Get Your Blue-Gold Game Tix!

PLUS: Earth Day, Curb Appeal and Franky's Tacos!

April 10, 2025

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

In today’s digest:

  • Blue-Gold game

  • Easter Egg Hunts

  • Tulip Fest

  • More events!

This issue is 1,297 words, a 4-minute read.

The Digest

Celebrate Earth Day Early in South Bend & Elkhart! 🌍🌿

🌱 Whether you're planting trees, learning about local ecology, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there's something for everyone to celebrate our planet.

City News: Seasonal Workers Needed + Reimbursement Curb Program

1. Join the Public Works Team This Summer!

Looking for a dynamic outdoor job? The City of South Bend's Department of Public Works is hiring seasonal crew members for curb and sidewalk, streets, sewers, and traffic and lighting teams. Enjoy a full-time schedule from May through October with a pay of $16 per hour. Dive into hands-on work that keeps our city running smoothly. Apply now at southbendin.gov/jobs. ​

2. Upgrade Your Property with the City's Help!

Is your sidewalk showing its age? South Bend's 2025 Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Program is here to assist! This initiative offers financial support to property owners for repairing adjacent curbs, sidewalks, and ADA ramps. Homeowners and businesses within city limits are eligible, with enhanced reimbursements available in designated target areas. Act fast—funds are limited and demand is high! Learn more and apply at southbendin.gov/curbsidewalkprogram or call 311. ​

Don't miss out on these fantastic opportunities to work with and improve our vibrant community!

Local Business

Business Highlight: Weiss’ Gasthaus German Restaurant & Deli

📍 515 N. Dixie Way, Roseland

Step into a slice of Germany at Weiss’ Gasthaus, a cozy, family-owned restaurant and deli that brings hearty, authentic German cuisine to life in Roseland. Opened in 2013 by Kenny Weiss and inspired by summers spent in Germany, this warm and welcoming spot offers from-scratch dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerbraten, and handmade pretzels with house mustard. Daily specials feature regional favorites, and a deli up front tempts with pastries made by Kenny’s daughter.

The space includes a charming biergarten, the cycling-themed Radler Room, and walls lined with cuckoo clocks and character. German-imported beers and wines add to the experience; even non-German food fans will find something to love.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of German fare or just curious to try something new, Weiss’ Gasthaus is a hidden gem worth discovering.

Check out the details

Franky’s XPress: New Lunch Spot Downtown!

Downtown South Bend just got a delicious new addition—Franky’s XPress, a fast-casual offshoot of the beloved Franky’s Tacos on Mishawaka Ave. It opened March 11 at 117 S. Michigan St., and it’s already becoming a go-to for downtown workers and residents craving quick, healthy, and affordable food.

Owner Francisco “Franky” Macias launched the spot to fill a gap: hearty, flavorful Mexican food served fast and under $10. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and tortas are made to order in a Subway-style line—perfect for a busy lunch break.

What Matters:

🕥 Open Mon–Fri, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
🥡 Mostly takeout, but indoor seating is available
🪑 Outdoor seating is coming soon
💸 Most meals under $10

Despite already managing a $1M expansion of his original restaurant and operating food trucks at major construction sites, Macias couldn’t pass up the chance to join the downtown scene. And he’s all about community, quality, and hustle.

The Happenings

Curated picks 📆 

🏈 Notre Dame Football is Back (kind of):

The annual blue-gold game is almost here!

While things will look a little different due to last year's longer season and many teammates still needing to rest and recover, the game is still happening at 2 p.m. this Saturday.

It’s offense versus defense, so grab what will likely be the cheapest opportunity to enjoy a Notre Dame football game!

Get your tickets here

 🥚 Easter in the Bend 🐣 

With Easter around the corner, prepare for the holiday weekend with some of these events!

🐥  Adult Easter Egg Hunt: Check out this fun, 21+ Easter egg hunt. You can register and participate in the egg hunt or join in the music and vibes for free! Tickets

🖼️ Photos with the Easter Bunny: Reserve a spot at the UP Mall here 

🎨 Mommy & Me Painting: Enjoy an opportunity to create a lasting memory at this unique holiday event. Details 

🦖 Indiana’s (Possibly) Largest Easter Egg Hunt: Head to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum for this fun event! Details

Want to find out about more opportunities? Check out this article for things to do all around South Bend and the wider region! Details

More events

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

👧 Annie at the Morris: Grab tickets for this iconic musical while you can! Tickets

🛼 South Bend Roller Derby Home Opener: Always wanted to watch people skate around in a circle and try to hit each other as hard as possible? Now is your chance — check out the schedule: Details

🪙 Debartolo Performing Arts Presents Nickel Boys. Check out this show at Notre Dame Performing Arts Center this weekend! Tickets

🎹 Dueling Pianos at Chicory Cafe: “Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, laughs, and high energy fun!” The party guys dueling pianos will be at Chicory this weekend. Jason Sapen, Brendan Crise, and Jordan Adams. Tickets and Information

🌷 Tulip Fest!: Just 15 minutes West of downtown in New Carlisle, this field-to-vase farm is hosting their annual Tulip Fest. Details

✨Coming soon✨

If you’re like me and love planning ahead, mark your calendar for these events after April 9th!

🪴 Plant & Sip Succulent Garden: Participants will design a succulent arrangement with guidance from botany stylists. The event is 21+ and requires Tickets.

🎸 OK GO @ The Morris: As part of IDEA week, OK GO is coming to South Bend! Tickets

🌹 Four Roses Bourbon and Dinner Tasting: Chicory is hosting a dinner! Grab your tickets while you can. Tickets

🌮 Taco & Tequila Trail: Mark your calendar and shake off the last of the winter blues at this fun event! Tickets

Rapid Fire Hits

Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌐

Light Up The City: The City of South Bend is now accepting applications for its 2025 Lamppost Lighting Program, which offers homeowners assistance installing solar-powered lampposts to enhance residential front yard lighting. (Details)

Rebuilding Neighborhoods: Around 800 volunteers will help repair 20 homes in South Bend’s Keller Park and Marquette Park neighborhoods this April as part of Rebuilding Together St. Joseph County’s annual community day. (Details)

More New Apartments: Construction on the Sideline Flats condominium project near the University of Notre Dame is set to resume under new developers, aiming to complete the 27-unit luxury complex within 12 to 18 months. (Details)

Baseball is Getting Bigger: The South Bend Board of Zoning Appeals has approved the expansion of East Side Baseball fields, including a new indoor facility and additional amenities, pending Common Council approval on April 14. (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!

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