1 | St. Joseph County Fairgrounds | Dusk
- June 30 | Central Park |10:30 p.m. (approximate)
- July 2 | Four Winds Field | Postgame
- July 3 | Four Winds Field | Postgame
- July 6 | Island Park – Century Center | Dusk
- July 7 | St. Joseph County Fairgrounds | Dusk
South Bend Cubs
June 25-July 3 | Four Winds Field
Head to Four Winds Field if you want start your Independence Day celebrations early with baseball and fireworks. The South Bend Cubs kickoff a nine-game homestand with three games against the West Michigan Whitecaps. Four games follow with the Dayton Dragons then two more against the Bowling Green Hot Rods.
Fireworks will follow the games on June 29, July 2 and July 3. There will be other promotions depending on the day, plus the Cubs will wear special patriotic jerseys and stars and stripes caps July 2 and 3. Fans can bid on those items as part of a charity auction.
Storm the Stadium
July 4 | Notre Dame Stadium
Take a unique look inside Notre Dame Stadium on July 4 with a family friendly event created to support military men and women. You can also get quite the workout if you so choose. Sign up for the long course and you’ll climb up and down every one of Notre Dame Stadium’s 72 sections. Choose the short course option to stick in the lower bowl or the stadium walk. There will also be a family fun zone and video board selfie station, all in support of Notre Dame-enrolled veterans and their families, active-duty and ROTC students, and those who are dependents of service members. Find more info HERE.
St. Joseph County 4-H Fair
June 29-July 7 | St. Joseph County Fairgrounds
Events don’t get much more family friendly than the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair. Carnival rides, animals, parades, mouthwatering food, concerts and more await on the fairgrounds. You can find a full schedule of events HERE.
Mishawaka Independence Day Celebration
June 30 | Mishawaka Parks
Three Mishawaka parks — Central, Battell and Kamm Island — host this free, all-day event. Multiple stages will host live acts throughout the day. Games for children, a petting zoo, rides in a hot air balloon and over a dozen food vendors will be available around the parks. Of course, the event will be capped with a fireworks show just after dusk. Find out more HERE.
Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at RedBud
JULY 7 | BUCHANAN, MI
Round seven of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship makes its way through Buchanan, Mich., on July 7 and runs all day. This annual motocross race brings pros, amateurs and fans from all over the country. Just a 26-minute drive from downtown South Bend, this motocross extravaganza is a “can’t miss.” Simply put, Redbud does the 4th of July holiday celebration right.
White Water Rafting
June 30-July 1; July 7-8 | East Race Waterway
Want some adventure? Look no further than North America’s first man-made white water rafting course. With waves up to six feet or higher and a total fall of about 12 feet, the East Race Waterway is built for thrills. Open Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, you can go down the rapids in a raft (provided) with others or try your hand at going down in a kayak (bring your own).
First Fridays: Classic Downtown
July 6 | Downtown South Bend
Step back in time July 6 with another installment of First Fridays — “Classic Downtown.” Vintage cars, including Studebakers, will cruise down Michigan Street or be parked on display. Same goes for antique bikes. There will be various other “throwback” activities and promotions. Consider this a perfect way to explore downtown South Bend with a little taste of what the city was like in years past.
Meet Me on the Island
July 6 | Island Park – Century Center
Meet and mingle at Meet Me on the Island on Island Park at Century Center. Enjoy live entertainment, shop local art, and soak up a glorious view of the St. Joseph River. Finish up the night with fireworks just after sundown sponsored by Visit South Bend Mishawaka.
