DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
September 6, 2024
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.​
​
About
Downtown South Bend will be going to the dogs for the September First Fridays, as we celebrate the "Dog Days of Summer." Bring your furry friend downtown for a fun night out!
We will have booths with animal rescue groups and organizations who provide goods and services for animals, as well as the opportunity to dine with your dog at one of our 22 downtown pet-friendly patios.
​
We will be once again be closing down the 100 block of S. Michigan St. for our last First Fridays Block Party of 2024, encouraging people to grab some takeout from their favorite downtown eatery or First Fridays food vendor and enjoy it at the seating area in the street, where we also have vendors and live music by StarHeart.
​
Plus Over the Edge returns to Studebaker Plaza, with fearless philanthropists rappelling over the edge of the Robertson's Apartment Building to raise money for Youth Service Bureau (YSB.)
​
We will also have an EV Display and Test Drive event at the Gridiron, plus lots of other fun happenings throughout downtown!
​
And, as always, enjoy live music, art exhibits, dining specials, and much more. Check out all the details below!
​
ROAD CLOSURES
​
Michigan Street between Washington and Jefferson: 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
​
​
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 and Activities
Dog Days of Summer Booths
The Gridiron
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Several animal rescue groups and organizations who provide goods & services to animals will be located on the Gridiron this First Fridays:
​
Canine Body and Mind LLC
The Cat Lady Cafe
Humane Society of St. Joseph County
Ireland Animal Clinic
Ookami Draws Paws
Pet Refuge
PetsConnect!
The Puzzled Pup
Resale to the Rescue
Rescue Release Repeat
Sheltie Rescue of Central Indiana
South Bend Animal Resource Center
South Bend Lost and Found Pets​
Wessons Canine Bakery
Woof Ware if you Dare​​
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 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 September 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 vendors, and free entertainment.
​
For the September First Fridays, the entertainment will be a free concert by StarHeart from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
​
Doggy Photo Booth at DTSB Info Booth
100 Block of S. Michigan St.
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
DTSB will have costumes and accessories at their Info Booth for your furry friend to get all glammed up for a picture! They will also have a game with dog-themed prizes you can win.
​
A second Dog Days of Summer photo op is located right outside the DTSB offices at 217 S. Michigan St., brought to you by Ambassador Dan!
Over the Edge
Studebaker Plaza
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Over the Edge is a fundraiser for Youth Service Bureau in which amazing people sign up to raise $1,000 or more to help homeless youth in our community. Each participant who reaches this goal will have the opportunity to rappel down the side of the Robertson's Building this first Fridays. Click here to donate.
​
Come out and watch these fearless philanthropists scale down the building. A viewing area will be set up on Jefferson between the Leighton Parking Garage entrance and Michigan Street by Studebaker Plaza with a beer garden provided by South Bend Brew Werks.
Various locations throughout downtown
5:00 p.m. 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.
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 Joe Tidd, featuring Darryl Spencer.
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.
321 S. Main St.
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Bring out your inner diva at South Bend Brew Werks with karaoke this First Fridays!
602 E. Jefferson Blvd.
7:00 pm. to 10:00 p.m.
Join Whistle Pigs for a free concert at Howard Park Public House this First Fridays.
403 N. Main St.
7:30 pm.
South Bend Civic Theatre in partnership with Michiana PlayMakers presents the staged reading "Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear."
Electric Vehicle Display & Test Drive
The Gridiron Parking Lot
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Join the South Bend Office of Sustainability, Michiana Area Council of Governments, and Drive Clean Indiana as they host an Electric Vehicle Display at the Gridiron for National Drive Electric Week!
Get behind the wheel and experience an electric vehicle first hand! Hear from electric vehicle drivers about their experience. Learn what electric vehicles are available locally (both new and used), how and where to find electric vehicle charging stations, what purchasing incentives are available, and more!
​
Electric vehicle owners are welcome & encouraged to bring their electric vehicles to the event! Test drives may be available from dealerships, pending availability. Learn more at this link.
Additional September First Fridays Vendors
100 Block of S. Michigan St. & The Gridiron
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
BluEnvy
Bubbles the Clown
City of South Bend Innovation & Technology
Crazy in Yarn
HealthLinc
Humbly Changing LLC
Loops by Sandy
Medicaid Anthem
The Montessori Academy Edison Lakes
Nice&Bella by Elena Barriga
Our Own
Renewals by Anderson
Righteous Kingdom Customs LLC
SJCPL
St. Joseph County Office of Elections and Voter Registration
Tanai Sisters Henna
Temet Jewelry
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.
​
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.)
435 S. Michigan St.
6:00 p.m.
Local Artists Terrible Tony & Just Tony have joined forces to fill The Rocki Button walls with some of their coveted Original Artwork. The evening will also feature musical guests Firetruck Save the Day, Nsgts, & Dj Ope 1, plus the A Bite with Mee Food Truck!
​
Ages 21+ Only; there is a suggested donation to support the artists.
401 E. Colfax Ave.
7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Bill Boris Trio is a contemporary jazz group which performs jazz standards, pop tunes, and original compositions. The trio expands the vintage platform of the organ trio to launch into more modern sounds and arrangements, and their own brand of grooves and swing.
Catch them at Merrimans' Playhouse this First Fridays! Tickets are $12 General/$6 Student and can be purchased at this link. Head to the show early for food and drinks at the Culture Cafe!
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.
Pet-Friendly Patios
Various locations
Dine with your furry friend at one of these 22 downtown pet-friendly patios:
​
103 E. Jefferson Blvd.
4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Chicory's famous Shrimp Boil is back! Each order will receive gulf shrimp (boiled right in front of you), potatoes, corn on the cob, and andouille sausage for just $20. Enjoy it there or take it to go. While supplies last.
623 E. LaSalle Ave.
5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
We welcome one of our newest First Fridays participants - Jack's Donuts! They will have To-Go Donut Decoration Kits for just $5 which include two donuts, frosting, and sprinkles. Plus they will be streaming some Disney movies for the kiddos!
231 S. Michigan St.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Bring your pup to The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery to celebrate Dog Days of Summer with a memorable dog paw print keepsake ornament with their name included. The ornament takes about five minutes to make by pressing the dog paw on the wet clay, and is then available to pick up four weeks later with a red ribbon. It's a forever memory personalized, painted and fired for only $20 per print.
They will also be having a basic pottery wheel class from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Click here for more info.
September First Fridays Food Vendors
100 block of S. Michigan St. & Gridiron
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The following food and beverage vendors will be at the September First Fridays:
​​
Burrito Mafia
Cheesy Platters LLC
Dena's Kitchen
Dixon's Specialty Popcorn
El Llanito #2
Fancy Delights
Fire Baked Cookies
Fitzgerald's Smokehouse BBQ
Froggies Inflatables
Kate's Kitchen
KO's Portapit
L's Barbeque
Luxurious Liquids
Mummy Lue African Foods
Rhonda's Tasty Treats
Smokin Jones'
Sweet Sweet Potato Pies
Tasty Treatz & More
Travelin' Tom's
Ongoing First Fridays Promotions
714 E. Jefferson Blvd.
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.
127 N. Main St.
Enjoy live music by Kennedy's Kitchen from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every First Fridays!
333 S. Michigan St.
Enjoy amazing bargains on books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, and more for both kids and adults from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
1025 Northside Blvd.
Live music by Lucas Miner and 20% off bottles of MI Cabernet Franc​
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
