Good morning, South Bend.

The East Race Waterway opens for its season this Saturday, letting thrill seekers whitewater raft or kayak from noon until 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays while it marks South Bend’s 160th birthday on June 29 with a free ride pass for the first 160 minutes of operation (a special offer for the celebration). Kennedy Water Playground also starts its summer season this Saturday, welcoming young children daily from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a free splash pass for the first 160 guests on July 10 (a birthday treat).

The Potawatomi Zoo announced baby prairie dogs that will live underground for six weeks before they emerge when the weather warms—this follows a video showing one pup coming above ground for the first time.

The zoo is now operating on summer hours.

Centre Township firefighter Christopher Haggerty is suspended without pay+and his termination is deferred pending a criminal domestic battery case+with a court hearing scheduled for July 2 at 8 a.m.

South Bend Police Department today warned residents about a scam text that falsely claims to be from the Indiana DMV and threatens to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges if a link is clicked to pay a fine by June6+ officers confirmed the message uses fake references and urged people not to respond to it.

South Bend Community School Corporation is in its third year of offering the Student Officiating Program to help fix the referee shortage as teens earn high school credit learning sports rules and leadership.

The program partners with youth leagues such as River City Basketball — MSA soccer to give hands-on experience.

South Bend and nearby areas are set to undergo many road construction projects this summer—repairing streets, rebuilding bridges, and adding safety features.

Drivers should expect detours on routes like Mishawaka Avenue and Ewing Avenue as work continues for several months.

The South Bend Historic Preservation Commission released a list of the top ten endangered properties in the city to alert residents to historic sites at risk, noting that key sites like Greene School and Sibley Tool Buildings face decay and vacancy.

The report warns that without quick restoration efforts—through local or government action—these landmarks may be lost forever.

Lowbrow Sideshow 2025

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Brett Gordon's Towing and Repair — $8 Pre-Sale, $10 Door — Celebrate local art, music, and custom vehicles at this vibrant annual festival.

South Bend Women’s Small Group

6:45-7:30 a.m. — South Bend, Indiana — Contact for details — Engage with the community in a supportive women's group setting.

Watercolor Painting Class for Beginners

10 AM – 12 PM — Howard Park, Farmer Room — $5/class, $30/session — Learn the basics of watercolor painting with an enthusiastic instructor focused on technique and creativity.

Ben Folds Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Tickets range from $78 to $176 — Experience the musical stylings of Ben Folds in an intimate concert setting.

South Bend Royal Princess Ball

12:00 – 3:30 PM — Holiday Inn Mishawaka — Ticket required — Experience a magical day of princess-themed fun with character meet and greets, performances, and games.

South Bend Women’s Small Group

6:45-7:30 a.m. — South Bend, Indiana — Contact for details — Connect with local women in a supportive and hybrid group setting.

Elkhart Jazz Festival Featuring Diana Krall

8 AM – 5 PM — The Lerner Theatre — Individual tickets from $34 — Experience a weekend of captivating jazz performances with headliner Diana Krall kicking off the festival.

Midwest Twilight Imperium Championship

9 AM – 10 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel South Bend — Free parking — Compete for galactic glory in the highly anticipated second annual Twilight Imperium tournament.

Open House at Stunning Renovated American Foursquare

2-4 p.m. — 320 Howard St, South Bend, IN — Free entry — Explore a beautifully renovated home with modern amenities close to downtown and a major university.

Softball Summer Day Camp I - Play Like the Irish

9-11 a.m. — Melissa Cook Stadium — Open to all registrants — Enhance pitching and catching skills with specialized drills and mechanics training.