September 2, 2022
2021 September First Fridays event info appears below.
2022 event info will be 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!
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 18 downtown pet-friendly patios.
We will be once again be closing down the 200 block of S. Michigan St. for a block party, encouraging people to grab some takeout from their favorite downtown eatery and enjoy it at the distanced seating area in the street, where we also have vendors, a Studebaker Car show, beer from Chicory, and live music by The American Hotel System from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Check out all the details below!
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.
ROAD CLOSURES
The 200 block of S. Michigan Street will be closed between Jefferson Wayne from noon to 10:30 p.m. to allow for seating areas, booths, entertainment, and more.
Entertainment & Activities
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
in and nearby Studebaker Plaza
Several animal rescue groups and organizations who provide goods & services to animals will be located in and nearby Studebaker Plaza. Click here for a map
adoptable dogs
free pup cups and tennis balls for any dogs, plus enter a drawing for a goodie basket and free day of daycare
handmade pet beds & toys for sale
Humane Society of St. Joseph County
adoption information, possibly a few adoptable pets, items for sale, educational and fun materials for kids
adoptable dogs, T-shirts, make pet tags, plinko and a duck float
Sheltie Rescue of Central Indiana, Northern Division
Dog and owner look-alike contest at their booth, plus free dog bandanas and raffle prizes
South Bend Animal Resource Center
raffle, an adoptable dog to meet, volunteer and adoption applications
South Bend Lost and Found Pets
will have items from helping get dogs and cats home and SBLFPTS T-shirts and sweatshirts
Sudzy Puppy Grooming Salon, LLC
Pawsome bags, pup cups, duck pond game, coupons
The Frantz L. Dantzler Friends for Life Fund Inc.
small gifts for kids and dogs visiting our booth
Block Party on Michigan Street
4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
200 Block of South Michigan Street
DTSB will be repeating the Michigan Street Block Party and closing down the 200 block of S. Michigan Street for physically-distanced (pet-friendly) dining areas and entertainment once again for the September First Fridays!
Grab some takeout from your favorite downtown eatery and head to the 200 block of S. Michigan St. (between Jefferson and Wayne) where we will have a physically-distanced seating area in the street with beer from Chicory, vendors, a concert by The American Hotel System from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Studebaker cars, and more! The seating areas will be open to people of all ages, and will be located in the south end of the block.
Tables and chairs will be cleaned by DTSB Ambassadors throughout the event, and hand sanitizer will be available. We will be following CDC Guidelines on mask usage: vaccinated participants will not be required to wear a mask, but mask usage will be recommended for non-vaccinated participants.
Michigan Street and Studebaker Plaza Vendors
(not including Dog Days of Summer Participants - see that list above)
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
S. Michigan St.
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U93
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Kona Ice
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Face Painting by Samara
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Let's Spoon
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Divine Gems by Lady J
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South Bend Alive
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Beauty Hive
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River Valley Farmer's Market
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SJCPL
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A-List Accessories
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Mixxture Beauty
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BluEnvy
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MAARPR
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SJC Democratic Party
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IU South Bend
Architectural Walking Tour - POSTPONED
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
101 N. Michigan St.
The September Architectural Walking Tour of downtown will be postponed to October First Fridays as our tour guide is out sick. We will move the October West Washington Tour to November First Fridays as well.
Book Signing at Idle Hours Bookshop
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
212 S. Michigan St.
Kathleen Petitjean, local author, illustrator, and retired SBCSC pediatric occupational therapist, will be signing copies of her book "The ABC of DOG: Essential Manners for Good Dogs on a Friendly Planet" at Idle Hours Bookshop this First Fridays.
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
200 Block of South Michigan Street
The Studebaker Drivers Club will have dozens of their cars on display this First Fridays on Michigan Street near Studebaker Plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Reception & Artist Talk at SBMA
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
The South Bend Museum of Art will be hosting free, public receptions for Biennial 31 (Warner Gallery), Tyanna Buie (Art League), Creating is Healing (Community), Kate Stone (Project Room), and Beyond (Wiekamp). Tyanna Buie will also be giving a gallery talk about her exhibition beginning at 6:15.
SBMA will have food and non-alcoholic beverages available in a designated area within the Sculpture Corridor.
8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Howard Park
South Bend Latin Dance will be hosting an outdoor Latin Dance this First Fridays at the Howard Park ice rink area. They will be slowing it down this time, featuring feature more bachata, slower salsa cumbia and merengue, and the sultry jams of kizomba so they can groove more easily in the heat and on the concrete.
Cost is $5. A Beginners' lesson will take place at 8:00 p.m. with open dancing to follow. All ages, all levels--no partner or dance experience required.
Meet South Bend Alive Grantees
Key Bank Plaza
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The IMPower Center and South Bend Community Initiatives will be featuring the "Alive & Free" Grantees in Key Bank Plaza. The South Bend Alive grant program is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce incidents of gun violence in the community and provide constructive initiatives for South Bend’s young people. The program, managed by the Office of Community Initiatives, focuses on funding community-based initiatives that provide mentorship for young people, help connect youth with employment training and opportunities, and conduct community outreach and youth engagement activities.
Food & Drink Specials
Pet-Friendly Patios
Dine with your furry friend at one of these 18 downtown pet-friendly patios:
Metazoa Tap Takeover at The Lauber
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
504 E. LaSalle Ave.
The Lauber will be having Metazoa Tap Takeover Friday, with Metazoa donating $1 per pint to South Bend Animal Resource Center.
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Gridiron
Vegan Corner is back at Dog Days of Summer First Fridays for a fourth year! In keeping with the theme of animal love, vegan food vendor SteMartaen will be the featured culinary vendor at Vegan Corner.
Prime Rib Sandwich Special at WXYZ at Aloft
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
111 N. Main St.
The WXYZ Bar at Aloft will be featuring a prime rib sandwich with tater tots for $11 and Wheatley mules for $8.50, in addition to their monthly $5 IPA First Fridays special.
Specials on Retail & Services
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
217 S. Michigan St.
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 three and a half weeks later with a red ribbon. It's a forever memory personalized, painted and fired for only $15 per print.
This activity will take place in front of their store. Humans participants are required to wear masks.
Friends of the Library Book Sale
12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
333 S. Michigan St.
Enjoy amazing bargains on books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, and more for both kids and adults at The Friends of the Library Book Sale from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
TakeOut 25 Downtown South Bend
Join the TakeOut 25 Downtown South Bend Facebook Group to discover new dishes and restaurants downtown. We encourage you to join the group post pictures of your downtown carryout and in-person dining experiences.
Plus...
123 N. St. Joseph St.
Buy one appetizer, get one 50% off.
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 $22 plus tax.
131 S. Michigan St.
Get one 14″ 1-topping pizza for $12
428 Lincoln Way West
Get an 18" 2-topping pizza, garlic cheese bread, and a 2 liter of soda for just $24
105 E. Jefferson Blvd.
$1.50 scoops of gelato and 16 oz. Hurricanes for $6
123 S. Michigan St.
50% off a box of dipped fruit (pick-up)
602 Lincoln Way East
20% off for new guests and 10% off all retail
1025 Northside Blvd.
20% off bottles of Henr
122 S. Michigan St.
2 for $20 any crunch/pretzel combo
620 W. Washington St.
1/2 price appetizers In the Studebaker Lounge
122 S. Michigan St.
50% off the entire store
111 N. Main St.
$5 IPA beer special
PRESENTED BY
ADDITIONAL SPONSORS
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