About
The Morris Performing Arts Center is celebrating their 100-year anniversary in a big way this year. Ending the week-long festivities during Best. Week. Ever., Morris 100 Fest will be a two-day festival in the streets of downtown South Bend on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1.
The free event will celebrate not only the 100-years of the Morris Performing Arts Center being a staple in our community, but the completion of interior renovations in phase one of the Morris 100 Capital Campaign project.
Celebrations will host an entire block filled with three stages with a lineup of local and regional performers, Ferris wheel, games and activities, food trucks, street performers, fireworks and more. The event will be free* and open to the public.
* Morris 100 Fest is a free event, with the exception of select ticketed experiences. Find ticket info below.
Live Music • Memorable Experiences • Unique Activities • Local Food • Fireworks •
Entertainment Lineup
Barenaked Ladies
MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 7:30PM - 10:00PM
Barenaked Ladies is a Canadian rock band formed in 1988 in Scarborough, Ontario.They reached mainstream success in Canada when their debut with Reprise Records, Gordon, featuring the singles “If I Had $1000000” and “Brian Wilson”, was released in 1992. The album featured their highest-charting hit, “One Week”, as well as “It’s All Been Done” and “Call and Answer”.Their fifth album, Maroon, featuring the lead single “Pinch Me”, also charted highly. In the 2010s the band became well-known for creating the theme song for the sitcom The Big Bang Theory.
The Bergamot
MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 7:30PM - 10:00PM
The Bergamot is an American indie rock band, consisting of Nathaniel Paul Hoff and Jillian Speece. The duo met in South Bend, IN at Marian High School, where they started making music together. On October 20th, 2017 The Bergamot released the dreamy anthem P.D.R. (Both Records LLC). The single launched the band’s career who was then discovered by Matt Wiggins (Adele, U2, Glass Animals) and achieved great reviews being called “The hottest emerging music talent” (People) and “a gorgeous sound” (Daily Mirror).
Submergence
Morris 100 Fest will feature Submergence – a large, immersive light installation that you can walk through during the entirety of the festival happening September 30 – October 1. This experience uses many thousands of individual points of suspended light to create feelings of presence and movement within physical space. In this way the installation transforms space into a hybrid environment where virtual and physical worlds coincide. As you enter the piece, you are walking into a space occupied by both real and virtual components, and you can affect both.
Ferris Wheel
A once-in-a-lifetime to experience the South Bend city skyline on the biggest Ferris Wheel the city has ever seen! Children under 54″ tall must be accompanied by an adult. Save some time and skip the line by reserving your free tickets in advance.
Pyromusical Fireworks
COLFAX BRIDGE | 10:30PM
Have you heard of a pyromusical? Just think of it as a concert in the sky! Utilizing the most advanced digital computerized firing system, this spectacular show produces a highly-choreographed, breathtaking display set to a song. As the beats of the music begin to pump into the air, an electrifying experience will be created from the opening barrage to the thundering conclusion. The pyromusical fireworks will launch from the Colfax Bridge and can be seen from anywhere on the festival grounds.
Food & Drink
A smorgasbord of food will fill the streets…whatever your taste buds desire, we’ll have it! Over 20 food trucks and vendors will be lined up along Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd waiting for you. Don’t forget to stop by one of our bars, thanks to Navarre!
Current vendors include: Cinco5, Rico Suave, Kona Ice, Churro Loco, King of the Kettle Popcorn, Dope Lemonades, Ruilli’s Pizza, Fatbird/Oak + Ash, That Guy’s Gourmet Ribs, Vegan Bites by Jas, Tonka’s BBQ, Fancy Delights, Whatcha Grindin’ and Bonnie Doon.
Silent Disco
FOUNTAIN STAGE | SATURDAY | 7:00PM - 10:30PM
At this silent party, everyone will receive a pair of special wireless headphones powered by Headphone Disco. You can adjust the volume and tune into three different music channels featuring our live DJs. As you switch between the channels the color of your headphones change so you know if you’re dancing to the same song as the people around you. Advance reservations strongly recommended.
Smash Kings
MAIN STAGE | SATURDAY | 8:15PM - 10:30PM
The Smash Kings are a powerful dance band where the audience jumps on the dance floor from the first song of the night until the last. Something Rock, Something Dance, Something Country, Something funky! But always a party!
The 1985
MAIN STAGE | SATURDAY | 5:45PM - 7:45PM
From South Bend, IN, The 1985 is a five-member retro band, featuring the best of rock, pop, new wave, and metal from the 1980’s! Lights, video, costumes, all come together for an immersive, TOTALLY 80’s experience. Band is made up of Lisa Vee (lead vocals), Danny Vee (keyboards, rhythm guitar, vocals), Dave “Dr. Feelgood” Taylor (lead guitar, keyboards, vocals), “Captain” Mikey Screes (drums), and Ross “The Boss” Shelton (bass guitar).
Lalo Cura
MAIN STAGE | SATURDAY | 3:30PM - 5:15PM
Latin-Soul Fusion band, Lalo Cura has developed a unique sound that stems from its powerful rhythm section, Santana inspired guitar solos, culturally progressive lyrics as well as synchronized guitar and horn lines. Although Lalo Cura sings primarily in Spanish, language has not been a barrier for the band to connect with its diverse audience. From love to social issues, Lalo Cura describes experiences lived by many in the US, Latin America and throughout the world.
