Easter in South Bend and the surrounding area will be 'hopping' with a multitude of events

Easter is April 20 this year, and there are many events over the next two weeks to keep you busy. There will be egg hunts galore, brunches, baby animals, train rides and photos with the Easter Bunny. Some events require pre-registration. Activity is free of charge unless stated otherwise.

BENTON HARBOR

Laser Engraved Bunny/Rabbit Easter — Make a laser engraved rabbit at Lake Michigan College Hanson Technology Center in the Fab Lab, 2955 E. Napier Ave. Watch the lasers in action and personalize and customize the rabbit based on your preferences. Paint the rabbit in the lab and put together with wood glue. Lab techs will guide you through the process; no training required. Tickets are for one laser-cut rabbit. Cost: $29. Purchase tickets at Eventbrite.com, search for Laser Engraved Bunny in Benton Harbor.

BERRIEN SPRINGS        

Easter Egg Hunt — On April 19, Restoration Farms will host an egg hunt at Range Line Park, 10138 Range Line Road. This hunt is free and open to children 0 to 12 years old. Teens can join for a special scavenger hunt. The day begins at 10 a.m. with a story time and hunt instructions. Coffee available for adults. Kids will hunt for 3,000+ eggs. Learn more at restorationfarmssh.org.

The Great BCHA Bunny Hunt — 11 a.m. April 19, History Center at Courthouse Square, 313 N. Cass St. Families will search for one bunny token to claim an 8-inch plastic rabbit full of Easter goodies and candy. There is a limit of one rabbit token per family. Registration is required by calling 269-471-1202 by end of business day April 18. There is no cost for this event, but donations are welcome.

BUCHANAN

Community Easter Egg Hunt — Tons of eggs, candy, Easter Bunny picture area, prizes and giveaways at 2 p.m. April 13 at Buchanan Church of the Nazarene, 704 W. Front St. This is a free family event.

Easter Egg Hunt — Buchanan children, ages 3 and above, are invited to attend the annual Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. April 19 at the Buchanan Commons, 123 Days Ave. Sponsored by the Buchanan-Galien Lions Club.

DOWAGIAC

Easter Eggstravaganza — 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 12, Community Room, James E. Snow Building, 302 S. Front St. The egg hunt will begin at noon. While waiting, visit with the Easter Bunny and participate in children’s activities.

Family Easter Event — 1 to 3 p.m. April 19 at The Strand Brewery & Kitchen, 93415 County Road 690. Bring the family and let the kids visit with the Easter Bunny and take part in the annual egg hunt at 3 p.m.

Spring Craft Fair — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12, Dowagiac Middle School, 57072 Riverside Drive. Variety of vendors offering unique crafts perfect for Easter and Mother’s Day. Enjoy getting your photo taken with the Easter Bunny.

ELKHART

The Bunny Express — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12, National New York Central Railroad Museum, 721 S. Main St. There will be an Easter egg scavenger hunt, games, activities, photos with the Easter Bunny, treat bags for all children and rides on the NIBCO Century Flyer amusement train. The cost is: adults, $6; seniors (age 61+), $5; children (ages 4 to 12), $5; children (ages 3 and under) and members, free. Buy admission at the museum.

Easter Brunch — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20, Artisan, 505 S. Main St. Enjoy an exclusive Artisan experience. Reservations recommended, book a table today. Call 574-355-3355 or go online at artisanelkhart.com/reserve.

Easter Brunch Buffet — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20, Hotel Elkhart, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 500 S. Main St. Enjoy brunch in the Aria Ballroom. Capture special moments with the Easter Bunny, and indulge in a feast of brunch favorites. Reservations times: 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: $48-$18. Purchase tickets at Eventbrite.com, searching Easter Brunch in Elkhart.

Easter Egg-Straordinaire — Daily from April 12-19, Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, 315 County Road 17. Enjoy an Easter egg hunt aboard the Easter Eggspress train from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at a cost of $6.99 per person. See the duck waterslide, and visit baby chicks, ducks, lambs, a calf and goats, along with other animals in the free petting zoo. Decorate two Easter cookies for $1.99. Photos with the Easter Bunny can be taken from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 12, 13, 18, 19; from 3 to 6 p.m. April 14-17. Bring your own camera and a non-perishable food item from each person in photo to donate. Donations will go to Church Community Services Food Pantry. Linton’s hours are Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Easter Party for Littles — 10 to 11 a.m. April 15, Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. Second St. Games, stories, music, followed by a shared egg hunt with something for everyone to take home (regardless of how many eggs you find). This event is for preschoolers.

