July 7
2022 info appears below
2023 info coming soon!
DTSB will be celebrating the 4th of July weekend and all things Americana with this "Star Spangled Downtown" theme. Enjoy carnival games and prizes on the Gridiron, an antique bicycle display, a face painter, a balloon artist, an appearance by Buzzy the DTSBee, plus another Urban Picnic Block Party on South Michigan Street with live music by the Van Dyke Revue, dining in the street, a beer garden, caricaturist, vendors, and a Studebaker Car Show.
Meet Me on the Island returns with Blue Lunch Band, the South Bend Bike Garage will be providing a bike valet service again, Howard Park will have a free outdoor screening of the Parent Trap, and much more is in store throughout downtown.
And what 4th of July weekend celebration would be complete without fireworks? A spectacular display will be launched from the Jefferson Bridge at 10:00 p.m., with the best viewing locations at Meet Me on the Island, Pier Park, the Colfax Bridge sidewalk (the road will remain open so please use caution), and Howard Park.
Check out all the details below!
ROAD CLOSURES
South Michigan Street will be closed between Jefferson and Wayne from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The Jefferson Bridge will be closed from 2:00 p.m. to midnight.
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.
Entertainment & Activities
First Fridays Fireworks
10:00 p.m.
Jefferson Bridge
Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display launched from the Jefferson Bridge as the grand finale of the night. The best viewing locations will be at Meet Me on the Island, Pier Park, Howard Park, and on the Colfax Bridge sidewalk (note - Colfax will remain open so please use caution.) The fireworks are presented by DTSB, VPA, and Visit South Bend Mishawaka.
Carnival Games on the Gridiron
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Gridiron
DTSB will be hosting several carnival games on the Gridiron, with a chance to win prizes! There is no cost to participate, and the games will be open to all ages. Games include a ring toss, sucker tree, ping pong toss, Bozo game, and more from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with a water balloon toss and (cup)cake walk from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and potato sack races from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Gridiron
Visit the 1st Source Bank Lounge on the Gridiron for a carnival game and giveaways this First Fridays. We welcome 1st Source Bank as the new presenting sponsor for First Fridays!
Freeze Pops, & Cubs Raffle at DTSB Booth
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Gridiron
Stop by the DTSB booth on the Gridiron for 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!
Scavenger Hunt Bingo
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Gridiron
DTSB is introducing a fun Scavenger Hunt-style Bingo game for the entire family! The game starts and ends at the DTSB Info Booth on the Gridiron, where you can pick up your bingo card. Search Michigan Street for the clues that match your specific bingo card, & write down the name of the historical South Bend figure the clue belongs to. Once you get a bingo - 5 in a row (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) -take your winning card back to the DTSB Info Booth to win tokens for prizes. Plus we will have J.D. Oliver at the booth asking an extra credit question which will grant a special prize to the first 50 people to get it right!
Urban Picnic on Michigan Street
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
200 Block of South Michigan Street
DTSB will be repeating the Urban Picnic Block Party and closing down a block of Michigan Street for distanced dining in the street and a free concert by The Van Dyke Revue.
Grab some takeout from your favorite downtown eatery and head to the 200 block of S. Michigan St. (between Jefferson and Wayne) where we will have seating in the street with beer from Chicory Cafe, live music by The The Van Dyke Revue from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., vendors, Studebaker cars, and more! The seating areas will be open to people of all ages, and will be located in the south end of the block.
First Fridays Vendors
We will have a variety of vendors and sponsors at the June First Fridays!
Gridiron Booths/Vendors
1st Source Bank Lounge
The Arty People
Balloons by Ken
DTSB
Kona Ice
Land & Sea Catering
South Bend Lions
Studebaker Plaza Booths/Vendors
Acceptance Insurance
Ammie's Ice Cream
IUSB
Transpo
South Bend Chapter of Indiana Black Expo
Key Bank Plaza Booths/Vendors
Junbuggies
South Bend Bike Garage
Michigan Street Vendors
(in and near the fenced-in area on the south end of the S. 200 block)
A List Accessories
Aussie Heeler Creations
Chicory Beer
Dave Blodgett
Endless Comics LLC
JRMIDWESTART
Laconic Blu
LaShay LaVae
MJ’s Unica Bracelets
Paparazzi New n Used Goods
PRL Creative
Render
Resurrection Lutheran
Tonka’s BBQ
5:30 p.m. to 10:00 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 the Blue Lunch Band! This event provides a fantastic viewing option for the First Fridays fireworks taking place at 10:00 p.m.! Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at this link.
7:00 p.m
219 S. St. Louis Blvd.
Boomer will be showing a free movie at the Howard Park Event Lawn featuring The Parent Trap (1998.) Grab dinner from a local business and relax on the lawn with a throwback movie. Spark will make an appearance.
