June 5, 2020
2019 information listed below. 2020 coming soon!
Join us for the June 7 First Fridays, which will be the "Best First Fridays Ever!" This is a signature event for Best. Week. Ever, and our busiest First Fridays of the year.
The theme will be "Kids' Night Out" but we will have something for everyone. Kids can enjoy wagon rides, face painting, balloon art, roving mascots, a magic show, a petting zoo, the ROC UR BODY fitness festival at the Gridiron, a Touch-a-Truck event, entertainment by and for kids, and so much more.
For the "bigger kids", we'll have Latin Dancing, Meet Me on the Island, Riverlights Music Festival, and the Best. Architectural Walking Tour. Ever.
The evening will culminate with the Best. Fireworks. Ever. being set off from the Jefferson Bridge around dusk (approximately 9:45 p.m.)
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Plus, 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 DTSB-managed garages) is always free in downtown South Bend nights and weekends. Free event parking will also be available at St. Joseph High School and at Tuesley Hall Konopa, LLP (E. Lasalle Avenue.) For full details on downtown parking options, click here.
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STREET CLOSURES
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Jefferson Boulevard will be closed, from Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard to Hill Street, from noon until 11:00 p.m. (strict foot traffic restriction will be in place for the entire Jefferson Street Bridge during this time).
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Colfax Avenue will be closed, from Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard to Niles Avenue, from 8:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
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Washington Street will be closed, from Michigan Street to Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard, from 1:30 p.m.until 11:00 p.m.
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Niles Avenue will be closed, from Jefferson Boulevard to Washington, from 10:00 a.m. Friday until early Sunday morning
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Washington Street will be closed from Niles Avenue to Hill Street from 10:00 a.m. Friday until early Sunday morning.
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St. Louis Boulevard will be closed from Jefferson Boulevard to St. Peter Street from May 28 to August 16
FREE TRANSPO SHUTTLE
As always, Transpo will be offering FREE shuttle rides on one of their new CNG buses from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Click here for a map of the shuttle route. Transpo shuttle service will pass each stop approximately every 15 minutes.
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The shuttle service now has First Fridays Tour Guides! They will tell you all about the different activities and promotions taking place downtown at First Fridays, as well as give general info about the downtown businesses, mixed with historical tidbits and fun facts. Grab a seat on the new First Fridays Transpo Tour, and enjoy the informative ride!
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As a special treat, The Music Village Jammers will be performing on the First Fridays shuttle from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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Also - Trivia Trolley is back for this First Fridays! Play for free as you ride the shuttle, and win some fun prizes!
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First Fridays Activities & Promotions
Entertainment & Activities
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Gridiron
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The Reducing Obesity Coalition of St. Joseph County presents ROC UR BODY - a family fun night filled with physical activity, games, dancing, and more! This event is FREE and open to everyone. The following organizations & activities will be there:
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Beacon Health - Obstacle Course
Chef Alan - Cooking Demo
Classic Image Photography - Photo Booth
Health Linc - Spin wheel or dice with physical activity move
JOYS Gymnastics -Tumbling
Kona Ice - Giving out free shaved ice
KROC Center - Giant Jenga or Sack Race
Marine Mud Run - Obstacle Course
Martin's - Cooking Demo
Mishawaka Parks - Bounce House
Purdue Extension - Herb Gardening
SJHS - Soccer Drill/Soccer Inflatable + soccer giveaway
Sunchoke Farms/SB Farmer's Market - Microgreen Taste Test
Tobacco Free SJC - Giant Board Games
U93 -Music
USTA - Ball Toss
VPA - Boomer & Rock Wall
WIC -Mother's Comfort Station (Lactation Booth)
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ROC UR BODY will also have a stage with cooking demos and fitness opportunities -
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5:00 - Kids' Dance Lessons w/Miss Elizabeth
5:30 - Cooking Demo w/Chef Alan
6:00 - POUND Demo w/YMCA
6:30 - Hip Hop w/Kroc Center
7:00 - Kids' Yoga w/Therapeutic Indulgence
7:30 - Cooking Demo w/Chef Alan
Children's Entertainment Stage
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
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Enjoy free entertainment by and for children at Studebaker Plaza:
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5:00 p.m. - Children's Dance Party
6:00 p.m. - Interactive Children's Concert by Wendy Daly from The Music Village
6:30 p.m. - Creative DanceN'
7:00 p.m. - Bad Entertainment Dance Team and Singers
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6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
by Chocolate Cafe
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Take a "Rockin' Wagon Ride" around town with Dream Coach Carriages. Rides are $4 per person, excluding infants. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets will be sold just before 6:00 p.m. in front of Chocolate Cafe. Don’t forget your camera!
