August 4
2022 info appears below
2023 info coming soon!
August First Fridays will have a totally rad, "Totally 80's" theme! We will be putting a roller rink in the middle of the 200 block of S. Michigan St. for a Totally 80's Roller Skating Party! Plus enjoy 80's karaoke at South Bend Brew Werks, Totally 80's Weekend at The Drop Comedy Club, 80's contests at the 1st Source Bank Lounge, an 80's Latin Dance, 80's Scavenger Hunt Bingo, 80's clothing sale, and more! Wear your most outrageous 80's attire and come downtown for a totally tubular time!
Summer Restaurant Weeks will also be taking place, with value-priced menu at 22 downtown restaurants. Plus the return of the South Bend Bike Garage Bike Valet, Meet Me on the Island with Darryl Buchanan, Food Truck Philanthropy, Michigan Street Block Party, Architectural Walking tours, free rides on the Boilermaker Special, and much more!
Check out all the details below!
FREE PARKING
Parking (on-street and in City-managed garages) is always free in downtown South Bend nights and weekends. For full details on downtown parking options, click here.
ROAD CLOSURES
Michigan Street between Jefferson and Wayne: 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Entertainment & Activities

Totally 80's Roller Skating Party
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
200 Block of South Michigan Street
We will be putting a roller rink in the middle of the 200 block of S. Michigan St and JP from SoundFX DJs will be spinning your favorite 80's tunes for this Totally 80's Roller Skating Party! Come wearing your most outrageous 80s costume and hairstyle.
Tickets to this unique experience are available for just $5 person, including skate rental. A limited number of 40 tickets will be available for eight 30-minute time slots from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and guests are allowed to purchase multiple time slots for extended skating. (Note: the last three minutes of each time slot will include transition from one skate group to the next.)
Purchase your tickets at this link!
Tickets will also be available for sale at the event for $5 if they are not sold out prior. This event is recommended for ages 5 and up. Skates will be available in adult sizes, plus kids sizes 11-13 and youth sizes 1- 3. Ticketed guests may also choose to bring their own roller skates or roller blades, so long as they don't have black wheels or black stoppers.
Michigan Street Block Party/Urban Picnic
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
200 Block of South Michigan Street
Grab some takeout from your favorite downtown eatery or First Fridays food vendor and head to the 200 block of S. Michigan St. (between Jefferson and Wayne) where we will have seating in the street with a beer garden from Chicory, vendors, Studebaker cars, and more! The seating area will be open to all ages, and will be located in the south end of the block, right next to the Roller Rink.
80's Contests at 1st Source Bank Lounge
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
Visit the 1st Source Bank Lounge at Studebaker Plaza for various 80s-themed contests and giveaways this First Fridays. We welcome 1st Source Bank as the new presenting sponsor for First Fridays!
Schedule of Contests:
6:00 p.m. - Air Guitar Contest
6:10 p.m. - Moon Walk Contest
6:20 p.m. - Limbo Contest
6:30 p.m. - Break Dancing Contests
Register for these contests at the DTSB Info Booth at least 10 minutes prior to the start of each contest. An 80's prize pack will be awarded to the winner of each contest.
80's Photo Op, 80's Contests, Freeze Pops, & Cubs Raffle at DTSB Booth
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Near State Theater
Stop by the DTSB booth in Key Bank Plaza (by the I Heart SB Sign) for an 80's Photo Op, free freeze pops, giveaways, and enter to win a pair of tickets to a South Bend Cubs game. Also - be on the lookout for Buzzy the DTSBee!
DTSB will also be hosting 80's contests at their booth throughout the night. Stop by their booth between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to participate in the following contests:
Rubix Cube Contest
Best 80's Hair
Best 80's Makeup
Best 80's Outfit
An 80's prize pack will be awarded to the winner of each contest.
80's Scavenger Hunt Bingo
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
DTSB Booth
DTSB is bringing back the fun Scavenger Hunt-style Bingo game introduced at the July First Fridays - this time with an 80s twist! The game starts and ends at the DTSB Info Booth by the I Heart SB sign, where you can pick up your bingo card. Search Michigan Street for the clues that match your specific bingo card. Once you get a bingo - 5 in a row (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) -take your winning card back to the DTSB Info Booth to win prizes! The game is free to play and open to all ages!
80's Karaoke at South Bend Brew Werks
7:00 p.m.
321 S. Main St.
Share your vocal talents at South Bend Brew Werks this First Fridays, where they will have 80's Karaoke starting at 7:00 p.m.!
Totally 80's Weekend at The Drop Comedy Club
9:00 p.m.
111 N. Main St.
In case you didn't hear, the Drop Comedy Club relocated to the Aloft Hotel and features amazing comedy shows every Friday and Saturday night! They will be having a Totally 80's weekend as part of this First Fridays, featuring headliner Zako Ryan along with other comedians. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at this link. DTSB will be having a contest on their Facebook page for a pair of free tickets!
