Good morning, South Bend.

Families will enjoy a free Halloween celebration at Newton Park on Oct.

18 with trunk treating, food trucks, a chili cook-off, and costume fun, while special needs families will access the park early at 5 p.m. On Oct. 19, the Newton Park Indoor Facility will show Disney’s Hocus Pocus starting at 5:30 p.m.—offering a festive movie night for all.

South Bend men reunited for the Million Man March—marking 30 years since they traveled to Washington, D.C.—to honor a historic journey.

Organizers said they hoped the reunion would inspire new leaders and energize the community.

The Michiana Chili Cook-Off will return to Ironworks Plaza in Mishawaka on October 26, offering unlimited chili samples, live music, cider and door prizes.

Organized by the American Culinary Federation South Bend Chefs and Cooks Association, the event benefits the Food Bank of Northern Indiana — rain or shine, it runs from noon to 4 p.m.

On Thursday morning, a 2nd Chance Job and Resource Fair was held in South Bend to help individuals with previous criminal records connect with local employers and support organizations like Work One and Goodwill.

Jeff Walker of the Beacon Resource Center said the fair brought together 12 employers and 15 resource providers—offering a valuable path to employment.

Geminus Community Partners for Child Safety opened a new safety center in South Bend to help families with bills, substance abuse, and behavior issues.

The center works with the Department of Child Services to support families in Saint Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall, and Kosciusko counties and has already helped over 200 children+ keeping families together.

Today, legislators and child safety advocates met to discuss ending child abuse, bullying, and suicide as part of an eight-month state task force effort; State Senator Linda Rogers + State Representative Dale DeVon explained that enforcing and improving school rules is key to protecting children, with groups like Rio’s Rainbow and Speak Our Truth project urging stronger actions. This meeting marks a crucial step in addressing these issues at the state level.

South Bend tenants face ongoing issues with unsafe rental conditions as officials and advocacy groups work to improve habitability standards—programs have been set up for rental inspections while current state laws remain unchanged.

Tenant advocates urge more education and stronger rights for renters who feel they have no other options.

The University of Notre Dame and Beacon Health System announced a multi-year research partnership that will develop projects in oncology and health data to improve patient care and disease prevention.

Notre Dame will lead the research while Beacon provides indirect clinical support — the partnership aims to use healthcare datasets to accelerate scientific discovery.

Notre Dame football will be without defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio—who suffered a left arm injury—and defensive end Loghan Thomas, who was ruled out with a concussion, as transfers Elijah Hughes and Jared Dawson are set to step in for the USC game scheduled for Saturday night.

Fall Frolic 5K/2K Race

12-11 a.m. — The Montessori Academy Edison Lakes — Registration fees vary — Celebrate the tradition with a heartwarming race for a good cause.

Object Oriented Analysis and Design Training

Mon, Oct 20 – Fri, Oct 24 — South Bend Community School Corporation Adult Education — Cost info not provided — Enhance your software development skills through an intensive training on UML.

Bloodline 2025

4:00 PM — The Well Coffee House — Free entry — Experience the dynamic performance of singer-songwriter James Koan III with lyrical poetry.

St. Joseph County Health Fair

4-7 p.m. — Century Center — Free entry — Access free health screenings, vaccines, and community resources with special giveaways for the first attendees.

Foot Chase 5k/10k

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM — Central Park — Registration required — Enjoy a family-friendly run along the scenic Riverwalk paths of Mishawaka’s Parks.

South Bend Indoor Fantasy Faire

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — $25+ — Immerse yourself in a magical celebration featuring enchanting merchants, authors, and character meet-and-greets.

The Traveling Salvation Show

5:00–8:30 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience Neil Diamond's greatest hits in a high-energy tribute show featuring stunning visuals and captivating performances.

Swan Lake Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Family-friendly event — Experience Tchaikovsky's classic ballet with a talented international cast and stunning scenery.

St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run

8:15 AM – 12:30 PM — St. Patrick's County Park — Proceeds go to a local ministry — Experience the beautiful trails with race options from a mile to a half marathon.