City Kicks Off 2-Day Fusion Fest Weekend

September 13, 2024

On Thursday, the City of South Bend held a press conference at Howard Park to kick-off the 2-day Fusion Fest weekend on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15.

"I am excited for the return of Fusion Fest to celebrate our rich diversity and bring our community together," said Mayor James Mueller. "I thank the City team and community partners who have been working hard to provide another fun-filled, 2-day weekend with food, music, and activities for all."

Fusion Fest, presented by IBEW Local 153, 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.

"Fusion Fest is more than an event, it's a celebration of our community's diversity," said Executive Director of Venues, Parks & Arts, Jordan Gathers. "This year will offer a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally rich experience."

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.

"Based on the overall success and predominately positive atmosphere from last year's event, our officers are looking forward to again assisting with Fusion Fest," said Chief of Police Scott Ruszkowski. "Our pre-planning and continual collaboration with VPA and the event security team will ensure an enjoyable and safe environment for every Fusion Fest attendee."

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, please visit sbfusionfest.com.

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