Catch Tim Bayless from Rock 97.7 at The Drop Comedy Club prior to the show for a Live Remote Event, including giveaways, swag, comp tickets, and a chance to meet and interact with Bayless. Plus - dress in Totally 80's attire for a free comp ticket to a future show!
Studebaker Plaza
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
U.S. 12 Vintage Station will have a booth in Studebaker Plaza this First Fridays, selling vintage clothing from the 80's and other decades!
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
200 Block of South Michigan Street
The Studebaker Drivers Club will have dozens of their cars on display this First Fridays on Michigan Street near Studebaker Plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Boilermaker Special
5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
I Heart SB Sign
Free rides on the Boilermaker Special from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Pickup and drop off by the I Heart SB Sign.
Guided Architectural Walking Tours of Downtown
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
101 N. Michigan St.
Enjoy a fun and informative guided walking tour of South Bend landmark buildings, exploring their history and present day use. The tour covers over twenty historical buildings and more than a half-dozen city blocks in the heart of downtown South Bend.
Tour guide Steve Szaday with the City of South Bend, in conjunction with Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, will lead the evening tours. Cost for these 90-minute tours are just $5/person (cash only.) Reservations can be made by clicking here or by calling 574-282-1110. Tours start at the American Trust Company clock, located at the corner of Washington St. and Michigan St., in front of Cafe Navarre.
8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
111 N. Main St.
Live @ Aloft in the WXYZ bar will feature DJ Outlaw playing your favorite tunes (including 80's hits!) on August 5th. Live @ Aloft features local artists, groups or DJs playing music every Friday from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the WXYZ lounge.
The WXYZ bar also has "Cocktails for a Cause" with $1 from every cocktail sold donated to their featured charity of the month. This month's cocktail is the "Bow Wow Meow" cocktail benefiting Pet Refuge.
Also take advantage of their First Fridays special - buy 1 flatbread pizza and get a 2nd flatbread pizza at 1/2 off. Also try their wings in Thai sweet chili, Korean BBQ, garlic parmesan, or traditional buffalo sauce.
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
South Bend Latin Dance moves its August 5th Friday dance event from the East Bank to Studebaker Plaza for a limited First Fridays engagement as they join in the Totally 80's Theme! That’s right: the rhythm is gonna get you! Gloria Estefan, Selena, Julio Iglesias and plenty of new jams along with classics from these artists and more. Big hair and 80’s fashion welcome!
This outdoor event welcomes all levels of dance, all abilities, and all ages, for an evening of all fun. Your $5 admission includes the beginner's lesson at 7:00 p.m., and open dancing follows.
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Meet Me On The Island is back! Enjoy art, food, drink, dancing, conversation, and live music by Darryl Buchanan! Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at this link.
Bike Valet provided by SB Bicycle Garage
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Key Bank Plaza
The South Bend Bike Garage will be providing a First Fridays Bike Valet which will allow you to ride to the event without having to worry about locking up your bike. They will provide a free, secure, manned area at Key Bank Plaza (by the I Heart SB statue) where your bike will be put on a rack until you return to pick it up. Your helmet can also be stored with your bike. Preregistration can be found on their website, specifically at this link.
Check in will be done via an app that will provide you with a text claim number on your phone, or they can give you a claim ticket if you don't want to use your phone.
The South Bend Bike Garage will also offer to clean your bike while you enjoy the festivities. Cleaning will consist of wiping down the bike, cleaning & lubricating the drive train, and making minor adjustments so the bike is clean and ready to roll safely when you pick it up. They will also have maps of local trails and safety information available.
Studebaker Plaza Booths/Vendors
1st Source Lounge
Acceptance Insurance
Ammie's Ice Cream
Kona Ice
US 12 Vintage Station
Key Bank Plaza Booths/Vendors
Purdue Club
South Bend Bike Garage
St. Joseph County Health Department
U93
Michigan Street Vendors
(in and near the fenced-in area on the south end of the S. 200 block)
Balloons by Ken
Carla Moratino Art
Chicory Cafe
Dave Blodgett
DTSB
Endless Comics LLC
Foster Fun Station
IU South Bend
JRMIDWESTART
Land & Sea Catering
LaShay LaVae
MAARPR
MJ's Unica Bracelets
Nala~Nani Inspired Designs LLC
Paparazzi new n used goods
Resurrection Lutheran Academy
South Bend Museum of Art
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Stop in to see the South Bend Museum of Art's newest exhibition, Visualizing Innovation, featuring the work of five local mural artists. Participate in a Scavenger Hunt designed around our exhibition Becoming SBMA (and claim your prize when you’ve finished), all while listening, dare we say dancing, to the sweet 80's tunes bellowing from the Warner Gallery.
