As we make our way into fall and into the holidays, South Bend and surrounding communities will offer a variety of events, including festivals, holiday bazaars, and theater productions, certain to pique your interest.
Gather your family or friends, get in the car and attend one, or all, of these exciting events scheduled for the week of Oct. 20 to Oct. 26, 2025.
AMERICAN REVOLUTION EXPERIENCE — The Marshall County Museum will host this traveling exhibit through Oct. 25. This innovative pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology, and unique artifacts and personal accounts to connect audiences with the people and places of the past that shaped the birth of our nation. Rather than focusing only on generals and famous statesmen, the exhibit introduces audiences to drummer boys, military mapmakers and other ordinary people impacted by these global events. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and is at 123 N. Michigan St. in Plymouth.
BETHEL UNIVERSITY FALL INSTRUMENTAL CONCERTS — The fall instrumental concerts will focus on “Celebrating American Composers.” These concerts will honor the nation’s musical legacy with patriotic favorites and timeless classics. The Orchestra and Percussion Concert will begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 23. The Wind and Jazz Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 24. Both concerts will be held in Everest-Rohrer Auditorium, Bethel University, 1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka. These concerts are free and open to the public.
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES SHOW AND SALE — Head down to Rochester for this annual event at the Fulton County Historical Society Museum at U.S. 31 and County Road 375 N. There, you can purchase antiques, collectibles, farm toys, glass items, postcards, furniture and much more. There is an Early Bird sale from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 23. Hours on Oct. 24 are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Oct. 25, hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also on Saturday, have an antique item appraised from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at $5 for the first item and $2 for each additional item. Admission is $4 for ages 12 and older. A three-day pass is $10. Concessions available.
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
WHISPERS FROM THE PAST: GHOST TOURS OF THE MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER — Step into the past and take a 1-hour guided tour through a century of history, tragedy and theatrical superstition. Explore hidden spaces rarely seen by the public. Hear tales of mysterious footsteps, unexplained lights and the ghosts who never took their final bow. Take the last tour on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, purchase at morriscenter.org/events. The Morris Performing Arts Center is at 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend.
QUILT SHOW — Niles Piecemakers Quilt Guild will host a quilt show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 at Hope Community Church, 2390 Lake St., Niles. The show features more than 100 quilts made by members including one that will be given away in a raffle. There will also be vendors, silent auction items with proceeds being donated to a local non-profit, a gift boutique and a sewing flea market. Admission: adults, $10; children (ages 6-12), $5; children 5 and younger, free.
THE FOREST OF FEARZ — The Fulton County Historical Society presents a haunting new experience on Oct. 24-25, and Oct. 31-Nov. 1 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Admissions is $15 per person. Enter if you dare! The Fulton County Historical Society is at 37 E. 375 N (just off U.S. 31) in Rochester, 574-223-4436.
THIRD ANNUAL DIG THE DUNES ARTISAN FALL MARKET — This market will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 24 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 (times are Central) at Uptown Social, 903 Franklin St., Michigan City. Explore more than 40 local artisans and makers offering unique Lake Michigan treasures, hand-carved carpentry, art, accessories, home goods and more. Cocktail bar available. There will be live music on Friday. Cost: $5 entry fee (valid on both days).
HALLOWEENFEST — On Oct. 24-26, take the time to attend this event hosted by Indiana Dinosaur Museum, Continental Divide Park, 7102 Lincoln Way W., South Bend. There will be family fun all weekend with face painting, a coffin ride, pumpkin carving, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, games, s’mores, caramel apples and lots of photo opportunities. From dusk until 10 p.m. go through the haunted house, haunted trail, haunted maze (tickets required for these events), walk the lighted pumpkin path or take a haunted hayride. Wear a costume and receive a gift.
MICHIANA FESTIVAL OF BEERS — Grab some friends and get over to Four Winds Field, 501 W. South St., South Bend, for an evening of unlimited sampling of beers, live music featuring Robert Rolfe Feddersen and the Buddy Pearson TRIO, food trucks, and vendors. Attendees will receive a commemorative 5 oz. mug. Halloween is around the corner, so costumes are encouraged. This event is from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 25 and benefits Rescue, Release, Repeat. Tickets: VIP Early Entry at 2 p.m., $55; General admission at 3 p.m., $45; Designated driver, $10. Purchase tickets online at festivalofbeers.us. This is a 21-and-older event.
NILES SCREAM PARK — The 2025 season continues, and the park will be open from 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 25. The park will also be open from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 30 and from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 31. On Oct. 12, 19 and 26, the park will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. In November the park will be open from 7 to 11 p.m. Nov. 1 for adults only, 18+ night. The season will end on Nov. 7 and 8 with Black Out nights held from 7 to 10 p.m. There are 44 acres of fear and fun. Purchase tickets online at haunted.org. Ticket prices are higher at the gate. Check online for this year’s haunted events. Niles Scream Park is located at 855 Mayflower Road, Niles, 269-687-FEAR; haunted.org.
STEAM & DIESEL PUMPKIN TRAINS — The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum will be running Pumpkin Trains every Saturday in October in historic North Judson. Diesel Pumpkin Trains are 10-mile, round-trip excursions to the Kankakee River, lasting approximately 45 minutes. You may also opt to ride the Steam Train, which will take you on a shorter ride for 20-25 minutes. Both trains will drop passengers off at the pumpkin patch where young and old can play games and choose the perfect pumpkin for carving. Ticket prices are $25-$8 with toddlers (ages 2-0) riding free on an adult’s lap. Departure times are 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. CT for the diesel train and 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT for the steam train. Be sure to dress for the weather. Purchase tickets at hoosiervalley.org. Be sure to check out the museum and the collection of everything trains. The museum is at 507 Mulberry St., North Judson.
TWILIGHT PUMPKIN TRAINS — The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum will begin these trains with an hour-long Not-So-Scary, Scary Animal Show, put on by Silly Safaris, at 4:15 p.m. CT Oct. 25. This show features a variety of animals and handlers and is fun for all ages. The diesel trail then leaves the depot at 5:30 p.m. CT. Ticket prices are $30-$16 with toddlers (ages 2-0) riding free on an adult’s lap. Be sure to dress for the weather. Purchase tickets at hoosiervalley.org. HVRM is at 507 Mulberry St. in North Judson.
FALL CRAFT MARKET — Greene Township Lions Club and Camp Millhouse will host a Fall Craft Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at Camp Millhouse, 25600 Kelly Road in South Bend. There will be craft items, a variety of food, kids’ activities and more.
SHIP-CHIC FALL MARKET — Sellers from all over the Midwest will be setting up booths from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Shipshewana Auction Antique & Misc. Building, 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana. They will be selling gifts, vintage items, home de?cor, crafts, clothing, accessories, beauty products, baked goods, signs and much more. Admission: $5 per person at the door; children 14 and younger are free. The first 100 shoppers will receive a reusable tote, and four lucky bags will have a $25 gift certificate to be used at the show. Parking is free. Snacks and drinks are available onsite.
SOUTHFIELD VILLAGE HOLIDAY BAZAAR — This is the 21st year Southfield Village will host this event from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25. Come out to purchase Christmas items, holiday gifts, baked goods, and lots of homemade one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends. Southfield Village is at 6450 Miami Circle in South Bend.