Page last updated on March 31, 2023 at 2:27 pm
For more information, please contact
Andrew Krebbs, Communications Director, Office of the Mayor
andrew.krebbs@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3406
Farmers’ Market Opens for the Season; MLK Remembrance Week; and Arbor Day at Switchyard Park–April Events and Programs
Bloomington, Ind. – Bloomington is a vibrant community filled with activity. Each month there are numerous opportunities to enjoy and engage, socially and civically. The City will provide monthly updates on what is happening in and within the City, and you will discover that no matter your interests or inclinations, there is something for everyone.
EVENTS
Bloomington Community Farmers' Market
Date: Saturdays beginning April 1
Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Showers Common, 401 N. Morton St., south of City Hall
Market-goers can expect to find a wide assortment of goods from the farm and field, including fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats and cheeses, honey, seasonal flowers, and annual and perennial plants. Food and beverage artisans provide a tasteful variety of satisfying breads, drinks, pastries and savory dishes. The Farmers' Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from April through November. For more information about the Farmers' Market, visit: bloomington.in.gov/farmers-market
Mad Paws Doggie Egg Hunt
Date: Saturday, April 1
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $5 per dog
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St., dog park
Plastic eggs filled with dog treats and prizes are scattered throughout the dog park for our canine friends to find. After the hunt, visit exhibitor booths for information and special treats! Canine costumes are encouraged! Well-behaved dogs, attached to their owners with leashes no longer than six feet, are welcome. All dog park rules apply.
For more information about the Mad Paws Doggie Egg Hunt, visit: https://bton.in/12xhy
April 4-8 MLK Remembrance Week: Living the Legacy: A Week of Remembrance and Celebration of African American History in Bloomington through Art and Storytelling
Individual events are listed below. For More Information on Remembrance Week Programs, visit: https://bton.in/_w8W_
Remembrance Week: Screening of Carmen Jones
Date: Tuesday, April 4
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Indiana University, Wells Library Screening Room 048
Carmen Jones, a 1954 American musical film featuring an all-black cast starring Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, and Pearl Bailey, will be shown as a collaboration with Monroe County NAACP, IU Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, the IU Black Film Center and Archive, and the MLK Commission. Following the screening, panelists and the audience will engage in conversation about the film.
Register here: https://bton.in/M7ejb
Remembrance Week: Discussion of Why We Can’t Wait by Martin Luther King Jr.
Date: Wednesday, April 5
Time: 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Morgenstern’s Bookstore & Cafe, 849 S. Auto Mall Road
Attendees will discuss the 1964 book authored by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. entitled Why We Can’t Wait. The conversation will be facilitated by members of the community and MLK commissioners. Kid-friendly activities such as arts and crafts centered on the values and teachings of MLK will be available.
Remembrance Week: History Center Gallery Event
Date: Friday, April 7
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Monroe County History Center, 202 E. 6th Street
The Monroe County History Center will be the location for a gallery event where the Fairview students who won their art contest will be honored. The artwork featured at the historic sites will also be available for viewing. Artists, historians, storytellers, and the general public will join together to celebrate. Join us for light appetizers.
Remembrance Week: History Walk for Community
Date: Saturday, April 8
Time: 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Various locations
Download the brochure at: https://bton.in/sxAJ4
During the Saturday walking tour, attendees will view the commissioned artwork and engage with the artist and a historian, who has a connection to the site, at each individual location. Self-guided tours are also permitted using the downloadable maps and audio files that will be available after the event.
Monroe County Master Gardener Fair
Date: Saturday, April 15
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion 1601 S Rogers Street
Helping gardeners and communities learn and grow. Money raised through booth rentals, donations, and food sales at the Garden Thyme Cafe all fund the MCMGA Grant Program, which returns money to community groups on an application basis. As in past years, this is a non-invasive species event! Browse over 35 local vendors and not- for profits displaying garden-related products, services, and crafts. They are passionate about gardening, just like you! Enjoy savory lunch items and tasty home-baked desserts at Garden Thyme Café. Dig into your inner gardener at the Garden Activity Booth and make a pinecone bird feeder on your own or with the family. City of Bloomington Utilities and Monroe County Stormwater will have a booth with info and grant applications. Visit the House Plant Doctor booth and soak up the secrets of happy, healthy houseplants. Stop by the Gardening Everywhere booth to learn about becoming a Master Gardener yourself or the impact Purdue Extension has on our everyday lives. For more information, visit mcmga.net/garden-fair
International Festival
Date: Sunday, April 16
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Fourth Street, downtown Bloomington
The International Festival promotes cultural awareness, encourages cross-cultural engagement, and celebrates the diverse backgrounds of the people of our community. Visit booths of art sales and displays, and experience the sounds and sights of a variety of cultures. For more information about the International Festival, visit: https://bton.in/FUAFK
Stand Up! Veterans Resource Fair
Date: Monday, April 17
Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: Free to veterans, their families, and their caregivers
Location: American Legion Post 18, 1800 W 3rd St. Bloomington
The Departments of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) and Human Resources will participate in this resource fair for veterans. Over 25 local, state, and federal organizations will participate to provide information about medical benefits, education benefits, property tax deductions, housing grants and loans, employment opportunities, basic needs assistance, and more. Representatives from the VA Medical Center will conduct toxic exposure screenings on-site. Learn more at: veteransstandup.org
Arbor Day
Date: Friday, April 28
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park, Grimes Lane (north side) entrance
Bloomington Parks and Recreation invites friends and fans of trees to celebrate Arbor Day in Indiana, and Bloomington's 39th consecutive year as a Tree City USA. Volunteers are welcome to assist urban forestry staff with planting trees in Switchyard Park.
