Dog Days of Summer
September 4, 2026
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm​​
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 over 20 downtown pet-friendly patios. Also, if you want to dress your up your pup in a costume or outfit, we will be handing out prizes to the best dressed dogs!
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We will be once again be closing down the 100 block of S. Michigan St. for our First Fridays Block Party, 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 The Starving Artists.
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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.)
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We will also have an EV Display near the State Theater, the South Bend Music Festival, plus lots of other fun happenings throughout downtown!
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And, as always, enjoy live music, art exhibits, dining specials, and much more. Check out all the details below!
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ROAD CLOSURES
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Michigan Street between Washington and Wayne: 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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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.
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.
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.
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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