Easter Egg Hunt — 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. April 17, Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. Second St. Bring your basket to collect the eggs hidden throughout the library, but everyone will take home a treat bag, whether you find eggs or not. For elementary school-aged children.

Easter Week Celebration — First Presbyterian Elkhart, 200 E. Beardsley Ave. At 6 p.m. April 17, journey back in time to join Jesus’ disciples toward the end of the Passover Feast and travel with them through the events leading up to Jesus’ death and burial. Child-friendly event. At 7 p.m. April 18, gather to read the story of Jesus’ Passion with music and candlelight in a Tenebrae service. On Easter Sunday, April 20, worship in song, hear the Easter story and take communion at the 9 a.m. traditional service in the sanctuary or at the 11 a.m. Journey Café Worship in the Café with children’s Easter celebrations. There will be a children’s Easter Egg Hunt at 10:15 a.m. Meet at the back of the sanctuary. Bring your own basket.

LAKEVILLE

Easter in the Park — Gates open at 10 a.m. with the egg hunt beginning at 10:30 a.m. on April 19, Newton Park, 801 N. Michigan St. Over 20,000 filled eggs ready for participants to find. After the hunt, head inside to meet the Easter Bunny, play games, get your face painted, make a craft, enjoy cookies and more until 1:30 p.m.

LAPORTE

Easter Egg Hunt — Bring your basket or bag and help find all the eggs left by the Easter Bunny at the American Legion Unit 83 Auxiliary, 228 E. Lincolnway from 1 to 3 p.m. CDT April 12. Open to all children under age 10.

Easter Egg-spedition — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT daily until April 30 go on a self-guided egg-centric expedition to Luhr County Park’s Easter egg stash. Start by the nature center door and follow the clues to find an Easter egg prize. No registration necessary. Luhr County Park is located at 3178 S. 150 W.

MICHIGAN CITY

Egg-citing Easter Fun — Families are invited to hop into Easter fun at The Barker Mansion Gardens from 10 to 11 a.m. CDT April 12. Follow the Barker Bunny Trail and search for colorful eggs hidden among the mansion’s beautiful spring blooms. Enjoy festive activities, including the Bunny Hop Easter parade and special surprises for kids of all ages. The Barker Mansion is located at 631 Washington St. Cost: $10 per child.

MISHAWAKA

Easter Party and Egg Hunt — The party begins at 9:30 a.m. April 19 with a sing-along and dance performance. Kids rotate through stations in groups by age: egg hunt, refreshments, craft, bingo and visiting the Easter Bunny. From 7 to 9 p.m. attend the Easter Vigil Worship. On April 20, attend Easter Worship/High Feast of the Resurrection from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and then enjoy an Easter breakfast with friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. All events will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 437 E. Dragoon Trail.

Photos with the Easter Bunny — Time to strike a pose with the Easter Bunny at University Park Mall. Reserve your date and time at simon.com/mall/university-park-mall/news-and-events. Dates open through 9 p.m. April 19. Photo packages start at $39.99.

NEW CARLISLE

Easter Egg Hunt — Enjoy the annual Easter Egg Hunt at American Legion Post 297, 486 E. Michigan St. at 10 a.m. April 19. For children ages 0 to 12. There will be prizes, a bake sale and time to visit with the Easter Bunny. Open to the public.

NILES

Culver’s Easter Egg Hunt — Bring the kids to the Culver’s at 1420 S. 11th St. at 10:30 a.m. April 12 and for the annual egg hunt. Afterwards there will be drawings for Easter baskets and two bikes. Also take time to decorate some Easter eggs.

4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt — Niles Service League, Hope Community Church, 2390 Lake St., 11 a.m. April 12. Children up to age 12 should bring a basket or bag and be ready for some fun. This event is free and open to all.

NORTH JUDSON

Diesel Easter Trains — 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. CDT April 12 and 19, Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, 507 Mulberry St. Enjoy the sights and smells of springtime as you take a 45-minute countryside excursion, crossing the Kankakee River at English Lake before returning. Riders, ages 2 to 12, need to bring a basket or bag to collect eggs during the egg hunt. Everyone can visit and take pictures with the Easter Bunny. Dress for the weather. Tickets are $14 and up. Reservations required at www.hoosiervalley.org.

