Celebrate, Connect, and Experience the Region
PLAY
IDEA Week doesn’t stop when the sessions end. The PLAY track is where the week comes alive — through live music, rooftop happy hours, curated dinner parties, and late-night celebrations across downtown South Bend and Elkhart. These aren’t just social events. They’re the moments where the ideas you heard all day turn into the relationships that change your trajectory. Whether you’re winding down after a full day of workshops or looking for the best way to experience the creative culture of this region, PLAY is your guide.
Sessions
Launch Party
Kick off IDEA Week 2026 with an energizing launch party featuring networking, drinks, food, and live music — your first chance to connect with founders, creatives, and community leaders from across the region.
Hosted by: Kristopher Priemer
Happy Hour at Jackson Rooftop
Unwind with fellow IDEA Week attendees over drinks and conversation at one of downtown Elkhart’s favorite rooftop spots.
Hosted by: We Impact; Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Elkhart Built the Sound
Celebrate Elkhart’s rich musical legacy with live performances across downtown. Blues at Brass Elk (333 Nibco Pkwy) and jazz at 112 Club (112 S 2nd St). Wander the venues, discover the sounds, and experience a city that has shaped American music for generations.
Eat the City — Elkhart
Intimate, curated dinner experiences that bring together entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders for meaningful conversation around food and ideas. RSVP required for individual venues.
Barnes & Thornburg Happy Hour
A great opportunity to connect, unwind, and enjoy good conversation with colleagues and community members.
Hosted by: Barnes & Thornburg
Eat the City — South Bend (Small Dinner Parties)
Intimate, curated dinner experiences at Craft One Half, Madison Oyster Bar, La Esperanza, and Cinco 5 — bringing together entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders for meaningful conversation around food and ideas. RSVP required for individual venues.
Live Music and After-Party
Keep the energy going with live music, great company, and celebration at The Exchange. Whether you’ve been here all week or just joined for the day, this is the place to be on Wednesday night.
Happy Hour
A welcoming, open happy hour with live music — perfect for casual networking and celebrating the day’s conversations. Everyone is invited.
After Party
Keep the momentum going with music, drinks, and celebration at the official IDEA Week after party. One of the best nights of the week.
The City is a Stage — Singer/Songwriter Pub Crawl
A progressive, music-filled finale featuring singer-songwriters from the region and beyond, performing across multiple downtown venues. End the week the right way — on a high note.
Wagon Wheel
Live music at Lauber to kick off Friday night. Catch an intimate performance in one of South Bend’s most distinctive spaces.
Pablo’s Great Revenge
An electrifying live performance at Howard Park Public House. Pablo’s Great Revenge brings energy, artistry, and groove to close out the week in style.
Nashville Night
Nashville Night brings the energy of Broadway to South Bend with rising country and Americana talent. Headlined by Miquel Dakota and joined by Pulling Daisies, the night blends storytelling, live instrumentation, and a sound rooted in Nashville’s spirit.
Be On It
A high-energy Friday night set from Indianapolis-based group BE ON IT, blending rap, hip-hop, R&B, and neo soul into a sound that feels both polished and raw. Their live shows are tight, dynamic, and built to move a room.
Elz The DJ @ Manny’s
Close out IDEA Week on the dance floor. DJ Elz keeps the night going at Manny’s Sports Bar with a set built for celebration, energy, and good vibes all the way to midnight.
