The Music Village, downtown South Bend’s new community music and dance school, presents “Let the Music Begin: An Opening Celebration” at The Music Village, Thursday through Tuesday.

The Music Village is a musical arts school that offers music and dance instruction, performance opportunities and concert experiences of a variety of genres for people of all ages and skill levels. All “Let the Music Begin” events are free and open to the public, and most will take place at The Music Village, 108 N. Main St., Suite 113 in downtown South Bend’s JMS Building.

Opening week kicks off at 11 a.m. Thursday with the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event is open to the public and will feature Mayor Pete Buttigieg and city officials as the school celebrates its official opening.

From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, The Music Village will host “Interactive Sound and Light Works” as part of downtown South Bend’s First Fridays. Participants have the opportunity to create their own music through interactive electronic sound and light pads. Note this event will take place at an outdoor booth located outside the South Bend Chocolate Cafe, 122 S. Michigan St.

The festivities continue with the Grand Open House from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, featuring performances by acclaimed local music groups, including The Sophisticated Jazz Trio with Mike Vaszari, Irish band Kennedy’s Kitchen and folk artists John Pottast and Judy Berg.

Food will be provided by Pedro’s Family Restaurant, Main Street Coffee House and Wild Style Wings.

Tours of The Music Village will be offered throughout the afternoon.

From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, The Music Village will two free dance classes with local Latin dance expert David Seymour. Classes are open to ages 12 and older and will cover genres such as merengue, salsa, cha-cha, samba and the bachata. “Let the Music Begin” culminates with a Musical Arts Community Exposition from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The exposition will highlight local music and dance instructors, instrument vendors, representatives from music and dance schools and performance presenters.

The public can explore options for music and dance instruction and supplies, as well as entertainment opportunities held at The Music Village and at venues throughout the region.

Schedule of events

Thursday, August 2, at 11 a.m. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday: “Interactive Sound and Light Works” as part of downtown South Bend’s First Fridays.

• Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday: Grand Open House featuring live music, local food and tours of the school.

• 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday: Free community Latin dance classes with David Seymour.

• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday: Musical Arts Community Exposition