Arts & Culture
Campus Events
Football weekends aren’t just about football!
Home game weekends at Notre Dame include concerts, lectures, family events, tours, prayers, book signings, and so much more. One of the most interesting events is seeing Trumpets in the Dome. Visit gameday.nd.edu to find your favorites and plan your weekend now!
Student Activities – It’s not just for undergrads!
Throughout the year, the Student Activities Office (SAO) hosts events from concerts to contests and socials to nights at the cinema. Graduate students are welcome at all events and free food is served at most. So if you’re looking to add some fun to your week, look no further than your own backyard!
Check out the SAO Events Calendar online.
Performing Arts
DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
"The DeBartolo Center is one of the cultural capitals of the campus, offering five distinct performing arts venues within a 150,000-square-foot structure that opened in 2004. The venues include: the Decio Mainstage Theatre for theatrical productions; the Leighton Concert Hall; the Browning Cinema, a THX-certified theater; the Philbin Studio Theatre, ideal for experimental work; and the Reyes Organ and Choral Hall, featuring a hand-crafted organ."
Notre Dame is one of the few college campuses with a THX-certified theater. The Browning Cinema offers a wide range of cinematic experiences from popular commercial films to live broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera, student film festivals to internationally acclaimed documentaries.
"Students, faculty, staff, and community neighbors all benefit from the performances staged here year-round by big-name stars and aspiring newcomers alike. The educational purpose of the building is reflected in its other facilities, which include classrooms, editing bays, recording facilities, and of course, faculty offices."
Front Row Club
The Front Row Club is a membership program for ND grad students and spouses at an introductory price of only $40 per person per season. Each membership entitles its holder to 1 ticket to any ticketed show or film at DPAC (exclusion apply). There is no limit to how many events you can come to. Once your purchase this membership, you will be able to reserve your seat to any performance online, by phone or in person. Details and purchase information can be found on the DeBartolo Center website.
The Morris Performing Arts Center
"The Morris Performing Arts Center, located in the heart of downtown South Bend, Indiana, has the "HOTTEST Tickets in Town" for Pop, Rock, Country, and Christian concerts, as well as national touring Broadway shows and comedians. The Morris is home to both Broadway Theatre League of South Bend, Inc. and South Bend Symphony Orchestra. Southold Dance Theater also performs the beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker at the Morris each December."
Music Opportunities
Graduate Students can join the Band of the Fighting Irish!
Do you play a band instrument? Every year, the Notre Dame Band has graduate students performing in the marching band, concert bands, jazz bands, basketball bands, hockey bands, and more! No matter what your ability level or your desired commitment level is, the Notre Dame Band has a place for you. This video highlights current grad students participating in the band program! More information can be found at www.ndband.com, or you can contact Assistant Director Matt Merten directly at mmerten@nd.edu.
Notre Dame Summer Band
Every year, participation in the Summer Band is open to all members of the community with previous band experience including current students, faculty, staff, alumni, and musicians ages 15 and up. High school age participants must also be participants in their school’s band program. For more information, visit the Summer Band website.
Notre Dame Choirs
Notre Dame is home to several singing groups which are open to graduate student performers. These groups span glee club, chorale, liturgical choirs, and many through the Sacred Music Program. Groups span ability and commitment levels.
Basilica Choirs
Led by members of Campus Ministry, there are multiple choirs that provide liturgical music for Mass and Prayer Services in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Learn more at campusministry.nd.edu.
Art Creation and Craftsmanship Opportunities
MAKE South Bend
MAKE South Bend is located downtown, and offers opportunities for those who are already familiar with their craft and lessons for those who are looking to learn a craft. Options include calligraphy, jewelry-making, ceramics, embroidery, water colors, and more!
The Pigeon and the Hen Pottery
The Pigeon and the Hen is a lovely spot to visit downtown if you are feeling creative! You have the opportunity to make pottery, or paint pottery! This is also a very family-friendly environment - children are welcome!
Fire Arts Inc.
Fire Arts Inc offers classes for adults and children using clay and pottery and many other mediums! Learn exactly how to make figurines, jewelry, ornaments, and more!
The South Bend Museum of Art
The SBMA offers classes to adults and youth in: drawing, painting, jewelry-making, and photography! They also have open studio time, for those who don't need a lesson, but do need some space to create!
Wine and Canvas
"Wine and Canvas is not just a paint class it is Art Entertainment at its finest. Awesome local artists, great customer service, and beautiful surroundings make for an amazing experience that you don't find anywhere else. Sipping your favorite wine or cocktail, letting your inner artist out to create a masterpiece!"
Board and Brush
They "are your place to build on-trend, farmhouse-classic, inspirational pieces of decor for your home, office, or cottage."
Museums
The Snite Museum of Art
If you are looking to be inspired by the artistic expressions of both contemporary and historical artists, you don't even have to leave campus. The Snite Museum of Art offers many works that will move, challenge, puzzle, and delight you! Admission for students is free.
South Bend Museum of Art
In addition to offering art classes of various types, the SBMA also showcases many beautiful and interesting exhibitions and collections! Located just moments away in downtown South Bend!
The History Museum
Located west of downtown, this museum includes the Copshaholm House Museum, the Center for History, Kid's First Children's Museum, and the Worker's Home Museum, offering historical presentations of the people and life in the St. Joseph River Valley area, from the prehistoric era to the present.
Studebaker Museum
"The Studebaker National Museum is a state-of-the-art, 55,000-square-foot facility that opened in October 2005. The building has three levels and features fully climate-controlled galleries and storage facilities to ensure the best possible care for the Collection. The Studebaker National Museum was designed by South Bend’s own James Childs Architects and features several design elements from Studebaker’s factory buildings."
Libraries
Reading for Leisure
Of course, graduate students have enough to read. But reading for pleasure can be relaxing, enjoyable, and help stimulate creativity. So if you don’t already have one, go get a FREE library card at St. Joseph County Public Library, and select a few fun novels to dive into. Your brain will thank you.
Nature
Potawatomi Zoo
The oldest zoo in Indiana, Potawatomi Zoo features more than 400 animals. With plenty of things to see and do, including educational classes, special events and facility rentals, the zoo has something for everyone.
Muessel-Ellision Conservatory
Located near the Potawatomi Zoo, the Conservatory features three different indoor growing areas: a lush jungle feel of the Morris Conservatory; a tropical oasis featuring a waterfall, bougainvillea, bird of paradise in the Muessel-Ellsion Conservatory; and the Potawatomi Greenhouse, with eight growing houses that supply plants for the city's parks.
St. Patrick's Park
This beautiful county park is the perfect place to go for a lovely walk or hike in tranquility. You can even cross-country ski or snowshoe during the winter months!
Wineries and Orchards
Local Wineries
Indiana and Michigan are home to more wineries than you can imagine! Whether you're looking for a wine tour, wine tastings, or simply a casual atmosphere where you can relax, you're sure to find it in the area. If you want to stay instate, Indiana Wines will guide you through the winery options by amenity, including where to taste wines made from the official Indiana wine grape, the traminette. If you looking for an adventure in Michigan, Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country is the place to start your plans.
Picking your own fruit is a feast for the senses!
The summer months are a great time to sample the bounty of Michiana’s fresh produce with berries, cherries, peaches, and more locally grown items. There are many pick-your-own places nearby, and the closest is Lehman's Orchard in Niles, MI. If you don’t have time for the full experience, at least enjoy the fantastic fruits of the South Bend Farmer's Market.