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Roving Mascots
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
throughout downtown
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Balloon Twisting with Fun by the Yard
5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
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Face Painting with Behind the Mask Face Painting
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
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Best. Architectural Walking Tour. Ever.
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
101 N. Michigan St.
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This month's "Then & Now: A Downtown South Bend Architectural Walking Tour" will have some special features as part of Best. Week. Ever. Enjoy a fun and informative guided walking tour of South Bend landmark buildings, exploring their history and present day use. The June tour will also feature a costumed tour guide and a special look inside some of the tour sites.
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The tours cover over twenty historical buildings and more than a half-dozen city blocks in the heart of downtown South Bend. Tours are $4 per person (cash only) with reservations requested for each tour. Reservations can be made onlinehere or by calling Downtown South Bend at 574-282-1110. Tours start at the American Trust Company clock, located at the corner of Washington St. and Michigan St., in front of Cafe Navarre.
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5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
120 S. St. Joseph St.
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WVPE and the South Bend Museum of Art team up to put on a series of South Bend's best summer events - Meet Me on the Island. The Island behind Century Center is an amazing place for a party filled with music, food, drink, and fine art. $5 or free to all WVPE and SBMA members (kids 12 & under also free.) "Memphis Underground" will provide live music. Fireworks will cap off the night.
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Magic Show and Live Music at South Bend Chocolate Cafe
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
122 S. Michigan St.
Magician Kevin Wilson from Abracadabra Magic will be performing a free magic show at 6:00 p.m. in the Rockne Room at the South Bend Chocolate Cafe. Laura Whidden will be performing a free concert from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Also take advantage of their First Fridays special: 2 for $18 any crunch/pretzel combo.
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8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
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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 11:00 p.m. $5 cover.
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First Fridays Community Bike Rides
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
123 N. Hill St.
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"Everybody Bikes South Bend" is a new community bike ride event series that takes place in conjunction with First Fridays. These are short rides (5 to 6 miles) at a leisurely pace that the whole family can join in. Guides will lead groups of riders starting at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00. There will be a different ride each month, and the June ride will leave from the Purple Porch Co-op. All participants must wear helmets.
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5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
By the Gridiron
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Boling Vision Center will be providing FREE vision screenings for all on their mobile vision clinic! No insurance required! They will be parked on Washington Street by the Gridiron.
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6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Gridiron
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Micro Mini Farm will be bringing a selection of their animals for a petting zoo this First Fridays.
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5:00 p.m. to midnight
216 S. Michigan St.
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South Bend Brew Werks will be hosting the Best. Patio Party. Ever. this First Fridays, with bubbles, chalk, a special dessert for kids, and spinach & artichoke dip - plus a Music Under the Marquee concert by Graffiti Black from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
528 E. Colfax Ave.
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CircaArts Gallery will be displaying small works by David Allen this First Fridays. His show will run through the month of June. On Saturday they will have tiles ready for the public to decorate for Best. Week. Ever.
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6th Annual Juried Show Reception at Fire Arts
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
305 E. Colfax Ave.
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Fire Arts will be holding the second reception for this year's juried show: "Our Endangered Planet" this First Fridays. 3-dimensional artwork from several artists in the region have been accepted in this exhibit which pays tribute to our home. The exhibit runs from May 3rd -June 28th. A People's Choice Award will be presented at 7:00 p.m.
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10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
129 N. Michigan St.
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Vegetable Buddies will be hosting a One Love Reggae Party with Gizzae Reggae Band this First Fridays. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the show beings at 10:00 p.m. $10 cover, 21+
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Tour the Golden Roamer: Mobile Visitor Center
4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
The Golden Roamer is a 24-foot recreational vehicle complete with brochures for visitors detailing the area’s offerings as well as satellite TV, and more. It will be parked near Studebaker Plaza and you are invited to go inside and explore.
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Kennedy’s Kitchen at Fiddler’s Hearth
9:00 p.m. to midnight
127 N. Main St.
Enjoy free live music at Fiddler’s Hearth by local Irish band Kennedy’s Kitchen from 9:00 p.m. to midnight every First Fridays!
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11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Jon Hunt R. Plaza
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Fridays by Fountain is a free outdoor lunchtime concert series, which takes place between the months of June 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.
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Tours of the Historic Hoffman Hotel
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
120 W. LaSalle Ave.
The Hoffman Hotel will offer free tours of their renovated historic apartment spaces and free refreshments. The tours will be given every half hour (5:00, 5:30, 6:00, etc.)
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After Ours at LaSalle Kitchen & Tavern
9:00 p.m. to midnight
115 W. Colfax Ave.
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LaSalle Kitchen & Tavern will be hosting a Riverlights Music Festival After Party with free live music by After Ours from 9:00 p.m. to midnight.