Face Painting with the Arty People
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
Studebaker Car Show
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
313 S. Michigan St.
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.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Gridiron
Members of The Wheelmen - a national organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of antique bicycles - will have some of their bicycles from the late 1800s/early 1900s on display in the Gridiron parking lot and even demonstrate how they get on a high-wheeled bicycle/penny farthing!
Guided Walking Tour of Historic West Washington District
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
302 W. Washington St.
We're switching up our normal historic walking tour that takes place during the summer First Fridays. This time we're touring the beautiful West Washington Street area, a National Register District showcasing an exemplary and eclectic blend of architectural styles and structures. Once home to influential citizens, titans of industry, civic leaders, and other prominent families; West Washington Street is now replete with businesses and residents that value and preserve the fine architectural legacy left in their care by those that preceded them.
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. This tour will meet at 6:00 p.m. at the historic Ambassadors for Christ Church, 302 W. Washington St. (the southwest corner of Washington and Lafayette.)
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.
SBMA First Fridays: Meet the Residents
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The South Bend Museum of Art invites you to join them for "SBMA First Fridays: Meet the Residents." Remarks about the Summer Undergraduate Residency will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by a special guest speaker, former Undergraduate in Residence and Around the Bend artist, Katie Neece, and finally a formal introduction to this year’s Residents.
SBMA residents will be working on new pieces and displaying a few completed works that garnered attention for their spot in the residency in the Sculpture Corridor throughout the evening. While you are there, participate in their Becoming SBMA Scavenger Hunt (prizes included!), view their student faculty exhibition in the community gallery, and check out Eli Kahn’s exhibition, How Are You? No, Really… How Are You?, before it closes!
Kennedy’s Kitchen at Fiddler’s Hearth
8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
127 N. Main St.
Enjoy free live music at Fiddler’s Hearth by local Irish band Kennedy’s Kitchen this First Fridays with songs from the Irish and the Working Man. Fiddler's Hearth will also be highlighting some of the main groups of immigrants (in addition to the Irish) who helped build our community into who we are today. They will also have specials representing Poland, Germany, Hungary & France.
Sean Imboden Trio at Merrimans'
7:00 p.m.
401 E. Colfax Ave.
The Sean Imboden Trio will be performing at Merrimans' Playhouse this First Fridays. Touring from Indianapolis, this trio features Sean Imboden on saxophone, Joel Tucker on guitar, and Jesse Wittman on bass. They will perform genre-blending original music and standards.
Transpo Summer Travel Program Bus
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
Stop by Studebaker Plaza this First Fridays to learn about the Transpo Summer Travel Program, which provides free travel for all K-12 students the months of June, July & August (providing a record-setting 31K+ rides pre-COVID). They will have one of their CNG buses parked by the plaza and will have prizes and giveaways for kids. They will also be sharing info on their CONNECT Transit Plan.
Live @ ALoft with DJ Outlaw
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 on June 3rd. Live @ Aloft features local artists, groups or DJs playing music every Friday from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the WXYZ lounge.
They WXYZ bar also has "Cocktails for a Cause" with $1 from every cocktail sold donated to their featured charity of the month. Also take advantage of their First Fridays special - buy 1 flatbread pizza and get a 2nd flatbread pizza at 1/2 off.
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
219 S. St. Louis Blvd.
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. They will still get some salsa & cumbia in, but look for more bachata and kizomba and even some good ol' R&B or whatever requests you might have. In short, anything goes!
11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Jon Hunt R. Plaza
Fridays by Fountain is a free outdoor lunchtime concert series, which takes place between the months of June, July, and August, 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 July 1st concert will feature Memphis Underground.
Plus...
Specials on Food, Drink, & Retail
Pottery Wheel Try-It Night at The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
217 S. Michigan St.
Always wanted to try the pottery wheel? Now you can this First Fridays at The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery! Learn how to make one beautiful bowl on the potter's wheel during a 20-minute session for $20 (price includes step-by-step instructions, materials, glazing, and firings.) Sessions begin at 4:00 p.m. with the last 20-minute time slot at 7:30 p.m. Registrations are highly suggested, but walk-ups are welcome. You can register by clicking here. Anyone ages 9+ can try!
The wheel-throwing will be outside, weather permitting.
Bowls made on the potter's wheel will be ready in three weeks due to drying and firing pottery in the kiln.
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.
Friday BBQ at Mikarri's Bistro
noon to 6:00 p.m.
401 E. Colfax Ave.
Welcome to one of our newest First Fridays participant - Mikarri's Bistro! They are located inside the Commerce Center and serve breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They will have special evening hours this First Fridays until 9:00 p.m. and will be featuring BBQ menu items.
TakeOut 25 Downtown South Bend
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 Brewing Co.
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 one flatbread pizza and get a second 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.
SPONSORS
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