Celebrate Summer
Friday, August 7, 2026
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
About
This August, Downtown South Bend is celebrating everything we love about summer with an evening of live music, family fun, outdoor games, and community.
Soak up the last days of the season with classic summer activities, including cornhole, giant lawn games, sprinklers to cool off, sidewalk chalk art, bubbles, yard games, and interactive activities for all ages. Don't miss live music from Music Therapy Artists.
This year also welcomes the Music Village Block Party to First Fridays on the 300 block of South Michigan Street. Enjoy live music, great food, and family-friendly activities while experiencing one of downtown's newest event spaces. If construction allows, visitors will also have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting Music Village expansion project.
For the first time, Meet the Mayor will be part of August First Fridays. Hosted by the City of South Bend in the I HEART SB Courtyard (202 S. Michigan St.) from 6:00–8:00 PM, the event gives residents the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Mayor James Mueller and other city officials during five-minute conversations. City departments and local organizations will also be available to answer questions, share resources, and connect with the community.
The celebration continues throughout downtown with Summer Restaurant Week, featuring special menus and deals at participating restaurants, the Chicory Shrimp Boil, the Howard Park Summer Concert Series, Architectural Walking Tours, pop-up entertainment, and even more experiences happening all evening long.
FREE PARKING
Parking (on-street and in City-managed garages) is always free in Downtown South Bend on nights and weekends.
ROAD CLOSURES
Michigan Street between Washington and Wayne:
1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Ongoing First Fridays Promotions
714 E. Jefferson Blvd.
A Healing Oasis invites you to attend their First Fridays Open House, which is all about you coming to find out what their practitioners have to offer. Healers share their "magic" by offering mini sessions. You will also have a chance to check out their retail space, group events, and what services are at A Healing Oasis.
1025 Northside Blvd.
Live music by Lucas Miner and 20% off bottles of MI Cabernet Franc
121 S. Niles Ave.
Perry Vine - located inside the Emporium Building - will be doing tastings this First Fridays. Enjoy three free 1 oz. tastings, and additional for tastings $1.50. In partnership with Island Fusion guests may buy a meal and a glass and dine in the atrium area adjacent to our store — please note seats are limited. They will also have bottles for sale! Bring back your clean bottles and receive 10% off your next purchase!
218 Sycamore St.
They are located near Fire Arts and are a minority-owned studio that is seeking to build individual and community power through pole dance. They provide quality pole instruction and a welcoming atmosphere for all of their students.
They will be featuring an Intro to Pole Class every First Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for $22. Registration is required and can be done on their website.
WXYZ Bar at Aloft
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.
Plus Live @ Aloft with DJ Outlaw playing your favorite tunes. Live @ Aloft features local artists, groups or DJs playing music every Friday from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the WXYZ lounge.
Sponsors
