The City of South Bend will kick-off the 2-day Fusion Fest weekend on Saturday, Sep. 14
Fusion Fest will be filled with over 100 food vendors, artisans, performers, and demonstrations on 4 different regional stages, and several different free, hands-on activities and experiences, such as:
Boomer
Bounce House
Bungee experience
Crafts
Climbing wall
Chicago Drone show
Kid Zone sponsored by the University of Notre Dame
Trackless train rides
Sensory Friendly Zone
Zipline
The festival will take place at Howard Park and surrounding streets and will be separated into global regions with stages and vendors located at each corresponding region: North America, South America, Africa, and Asia/Europe. Patrons are encouraged to bring camp chairs to enjoy the concerts, but coolers and large bags are not allowed. Clear bags are highly encouraged for those attending Fusion Fest. We anticipate that clear bags will allow festival goers to move through the bag check quicker and lessen wait times.
The South Bend Police Department will have an increased presence during the two-day festival to ensure safety, as well as strategic locations. Per requests from the event sponsors, no weapons of any kind will be allowed onto the festival grounds and security workers will utilize magnetometers at entrances. All bags are subject to search. Guests will not be permitted to stay in the park after the conclusion of the festival each night.
Event parking is available at the Wayne Street Garage, Crowe Lot, St. Joseph High School Lot, School Field, and the Everwise Credit Union lot on Jefferson Blvd. Parking is also available on the streets within walking distance of Howard Park. ADA-accessible parking is available at the Zion Church Lot. Please be aware that Jefferson Blvd. from MLK to St. Louis Blvd will be closed beginning on Saturday, September 14 at 6am until Monday, September 16 at 6am. St. Louis Blvd. closes from Jefferson to St. Peter beginning Friday, September 13 at 6am until Tuesday, September 17 at 6am.
First Student is partnering with VPA to provide a wheelchair accessible bus to help transport visitors from overflow parking lots. The shuttle will be available from 12-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Pick up will be from St. Joseph High School’s School Field lot near Leighton Stadium. Drop off will be near the event at the intersection of Wayne St. and Saint Peter St.
The first day of Fusion Fest will end with a Drone Show by Chicago Drone Show at 8 PM.
For more information on Fusion Fest, event map, stage and performance schedules, list of vendors and artisans, transportation, accessible parking, and more, visit www.sbfusionfest.com
