Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
Music has always played a big role in my family. Many close relatives, including my own son, are musicians. So, we’re definitely not strangers to the live music scene here in South Bend. And lucky for us, our city is brimming with local talent. It doesn’t matter what style of music you’re into, South Bend has a spot that you’ll likely want to return to again and again to catch a local show.
Here are my top recommendations for local live music venues. Enjoy!
**Be sure to check each venue’s website or social media channels for live music dates and times.
MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
From the gorgeous architecture and grandiose design, the Morris Performing Arts Center is the perfect place to catch a show. This is where you’ll find your national and global touring acts, musical theatre performances, and one of my favorites, the local South Bend Symphony Orchestra.
Fiddler's Hearth
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
Fiddler’s Hearth is so much more than an Irish pub. Every time you visit, you are transformed to a different place and time. The sense of community is only amplified by the intimate and upbeat pulse set by local Celtic groups typically accompanied by bagpipes, fiddles, flute, and many more traditional instrumental arrangements.
LASALLE KITCHEN & TAVERN
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
LKT has a great corner stage for local and regional touring bands to perform. Depending on the week, you’ll find anything from blues bands, rock bands, folk artists, singer-songwriters, country groups, and more.
THE BUCKET
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
Live music + tiki bar + riverside dining. Need I say more?
The bucket is still new to the area, however, this is a great spot to catch a local acoustic artist during dinner or cocktail hour.
VEGITABLE BUDDIES
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
Vegitable Buddies is known for bringing in some amazing blues bands to the area. They also host a local open mic jam weekly where you’re likely to spot some of South Bend’s finest players showing off their chops.
SMOKESTACK
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
This is the party band spot. If live music and dancing are your things, Fridays and Saturdays at Smokestack are a must. Maybe I’ll even see you there!
THE GARAGE ARCADE & BAR
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
The Garage typically hosts younger bands and artists on the weekend. This is for lovers of Punk, Rock, Alt, and a little blues sprinkled in from time to time. It’s a great backdrop during a Mrs. Pac Man session.
HOWARD PARK PUBLIC HOUSE
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
Howard Park is a great spot for live music outdoors. They typically have local acoustic performers on the weekends to set a very relaxed and fun dining vibe.
NO. 6 SCRATCH KITCHEN
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
The patio at No. 6 is a wonderful spot for drinks, dining, and homegrown talent. This is another acoustic-oriented environment that hits just right on those warm summer nights.
MERRIMAN'S PLAYHOUSE
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
This one is for Jazz lovers. Merriman’s Playhouse is owned and operated by a married couple that just so happens to be very talented Jazz musicians. You’ll find the husband behind the drum kit and the wife on the upright bass every Tuesday night during their open Jazz jam. It’s always a great time and you can bring your own wine and snacks to enjoy during the performance.
They also bring in nationally recognized Jazz musicians regularly as well.
IRONHAND WINE BAR
Live Music in South Bend: Best Places to Catch a Show
Ironhand has a great venue to catch a live show during brunch or dinner. Check their Facebook page for dates and times.
