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South Bend LGBTQ City Guide

South Bend is a thriving Indiana town perhaps best known for being home to the University of Notre Dame- and certainly, it is proud of that reputation. Beyond being home to the Fighting Irish, however, it’s also a city known for excellent education, health care, and manufacturing. Equally importantly, it’s a diverse city, with a smaller but thriving LGBTQ community that is welcoming to all. All of that is not to mention that South Bend is well-known for electing openly gay mayor and former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg.

A Look at South Bend's History

Saint Joseph County in which South Bend is located was officially formed in 1830 with four original townships. At that time, many inhabitants of the town were either tavern owners, fur traders, or merchants. Initially, only a small number of settlers came to the area, but the town quickly grew, particularly after the arrival of the railroad system. South Bend was officially incorporated as a city in May of 1865. Since its founding, South Bend has grown to become most famously the home of the University of Notre Dame but also a city with thriving agricultural and manufacturing industries, wonderful healthcare systems, and plenty to see and do. Truly, South Bend would make a great place to call home.

A Few Fun Facts About South Bend

  • South Bend’s East Race Waterway, which opened in 1984, was the first official whitewater course built in North America.
  • The University of Notre Dame has a prominent building with a golden dome that consists of 1,250 thin strips made out of 8 ounces of 23-karat gold.
  • South Bend is home to the Potawatomi Zoo, the oldest zoo in the state of Indiana.

Read more fun facts about South Bend here.

South Bend’s LGBTQ Community                                 

South Bend is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:

PFLAG South Bend/Michiana

PFLAG South Bend/Michiana is the South Bend area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.

The LGBTQ Center

The mission of South Bend’s LGBTQ Center is to provide a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ community in South Bend and to provide events, resources, advocacy, and opportunities for connection to the LGBTQ community living in the greater South Bend area. The LGBTQ Center is a great place to become connected to community and involved.

What's the Weather Like in South Bend?

Generally, South Bend residents can expect warm summers with highs in July reaching around 83°F, and cold winters with low temperatures in January averaging around 18°F. Spring and fall are typically mild and pleasant times to be outside, with spring bringing the bright colors of blooming flowers, and fall promising crisp breezes and the changing colors of the leaves. South Bend receives 40 inches of rain on average per year and around 63 inches of snow.

Can’t-Miss Events in South Bend

South Bend Pride

South Bend Pride is South Bend’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event that you won’t want to miss. This annual celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, plenty of vendors, speakers, excellent performances, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!

Dyngus Day

What is Dyngus Day? If you’re asking that question, chances are that within a year of moving to South Bend, you’ll know the answer. Dyngus Day is the Monday after Easter Sunday, and it has been a traditional day of celebration in Poland for hundreds of years. Because South Bend has a large Polish-American population, it is one of the few large cities in the United States to celebrate the holiday each year. The festivities typically include plenty of traditional Polish food, as well as drinking, playing cards, and lively polka music. It’s definitely a unique South Bend tradition!

The Best Neighborhoods in South Bend

Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in South Bend is sprinkled throughout the city, and truly, anywhere in the city would make a wonderful place to call home.  There are a wide variety of homes and price ranges available in South Bend – although generally, homes in the city do tend to be on the more expensive side. As a result, choosing one will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference. Without a doubt, finding a realtor who knows and loves the city will be essential to ensure that you have a smooth and successful experience in finding the perfect place in a neighborhood you’ll love. Currently, the median list price of homes for sale in South Bend is around $269,900.

Arts and Entertainment

Morris Performing Arts Center

The Morris Performing Arts Center is a beautiful concert hall that seats nearly 3000 people and is located in the heart of South Bend. Originally opened in 1922 as a vaudeville house and subsequently a movie palace, today the theater hosts a wide variety of performances throughout the year. Don’t miss the chance to see a show - or several - for yourself!

South Bend Farmers Market

The South Bend Farmers Market is a long-standing South Bend tradition. In fact, since 1934, the market has been very popular with the South Bend community, serving locally-grown foods and a wide variety of treats, in addition to handmade goods and other treasures by a number of vendors. You’ll definitely want to make time to browse the market and pick out some delicious items for yourself.

Parks and Recreation

Attend a Notre Dame Game

When in South Bend, it is a must to attend a Notre Dame game. As one of the most storied athletic traditions in the country, attending a game promises to be fun, exciting, and full of South Bend spirit.

Howard Park

Howard Park is a beautiful green space in South Bend known for its innovative playground, 16,000 square-foot ice-skating pond, year-round events, and beautiful trails and spaces to relax, hike, bike, picnic, and simply enjoy a beautiful South Bend day.

South Bend Nightlife

Vickie's

Vickie’s is a popular LGBTQ bar in South Bend. Its dive bar atmosphere promises cozy spaces to enjoy a night talking with friends, playing your favorite songs on the jukebox, enjoying a game of darts, or some karaoke. It's definitely a must-stop spot on a night out in South Bend.

Jeannie's Tavern

Jeannie’s Tavern is a great place to have fun and a night out with friends in South Bend. This LGBTQ bar is known for its great drinks, beautiful deck, friendly patrons, excellent drag shows, and welcoming atmosphere. Definitely put it on your list as a must-try spot in town.

Contact a South Bend Gay Realtor Today

If you're ready to make a move to South Bend, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in South Bend, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a South Bend gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!

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