July 1, 2022
2021 July First Fridays event info appears below.
2021 event info will be coming soon!
DTSB will be repeating the Urban Picnic that took place for last summer's First Fridays, and closing down a block of Michigan Street for physically-distanced dining and a free concert by The American Hotel System.
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 a physically-distanced seating area in the street with beer from Chicory Cafe, 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. The evening concludes with a free comedy showcase from The Drop Comedy Club from 9 to 10 pm (content is best suited for mature audiences.)
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.
Entertainment & Activities
Urban Picnic on Michigan Street
5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
200 Block of South Michigan Street
DTSB will be repeating the Urban Picnic that took place for last summer's First Fridays, and closing down a block of Michigan Street for physically-distanced dining and a free concert by The American Hotel System.
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 a physically-distanced seating area in the street with beer from Chicory Cafe, live music by The American Hotel System from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 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.
Tables and chairs will be cleaned by DTSB Ambassadors throughout the event, and hand sanitizer will be available. We will be following CDC Guidelines on mask usage: vaccinated participants will not be required to wear a mask, but mask usage will be recommended for non-vaccinated participants.
Carnival Games with Always Best Care
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
First Fridays sponsor Always Best Care Senior Services will be hosting a free carnival at their booth in Studebaker Plaza with games and prizes.
Balloon Twisting with Fun by the Yard
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
Face Painting with Michiana Facepainting
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.
9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
200 Block of South Michigan Street
The Drop Comedy Club will be presenting a free Comedy Showcase in the seating area in the middle of the 200 block of South Michigan Street. The content matter is best suited for mature audiences.
The lineup of comedians for Friday will be:
Genesis Easton
Farai Gatora
Devin Tapia
David Murrel
Max Tidey
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.)
We will be following CDC Guidelines on mask usage: vaccinated participants will not be required to wear a mask, but mask usage will be recommended for non-vaccinated participants.
Meet South Bend Alive Grantees
Key Bank Plaza
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The IMPower Center and South Bend Community Initiatives will be featuring the "Alive & Free" Grantees in Key Bank Plaza. The South Bend Alive grant program is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce incidents of gun violence in the community and provide constructive initiatives for South Bend’s young people. The program, managed by the Office of Community Initiatives, focuses on funding community-based initiatives that provide mentorship for young people, help connect youth with employment training and opportunities, and conduct community outreach and youth engagement activities.
First Fridays Vendors
We will have a variety of vendors, organizations, and sponsors at the June First Fridays!
Studebaker Plaza Vendors, Sponsors, & Organizations
Always Best Care Senior Services
U93
Fun by the Yard
Michiana Facepainting
Riverbend Community Math Center
Michigan Street Vendors, Sponsors, & Organizations
(in and near the fenced-in area on the south end of the S. 200 block)
Physician's Health Plan
Robertson's Snack Booth
SJCPL
Addy Lu Boutique
River Valley Farmer's Market
Relay for Life
Charm Coterie
BluEnvy
A-List Accessories
MAARPR
SJC Democratic Party
David Blodgett
Plus...
Specials on Food, Drink, & Retail
Fiddler's Hearth Seafood and Dessert Specials
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
127 N. Main St.
Fiddler's Hearth will have several First Fridays food specials, including:
Oysters on the Half Shell
Shrimp & Mussel Boil with andouille sausage, potato, and corn on the cob
Plus Carnival-themed desserts from Chef Kaitlyn:
Homemade Cotton Candy Ice Cream
Sweet & Salty Sundae with homemade popcorn ice cream
5:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m.
105 E. Jefferson Blvd.
Chicory Cafe is getting in the picnic theme with $12 box lunches that include a sandwich of your choice, chips, a cookie, and a cutie orange. They will also be giving away a small American flag with each purchase after 5:00 p.m. and featuring their First Fridays specials - $1.50 scoops of gelato and $6 16 oz. Hurricanes. They also will have their outdoor tables covered with picnic style table cloths.
First Fridays Food & Drink Vendors
(in the fenced-in area on the south end of the S. 200 block)
Chicory Beer Trailer
DOPE Lemonades
LaShonda's Soul Food Cafe
Pottery Wheel Try-It Night at The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery
5:00 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 $23 (price includes step-by-step instructions, materials, glazing, and firings.) Sessions begin at 5:00 p.m. with the last 20-minute time slot at 7:30 p.m. Registrations are suggested, but walk-ups are welcome. You can register by clicking here. Anyone ages 6+ 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.
TakeOut 25 Downtown South Bend
We're calling on the South Bend community to help our downtown restaurants by pledging to spending $25 a week on carryout. This simple act can help our downtown restaurants thrive, save jobs, and also help you discover new foods to enjoy! Join the TakeOut 25 Facebook Group and post your carryout pictures for a chance to win $100 gift card to the restaurant you posted about!
Plus...
123 N. St. Joseph St.
Buy one appetizer, get one 50% off.
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 $12
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.
$1.50 scoops of gelato and 16 oz. Hurricanes for $6
123 S. Michigan St.
50% off a box of dipped fruit (pick-up)
602 Lincoln Way East
20% off for new guests and 10% off all retail
1025 Northside Blvd.
Live music, 20% off bottles of Henri
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.
$5 IPA beer special
PRESENTED BY
ADDITIONAL SPONSORS
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