Community Calendar

It’s open to the public. Based on Jazz Standards - Straight-Ahead Jazz. Listen. Play. Discuss. It's a Learning Environment. Bring your Instrument, your Ears, your Friends. Popcorn, coffees, soft drinks, and food available at Culture Café.

Produced in partnership with WVPE.

Join us monthly on the Second Thursday from 5-7 p.m. for Martinis and Music.

Music Artist: TBD

Guest Bartender: TBD

Sponsored by Shelly and Steve Fidler

Join us for our monthly free movie!

Tangled

PG | 2010 | 1hr 40min

August 14, 2026, at 7PM

Concessions available for purchase.

The first-ever Boots On The Bend festival is coming to the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds on August 14 and 15, 2026, guaranteeing two days filled with music, excitement, and Midwest summer fun.
This country music festival will have a packed lineup, with headliners Eric Church and HARDY. Fans can also look forward to performances from favorites and up-and-coming artists like Brandon Lake, Flatland Cavalry, Chase Rice, Ashley McBryde, Graham Barham, Maddie Font, The Jack Wharff Band, Emily Ann Roberts, Lakeview, Eddie & The Getaway, Will Moseley, McCoy Moore, Joe Stamm Band, and others.
Get ready to celebrate two days of country music, community, and the relaxed Midwest lifestyle. With live shows, food and drink vendors, and a scenic setting, Boots On The Bend will offer a mix of modern country, classic hits, and summer festival fun. Get your boots ready because South Bend’s biggest country party is almost here!

Come for the music, stay for the stars! The Connecting Chords Music Festival will bring live music to the Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park before an evening of stargazing on Friday, August 14.

Performing will be Festival favorites The Birdseed Salesmen, an ensemble specializing in jazz Manouche, a style of music originated by Django Reinhardt. You never quite know what you’re going to get: familiar melodies, old standards, styles from old movie soundtracks, maybe even TV themes!

Park admission is $5/car (please bring cash). Donations to the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music will be accepted.

Located in Vandalia, MI (about 50 minutes south of Kalamazoo), Lawless Park is one of only three sites in Michigan to be officially designated an International Dark Sky Park. The music program will start at 8:30 PM, and the park will remain open until 2:00 AM for stargazing!

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This event is co-sponsored by Cass Country Parks & Recreation.

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Celebrate the unifying power of the world’s music at the 2026 Connecting Chords Music Festival, running from August 14 – November 29. The Festival features an incredible variety and quality of musicians every year – if you know, *you know*!

Learn more about the Festival at ccmusicfest.com.

Celebrate 15 years of Running Wild with us! The Running Wild 5K Run is professionally chip-timed with disposable chips and takes you on a fun adventure through wooded trails, open fields, park roads, grass, and gravel. Awards are given to the top 3 finishers in each age category—and this year, we’re adding extra anniversary surprises to celebrate this exciting milestone!

The 3K Wacky Scavenger Hunt Walk follows similar, relatively flat terrain and is perfect for all ages. Enjoy anniversary-themed scavenger hunt fun along the way! Dogs are welcome on a 6-ft. leash for the walk, and participants with leashed dogs will start at the back.

After your run or walk, join the celebration with a delicious egg bake breakfast, fresh fruit, and our famous homemade granola cookies—because every great adventure deserves great food! Stick around for fantastic door prizes, including special 15th anniversary prizes, donated by local vendors, the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation, and Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake (must be present to win).

Every participant receives a hand-crafted medallion featuring the animal of the year, with a special design honoring the 15th anniversary—collectible, memorable, and uniquely Running Wild (one per registered participant, while supplies last).

Come run, walk, celebrate, and be part of Running Wild history!

Each Saturday, take a step back in time. Visit Pears Mill, an 1857 water-powered mill. Located in Buchanan, Michigan’s downtown Historic District. The mill is adjacent to Buchanan Farmers Market. Frequent demonstrations. Pears Mill is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday from May 6th through Labor Day. There is no charge

Looking for the most unique night out? Experience a weekend event unlike anything else in town! The Dinner Detective Fort combines immersive comedy, audience interaction, and true-crime inspired fun into one unforgettable social event. With actors hidden in the audience and surprises around every corner, this interactive comedy experience keeps guests fully engaged from start to finish. It’s the perfect date-night experience, group night out, or weekend experience for anyone ready to laugh, investigate, and enjoy a great dinner. Limited seating available- secure your seats at www.thedinnerdetective.com/south-bend

The first-ever Boots On The Bend festival is coming to the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds on August 14 and 15, 2026, guaranteeing two days filled with music, excitement, and Midwest summer fun.
This country music festival will have a packed lineup, with headliners Eric Church and HARDY. Fans can also look forward to performances from favorites and up-and-coming artists like Brandon Lake, Flatland Cavalry, Chase Rice, Ashley McBryde, Graham Barham, Maddie Font, The Jack Wharff Band, Emily Ann Roberts, Lakeview, Eddie & The Getaway, Will Moseley, McCoy Moore, Joe Stamm Band, and others.
Get ready to celebrate two days of country music, community, and the relaxed Midwest lifestyle. With live shows, food and drink vendors, and a scenic setting, Boots On The Bend will offer a mix of modern country, classic hits, and summer festival fun. Get your boots ready because South Bend’s biggest country party is almost here!

It’s open to the public. Based on Jazz Standards - Straight-Ahead Jazz. Listen. Play. Discuss. It's a Learning Environment. Bring your Instrument, your Ears, your Friends. Popcorn, coffees, soft drinks, and food available at Culture Café.