4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Key Bank Plaza
Lead poisoning is one of the greatest health risks that children face. Ingestion of even very small amounts of lead can cause a variety of severe and irreversible health problems, including decreased muscle and bone growth, speech and language problems, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and decreased intelligence. Children under the age of 7 are especially at risk because their brains are still developing. The SJC Department of Health will be present at DTSB’s First Fridays to provide information, resources, and to offer FREE lead testing for children younger than 7 years of age. For more information or to schedule a free test or home risk assessment please visit our website by clicking here.
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Howard Park
Join MHO (Michiana Hematology Oncology) at this FREE concert featuring local band, The Whistle Pigs. They will celebrate the fight against cancer and honor everyone in the community who has fought and is currently fighting this disease. Please plan to bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable seating during the concert.
11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Jon Hunt R. Plaza
Fridays by Fountain is a free outdoor lunchtime concert series with a variety of music from local blues, jazz, rock, folk, and country bands. Food vendors are available, offering a variety of lunchtime favorites or you may choose to bring your own. Tables are set in and around the plaza to give concertgoers a space to eat or bring a blanket and relax on the lawn.
The August 5th Fridays by the Fountain concert will feature The Whistlepigs.
Specials on Retail & Food/Drink

July 25 through August 7
Explore the fine food, signature dishes, and outstanding original preparations offered during Summer Restaurant Weeks at downtown South Bend’s locally-owned restaurants. Loads of tasty food and beverage specials await. Start making your reservations today!
Also, approximately 10% of the proceeds from every meal purchased at Restaurant Weeks will be donated to Beacon Children’s Hospital!
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Cinco 5 International
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Early Bird Eatery
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Linden Grill
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Sunny Italy Café
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The Cellar
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Woochi Japanese Fusion & Bar
Click here for more information and to view all the menus individually, or all together in an online flipbook!
Food Truck Philanthropy - 80's First Fridays Edition!
5:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m.
201 S. Main St.
Barnes & Thornburg's Food Truck Philanthropy typically takes place during Thursday lunches, but they will be having a special 80s edition this First Fridays with dinner hours! Food Truck Philanthropy is a chance to enjoy some of the best local food fare in the South Bend area while helping to support local non-profit organizations.
This First Friday edition will feature three food trucks - The Real Grille, Roundbelly's, and LaParilla Caliente - benefiting three nonprofits - Real Services, Cultivate Food Rescue, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana. The food trucks will be parked at 201 S. Main St. outside of Barnes & Thornburg from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tables and chairs will be out on the sidewalk for dining. Guests can also purchase drinks from Java Cafe and enjoy 80's music!
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
105 E. Jefferson Blvd.
Chicory Cafe will be having another one of its famous shrimp boils this First Fridays! Each $21 order will receive gulf shrimp (boiled right in front of you), potatoes, corn on the cob, andouille sausage, and garlic butter. Enjoy it there or take it to go! You can also pre-order this Shrimp Boil thru Dine In Delivery and get it delivered!
While supplies last.
80's Night at The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
217 S. Michigan St.
Celebrate the magic of the 80's with The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery this First Fridays, where they will be offering 80's -themed clay cookie ornaments for $5. Try the Wheel Throwing Session for $20 per person and the mini potters' wheel for $5. Halloween items will also be available to paint in the store!
Friends of the Library Book Sale
12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
333 S. Michigan St.
Enjoy amazing bargains on books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, and more for both kids and adults at The Friends of the Library Book Sale from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
TakeOut 25 Downtown South Bend
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Join the TakeOut 25 Downtown South Bend Facebook Group to discover new dishes and restaurants downtown. We encourage you to join the group post pictures of your downtown carryout and in-person dining experiences.
Plus...

713 E. Jefferson Blvd.
$4 pints every First Fridays; also featuring a First Saturdays special each month: any large 2 topping pizza, an order of breadsticks, and a pitcher of pop (or a 2 liter on carry out orders) for only $22 plus tax.
131 S. Michigan St.
Get one 14″ 1-topping pizza for $15
428 Lincoln Way West
Get an 18" 2-topping pizza, garlic cheese bread, and a 2 liter of soda for just $24
105 E. Jefferson Blvd.
16 oz. Hurricanes and Blue Raspberry Long Islands for $5
207 W. Colfax Ave.
50% off on online booking all day
1025 Northside Blvd.
Live music, 20% off bottles of MI Cabernet Franc
Java Cafe
201 S. Main St.
Extended hours until 8:00 p.m. and offering $1 off their cocktails
122 S. Michigan St.
2 for $20 any crunch/pretzel combo
Tippecanoe Place/Studebaker Grill
620 W. Washington St.
1/2 price appetizers In the Studebaker Lounge
122 S. Michigan St.
50% off the entire store
111 N. Main St.
Buy 1 flatbread pizza and get a 2nd flatbread pizza at 1/2 off; plus monthly Cocktail for a Cause, with $1 from every cocktail sold donated to their featured charity of the month.