September 4, 2020
2019 information listed below. 2020 coming soon!
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!
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We will have 20 different booths filled with animal rescue groups and organizations who provide goods and services for animals, plus a pet agility course, and the 3rd annual "Adopt, Don't Shop" Fashion Show.
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Dine with your dog at one of 14 downtown pet-friendly patios, or check out Vegan Corner - a pop-up dining experience in keeping with the theme of animal love. Cinco 5 will be celebrating their 5-year anniversary with a block party, and there will be live music throughout downtown including a concert at Jon Hunt Plaza.
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Plus, as always, enjoy live music, art exhibits, dining specials, and much more. Check out all the details below!
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FREE PARKING
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Parking (on-street and in DTSB-managed garages) is always free in downtown South Bend nights and weekends. For full details on downtown parking options, click here.
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ROAD CLOSURES
Due to construction, Michigan Street will be closed midway between Wayne and Jefferson, and extending north through the intersection at Jefferson.
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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Entertainment & Activities
"Adopt, Don't Shop" Fashion Show
7:00 p.m.
The Gridiron
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The “Adopt Don’t Shop” Fashion Show is back for a third year, with celebrity hosts Maria Catanzarite of WNDU and Kylie Carter of DTSB! Local animal shelters and rescues are a wonderful place to find your next furry friend. This fashion show will feature happy hounds adopted from local groups and their human companions wearing fashions provided by Resale to the Rescue. Resale to the Rescue is an upscale not for profit resale store in Mishawaka that financially assists local animal rescue organizations.​
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Happy Tails Waggin' Rides - cancelled
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
by Chocolate Cafe
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Due to construction-related road closures, the Happy Tails Waggin' Rides have been cancelled.
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5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
throughout downtown
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20 different animal rescue groups and organizations who provide goods & services to animals will be located throughout downtown this First Fridays. There will be adoptable dogs, nail trims, pet accessories, freebies, micro-chipping, and more. Click here for a map listing the locations for each booth. The following businesses and organizations will be participating:
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selling animals-related items
adoptable dogs
promoting their facitilities
spin the wheel activity
free goodies for pets and people
free dog treats and agility course
Frantz L. Dantzler Friends for Life Fund Inc.
giving away treats for dogs and people
giving away coupons, buttons, and clickers
Heartland Small Animal Rescue, Inc.
selling handmade pet beds and toys
Humane Society of St. Joseph County
adoptable dogs
K-911 Lost & Feral Dog Rescue, Inc./Tracking Tucker
silent auction and free dog biscuits
selling dog shirt collars with ties and girly neckware
dog activity plus giveaways such as bandannas, food server cups, and pens
Plinko and yellow ducky draw
Chance the Dog, goodies, giveaways
free treats
shirts for sale
South Bend Animal Resource Center
adoptable dogs and games for kids
Selling pet-related items and scanning dogs for microchips/assisting to verify chips are correctly registered
The Humane Society of St. Joseph County
adoptable dogs, selling shirts, giveaways
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5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Gridiron
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ECHO Club, Inc. was formed over 50 years ago to help teach dog owners how to train their dogs. They will be bringing some of their agility course components such as tunnels and jumps for your pets to try out, and will also be offering a Rally course.
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First Fridays on the Plaza
5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
211 N. Michigan St.
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Enjoy a free performance of jazz and pop classics from The LowLifes, featuring Chris Chapman outside the Morris Performing Arts Center. Plus grab a bite to eat from local food trucks.
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Community Art Project
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Gridiron
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We still have some finishing touches to put on the 2019 Art Beat Community Art Project, so we're bringing it to the Gridiron this First Fridays for the public to help us complete it.The project features artwork designed on inflatable sky dancers using fabric markers. The completed projects will be brought to sky dance at future DTSB events. Come add your creative touch! It's free to participate in, and is open to all ages and skill levels.
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Foegley Fridays
11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
403 N. Main Street
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DTSB is proud to partner with the South Bend Civic Theatre for an extension of the Red Table Plaza Lunchtime Concert Series – Foegley Fridays. Each Friday in September the public is invited to free lunchtime concerts (11:45 am to 1:15 pm) in the newly-created Foegley Plaza, located to the west of the South Bend Civic Theatre.
The September 6 performance will be by Mayo Snaps. Upcoming Foegley Fridays performances include:
September 13 – Sunday@9
September 20 - F/E/A/T/H/E/R
September 27 - Adrienne Frailey
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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 September ride will leave from the IUSB pedestrian bridge and travel to First Fridays. Parking will be available in the Northside lot or along Northside Blvd. All participants must wear helmets.
