Community Calendar

It’s our 35th Anniversary and we want to celebrate with the community!

Join us for a special celebration and movie night on Saturday, July 18th at the Elkhart Environmental Center! We will be hosting two outdoor showings of Disney Pixar’s “Hoppers” – the first in Spanish from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM and the second in English from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Plan to bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs to enjoy the film.

In addition to the movie, enjoy FREE face painting, cake, and popcorn!

No registration is required and it is FREE to attend.

Experience the park after hours for this neon orienteering challenge. Using maps and lanterns, navigate the terrain of St. Patrick’s County Park in search of glowing markers. Wear your brightest neon to add to the fun! Registration and payment required by Tuesday, July 28.

Meet a naturalist in the White Barn parking lot for a birding and nature hike while summer is in full swing! We will explore part of the park, observing the plants and birds we encounter. No birding experience necessary but bring binoculars if you have them. We will have loaners as well. Registration and payment due by Thursday, July 30.

Renew yourself amidst the shade of the pine trees as you enjoy yoga in the refreshing outdoors. Each session is geared towards ages 16+. Please bring your own mat, water, and towel. In case of rain or lightning, we will meet under the Pfeil Pavilion or in the White Barn Harvest Room. Registration and payment required by Thursday, July 30.

Families, join us for an evening of muddy fun! Paint with mud, make mud pies, scoop in the pond for tadpoles, blow giant bubbles, and more! Wear old clothes and shoes and bring a towel. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature.

Stroll the streets of downtown South Bend during this free, family-friendly event to see the hand-crafted work of local potters, photographers, painters, weavers, jewelers, sketchers, woodcarvers, crocheters, and filmmakers. You'll also hear the sound of acoustical melodies, African drumming, soulful Jazz, the power of rock, and more.
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You'll taste the flavors of the region, the fresh local produce, and the intricate creations of top chefs and touch the artistic instruments to create your own masterpiece in one of the many community art projects!

Join us for an enriching family nature program that brings the wonders of the outdoors and the joy of reading together! This unique experience is designed to connect children and their families to the beauty of nature while fostering a love for literacy. Enjoy food, crafts, and hands-on learning stations. At each station, receive a free nature-themed, curiosity-sparking book! Registration required by Friday, July 31.

Join us on the Boardwalk at Spicer Lake for a meteor-watching night during peak activity of the Perseid meteor showers! Bring a camping chair or blanket and bug spray. A nighttime-themed treat will be provided. Registration required by Monday, August 10.

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!

Renew yourself amidst the shade of the pine trees as you enjoy yoga in the refreshing outdoors. Each session is geared towards ages 16+. Please bring your own mat, water, and towel. In case of rain or lightning, we will meet under the Pfeil Pavilion or in the White Barn Harvest Room. Registration and payment required by Thursday, August 20.