Pedals and Petals
Friday, May 3, 2024
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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About
Downtown South Bend is celebrating both cycling and plants this May First Fridays with a "Pedals & Petals" theme. We will be previewing Michiana Bike to Work Week with "Pedals" activities such as a bicycle parade, bicycle games, bicycle valet parking, and bicycle safety demonstrations. We will also be celebrating the changing season and flowers/plants that are blossoming with various "Petals" activities including a plant sale & swap on the Gridiron, a flower craft activity, and flower arranging classes.
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Also, the Michigan Street First Fridays Block Party will be returning to the 100 block of S. Michigan Street (between Jefferson & Wayne) with music, food, vendors, and more. Plus, the return of the Architectural Walking Tours and concerts in Howard Park!
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Plus we are bringing back our free First Fridays shuttle service thanks to First Student, Inc.!
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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
Plant Swap & Sale
The Gridiron
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Come shop for plants, flowers, and more at DTSB's second annual Plant Swap & Sale. We have invited local plant enthusiasts to bring plants to sell & swap - both indoor and outdoor plants, flowers, etc. both decorative and fruits/veggies, in addition to starters, seeds, and any other gardening-related items. The event will take place on the Gridiron and it is free to attend. Feel free to bring items to swap!
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If you're a local grower, gardener, greenhouse, etc. and would like to have a FREE space at this event to swap and/or sell click here to register and select the Plant Swap & Sale option.
First Fridays Block Party
100 Block of S. Michigan St.
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
DTSB will be bringing back the Michigan Street First Fridays Block Party for a 5th 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 are free 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 the following free entertainment:
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5:00 p.m. - Music by the Van Dyke Revue
6:30 p.m. - Bicycle Parade
6:45 p.m. - Performance by the IU South Bend Kickline
7:00 p.m. - Performance by the Spotlight Performers
7:15 p.m. - Music by the Van Dyke Revue
Studebaker Car Show
Washington Street
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Studebaker Drivers Club will have their cars on display this First Fridays on Washington Street by the Gridiron from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Various locations throughout downtown
5:00 pm. to 8:30 p.m.
We are excited to partner with First Student, Inc. to bring back a FREE First Fridays shuttle to connect all of the amazing activities happening throughout downtown on First Fridays. CLICK HERE for shuttle map.
Howard Park
6:30 pm. to 8:30 p.m.
VPA will be hosting free concerts in Howard Park this summer on First Fridays May through October (excluding 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 May 3 band will be Backyard Vibes.
625 E. Jefferson Blvd.
7:00 pm. to 10:00 p.m.
We welcome one of our newest First Fridays participants - Stockroom East! They are an intentional creative community space that does private events, concerts, and co-working.
This First Fridays, they will have a concert by Phillip-Michael Scales, with special guest Rebel Noire & The Accomplices. Scales calls his sound "Dive Bar Soul" which takes a bit of indie rock storytelling and couples it with the passion of the blues. Tickets are $7.50 to $15 and can be purchased by clicking here.
120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Visit the South Bend Museum of Art on First Fridays for extended hours and free admission! They invite you to stroll their galleries and check out their vast permanent collection on display in the Carmichael Gallery, plus their rotating exhibition - "LIMINAL: Indiana in the Anthropocene," a film by Zach Schrank, with Aaron Yoder and Nate Utesch.
111 N. Main St.
9:00 p.m.
In case you didn't hear The Drop Comedy Club relocated to the Aloft Hotel and features amazing comedy shows every Friday and Saturday night! This First Fridays they will have headliner Luke Severeid featuring Matt Wheeler.
DTSB will be giving DTSB will be featuring a contest on their Facebook page for a pair of free tickets to the First Fridays show.
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Online Contest
4:00 p.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday
The Broadway Musical "Mamma Mia!" comes to the Morris Performing Arts Center May 31-June 2, and now is your chance to win two tickets to the opening night show!
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A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA.
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For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show.
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The contest opens at 4:00 p.m. on Friday and closes at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday evening. CLICK HERE to enter the contest. DTSB will contact the winner by May 10.
Bicycle Parade & Games
100 block of S. Michigan St.
6:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
In partnership and promotion of Michiana Bike to Work Week, we will be having Second Annual First Fridays Bicycle Parade. Participants of all ages are invited to decorate their bikes (and to costume themselves to match if they so wish!) for a chance to win prizes.
