Backyard BBQ
Friday, July 5. 2024
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
2023 info appears below. 2024 info coming soon!
About
Join us for the July First Fridays, where the theme will be "Backyard BBQ." We are celebrating the simple joys of summer - picnics, BBQ, time outdoors with friends and family, garage sales, car shows, baseball, fireworks, cornhole, and more!
We will be closing the 100 of S. Michigan for a block party with dining in the street, a free concert by the Phat Tuesday Dixieland Band, a beer garden, face painters, balloon artist, caricaturist, vendors, a Studebaker Car Show, and the first ever Picnic Palooza decorated picnic table contest!
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On the Gridiron we will have our first ever Gridiron Garage Sale, plus a BBQ cook-off and cornhole along with other backyard games.
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Latin Dance Parties and Meet Me on the Island both make their returns to First Fridays this month!
Additionally, South Bend Bike Garage will be providing a free Bike Valet at Key Bank Plaza, plus Architectural Walking Tours, Howard Park Concert Series, and much more.​
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And, as always, enjoy live music, art exhibits, dining specials, and much more. Check out all the details below!
FREE PARKING
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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 and Activities
4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
We are having our first ever Gridiron Garage Sale! This event is free to attend and open to the public.
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Gridiron Garage Sale booth spaces are currently available for just $30 per 10x10 booth. Click here to register for a booth, then select July First Fridays and Gridiron Garage Sale. Payment can be made online in advance or at the start of the event.
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
We welcome our newest First Fridays sponsor - Fetch! Pet Care! Visit the Fetch! Pet Care tent at the Gridiron to pick up some free pet swag and talk with their highly-trained and certified sitters. And while you're there, take your dog through their doggy obstacle course.
Fetch! Pet Care of Michiana is a locally-owned full-service pet care provider for all your furry, feathered, and scaled friends. Their goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to schedule and receive pet care.
They offer a variety of services, all tailored to fit your needs. From in-home pet sitting to dog walking, overnight care, medication administration, and pet taxi services, they have you covered. They understand that each pet is unique and requires special attention, so they take the time to get to know each pet and build a relationship with them and you.
First Fridays Block Party
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
DTSB will be bringing back the Michigan Street First Fridays Block Party for a 4th year, and closing down the 100 block of S. Michigan Street (between Washington & Jefferson) for vendors, entertainment, outdoor dining, and more! These First Fridays block parties take place May through October and are open to visitors of all ages.
Grab some takeout from your favorite downtown eatery or grab something from one of our food vendors and head to the block party where we will have a seating area in the street with beer from Chicory, vendors, and free entertainment.
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For the July First Fridays we will have a free concert by the Phat Tuesday Dixieland Band from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and a special preview performance of Vibes Music Fest during the intermission at 7:00 p.m.
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First Fridays Vendors
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
We will have a variety of vendors and sponsors at the May First Fridays!
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A B Life and Enterprise LLC
A Healing Oasis
Ammie’s Ice Cream
Amy Feil
Angles on Wheels
Aquaworld
Artesanias Mi Mexico Lindo
Ashley Miller
Beacon Community Impact
Bike Valet Parking
BluEnvy
Chicory Bar
Chris Largent
Dave Blodgett
Debi Landry
Dellstar VR
Dena’s Kitchen & Catering
Denson Specialties
Dixon’s Specialty Popcorn
Eden’s Edge
El llanito #2
Estel Arts
Fetch! Pet Care
FirstChoice Creations
Fitzgerald’s Smokehouse BBQ
Fun by the Yard
IU South Bend Office of Admissions
Julia McKenna
KidsPeace
Kolours Designed by Divas
Kona Ice
Laconic Blu
Library Book Sale/SJPL
Liliana Para Boutique
Maria McKenna
MJ’s Unica Bracelets
Notre Dame College of Science
Papa’s Wordworking
Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
Salon Nouveau
Southern Aroma
Sprinkle Express
Sweet Seduction
TeJe Flowers and Gifts
The Institute for Quality Education
The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery
U93
Vibes Music Fest
Whistlestop
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7:00 pm. to 9:00 p.m.
VPA will be hosting free concerts in Howard Park this summer on First Fridays May through September. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair or blanket and carryout from a downtown eatery for a picnic in the park set to music! The July 7 band will be Alligator Blackbird
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Cat Lady Cafe -located inside the Commerce Center - is having a First Fridays special: half hour walk-in sessions with the cats for just $6!