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5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
210 S. Michigan St.
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NDFCU will be giving away frisbees this First Fridays.
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Laura Whidden at South Bend Chocolate Cafe
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
122 S. Michigan St.
Laura Whidden will be performing a free concert at the South Bend Chocolate Cafe from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Laura will be performing pop/rock selections mixed with her own song creations. Also take advantage of their First Fridays special: 2 for $18 any crunch/pretzel combo.
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Egypt Revisited Opening Reception
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
305 E. Colfax Ave.
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Fire Arts Inc. invites the public to Tuck Langland's "Egypt Revisited" exhibit. Enjoy the opening reception beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a talk from Tuck at 7:00 p.m.
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Exhibition Receptions at South Bend Museum of Art
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
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The South Bend Museum of Art will be hosting artist receptions for five exhibitions this First Fridays: "Anita Dawson," "Adam Hurwitz," "Biennial 30," Light Bringer," and "Sightlines." There will be free admission and refreshments, plus a gallery talk with Anita Dawson at
6:15 p.m. Enjoy music from Chuck Fry from 7:00 p.m. to
9:00 p.m. Plus - shop The Dot Shop for the perfect gift and receive a 10% discount on purchases this evening!
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6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
101 N. Michigan St.
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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 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.
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Live Music at Ironhand Wine Bar
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
1025 Northside Blvd.
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Welcome to one of our newest First Fridays participants! Enjoy a free performance from Joe Jason from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Joe's voice has been on the local radio airwaves for over 30 years.
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7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
121 S. Niles Ave.
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AG Solutions invite you to come enjoy food, drinks and live jazz. Performances by The Merrimans, J. Wright, Steve Rozek and Sam Que. Exclusive dinner options will be available for purchase. Free admission.
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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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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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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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After Ours returns for a night of groovy "head nod jazz" for free at LaSalle Kitchen & Tavern.
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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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Food & Drink Specials
Pet-Friendly Patios
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Dine with your furry friend at one of these downtown pet-friendly patios:
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Cinco 5: 5-Year Anniversary Block Party
5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Woodward Court
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Cinco 5 is celebrating their 5-year anniversary with a block party in Woodward Court! Enjoy latin music, a taco bar, drinks, and a festive, fun atmosphere. All ages, no cover. Taco bar - $10/plate or $15/carry-out.
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5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Gridiron
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Vegan Corner is back at Dog Days of Summer First Fridays for a second year! In keeping with the theme of animal love, vegan food vendors will be located at the Gridiron for a pop-up dining experience. Black Crow Cafe and SteMartaen will be the featured culinary vendors for this event.
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3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
1025 Northside Blvd.
Welcome to one of our newest First Fridays participants! They will have 20% off bottles of Henri & Madeleine this First Fridays.
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Chicago Dogs at L Street Kitchen
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
131 S. Lafayette Blvd.
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Welcome to one of our newest First Fridays participants! They will be open for special dinner hours and will feature two Chicago dogs and french fries for $9.
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50% off Small Plates at Tapastrie
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
103 W. Colfax Ave.
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Tapastrie will offer 50% off selected small plates this First Fridays, including Patatas Bravas, Shishito Peppers, Marinated Spanish Olives, and Sautéed Spinach.
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New Beer Release, Art, and Music at Brew Werks
5:00 p.m. to midnight
216 S. Michigan St.
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South Bend Brew Werks will be releasing the Crimson and Cream Red IPA, benefiting the South Bend IU Alumni Association. They will also be featuring a new artist - Justin Geddes - and will have live music by Hustle and Crow from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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Specials on Retail & Services
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
217 S. Michigan St.
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The Pigeon & The Hen Pottery offers dog owners the chance to capture their furry best friend in clay! It's a forever memory personalized, painted and fired paw print for only $10 per print.
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9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
903 E. Jefferson Blvd.
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Therapeutic Indulgence will be taking donations for the Humane Society of St. Joseph County needs. Bring in a donation and you will receive Spa Bucks! Needs include kennel items, animal food/toy items, and humane office supplies.
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20% off Dog Books at Idle Hours Bookshop
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
212 S. Michigan St.
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Take 20% off dog books at Idle Hours Bookshop this First Fridays.
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Dog Photo Contest at Ali on the Boulevard
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
722 E. Jefferson
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Ali on the Boulevard will be open for extended hours until 8:00 p.m. A portion of all sales on First Fridays will go to Pet Refuge South Bend. They are also holding a Dog Photo Contest, with voting taking place until midnight online and in-store until 8:00 p.m. In-store votes count double!
The winner will be announced on social media Saturday, September 7.
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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.
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, 5 oz. gelato cup for $3, 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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