Good morning, South Bend.

Potawatomi Zoo is hosting the final weekend of Zoo Boo with a Witches and Wizardry theme — vendors hand out treats along a trick or treat trail.

The event also offers a haunted train ride — admission costs $16 for adults and $14 for children up to 14, with kids two and under free.

Brent Spring, a chef and American Culinary Federation organizer, said several local restaurants and groups will serve chili samples at the 27th Annual Michiana Chili Cook-Off on Sunday at Ironworks Plaza in Mishawaka.

Tickets will cost $10 per adult and $5 per child + proceeds will benefit the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and the ACF Local Chapter + Celebrity Judge votes and live music by The Jetta Cruse Band will be announced at 3:30 p.m.

On Thursday, YMCA of Greater Michiana in South Bend hosted a pumpkin plunge where community members picked pumpkins from reopened pools—kids then decorated their pumpkins at a craft station.

The event marked the pools’ reopening after six months of closure and welcomed new members.

Harvest season means drivers share roads with slow farm equipment.

Two crashes occurred this week when cars tried to pass tractors, and agriculture officials say drivers should pull over on the side of the road if there isn’t enough room—farmers will keep working until November.

South Bend’s new restaurant, the Bucket Shack—located at the former Oaken Bucket site—is set to open on October 30th.

Steve and Amy Stidham’s project will feature diverse dishes, a 21+ bar, pool tables, arcade games and a patio with river views.

Jay's Lounge in Niles will close temporarily after its new South Bend location opens — the final day in Niles is Oct.

27 and the South Bend branch will open on Oct. 28 to serve customers every day. Owner Silvio Martino said on Facebook that the staff will work on needed projects at the Niles site during the transition.

The Indiana Dinosaur Museum kicked off its fourth annual Wicked Weekend on Oct 24 and is hosting fall and Halloween activities—coffin races, hayrides, a family-friendly haunted house, and pumpkin tours—that will continue until Oct 26.

Founder Mark Tarner said families are invited to join the events to celebrate seasonal traditions in the community.

South Bend will hold its fourth annual Día de los Muertos celebration from November 1 to 2 with community events including ofrenda displays—family processions—and music performances by the University of Notre Dame Mariachi Band and South Bend Symphony Orchestra.

In Elkhart County, the Historical Museum will honor the holiday with family activities and a community ofrenda from October 28 to November 1.

New government data shows consumer prices rose 3% in September compared to last year, which was lower than many economists expected.

Economist Michael J. Hicks from Ball State warned that ongoing tariffs are raising the cost of goods—especially food and daily items—and may lead to stagflation with little wage growth.

City officials announced that fraudulent scam calls claiming past-due utility balances have been reported and warned residents not to share personal or financial details; they stressed that Mishawaka Utilities never makes phone payment requests and advised customers to verify their account by calling customer service (574 258 1630) or checking online.

The No. 7 South Bend Saint Joseph football team blanked Riley 35-0 on Oct.

24 at Father Bly Field with a strong defense and key plays from quarterback Sam Scicchitano. Coach Ben Downey said his injury-hit team must improve ahead of their sectional semifinal against Northridge on Oct. 31 — the win advanced them in the playoffs.

Fifteen South Bend area schools played IHSAA football last Friday with teams such as the New Prairie Cougars and the Mishawaka Cavemen—each starting their bids for sectional titles.

South Bend teams—Riley and Saint Joseph—faced key matchups while live updates were shared throughout the night.

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.

Women Entrepreneur Summit 2025

9 AM – 4 PM — Rio Park Events — $99 VIP, $65 Late Registration — Engage with inspiring women entrepreneurs and gain valuable business insights.

Thanksgiving Cheerleading Throwdown

Nov 22-23 — Century Center — In Person — A competitive cheerleading event featuring exciting exhibitions and championship bids.

Mojo Brookzz Comedy Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience the comedic brilliance of Dyon "Mojo" Brooks, a rising star in the comedy scene.