Happy Friday! This newsletter is for the newbies, the lifers, the townies, and the domers.
In today’s digest:
Best Cocktail Bar Reviews: Sidebar
Zoo Boo
New Moon Market
More Events!
This issue is 1,139 words, a 3-minute read.
The Digest
Our next stop takes us across town to a bar just across the street from Howard Park: Sidebar ✨
Aesthetic
As a coffee shop by day (Java Cafe) and cocktail bar by night, Sidebar’s aesthetic blends moody nighttime vibes (think rooftop cocktail bar in Chicago) with plenty of plush seating and tables to accommodate the daytime coffee connoisseurs.
Audience
With its larger space, Sidebar is the perfect spot to host a gathering of friends for a birthday party or grab a drink with a new friend!
Affordability
For the dear readers who love a solid happy hour, Sidebar offers happy hour prices on a variety of wines, beers, and cocktails, ranging from $5-7. For the dear readers who don’t mind a little extra, Sidebar is still very affordable for anyone looking for a solid cocktail from a great bar.
French 75 Review
This French 75 was made with Empress Gin
Now, for my favorite part: Sidebar’s French 75. Friends, we did try two different versions of the French 75 at Sidebar. The first was made with a solid house gin, which gave a smooth and easy taste. The second, with the classic Empress Gin. While the Empress Gin was lovely, I’ll have to say that the house gin was a little smoother for my liking.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance*
Hoosier protection you can trust
For generations, Hoosier families have turned to Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance for protection that comes with hometown understanding.
With offices in every Indiana county, your dedicated agent is always just a quick call or text away. They’re also here to help you find coverage customized for whatever stage of life you're in – whether you're just starting out, growing your family, or planning for retirement. From auto, renters, home, life, business, and farm, they've got it all.
Check out INFB.com to connect with a local agent today. Let’s insurance together.
INRug Co*
Voted “One of the Best Places to Shop in Mishawaka”, InRugCo Studio & Gift Shop isn’t just about rugs — it’s a cozy, old-school mercantile tucked near the Mishawaka Riverwalk, right across from Central Park.
Each week, we’re highlighting one of our favorite finds:
St. Joseph River Air Freshener:
Enjoy the picturesque artist-inspired image of the St. Joseph River and the smell of fresh winter pine this season!
From local gifts inspired by Mishawaka, Michiana, and the Midwest, to just plain good customer service — INRUGCO is the kind of shop you walk into once and never forget.
See this week’s pick: Air Freshener
Or explore the shop: https://indianarugco.com
*Paid Ad
The Happenings in the Bend
🌕 Moony Market @ The Botany Shop
“A twilight market celebrating all things eerie, autumnal, and enchanting. Discover seasonal decor, handmade treats, mystical wares, candles, curiosities, spooky-themed goods, and tarot readings.”
Check out the Botany Shop’s New Moon Market TONIGHT from 4-9 pm!
🪄 Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban In Concert @ the Morris
For the last few years, Morris Performing Arts and the South Bend Symphony have presented the Harry Potter Movies on the screen at the Morris, accompanied by the Symphony performing the film's music. It’s an incredible event you don’t want to miss.
Grab your tickets now before they sell out!
More events in South Bend
A mix of things happening this weekend and into next week!
⛷️ Ski & Snowboard Swap: “The Sun & Snow Super Swap Tour 2025–26 brings the Midwest’s biggest staffed ski and snowboard swaps to Ann Arbor, Lansing, South Bend / Mishawaka, and Plymouth. Shop hundreds of skis, snowboards, and boots with professional boot fitters on site.” Details
🎃 Potawatomi Zoo Pumpkin Patch: Now through October 31, head over to the zoo where you and your little ones can grab a mini pumpkin, participate in games, and enjoy all the zoo has to offer! Details
♟️Game Nights @ Ironhand: If you enjoy cornhole and game nights, make a reservation at Ironhand for next Friday! Details
📖 Artful Storytime: “Designed to help children develop their visual and verbal literacy skills, Artful Storytime is a partnership with the St. Joseph County Public Library. Each session includes stories, songs, artwork explorations, art-making, and more.” Details
🎃 Halloween Fest @ The Dinosaur Museum: Part of their “Wicked Weekend” series, the Dinosaur Museum will have haunted hayrides, trails, a costume contest, and more! Details
🔍 Mystery @ The Mission: Can’t solve the Louvre Heist, so want to try your hand at a mystery you CAN solve? Grab your ticket to the Mystery at the Oliver Mansion! Tickets
👻 Unity Gardens SpOoKtAcUlAr: Unity Gardens is hosting a spooky time at their garden on Aardmore in South Bend! A free community event that’s sure to be a spooky fun time! Details
🐯 Zoo Boo: The Potowatomi Zoo will have trick or treating, lights, pumpkins, and a haunted train (scary after dark)! Tickets
🍻 Michiana Festival of Beers: Head on over to Four Winds Field for the Festival of Beers with unlimited samples, live music, and more! Tickets
🏒 Notre Dame Hockey VS Robert Morris: Grab your ticket to witness ND face off against Robert Morris at the Compton Family Ice Arena! Tickets
✨Coming soon✨
🍷 Blind Wine Tasting: Join Connect 574 and make some new friends while tasting a variety of wines… BLIND! Check out the details and snag your tickets before they sell out at this link → Tickets
👻 Halloween Costume Party: Head on over to Bar Louie for a Halloween party and costume contest next Friday! Details
🎺 Coco @ The Debartolo Performing Arts Center: Debartolo is showing Coco on Sunday, November 2nd at 1 pm and 2:45 pm! Tickets
💡 IDEA Week Workshops: “Building on the energy of IDEA Week 2025, join us for an evening of high-impact learning, networking, and inspiration as we celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week in the South Bend – Elkhart region! Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or curious innovator, these workshops are designed to give you the practical tools and proven strategies to grow smarter, faster, and stronger.”
Both sessions will have the same speakers, so sign up for either the South Bend session or the Elkhart session!
Rapid Fire Hits
Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌐
🏡 New Housing Units: The South Bend Heritage Foundation has built 54 new affordable housing units! Details
🎃 Trick - or - Treating?: Check out when your neighborhood will be trick-or-treating this Halloween! Details
📜 Holy Cross President & The Pope: University President Marco Clark will have an opportunity to present at a conference in Rome and meet with the new Pope! Details
Happy Monday! 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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