River Lights Music Festival rocks downtown South Bend

South Bend, IN -- The River Lights Music Festival kicked off downtown on Thursday.

The event is all about showcasing local talent. Over the three day festival more than 70 bands will perform along the St. Joseph River.

Friday the music starts at 3 and goes until 11 p.m. and Saturday from noon until 11 p.m. Local businesses will set up shop too, with merchandise tents and food vendors.

“We think it’s so important to shop local and support South Bend. Unless you come to these events, they won’t keep happening. So we encourage people to come out, have fun, and support local merchants. Because everyone’s that’s here is a local merchant and we’re keeping the money right in South Bend so it’s great,” says Ali Oesch, Chair of Vendors.

“With all the changes happening in the city over the last few years art has really taken a forefront especially music, so having these events brings a presence from these local artists from all over the region it’s a Huge step for us, getting us to where we want to be musically and as a city in general,” says Kevin Hatcher, Chair of Marketing.

For more information about all the fun things happening at the festival and to purchase your tickets, click here.