SOUTH BEND — May's “May the 4th Be With You” themed First Fridays celebrates the unofficial holiday of May 4th with fun Star Wars themed events. During the event you will have the opportunity to take pictures with costumed Star Wars heroes and villains at the Studebaker Plaza. There will also be an opportunity to try your hand at driving a futuristic vehicle near the Gridiron. To really get in the spirit of the event, wear your best Star Wars costume and compete in the contest at Chicory Café. Whether you are part of the Rebel Alliance or have gone over to the Dark Side, you will be sure to enjoy the out of this world activities and specials at this First Fridays.

You can also enjoy the return of Agricultural Walking Tours. The tours leave from the American Trust Company clock. This is located at the corner of Washington and Michigan. Reservations must be made in advance and are $4. The walking tours take place from 5: 30 – 7:00 p.m.

For easy transportation, Transpo will be offering free shuttle rides throughout downtown. The shuttle will run at each stop every 15 minutes from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The shuttle rides will also include a free mini tour of downtown, as the Shuttle Tour Guide entertains riders with historical tidbits, fun facts, and info on First Friday activities and promotions.

Downtown Business First Friday’s Activities:
Baker’s Bar & Grill (123 N. St. Joseph St.) Buy one appetizer, get one 50% off.
Barnaby’s (713 E. Jefferson Blvd.) First Saturday special with $4 pints and 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.
Ben’s Pretzels (122 S. Michigan St.) Special deal of 3 pretzels for $10.
Bruno’s (131 S. Michigan St.) Get one 14” 1-topping pizza for $12.
Chicory Café (105 E Jefferson) Star Wars costume contest from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Crawfish Boil will occur from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (or until food runs out) Live music by J & J Smoothtones, $1.50 one scoop gelato, and 16 oz. Hurricanes for $6.00. 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Cinco 5 (112 W. Colfax Ave.) Latin Dance Party featuring bachata, salsa and more. Cover is only $3 after 11:00 p.m. 21+. 10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Doubletree by Hilton (Doubletree Atrium) Hosting a Star Wars-themed photo booth with a full size cardboard cutout of Boba Fett. Also, they will be handing out cookies and hosting a pop-up coffee bar with drinks available for purchase.
Edible Arrangements (123 S. Michigan St.) 50% off a box of dipped fruit (pick-up only).
Fiddler’s Hearth (127 N. Main St.) Free live music from Kennedy’s Kitchen from 9:00 pm – Midnight.
Friends of the Library (333 S. Michigan St.) Sale on books, magazines, CDs, and much more from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Hair Crafters (602 Lincolnway East) 20% off for new guests and 10% off retail. 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm.
Hoffman Hotel (120 W. Lasalle Ave.) Offering free tours every half hour of their renovated history apartment spaces with free refreshments. 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Idle Hours (212 S. Michigan St.) 20% off for costumed customers. 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
LaSalle Kitchen & Tavern (115 W. Colfax Ave.) Two free live shows with Cambrae from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Lalo Cura from 9:00 p.m. – midnight.
Notre Dame Federal Credit Union (210 S. Michigan St.) NDFCU’s Dollar Dog will be passing out free Star Wars balloons and have lightsabers to play with. 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
South Bend Brew Werks (216 S Michigan St.) $4 Beers and Bantha Milk Ice Cream; also featuring their Beer of the Month: the Citra Illuminator, benefitting the Riverlights Music Festival. 5:00 pm – Midnight. South Bend Museum of Art (120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) A reception for their new “Voyage: The Art of Alan Larkin,” exhibit. There will be complimentary refreshments, free admission, and 10% off SBMA gift shop items. 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Studebaker Plaza (201 N Michigan St.) Tour Visit South Bend Mishawaka’s Golden Roamer: Mobile Visitor Center from 4:30 – 8:00 p.m., take photos with costume Star Wars characters from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. or visit the Jewelry & Craft Sale from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m.
The South Bend Chocolate Café (122 S. Michigan St.) Performance by Laura Whidden. 2 for $17 for any crunch/pretzel combo. 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The Morris Performing Arts Center (211 N. Michigan St.) Kinky Boots will be at the Morris. Tickets required; the show starts at 8:00 p.m.
The Pigeon and the Hen Pottery (217 S. Michigan St.) 10% discount on Star Wars Items. 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Also hosting a kid’s galaxy canvas class from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a cost of $25/child.
Therapeutic Indulgence (904 E. Jefferson) 20% off gift cards. 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Tippecanoe Place (620 W. Washington St.) Craft beer series: Hops with History, featuring local breweries with craft beer inspired appetizers. $20/person ticket includes appetizers, four tastings and a pint of beer. Offering ½ price appetizers in the Studebaker lounge.
Vegetable Buddies (129 N. Michigan St.) Celebrating their two-year anniversary with a Tiki party and cocktails, featuring Hurricane Reggae Band. Wear a Hawaiian shirt and get a free lei. Doors open at 5:00 pm. $10 cover charge after 9:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
W XYZ Bar (112 W. Colfax Ave.) Latin Dance dance night for all ages. Lessons will be offered at 8:00 p.m. followed by open dancing. $5 cover. 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.

For a complete listing of May 4th activities, times, and locations visit www.DtsbFirstFridays.com or call Downtown South Bend, Inc. at 574.282.1110.

DTSB First Fridays features over 35 participating businesses and takes place from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, year-round. Participating businesses remain open or host special events at a free or reduced rate.

Upcoming 2018 First Friday dates include June 1st, July 6th, and August 3rd. First Fridays are sponsored by Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, The LaSalle, U93, and Transpo.