Backyard BBQ
Friday, July 3 2026
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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, live music, yard games, and more!
​
We will be closing the 100 of S. Michigan for our First Fridays Block Party with dining in the street, a free concert by the Phat Tuesday Dixieland Band, vendors and more. Plus the 3rd Annual BBQ Cook-off!
​
This year's July First Fridays is extra special, as it falls on the 4th of July and we will be celebrating Independence Day downtown with not just one, but two fireworks shows!
​
The South Bend Cubs are at home and will have a show following their game, and VPA will have a full day of family fun at Howard Park followed by a fireworks display!
​
Plus, enjoy a free "Salute to Freedom" South Bend Symphony concert at the Morris, a 4th of July photo op, a fireworks craft at the DTSB tent, Latin Dance Party at Studebaker Plaza, Architectural Walking Tours, and more!​
​
And, as always, enjoy live music, art exhibits, dining specials, 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 will be closed from Washington to Wayne this First Fridays for the festivities, as well as the area in front of Studebaker Plaza.
Ongoing First Fridays Promotions
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
