About This Festival

Art Beat Festival in South Bend

Event Overview:
Art Beat is a vibrant day-long festival held in downtown South Bend, transforming the city into a celebration of local art, music, and food. It is the region's largest annual arts festival, featuring over 500 visual, performing, and culinary artists. The event is free and open to the public.

Location and Accessibility:
The festival takes place on Jefferson Bridge and the East Bank in downtown South Bend. The area is handicapped accessible, and downtown parking is free on the day of the event. Pets on leashes are also welcome.

Vibe of the Event:
Art Beat is known for its magical atmosphere, bringing together artists and visitors alike to celebrate local talent. The festival offers a wide variety of art forms for all ages, creating a lively and inclusive environment.

History and Founding:
Founded in 2003, Art Beat is designed to provide a platform for local artists to share their work, regardless of age, ethnicity, or financial status. It is organized by Downtown South Bend, Inc. and focuses on showcasing talent from St. Joseph County and its surrounding areas.

Activities and Schedule:

  • Visual Arts: Discover booths featuring various forms of visual art, including pottery and jewelry.
  • Music & Productions: Live bands and dance performances are scattered throughout the festival grounds.
  • Culinary Arts: Enjoy a diverse range of food from local culinary vendors.
  • Creative Commons (formerly Kid Beat): A space for all ages to explore interactive activities hosted by local nonprofits and arts organizations.

Rough Schedule:

  • 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM: Festival open to the public, with continuous performances and activities throughout the day.
  • Throughout the Day: Explore booths, enjoy live music, and participate in interactive activities at the Creative Commons.
  • Specific Performance Schedules: Generally released closer to the event date, but performances are typically staggered to ensure a lively atmosphere all day.

Key Locations:

  • Scene A & Scene B: Areas designated for performances and visual arts.
  • Scene C & Scene D: Additional spaces for more performances and activities.
  • Creative Commons: Located for hands-on activities and community engagement.
  • Howard Park Culinary Map: Guide to explore culinary vendors in the area.
  • East Bank and Jefferson Bridge: Main festival grounds.