NORTH LIBERTY

Easter Egg Hunt — 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 19 at Potato Creek State Park, 25601 Indiana 4. Search for Easter eggs along Darcey's Beach. Event is for children ages 12 and under and kids will be separated into four groups for egg hunting. $3 per child purchased at the beach (plus park gate fees). Arrive at least 30 minutes early. While you wait, meet and take photos with Smokey Bear, pet some farm animals, and meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny.

PLYMOUTH

Easter Brunch at Swan Lake Resort — Enjoy a buffet Easter Brunch on April 20 in the Grand Ballroom. The Easter Bunny will visit and there will be an egg hunt in the Gazebo Courtyard. Brunch begins at 12:30 p.m. and the egg hunt will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 574-935-5680.

Easter in the Park — The Plymouth Park & Recreation Department will host Easter in the Park on April 12. The day will start with breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 8 to 10 a.m. at Centennial Park Horsebarn, 1660 N. Michigan St. Breakfast made and served by Kiwanis Club of Plymouth. Cost is adults, $4 and children, $3. Then head over to the front of Centennial Park and gather near the skate park and wooden playground for an Easter Egg Hunt at 10:30 a.m. sharp. Bring your own basket.

ST. JOSEPH

Easter Brunch Buffet — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 20 at Plank’s Tavern on the Water, 800 Whitwam Drive. The buffet will be set up in the Harbor View Ballroom. Cost: $48-$10, tax and gratuities will apply. Reservations required at 269-408-9108. A la carte brunch menu will be offered in Plank’s from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for groups of five or less.

SOUTH BEND

Adult Recess: The Great Egg Hunt — Ready for an adults-only night out? Come to Howard Park from 6 to 8 p.m. April 11 and order something to eat from Burrito Mafia food truck, enjoy live music and bar access. The egg hunt takes you through the park to find eggs filled with candy, gift cards and more. There is no charge to attend this adult recess event. Tickets for the egg hunt are $15 and can be purchased at visithowardpark.com/event.

Easter Baby Animals — Celebrate Spring at the market from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 19, River Valley Farmer’s Market, 401 E. Colfax Ave. Cuddle with some bunnies and/or a baby lamb, and maybe some baby goats. Free crafts for the kids, a backdrop for some photos and lots of shopping opportunities.

Easter Bunnies – Mommy & Me Paint Party — Join other moms and children from 1 to 3 p.m. April 12 at the Art Bend, 608 S. Eddy St. Make a whimsical masterpiece featuring Easter Bunnies nestled in colorful egg-shaped nests, with each canvas pre-sketched for you. No drawing skills needed. The cost is $25/painter. Purchase tickets at https://occ.sn/tH7J5Pdk.

Easter Egg Dash — This egg dash is designed for infants to fifth graders. Fun for the entire family. On April 12, meet at the field in O’Brien Park, 322 E. Barbie St. Bring a basket or bag. The egg dash begins at 10 a.m. so come early to find your egg hunting age group. After the dash, head down the street to Southgate Church, 3717 S. Michigan St., for activities including cookie decorating, games, photos with the Easter Bunny and more.

Easter Egg Hike — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 19, Harvest Room, St. Patrick’s County Park, 50651 Laurel Road. Hop over for this fun hike! Hunt for Easter eggs along a 1-mile trail, then trade them in for treats. Bring a basket. Registration and payment of $5 per child required by April 16. Call 574-654-3155 to register.

Easter Egg Hunt — All are invited to bring kids (walkers to fourth grade) to the Easter Egg Hunt Fellowship at Grace United Methodist Church of South Bend, 3012 S. Twyckenham Drive at 1 p.m. April 19.

Eggstravaganza 2025 — Join the Chocolate Café staff from 12 to 4 p.m. April 19 for a day full of exciting activities, delicious treats and festive fun. Event highlights: egg hunt from 1 to 3 p.m.; face painting, balloon twisting, coloring cones, bubble blowing, sidewalk art, hooping fun and Easter pictures. Specials include $5 kids meals and $4 ice cream scoops. Be sure to bring a basket.

