Celebrate Independence Day in The Bend
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Posted on by Jake Brown

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.

Start planning your trip after checking out some of the 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 4-H Fairgrounds | Dusk
  • July 2 | Four Winds Field | Postgame
  • July 4 | Central Park in Mishawaka | Dusk
  • July 4 | Newton Park, Lakeville | Dusk
  • July 4 | North Liberty | Dusk
  • July 5 | Island Park, downtown South Bend | Dusk
  • July 6 | St. Joseph County 4-H Fairground | Dusk

South Bend Cubs
June 29-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 kick off a five-game homestand June 29 with the first of three games against the Dayton Dragons. Two more games follow with the West Michigan Whitecaps at Four Winds Field.

Fireworks are planned for after the July 2 game against West Michigan. The Cubs will also wear special patriotic jerseys, plus stars and stripes caps. You can bid on these items at auction July 2-3. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

St. Joseph County 4-H Fair
June 27-July 6 | 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.

Mishawaka Independence Day Celebration
June 29 | Central Park

Head to Central Park in Mishawaka to celebrate Independence Day a little early. The day begins at 3 p.m. and will feature live music, kid’s games and activities, a family fun run, food, arts and crafts, vendors and fireworks (at dusk).

Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at RedBud
JULY 6 | BUCHANAN, MI

Round seven of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship makes its way through Buchanan, Mich., on July 6 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 29-30; July 6-7  | 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: A Fair to Remember 
July 5 | Downtown South Bend

Head to downtown South Bend for another installment of First Fridays — “A Fair to Remember.” Downtown will be celebrating some of the best elements of summer with a fair-themed event. You can enjoy live music, art exhibits, dining specials throughout downtown and more.

Meet Me on the Island
July 5 | 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.