📢 Calling All Crime Junkies Fans

Happy Friday! This newsletter is for the newbies, the lifers, the townies, and the domers.

In today’s digest:

• Linden Ave Market is Back

• IDEA Week

• Coming Soon

• Pope Francis Remembered

This issue is 1,046 words, a 3.5-minute read.

The Digest

Fresh Finds and Good Vibes: Linden Avenue Farmers Market Returns for a Flavorful Fifth Season

The Linden Avenue Farmers Market is back for its fifth season, bringing fresh produce, local goods, and lively community vibes to South Bend’s west side. Hosted by the City’s Engagement and Economic Empowerment team, the market is located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Center (1522 Linden Ave.). It aims to support local entrepreneurs, improve access to healthy food, and foster a stronger sense of community.

Market Dates & Times:

• May 11 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• June 8 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• July 13 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• August 10 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• September 14 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Expect local farmers, food vendors, culturally diverse offerings, a live DJ, and family-friendly fun at every event!

Full details here

Standing Up and Speaking Out: South Bend Celebrates Human Rights with Heart

The 34th Annual Human Rights Awareness Luncheon at South Bend's Century Center brought together a vibrant mix of educators, city officials, faith leaders, and community members to celebrate progress and reaffirm the city's commitment to equality.

Hosted by the South Bend Human Rights Commission, the event featured inspiring speeches, scholarship awards to local students, and a powerful reminder from Executive Director Katrina Lee: “We just want people to be aware that we are here and that you do have rights, and we’re here to support you.”

Check out the rest of the details

The Happenings

Curated picks 📆 

Tacos & Tequila

Embark on the Taco & Tequila Trail in downtown South Bend this May, where participating bars and restaurants offer a variety of taco and tequila pairings. Collect stamps on your trail pass as you sample these flavorful combinations, and once completed, redeem them for a special prize. It's a delicious way to explore local eateries and enjoy the vibrant downtown scene.

Tacos & Tequila Trail Tickets

Presenting: Ashley Flowers Host of Crime Junkies Podcast

“Ashley Flowers, the top female podcaster in the U.S., is revolutionizing the podcasting world as the Founder and creative force behind audiochuck, an independent media company with over ten chart-topping shows. Named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the most influential people in podcasting, Ashley’s work has captivated audiences globally, with her podcasts surpassing 2.6 billion downloads. She is best known for Crime Junkie, a two-time #1 show on Apple Podcasts, where her compelling storytelling has made her a household name.”

Check out the Details and sign up for FREE at the link!

More events

A mix of things happening this weekend and into next week!

💖 Alice in Wonderland: Experience the wild and whimsy of Wonderland once more at the Debartolo Performing Arts Center. Tickets

🌺 Botany Shop Market: The Season Opener Maker Market at The Lot Next Door in South Bend on April 26 celebrates gardening and outdoor living with local vendors, free admission, and free parking. Details

👨‍🎓 Journey to College Summit: IU South Bend is hosting the free Journey to College Summit on April 26, offering families insights on college credit, financial aid, and more. Details

🍩 Dads and Donuts: Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so bring your kids over to paint some pottery at the Pigeon and Hen Pottery. Details 

📕 Echoes of the Great Migration: Discover powerful family stories and vibrant cultural legacies at Echoes of the Great Migration—a moving documentary event that brings history to life on April 28 at the Main Library. Details

🎷 Merrimans Playhouse: Join physicist and author Prof. Dan Hooper for a free evening of cosmic conversation and live music at Merrimans' Playhouse on April 24, blending science, art, and humanity in the debut of the CHATS lecture series. Tickets

✨Coming soon✨

☀️ Patio Season is Here: Celebrate the start of patio season at Bar Louie. Get ready for a fun evening filled with live music, samples, and swag! Details

🎭 Single, Sondeheim, and Sassy: Company hits the stage at the South Bend Civic Theatre. This is a musical comedy exploring modern relationships. Grab your tickets now!

🖼️ ‘EN BLOOM’ Opening at Bunbury Gallery: Join the opening reception for Terrible Tony’s En Bloom floral art exhibit at Bunbury Gallery on May 2, from 5–9 p.m. Details

🐶 The Dog Days Aren’t Over: It’s bring your dog out to the ball game time! Grab your tickets for this furry friend adventure. Tickets

Rapid Fire Hits

Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌐

Second Round of Public Input: ​St. Joseph County Parks is hosting a public open house on April 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Discovery Middle School in Granger to gather community input for a new park at Anderson and Beech roads. Attendees can review concept designs inspired by public surveys, learn about guiding principles, and provide feedback on features and designs. (Details)

Pope Francis Remembered: Community members and Notre Dame students gathered to reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, highlighting his emphasis on serving the poor, advocating for environmental stewardship, and engaging with young people. Attendees expressed appreciation for his inclusive approach to faith and his commitment to addressing global challenges. (Details)

Microsoft Adding Additional Capacity? Microsoft is seeking to rezone an additional 40 acres of farmland in Granger to expand its data center operations at the former St. Joe Farm site. The proposed rezoning is set for a public hearing on May 7, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the St. Joseph County Public Library (Details)

A Bend in Time: A new podcast series has just dropped; check it out!  (Details)

After decades of issues, the old Drewry's Brewery site, along with other nearby properties, could be combined for 40 acres of redevelopment. (Details)

Happy Friday! See you around the Bend!

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