Here are just a few of the events and activities going on in the Michiana area this weekend.

Elkhart Jazz Festival is in town all weekend

Elkhart Jazz Festival

The 37th Elkhart Jazz Festival has returned to downtown Elkhart. ABC57's Summer Horan spoke with Ben Decker, President of Elkhart Festival Inc. and Chair of Jazz Festival, to learn more about this year's event.

Several musical acts will be performing all weekend indoors and outdoors, and there will be food and drink vendors.

The city and the fire department will be setting up cooling and misting areas to help beat the heat this weekend.

For more information on accommodation, tickets, and more happening during Elkhart Jazz Festival can be found online.

NIFC to host international friendly soccer match in South Bend

Northern Indiana FC

Northern Indiana FC will be hosting the international friendly featuring Mexico's Atlas FC U-23 on Sunday, Jun. 22 at 4:00 a.m. This exhibition match will be held at the Luis Manta Stadium at the Indiana Invaders Sports Complex.

This event brings elite soccer and community experiences to Northern Indiana which is the NIFC's mission.

“Hosting Atlas FC U‑23 represents a major milestone for Northern Indiana FC,” said Thiago Pinto, NIFC Head Coach. “It gives our players and supporters a taste of professional-level soccer and strengthens our mission as a community-first club seeking to elevate our region’s soccer profile," said Pinto.

A meet and greet will be held at Fiesta Tapatia in Granger on Saturday, Jun. 21, at 3 p.m.

Tickets are available online. Part of the proceeds benefit local nonprofit initiatives.

Century Center holding global youth robotics competition

GEARS.org.in

The sport of robotics has become increasingly popular at elementary and middle schools across the United States, and, now, South Bend has been announced as one of eight global locations for a youth robotics competition this weekend.

"The FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) is a global robotics competition that inspires young minds to explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)," organizers said.

"Teams of students from across the region will come together to showcase their innovative robots and compete in a series of challenging matches."

The South Bend event is one of eight events this summer, with others taking place in Canada, the Netherlands, Mexico, North Carolina, Kentucky, Chicago, and New England.

Organizers say the event is the second largest in the world and the largest in the United States of its kind.

The event is being hosted at the Century Center and put on by Granger Exploration And Robotics Studios (GEARS), which is a local organization that promotes STEM education and robotics among young people.

"Through partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations, GEARS provides resources and opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning and develop critical skills for the future," organizers said.

"GEARS is proud to present the inaugural FIRST Tech Challenge Michiana Premier Event."

The multi-day event also includes evening activities that give students and coaches an opportunity to build relationships and create lasting memories.

Event Schedule:

Friday, June 20

• 8 a.m. Pits Open
• 9 a.m. Judging
• 9 a.m. Inspections
• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. College Fair
• 2 p.m. Qualifying Matches
• 7-9 p.m. Celebration Concert

Saturday, June 21

• 8 a.m. Pits Open
• 9 am Judge Pit Visits
• 9 am Qualifying Matches
• 4 pm Alliance Selections
• 7-9 pm Celebration Concert

Sunday, June 22

• 8 a.m. Pits Open
• 9 a.m. Division Playoffs
• 11 a.m. Championship Matches
• 1 p.m. Awards & Closing Ceremonies

"Teams will move into their pits on Thursday, June 19 and that evening participate in an Olympic style Opening Ceremony that includes custom flags for each team, National Anthems for each country represented and guest speakers," organizers said.

"After a full day of judging and three qualifying robot rounds, Friday evening will have a Video Game Tournament and Ice Cream Social in the Bendix ESports Arena."

On Saturday, teams will finish judging and their remaining seven qualifying robot rounds. After alliances are selected, teams will get a private concert with a super-charged technical show from an 80’s cover band.

Sunday will be filled with robot finals and an Awards and Closing Ceremony in the Bendix Theater.

"In addition to proudly showcasing our local community as a hub of continuous growth and innovation, we anticipate a significant economic impact on the area," organizers said.

"Making this an incredible honor to bring to the beautiful City of South Bend."

The South Bend event will be following the standard robot game and judging guidelines for the competition