🍀Presents: Summers End Fest!

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

👋 South Bend, it’s Nate. The Get IN crew and I are rolling into town September 26th-28th, and we need your help.

We already know one stop is locked in: Fusion Fest 🎶🌎 - Howard Park’s block party with music, food, and vibes from all over the world. You’ll definitely catch us there.

But what else should be on our South Bend hit list?

• Best coffee spot to start the day?

• A local bar or brewery that has to make the cut?

• Any hidden gems only true SB folks know about?

Reply back and let us know! We’ll put together our official South Bend itinerary from your suggestions. Who knows, your spot might end up in a video 👀

In today’s digest:

• The Farmers Market Trail: Bennett Farms

• Salvation Bar Grand Opening!

• NNN Arts Cafe

• More Events!

This issue is 1,393 words, a 4-minute read.

The Digest

The Farmers Market Trail: Bennett Farms

This week’s journey is taking us to Bennett Farms!

About: “Hello everyone. Tom Bennett here, a first generation farmer and owner of Bennett Farms. Upon returning home in 2010 from 10yrs in the Marines, I started our farm simply out of a desire to raise high quality food for our growing family in 2012. The farm was initially intended just for my own family’s needs, but that quickly evolved over the first few years as requests and interest came in from others who also wanted to provide high quality proteins to their families.

By 2016, as "hobby farmers" we were supplying bulk whole and half hogs to around 50 families per year. During 2017-18 we expanded into selling cuts at a growing list of farmers markets. In 2018 the decision to leave stable off farm employment was made in favor of continuing to grow our farm and provide the best quality foods to more people. Just two years later in 2021 Bennett Farms served over 20,000 customers. This has truly been an incredible journey and we couldn’t be more grateful for all the love and support our customers and the community have shown Bennett Farms.

I don’t tend to romanticize farming. When it comes down to it, I love farming, working on the ground in the sun with the animals, seeing them grow and thrive, the full circle of life, and the personalities in the creatures I take care of, whom in return take care of me. Farming is by no means an easy job. It’s 20 hour days, with no weekends off, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything.

We are passionate about all the thousands of people that have become customers of Bennett Farms. You have all become more like friends and family and we truly don’t know where we would be without you. We hope to continue to serve you for many years to come.”

What’s Worth Trying:

• Ribeye Steaks - I’ve never been one to enjoy a steak (I know, I know), but without a doubt, these are some of the best steaks I’ve ever had.

• Chorizo - Highly recommend mixing this with eggs and prep for your breakfasts for the week.

📍Where to find in the market: Bennett's is located on the south side of the market.

INRUGCO: One of Mishawaka’s Best-Kept Secrets

Voted “One of the Best Places to Shop in Mishawaka”, InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop isn’t just about rugs — it’s a cozy, old-school mercantile tucked near the Mishawaka Riverwalk, right across from Central Park.

Each week, we’re highlighting one of our favorite finds:

Indiana and Michigan Mug — If you love the South Bend - Elkhart Region and all the surrounding area (including the dunes), then you’ll love this Indiana and Michigan Mug!

From local gifts inspired by Mishawaka, Michiana, and the Midwest, to just plain good customer service — INRUGCO is the kind of shop you walk into once and never forget.

See this week’s pick: Michiana - Lakes, Rivers, Woods Coffee Mug | Sage – InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop
Or explore the shop: https://indianarugco.com

💰 Over $1 Billion Won for Hoosiers*

When you’re injured, you need a law firm that delivers results. Keller & Keller has a proven track record of winning big for their clients —over $1 billion recovered and counting!

They take on big insurance companies so you don’t have to. Call 1-800-2-KELLER now and let them fight for you!

*Paid Ad

 The Happenings in the Bend

👻 Grand Opening: Niles Scream Park

Niles Scream Park is opening this weekend! If you’re looking to kick of spoooooooky season early, grab your ticket now! 🎃 👻 

Details

 🎨 Near Northwest Neighborhood Arts Cafe

What better way to kick off fall than by checking out the annual NNN Arts Cafe?

With more and more vendors every year, hay rides, pay-it-forward coffee at The Local Cup.

There’s sure to be something for everyone!

 Details

More events in South Bend

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

 🌽 Cornhole Tournament @ Ironhand: Test out your cornhole skills at Ironhand Wine Bar this weekend! Details

🎆 Summers End Festival: Four Winds Field is hosting an end-of-summer bash! Grab your tickets here → Details

🍻 Kolsch Fest: Celebrate Round Barn’s Kolsch beer at Kolsch Fest! Details

 🏈 Football Fridays: Head over to the Eck Visitors Center at Notre Dame to celebrate and prepare for the home football game today! Details

 🍎 Mishawaka Market: The last of the markets on Ironworks Plaza happens this week and next, so check it out before they’re done for the season! Details

 💃 Polish Fest: Billy Goat and 9 is hosting Polish Fest - drinks, dancing, a Polish buffet, and more. Details

 🍺 South Bend Brewwerks 11th Birthday Bash: South Bend brewwerks is turning 11! Don’t forget to celebrate with them this weekend! Details

🎭 “The Tempest” at Debartolo: Check out this classic Shakespeare play at Debartolo Performing Arts Center! Details 

🏝️ Survivor Watch Party: If you’re like me, then the only time you like watching reality TV shows is with other people, so head on over to Manny’s Sports Bar next Wednesday to enjoy Survivor with friends!   Details

✨Coming soon✨

🎪 Fusion Fest: Save the date for next weekend and head on over to Howard Park for Fusion Fest! Everyone will be there - even the Get INdiana team! Details

🍷 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: For the last few years, Morris Performing Arts and the South Bend Symphony have put the Harry Potter Movies on the screen at the Morris, accompanied by the Symphony performing the music from the film. It’s an incredible event you don’t want to miss. Grab your tickets now before they sell out! Details

👻 Boo To You @ Indiana University - South Bend: IU South Bend’s ‘Boo To You’ festival (Oct. 11, 4–8 pm, Student Activities Center) is back with carnival games, candy, crafts, and a Monster Mash dance—fun for the whole family! Details

🍁 Fall Artisan Market: Grab tickets to this year’s fall artisan market at the St. Joseph County fairgrounds! Details

Rapid Fire Hits

Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌐

🌳 The Cascade - Phase II: Cascade, Phase II is breaking ground now! Set to open in 2027, The Cascade Condos is your chance to live in the heart of downtown right by the stunning St. Joseph River. Details

🚂 South Shore in New Carlisle: While previous studies had determined there wasn’t yet enough demand for South Shore station in New Carlisle, the new growth and development in the area mean that a station for this small town in St. Joseph County is anticipated by 2027-2028. → Details

🍸 Salvation Bar at Momentum Entrepreneurship Hub: Salvation Bar, located at 510 S Main St. in downtown South Bend, is officially open for business! Check out the hottest new cocktail bar in South Bend. Details

Happy Friday! See you around the Bend!

Congrats! You made it to the end of the newsletter! I don’t have a prize I can hand out, but! Send me an email telling me about your favorite event this week!

📣 Partner with us to get your product/service in front of our audience here

💎 Know any hidden gems around the Bend we should cover? Reply to this email with the details!

📰 Check out all the other cool things happening across the state! Subscribe to the Evansville Buzz, Fishers Digest, and Get Indiana!