Specials on Food, Drink, & Retail
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5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
217 S. Michigan St.
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The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery will be hosting a Clay Cookie Extravaganza this First Fridays. Bring your mini artists by for $5-$15 projects ready to paint outside! All outside projects are make & take home the same day.
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Friends of the Library Book Sale
12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
333 S. Michigan St.
The Friends of the Library Book Sale is in their newly renovated space – with extended hours. Enjoy amazing bargains on books, CDs, magazines, and more for both kids and adults from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
212 S. Michigan St.
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Join AJ Sarell and Idle Hours Bookshop for a book signing party! There will be snacks and books for families to buy and get signed by local, award-winning author, AJ Sarell.
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PEGGS Celebrating the Best Kids Ever and Thanking the Best Parents Ever
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
127 S. Michigan St.
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PEGGS will be celebrating both kids and their parents this First Fridays, with a free kids drink w/the purchase of a kids meal. For adults - $5 Bloody Marys, $5 mimosas, and 2 domestic beers for $5. Plus cotton candy and other fun stuff!
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5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
129 N. Michigan St.
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Vegetable Buddies will be offering a free kids meal per adult meal purchased.
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5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
236 S. Michigan St.
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CJ's Pub will be having a special on three cheddar cheeseburger sliders with lettuce, pickle and french fries for just $9.49.
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Shortcakes from Olivet AME
5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
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Olivet AME Church will be selling their delicious desserts at Studebaker Plaza this First Fridays
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Other Best. Week. Ever. Activities & Promotions
Entertainment & Activities
Best. Fireworks. Ever.
Dusk (approximately 9:45 p.m.)
Jefferson Bridge
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The Best. Fireworks. Ever. will be launched from the Jefferson Bridge at dusk (approximately 9:45 p.m.) A viewing area will be set up on the Colfax Bridge, and the show can also be seen from Meet Me on the Island ($5 admission) or Riverlights Music Festival (free.)
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NOTE - The Jefferson Bridge will be closed to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic from noon to 11:30 p.m. Friday for the set-up, presentation, and removal of the fireworks, and Colfax Bridge will be closed from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for the viewing area.
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5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
121 S. Niles Ave.
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Riverlights Music Festival is a collaboration between local, regional, and national artists, community leaders, and local businesses seeking to illuminate South Bend as a prime destination for original music in the Midwest. With two stages and more than 40 bands, this year’s festival aims to showcase awe-inspiring music and unforgettable experiences with the best local businesses and entertainment vendors in South Bend.
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Spanning two days, this festival is FREE to the public and open to all ages! Plus, attendees can enjoy access to the best local food trucks in the area, unique local merchandise, and entertainment vendors. The festival will take place along the St. Joseph River, where South Bend’s famous river lights will illuminate the entire event!
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4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
210 S. Michigan St.
Notre Dame Federal Credit Union will be presenting the Best. Giveback. Ever, with a live DJ, play-til-you-win crane machines, and they are bringing back the LEGO ATM! Cold hard cash will be given away. Plus, for each cash winner, Notre Dame FCU will match the winnings and donate it to a charity of the winner's choice!
NDFCU's mission to serve the community reached new heights in 2018 when they gave back over $1 million to you and the causes you care about. Join them in celebration of your votes to name them the Best Financial Institution in Michiana for the 6th time.
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4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
304 S. Main St.
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Blast off with the St. Joseph County Public Library at their Interplanetary Party, taking place in their library parking lot. Practice a lunar landing on gravity-defying inflatables and experience light-years of outer space fun. Launch your reading goals by registering for the Summer Reading Challenge. Receive an exclusive party prize (while supplies last) when you register. The Challenge is open to participants of all ages, adults, teens, and children.
Check out these fun activities:
• Inflatable rock climb slide
• Inflatable bounce house
• Outer space selfie booth
• Space-themed craft
• Space music
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Best. Story Time. Ever.
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
304 S. Main St.
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The Best. Story Time. Ever. is a literacy promotion event taking place at the main branch of the St. Joseph Public Library, with interactive story circle time; life-size 3-D books and characters; snack crafting, color-chart and painting activities; artwork of favorite stories; Mad Libs iPad games and more. Andrews University Speech-Language Pathology student clinicians will be available to enjoy literacy enrichment activities with toddlers through early elementary-age students.
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Best. Pet Adoption Event. Ever.
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
111 N. Main St.
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Aloft and Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Group are partnering up for a First Fridays and Best. Week. Ever. adoption experience. There will be adoptable cats and dogs that are looking for their fur-ever homes! There will be drink and food specials as well. Don't miss this unique and fun event!