No advance registration is required. Lineup will take place at the south end of the block party at 6:15 p.m. (by the bike valet, in front of Chicory) and participants will make loops in the 100 block of S. Michigan Street. Awards will be presented immediately after the parade. Helmets are strongly encouraged.
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Bicycle games will take place in the same area by the bike valet at 7:00 p.m.
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Click arrow below for more info on Michiana Bike to Work Week, taking place May 13-19, including a schedule of events.
south end of 100 block of S. Michigan
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 the south end of the block party (in front of Chicory) 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.
101 N. Michigan St.
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a fun and informative guided walking tour of South Bend landmark buildings, exploring their history and present day use.
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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 $10 per person (cash only) with reservations requested for each tour. Reservations can be made online here 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.
100 Block of S. Michigan and Gridiron
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The following vendors/organizations will have booths at this month's event. Click here for an event map.
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Kroc Center
Tasty Treatz & More
El Llanito #2
City of South Bend
Wear It Uniquely
Yoni Jay Natural Soaps and Teas
BGlam
Yvette
Dixon’s Specialty Popcorn
SJCPL
For You By Jay
DTSB
Bubbles the Clown
Tony’s Kitchen
Smokin Jones BBQ
THEFIX Boutique
True Essence Energy Healing
Kolours Designed by Divas
Bordada Esperanza
BluEnvy
Temet Jewelry
Carranza
Renewals by Anderson
Bike to Work Week
AngLes on Wheels
L’s BBQ
KO’s Portapit
Nice & Bella
PetsConnect! Inc.
River Valley Farmers’ Market
Mimi and Carter driftwood creations
Amy Gamble
US 12 Vintage Station
Dave Blodgett
714 E. Jefferson Blvd.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A Healing Oasis invites you to attend their First Fridays Open House, which is all about you coming to find out what their practitioners have to offer. Healers share their "magic" by offering mini sessions. You will also have a chance to check out their retail space, group events, and what services are at A Healing Oasis.
333 S. Michigan St.
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Music Village will host its monthly "New Performer" open mic, to be followed by its regular open mic with host Jason Richmond. Musicians who are new to public performance are invited to come get some stage experience in front of a welcoming and encouraging audience. Signup for the open mic begins at 5:00 p.m. with the performance slots beginning at 5:30 p.m.
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The TMV Jammers will also be performing in Studebaker Plaza from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
435 S. Michigan St.
8:00 p.m. to midnight
Auto Attack Album Release Party with special guests Ovrgrxwth starting at 8:00 p.m., with $5 cover. Cash bar provided by Dainty Maid.
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.
401 E. Colfax Ave.
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
We welcome one of our newest First Fridays participants - River Valley Farmers' Market! They are located in the Commerce Center and feature about 20 vendors selling fresh produce and other products.
This First Fridays they will have extended hours with lots of plants for sale, blooming flowers and vegetables! They will also be doing a make & take goat milk lotion class from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a $5 fee per bottle to cover material costs. You can also find them on the Gridiron at the Plant Swap & Sale!
217 S. Michigan St.
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery will have one of their beginner pottery wheel classes this First Fridays. Step-by-step instruction and all materials are included in this super fun, easy, and dirty class! Create 2-3 pieces of pottery per person for $60/student.
439S. Michigan St.
5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Join Highland Studio & Gallery on May 3 for
CJ Escobar Rodgers' solo exhibition Nature Calls: The Art of Answering Back. This body of work is about re-examining the place of humans in the world through perceptual, anthropological, materialist, and animist ways of knowing. There will be snacks and refreshments for you to enjoy.
423 S. Michigan St.
12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
House Wins is a resale furniture and home goods store focusing on vintage and current styles to compliment any space and budget. They will have special extended hours this First Fridays and tons of planters available - some with flowers, herbs, plants, etc. They will be in all sorts of vessels, like old tins, metal buckets, etc. They are also going to do a live drawing of a "vintage garden basket" at 8:00 p.m. Every $10 purchase from Wednesday-Friday at 8:00 p.m. gets you one entry in drawing.
121 S. Niles Ave.
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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!
Ongoing First Fridays Promotions
127 N. Main St.
Enjoy live music by Kennedy's Kitchen from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every First Fridays!
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
