☘️ What's up, Chicory?

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

In today’s digest:

• The Coffee Trail ☕️ Chicory

• Meet Duckling

• Rebel Art Fest

• Support Local Farms!

This issue is 1,151 words, a 4-minute read.

The Digest

The Coffee Trail: Chicory Cafe ☕️ 

One of the original coffee scene staples downtown, Chicory Cafe is best known for its unique Mardi Gras theme. With beads hanging from the rafters, Cajun food filling the soul, and late-night hours (open until 9 pm Tuesday-Friday), Chicory is nearly a paradise for remote, hybrid, or college students.

Whether you’re craving something satisfyingly sweet or wanting to put in some hours after 5, Chicory has something for everyone.

Even better? There’s not one, but TWO locations. One in downtown South Bend and the other in downtown Mishawaka.

Hours vary day-to-day (later on some nights), so check out their site and scroll to the bottom: Hours

And now for everyone’s favorite part? Their outlet rating. While food, coffee, and vibes are so fun, their South Bend location has limited outlet space, with the majority being closer to a back wall.

The Mishawaka location is a little better as a large chunk of seating is near outlets.

Therefore, I give Chicory Cafe 3 🔌 🔌 🔌 out of 5.

Think I got it wrong, though? Check out all the places I’ve mentioned so far and make your own ratings list!

Adopt a Friend - Duckling!

Meet Duckling, a 2-year-old brindle beauty who absolutely adores people and squeaky toys!

This sweet lady would do best in a home with older children and owners who are willing to give her plenty of love and attention. Apply to foster or adopt this cuddle queen today!

 📣 Indiana’s Trusted Injury Lawyers Since 1936

If you’ve been injured, Keller & Keller is the team that knows how to fight for you. They’ve been standing up for Hoosiers for nearly 90 years, recovering over $1 billion for their clients. With a Zero Fee Guarantee, you don’t pay a dime unless they win.

Call 1-800-2-KELLER today and get the help you deserve!

The Happenings

🎨 Rebel Art Fest is Back!

Make South Bend in the River Park neighborhood presents: Rebel Art Fest

If you love supporting local artists, enjoying a beautiful venue and tons of live music, then you won’t want to miss this!

Rebel Art Fest is a collaborative festival celebrating makers, music, and creatives in the region. With nearly 100 booths, tons of food vendors, and being right next to the Zoo and Potowatomi park on their last day of Zoo Luminate, Rebel Art Fest will be one to remember this year!

Entry is free. Parking is throughout the neighborhood surrounding Potawatomi Park, so if you have little ones, plan to bring strollers for any walking to the festival.

Details

🐅 Last Chance for Zoo Luminate!

Don’t miss this! This weekend is your last chance to see these incredible Zoo lights before they’re gone for good.

The Zoo will be open and hosting these lights from 6:30-10 pm. Don’t miss your chance to see this incredible show and enjoy the animals at night!

Tickets range from $13 to $20. You can purchase at the window for single tickets, or grab a membership so you can visit the Zoo all summer long! Details

More events

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

 👟 Sunburst: Cheer on the racers tomorrow! Details

⚾️ Cubs Face the Great Lakes Loons: The South Bend Cubs will be facing the Great Lakes Loons all week long! Grab tickets for a single game or all of them in the series! Tickets

🩰 FREE Festival of Dance: Celebrate Dance in the Bend at the Morris with this incredible showcase of local talent! Details

🌅 Sunset Stroll at Baugo Park: If you love all the parks in trails in South Bend city limits, venture off the beaten path to enjoy a peaceful stroll through the many acres of Baugo Park. But hurry, tickets must be purchased by June 3rd for this unique event. Tickets

🌈 Pride Patio Party: Kick off Pride Month with an adults-only celebration featuring a live DJ, drink specials, and good vibes at The Lauber Kitchen & Bar. Details

🍓 It’s Strawberry Season: It’s Strawberry season in the Bend. Ziegler Farms is open every day for U-pick. Details

📕 Summer Reading Club (ALL AGES): As an avid reader myself, I can’t wait to join the South Bend library’s summer reading club! Show your child how cool reading is and do it with them! Or, encourage your teen to make a competition of it with their friends! Details

🎤 Open Mic at ROCKI Button: If you want to show your talent, head to the Rocki Button on Thursdays! Details

✨Coming soon✨

🐒 FREE Zoo Admission: The Potowatomi Zoo will be offering free admission for kids 14 and under on Children’s Day at the Zoo. Details

🎉 Juneteenth Celebration: Save the date for this Juneteenth celebration! Details

🧘‍♀️ Summer Fitness Series: Back again! Starting June 7th, come downtown for the summer fitness series on the gridiron with yoga at 8 am and anything from Zumba, to drum dancing, to pilates—all on the gridiron in downtown South Bend. Details

👦 First Friday: Ring in summer downtown with Kids Night Out where everything is all about the littles for June! Check out all the fun events and activities happening that night for the kiddos to participate in! Details

🥒 Pickleball Tournament: Head to Boehm Park on June 28th for some fun in the sun pickleball! The tournament starts at noon. Details

Rapid Fire Hits

Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌐

If you always wanted a list of happy hours in the Bend…here’s your opportunity! See anything missing from this post? (Reddit)

Is There Road Work Ahead For You? South Bend has just released its paving plan for the 2025 construction season. Be prepared for longer drive times if the roads near you are affected! (Details)

Notre Dame Fueling the Economy: The University of Notre Dame has launched a new loan partnership aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs in South Bend. This initiative seeks to fuel economic opportunity and deepen community engagement by providing accessible financing options to small business owners. By supporting local entrepreneurship, Notre Dame aims to foster economic growth and strengthen its ties (next year) at Lambeau Field. (Notre Dame News)

Storey Family Farm: Discover the joy of fresh, local food with Storey Family Farm’s CSA (community supported agriculture) program in South Bend. As a member, you'll receive organically grown produce and more, delivered straight to your door. Enjoy the convenience of customizing your orders through their online store, choosing from a variety of vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, and pantry items sourced from their farm and other local growers who share their sustainable practices. Check out their story and get fresh food delivered to your door every week for just $25/week.

Happy Friday! See you around the Bend!

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