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Touch-a-Truck
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Washington Street
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A variety of city vehicles will be on display for kids to touch and explore from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Washington Street between Michigan St. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
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Feel the Love Yoga
2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Plaza Park
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Feel the Love Yoga will be offering two free classes at Plaza Park (the park between Crowe LLP and the river) to give you the chance to open your heart, relax, and breathe your deepest breath. All levels are welcome. Please bring your own mat.
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Best. Old School Dance Party. Ever.
10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
125 N. Michigan St.
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DJs StrictNine and Eric Street will be spinning old school hip-hop, reggae, funk and electronica all night at McCormick's - South Bend's No. 1 late-night fun spot!
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5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza
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The League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area will be hosting the Best. Button-making. Ever. at Studebaker Plaza. Customize your own two-inch button using your own designs for just $0.50. Colored pencils and button-making materials will be provided.
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Best. House Concert in an Art Space. Ever.
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
712 E. Jefferson Blvd.
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The Alchemist's Daughter - a new art space in shop in the East Bank Village - will be hosting the Best. House Concert in an Art Space. Ever. with Mare and Nomad from Nashville. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
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Free East Race Rafting - SOLD OUT
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
126 N. Niles Ave.
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An urban thrill like no other! Now's your chance to experience South Bend's premier white water rafting for free.
This is a free, but ticketed event, and unfortunately tickets are already sold out. But plan your East Race Rafting trip for another weekend by clicking here.
Best. Week. Ever. Food & Retail Promotions
On sale June 1 - July 31
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The South Bend Summer Pass brings you a premium experience package at a price that's perfect for summer fun! Five venues, 40% off, 100% your Best. Summer. Ever.​ The Summer Pass will be on sale June 1 - July 31, 2019. Only 500 passes are available.
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Participating Locations:
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The Hideaway at the LaSalle - Receive one signature cocktail and one appetizer up to a $15 value
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Studebaker National Museum - Receive two General Admissions to the Studebaker National Museum
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South Bend Civic Theatre - Purchase one adult full-priced ticket to a 2019 SBCT performance and get one free
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Potawatomi Zoo - Receive four Admissions to any 2019 Roars & Pours Family Night
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South Bend Symphony Orchestra - Purchase one adult full-priced ticket to a SBSO 2019-2020 concert and get one free
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View full details and purchase yours by clicking here.
NOTE - you can purchase your Summer Pass in person this First Fridays at the DTSB Info Booth on the Gridiron.
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Best. $50 Wedding Dress Sale. Ever.
4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
301 S. Michigan St.
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The Casaday Costume Collection will be holding a $50 wedding dress sale at the corner of Wayne and Michigan (the former home of The Music Village.) Over 100 used vintage dresses will be available. The sale continues Saturday, June 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Noon to 4:00 p.m.
122 S. Michigan St.
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Enjoy a complimentary makeover at the Bombay International by make-up Artist Rowena Zoltan from noon to 4:00 p.m. We will also have a First Fridays Special: FREE MASKS for children! Stop by and check out the cool fashion and eclectic gifts and accessories at the Bombay International!
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8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
602 Lincoln Way East
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Allow Hair Crafters to transform your look and document the process with before and after photos! New guests who come in for a transformation will receive 20% off their first service.
(This discount is open exclusively to new guests.)
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5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
105 E. Jefferson Blvd.
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Chicory Cafe will be hosting the Best. Shrimp Boil. Ever. this First Fridays. Each order will receive gulf shrimp (boiled right in front of you), potatoes, corn on the cob, and andouille sausage. Enjoy it there or take it to go! While supplies last.
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5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
601 E. Jefferson Blvd.
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Chimichurri will be having the Best. Choripan Special. Ever. Receive a choripan (an Argentine sausage sandwich with lettuce, tomato and chimichurri sauce), alfajor (con dulce de leche y coco) and a soda for just $8.
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5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Gridiron
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Let's Spoon will be hosting the Best. Mystery Coupon. Ever. - with special coupons for each buying customer during Best. Week. Ever. Pick your mystery coupon and reveal your discount. It's the best coupon ever because you always win!
Plus...
123 N. St. Joseph St.
Buy one appetizer, get one 50% off.
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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 $19.95 plus tax.
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122 S. Michigan St.
3 pretzels for $10 (not including sauce).
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131 S. Michigan St.
Get one 14″ 1-topping pizza for $12
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105 E. Jefferson Blvd.
Live music, $1.50 one scoop gelato, and 16 oz. Hurricanes for $6.00
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123 S. Michigan St.
50% off a box of dipped fruit (pick-up)
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602 Lincoln Way East
20% off for new guests and 10% off all retail
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216 S. Michigan St.
New seasonal beer release
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122 S. Michigan St.
2 for $17 any crunch/pretzel combo
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620 W. Washington St.
1/2 price appetizers In the Studebaker Lounge
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