12 Things To Do Around Michiana This Weekend
A Notre Dame night game, a Goshen native back on his hometown stage, ghost tours at the Morris, a drag show in Mishawaka and a free hockey scrimmage. Your Friday-to-Sunday plan.
Michiana On Tap Staff
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Twelve picks for September 18 through 20, pulled from everything on the calendar this weekend. Tap any one for times, addresses and links.
Friday
1. Rockne Bash: Notre Dame vs. Michigan State, 6:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Stadium. The pre-game party the night before kickoff.
2. Goshen Theater Presents Strand of Oaks, 7:30 p.m. in Goshen. Strand of Oaks is the project of Goshen native Tim Showalter, playing his hometown's restored theater. Ticketed.
3. Brandon Meeks: Unsung Giants, 7:30 p.m. at Merrimans' Playhouse in South Bend. A touring performance project that celebrates under-recognized jazz artists through conversation and live music.
4. Whispers From the Past: Ghost Tours, 7 p.m. at the Morris Performing Arts Center. A one-hour guided tour through the historic theater's back halls.
5. Friday Night Hike Series: Apples, Cinnamon and Spicer Lake, 6:30 p.m. at Spicer Lake Nature Preserve in New Carlisle. A night trail walk with fall-themed treats.
6. Old Time Dancing, 7 p.m. at the Pinhook Park Community Building. Contra, squares and waltzes. No experience needed, all ages welcome.
Saturday
7. Tire Rack Cars and Coffee, 8 a.m. on Olive Road. An early gathering for car people.
8. Fall Fest at South Bend Motor Speedway, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handmade crafts, flea-market finds and food at the track.
9. Notre Dame Football vs. Michigan State, 7:30 p.m. kickoff. See the full game weekend guide for tailgates and watch parties.
10. All Kings Drag Show, doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m. at Acting Ensemble on the Avenue in Mishawaka.
Sunday
11. Mishawaka Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ironworks Plaza. Year eight of the weekly farmers market: produce, baked goods, crafts and local vendors.
12. Notre Dame Hockey Blue and Gold Scrimmage, 7 p.m. at Compton Family Ice Arena. Free, with an autograph session after.
Want the whole list, including family storytimes and Sunday markets? See everything happening this weekend.
Top photo: Downtown South Bend Above St. Joseph River by Cntrlaltdel33t via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
