Zach Bryan Is Coming to the Bend!

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

In today’s digest:

• Swiss Valley News

• South Bend Artisan Market

• Curated events this week

• Donations Needed for New Food Pantry

A Note from Alayna: So spring forward is this Sunday, so let’s hear it: daylight savings - yay or nay? Personally I love falling back, but definitely don’t look forward to losing an hour of sleep.

This issue is 1,268 words, a 4.5-minute read.

The Digest

Zach Bryan Anyone?

Zach Bryan is coming to Notre Dame Stadium! On September 6, 2025, he’s bringing his raw, powerful sound to South Bend, and he’s not coming alone—Dermot Kennedy and Shane Gillis will be joining him for a night of unreal music.

Tickets go on sale March 7, and if you’ve ever tried to get Zach Bryan tickets before, you know they go fast. Hit up Ticketmaster and be ready, because this one’s gonna sell out.

This is one of Bryan’s few shows this year, so if you’ve been waiting for a chance to see him live, this is it. Get your tickets, round up your people, and get ready for an unforgettable night at Notre Dame Stadium! 🤠

Big Changes at Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area!

If you’re not familiar, Swiss Valley is a beloved ski spot in Jones, Michigan, perfect for Midwest winter fun. With 12 runs, a 225-ft vertical drop, and a top-tier snowsports school, it’s a go-to for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Now, it’s under new ownership by Perfect North Slopes, and they’re bringing big upgrades—better snowmaking, new rental gear, and an expanded ski shop. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, Swiss Valley is gearing up to make your winter adventures even better. Who's ready to hit the slopes?

Check out the details to learn more.

Women’s Basketball Is Popping Off in the Bend!

Notre Dame's sophomore guard, Hannah Hidalgo, has been a standout performer this season, leading to significant recognition:​

• ACC Player of the Year: Hidalgo's dynamic play has been instrumental in Notre Dame's success, earning her the conference's top individual honor.​

• ACC Defensive Player of the Year: Her tenacious defense has set her apart, making her one of the most formidable defenders in the league.

Other former Notre Dame stars are returning to the Bend!

• Circle May 2, 2025, on your calendars! Notre Dame's Purcell Pavilion will host a WNBA preseason game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Dallas Wings. This matchup brings former Notre Dame stars back to their alma mater:​

  Tickets start at $20 and go on sale March 11 at 7 am PT. ​

  • Arike Ogunbowale: Now with the Dallas Wings, Arike led Notre Dame to a national championship in 2018 and is the school's all-time leading scorer. ​

  • Jewell Loyd and Jackie Young: Both key players for the Las Vegas Aces, they're returning to the court where they made their mark in college basketball.

Hannah Hidalgo: Details

WNBA Tickets: Tickets

The Happenings

Curated picks 📆 

👑 March First Fridays: Disney Downtown

On March 7, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., immerse yourself in a Disney-themed evening.

• Character Meet & Greets: Beloved Disney characters will be stationed at various downtown businesses for photo opportunities.​

• Disney Karaoke: Show off your vocal talents at South Bend Brew Werks.​

• Crafts and Themed Treats: Enjoy Disney crafts at Chicory Cafe and special themed drinks at Woochi.​

• Costume Perks: Dress as your favorite Disney character to receive discounts, such as 10% off at Cinco 5 and free hot cocoa for kids in costume at Barnaby's.​

Plus, participate in a contest to win tickets to Disney's Aladdin the Musical at the Morris Performing Arts Center.

Details

🎨 South Bend Artisan Market

Get ready for the South Bend Artisan Market on March 8-9 at the Century Center! This two-day event features over 150 local vendors, offering everything from handmade art to unique baked goods and locally crafted items. Tickets are just $5, with the first 100 shoppers receiving a free reusable shopping bag. Plus, kids under 12 get in free! Don't miss out on this fun, family-friendly market.

Check out all the Details.

More events

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

🦀 Crab & Shrimp Feast - Chicory Café - Enjoy this seafood dinner for two featuring snow crab, shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes with garlic butter. $59.99, preorder required. Details

🌽 South Bend Farmers Market - Saturdays - Shop from regional vendors offering fresh produce, artisan foods, crafts, and more. Free admission, Saturdays 7am-3pm. Details

☘️ Parade: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade happening in downtown South Bend. Applications are still open to participate. Details

🚶‍♀️ Lighted Luminary Walk: Check out this fun walk through the Mishawaka Riverwalk starting at the Sun King Brewery. Details

 👩 Women’s History Month: Check out this incredible local story of women in the Bend. Details

 🥁 The Erly with Joe Baughman + The Righteous Few: Catch The Erly live on March 8th at Stockroom East in South Bend! Enjoy their Americana jams and energetic performance, with Joe Baughman + The Righteous Few opening. It’s sure to be a night of great music and good vibes! Tickets

🖼️ How to Mat and Mount Artwork: Learn how to mat and mount your artwork like a pro in this hands-on workshop on March 8, where you'll master frugal, archival techniques for photos, paintings, and prints! details

 🧶 Beginner Knitting Class: Check out this beginner knitting class where you'll learn the basics of casting on, knitting, and purling to create a 7x7-inch dishcloth, with all materials provided along with warm drinks and light snacks! Details

🕯️ Concerts By Candlelight: Enjoy a magical Candlelight concert featuring The Lord of the Rings themes, performed at South Bend's Scottish Rite. Details.

✨Coming soon✨

If you’re like me and love planning ahead, mark your calendar for these events after March 12th!

👯‍♀️ Dance Society is hosting an aerobics class with Shar at Studio #13 in downtown South Bend! Check out the details.

☘️ St. Patty’s Day Sidewalk Sale: Join the St. Patrick’s Day Sidewalk Sale at University Park Mall from March 14–17 for festive shopping, green gear, and photo ops for a chance to win a $100 gift card! Details

✂️ Lego Fan? Get ready for the grand opening of Bricks & Minifigs in Mishawaka on March 22, 2025! Details 

🎳 Connect 574 Bowling Competition: Join Connect 574 for a fun Bowling Night on March 13, 2025, at Strikes & Spares in Mishawaka! It’s the perfect chance to unwind, network, and make new connections in a relaxed atmosphere. Don't miss out on the fun—grab your tickets today! Tickets

Rapid Fire Hits

Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌐

🪟 Wood Window Restoration: Join Indiana Landmarks for a hands-on workshop on March 5, 2025, where expert restorers teach you how to repair and weatherproof historic wood windows, with mockups and tools provided. (Details)

🏗️ New Marketplace coming to the Southside: The historic Inwood building in South Bend is getting a $1.4 million makeover to transform into a vibrant arts market, bringing even more creativity and culture to the community! (Details)

🥪 A New Dining Concept in the Bend: ​Sammies, a new ghost kitchen by Quality Dining, offers upscale sandwiches made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, delivered or available for takeout in South Bend. (Details)

🥫 A New Food Pantry: Portage Township has opened a new food pantry in downtown South Bend to combat rising food insecurity, with the initiative relying on donations throughout March to help support residents.(Details)

Happy Thursday! See you around the Bend!

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