7:00 p.m. to midnight
We welcome one of our newest First Fridays participants - the Rocki Button, a new downtown space which features a creative experience filled with music, art, shopping, food, and drinks. This First Fridays they will have vendors and live music from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Suggested donation of $5.
11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
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 7 concert will feature Southside Denny.
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200 block of S. Michigan St.
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
We are having our first ever Picnic Palooza decorated picnic table contest!
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The contest is open to businesses, organizations, or friend/family groups. The cost is just $50 for a picnic table for 6 people located within the First Fridays Block Party in the 100 block of S. Michigan St. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third best decorated tables.
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Click here to register for a booth, then select July First Fridays and Picnic Palooza. Payment can be made online in advance or at the start of the event.
Studebaker Plaza
8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
South Bend Latin Dance is returning to Studebaker Plaza for the summer for their First Fridays Latin Dance Parties! This event is open to all ages and skill levels, and includes a half-hour lesson at 8:30 p.m., followed by open dancing until 10:30 p.m. $5 cover.
Key Bank Plaza
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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.
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.
302 W. Washington St.
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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.
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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 $10/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.)
120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Meet Me on the Island returns for the summer with music by the JR Clark Band. Tickets are available at the door for $5.
Studebaker Plaza
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The TMV (The Music Village) Jammers will be doing a free performance at Studebaker Plaza from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
321 S. Main St.
8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Bring out your inner diva at South Bend Brew Werks with karaoke this First Fridays (and every Friday!)
111 N. Main St.
8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Live @ Aloft in the WXYZ bar will feature 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.
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The WXYZ bar also has "Cocktails for a Cause" with $1 from every cocktail for a cause 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.
Retail and Dining Specials
NOTE: First Fridays drink specials are available for anyone 21+ throughout the day on First Fridays, for the operating hours of participating businesses.
Various locations
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
We will have several BBQ food vendors this First Fridays competing in our first ever BBQ Cookoff. Purchase food from one of the following BBQ vendors at the Block Party/Gridiron area or try Bruno's BBQ pizza special and vote for your favorite at the DTSB info booth!
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Angles
Bruno's
Dena's Kitchen & Catering
Frederick's Smokehouse
Southern Aroma
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121 S. Niles Ave.
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
We welcome one of our newest First Fridays participants - Scrappy's Lemon Twist! They recently opened inside the Emporium Building and will be offering 10% off their lemonades this First Fridays. They will also have special extended hours until 7:00 p.m. !
121 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
We welcome one of our newest First Fridays participants - the Courtyard by Marriott! They will be offering 15% off of bistro bills if guests mention First Fridays. This discount will apply to the full bill for food and drinks.
50% off July Specialty Drinks at St. Joe Coffee Co.
305 S. Michigan St.
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The St. Joe Coffee Co. - the new coffee shop located inside the St. Joe County Library's Community Learning Center - will be featuring 50% off their July specialty drinks: the Campfire Shaken Espresso with maple spice flavor, sweet cream cold foam, and mini marshmallows on top; and the Cherry Bomb Limeade with cherry syrup, lime slices, and a splash of green tea.
105 E. Jefferson Blvd.
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Barnaby's will have $1 Root Beer Floats for kids 12 & under this First Fridays, and $4 pints of craft beer for adults. Also don't forget about their 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.
121 S. Niles Ave.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Two of our newest First Fridays participants - Perry Vine and The Jumpoff Pedal Trolley are teaming up for a Pedals & Pours First Fridays event. Book a 30 min ride for $25 and get 15% off a bottle of wine! You also get a free tasting! Click here to book your spot! (Note- no open-toed shoes allowed on the pedal trolley.)
423 S. Michigan St.
10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Welcome to one of our newest First Fridays participants, House Wins - a resale furniture and home goods store focusing on vintage and current styles to compliment any space and budget. They will have tons of red, white, and blue items this First Fridays and will be doing a drawing for a backyard bbq.
231 S. Michigan St.
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Welcome to one of our newest First Fridays participants - Dainty Maid Co. Food Hall! They will have special extended hours for dinner on weekend nights including First Fridays, with dining options from Oak + Ash, The Beard & The Boss, Smashed, Propaganda Pizza, Hall Pass, and a Roaster Called Revenant.
321 S. Main St.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Welcome to one of our newest First Fridays participant - Salon Nouveau - located in side the Hibberd Building across from the library in downtown. They will be offering special discounts this First Fridays at their booth on the Gridiron.
Ongoing First Fridays Promotions
SPONSORS
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