Good Friday Liturgy and Easter Vigil — Join the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir in celebrating Easter with the following events: 3 to 4 p.m. April 18, Good Friday Liturgy; 9 p.m. to midnight April 19, Easter Vigil; 10 to 11 a.m. April 20, Easter Mass; these events to be held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 101 Basilica Drive, Notre Dame. Solemn Easter Vespers will be held from 7:15 to 8 p.m. April 20 in the Lady Chapel.   

Good Friday Worship and Easter Vigil — Christ the King Lutheran Church will hold two special services offering a glimpse of Easter. At 7 p.m. April 18, reflect on Jesus’ final hours with a dramatic “reader’s theatre” featuring music from the Sanctuary Choir and Alleluia Ringers. On April 19 at 7 p.m., attend the Easter Vigil with music by Xalt! and scripture readings. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Weather permitting the Easter Vigil service will begin around the fire pit, then move to the sanctuary. On April 20, join one of the church services at 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. The 8:15 and 11:15 a.m. services feature traditional music and the 9:30 a.m. service features contemporary music. The church is located at 17195 Cleveland Road.

Indiana Dinosaur Museum — The museum and Scouting America will host an Easter fundraising event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 11, 12 and 13. Activities include an egg hunt, wagon rides, photobooth, crafts, face painting, petting zoo, meet the Easter Bunny and more. Enter to win a 65-pound chocolate bunny. There is no charge for event entry. Egg hunting donations: $10 for 15 eggs, $20 for 30 eggs, $50 for 80 eggs. The museum is located at 7102 Lincoln Way W.

Pictures with the Easter Bunny — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13, at 13 Martin’s locations in Indiana and Michigan. The event is free for attendees, but please consider donating to the store’s chosen charity. Participating stores — Mishawaka: 314 N. Ironwood, 306 N. Bittersweet; South Bend: 525 S. Mayflower Road, 2081 South Bend Ave.; Elkhart: 3800 Mishawaka Road E., 120 Sanford Road.; Granger: 7355 Heritage Square Drive; Niles: 720 S. Eleventh St.; Nappanee: 242 N. Oakland Ave.; Plymouth: 865 E. Jefferson St.; Goshen: 1527 Bashor Road; Stevensville: 5637 Cleveland Ave.; Warsaw: 1150 Husky Trail.

Treasured Polish Custom of “Swieconka” — Hosted by St. Joseph Young Men’s Society, 408 S. Grant St. from noon to 6 p.m. April 19. The Blessing of Food will take place at 12:15 p.m. and the party will start immediately afterwards. Enjoy Polish sausages, salads, boiled eggs, Polish candy bars, Polish vodkas and beers as well as American beverages and beers. Chance to win prizes on various games. $5 cover charge. Cost varies based on items purchased. Children are welcome, under 16 years old free.

STURGIS

Community Easter Egg Hunt — Join Thurston Woods Village-Retirement Community for its annual egg hunt at 10 a.m. April 19. For children 1 to 10 years old. Areas roped by age categories. Take a photo with the Easter Bunny. Find a golden egg to win a special prize. Bring your own basket. Sponsored by Sturgis Bank. Thurston Woods Village is located at 307 N. Franks Ave.

THREE OAKS

Easter Brunch — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 20, The Featherbone Factory, 109 Generations Drive. Enjoy brunch and craft cocktails in historic Warren Hall. Cost: adults, $45; children (ages 3 to 12), $20; children (ages 2 and younger), free. Purchase tickets online at journeyman.com/events.

VANDALIA

Spring Egg-stravaganza — Noon to 2 p.m. April 12, Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, 15122 Monkey Run St. Fun for your entire family as you hop over to the park to help find thousands of eggs. The hunt will be divided into two groups: ages 2 to 4 will be held at 12:30 p.m. and ages 5 to 10 will be held at 1:30 p.m. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be inflatables, games, a solar telescope demonstration, Whitney’s Magic Minis & More, face painting, crafts, Bunny’s Barrel Car Ride, wagon rides, a bonfire and an appearance by a special visitor. Admission is $2 per person, or one canned food item per person. Refreshments available for purchase.

5th Annual Easter Eggscape — 3 p.m. April 12, Rainbow Farms, 59934 Pemberton Road. Bring the kids out for an egg hunt, meet the Easter Bunny, bounce house, dance party, raffles, movie, magic show, food, games and prizes. Free entry. The egg hunt begins at 3:45 p.m. Bring your own basket.