South Bend Symphony Orchestra Quintet
MAIN STAGE | SATURDAY | 1:30PM - 2:30PM
Now in its 89th season, The South Bend Symphony has become a well-recognized, professional Midwestern orchestra and is well on its way to being “South Bend’s” orchestra. The South Bend Symphony performs 20 concerts annually: including five Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series concerts, three Indiana Trust Pops Series concerts, three June H. Edwards Mosaic Series concerts, Home for the Holidays concerts, the MLK Day Celebration Concert, four Shein Family Young People’s Discovery concerts, a free outdoor summer concert, and a newly-added family concert.
Southold Dance Theater
MAIN STAGE | SATURDAY | 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Southold Dance Theater is a nationally recognized, pre-professional dance company currently entering its 45th season. Under the direction of the professional staff, dancers strive to achieve mastery of technique and performance. Many dancers successfully audition for some of the nation’s most prestigious dance institutions. Several have gone on to professional dance careers. As the resident dance company at the Morris Performing Arts Center, Southold enriches its audience with high standards of performance.
Blammo
MAIN STAGE | FRIDAY | 8:30PM - 10:30PM
BLAMMO is a sure crowd-pleaser, bringing something new to every show. Whether at your night club or on your wedding day—no matter what your celebration—for over a decade this fantastic four-piece has energetically performed a wide variety of everyone’s favorite popular songs, from the 1960s through today, for a wide variety of audiences. BLAMMO dresses for the occasion and brings a youthful high-energy stage show, along with the professionalism and experience of a seasoned band to your event and much more.
The Why Store
MAIN STAGE | FRIDAY | 6:00PM - 8:15PM
The Why Store was formed in the late 1980s in Muncie, Indiana. Lead Singer Chris Shaffer, also a Ball State student, joined the band after a few months and they played a few gigs as Emerald City. That same year, the band switched to its present name, The Why Store, the name of a former Muncie haberdashery.
In 1995, The Why Store signed to MCA’s subsidiary Way Cool Music for their first major-label effort, a self-titled LP, which was released in 1996.
FAQs
Is this event free?
Yes. This event as a whole does not have an entrance fee or ticket. There will be items available for purchase onsite including food and beverages. Barenaked Ladies/The Bergamont concert tickets can be purchased online at the link above.
So this is a celebration? Should I bring a birthday card?
Join us in wishing the Morris a happy birthday by contributing to the Morris Happy Birthday Card Art Project. A giant 6-foot tall birthday card will be on display for community members to paint and sign on Friday, September 30. The final piece will remain on display throughout the Morris 100 Fest on Saturday and throughout the rest of the year inside the Morris lobby. This project is made possible by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County.
Where do I park?
Convenient event parking is available at the public garage on the corner of Main and Colfax and at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel/1st Source Bank Complex. Parking is also available on the streets within walking distance of the Morris and also at the Leighton Center on Jefferson Street between Main and Michigan Streets. ADA-accessible parking is available on Woodward Ct.
PLEASE NOTE: The surface parking lots immediately to the north of the Morris Performing Arts Center are private lots. No public parking is permitted in the Hoffman or LaSalle Building lots. Vehicles risk being towed.
Is there security or bag checks?
Yes, all bags are subject to search. Anyone entering the festival grounds will pass through a metal detector or be wanded.
What items are prohibited?
The following items are prohibited from entering the festival. If you try to bring these items in, you will be asked to dispose of them or return them to your car.
- All weapons (with or without a permit)
- Bladed items of any kind
- Pepper spray/mace
- Fireworks, flammable liquids, and other explosive materials
- Audio recording devices
- Professional cameras and video cameras with telephoto or removable zoom lenses
- Drones or any other remote controlled moving object
- Monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks
- Backpacks and other large bags
- Coolers - Including any outside food and beverage items
- Illegal drugs
- Laser pens
- Pets
- Tents
- Umbrellas
- Any other item deemed inappropriate by management/staff
Can I bring my own chairs?
Yes! We encourage you to bring your own camp style bag lawn chairs or blankets. Please be cognizant of your surroundings when planning what items to bring and refrain from bringing items that will obstruct others' views.
Can I bring a cooler of drinks and food?
No. Outside food or beverage is NOT permitted. You will be asked to throw these items out or return them to your car. There will be many local vendors for a variety of food and beverage choices.
Will there be merch available?
Specialty festival merch will be available for sale at the South Bend Locals merch tent. Don’t miss your chance to purchase the exclusive Morris 100 Fest t-shirt, South Bend swag, and other festival goodies!
What if it rains?
All concerts will take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather conditions, we will keep all guests notified via social media and local news outlets. We will notify guests immediately should an event be delayed, postponed, or cancelled due to inclement weather.
Can I bring my pet?
For the safety and comfort of our guests, pets will not be allowed inside the concert grounds. Working service animals are welcome!
Can I smoke?
No smoking or vaping is permitted on festival grounds.