Nature Sounds: Whoosh, Splash & Gurgle
with musical guest Eric Zhong, handpan drums
Date: Friday, April 28
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Clear Creek Trail, Church Lane trailhead
Relax near the banks of Clear Creek, where the water murmurs, gurgles, and splish-splashes to the accompaniment of live acoustic music! A Parks and Recreation naturalist will expound on the crucial role of watersheds in keeping our creeks singing. Bring your own seating. For more information about Nature Sounds, visit: https://bton.in/aUx_V
Children's Expo
Date: Saturday, April 29
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St., Pavilion
The annual Children's Expo features Bloomington's best resources, services, and programs just for children and families! The Expo includes more than 40 exhibitor booths, free wellness screenings, active fun for elementary school-age children, and more! For more information about the Children's Expo visit: https://bton.in/8P0ra
PROGRAMS
Neighborhood Improvement Grant Applicant Presentations
Date: Monday, April 10
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: City Hall, McCloskey Conference Room, 401 N Morton St. and via Zoom
Do you have an idea for improving your neighborhood with a capital project or event? Have you considered applying for a HAND Neighborhood Improvement Grant but don’t know where to start? Start here! This year’s grant applicants will present their project proposals to the public and the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Council (the body that reviews proposals and makes funding recommendations). Public comments and questions are welcome. For more information and the Zoom link, visit https://bton.in/r8aZO.
Safety For All, At the Expense of None: A Town Hall on Public Safety in Bloomington
Date: Tuesday, April 11
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Cost: Free; registration is encouraged
Location: Monroe County Public Library Auditorium and online via Zoom (link below)
The Community Advisory on Public Safety (CAPS) Commission of the City of Bloomington is inviting the community to attend a town hall intended to facilitate a community-led deliberation on Bloomington’s public safety in a way that will improve the safety of all residents of Bloomington. Key community stakeholders and advocates for marginalized members of our community will be present to represent their perspectives. Register online at: https://bton.in/KlcYe
Join Zoom Meeting at: https://bton.in/YC-S~ Meeting ID: 854 2610 4926; Passcode: 332236
Questions or comments regarding this event can be directed to commission liaison Ash Kulak by email at ash.kulak@bloomington.in.gov or by phone at 812-349-3409.
Monroe County Domestic Violence Coalition 2023 Conference
Date: Monday, April 24
Time: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Location: St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (100 IN-46)
This year’s Monroe County Domestic Violence Coalition conference, “Ending Violence Together: A Bi-Annual Community Conversation,” will feature table discussion on topics including Harm Reduction, Disability Justice, Trans Youth Rights, Reproductive Rights and Abortion Access, Anti-Asian Violence, and Early Childhood Youth Empowerment. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/3j94zavj
SHOUTOUTS
Residents Academy Registration is Open
Interested in becoming more engaged in the community? The Residents Academy might be just what you're looking for. Participants learn about the challenges of city government, budget limitations, day-to-day operations, and mandates in this fun and educational 10-week program. The Residents Academy will run on Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m., August 24 through October 26, 2023. Learn more at: https://bton.in/qrUZU
Register Today for April Home Buyer Club
The Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department's Home Buyers program offers participants a chance to explore the possibility of affordable home ownership. The Home Buyers Club takes place over the course of two consecutive Saturdays. The next round of classes will meet on Saturday, April 15 from 9 am to 4 pm and on Saturday, April 22 from 9 am to 1 pm. Registration is now open. The goal of the class is to help first-time home buyers understand and overcome the obstacles involved in purchasing their first home and what to expect after buying a home. You will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a housing counselor to discuss any potential obstacles in achieving your goal. Income eligible graduates may qualify for up to $10,000 in Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance from HAND. Learn more at: https://bton.in/lTDXk
Animal Shelter Donations
City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control is grateful to everyone who sent in donations to help provide care for the Carolina Dog friends who were recently seized from a hoarding situation. A special thank you to Monroe County Humane Association for creating an online donation source to make it easier for folks to make monetary donations! At this time, they have ample funds to provide the Carolina Dogs with the care they need! Monetary donations for needs of other shelter animals are always accepted in-person at the shelter. Shelter hours are below under Operating Hours. Contributions from the Amazon Wishlist are always appreciated and the list can be found at: https://bton.in/RK9XZ
Keep Up with Neighborhood News
Would you like to stay in the loop about grants, programs, and events for neighborhood residents? Sign up to receive The HAND Update: Bloomington’s Neighborhood Newsletter. It’s published on the first Monday of each month, and will be delivered right to your inbox. If you’re a renter, a homeowner, a landlord, a student, a newcomer, a longtime resident, this newsletter is for you. Subscribe at: https://bton.in/wk6Xx
OPERATING HOURS
Animal Shelter Adoption Center
3410 S Walnut Street
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from noon-4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from noon-3 p.m.
Banneker Community Center
930 W 7th Street
Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
City of Bloomington
401 North Morton Street
Closed Friday, April 7 for Spring Holiday
City Hall is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday except during holidays. Non-holiday City Hall closings are announced on the City’s home page and social media. City services can still be accessed online at bloomington.in.gov/services.
Griffy Lake Boathouse
3400 N. Headley Road
Saturdays and Sundays in April, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand up paddleboard at the Griffy Lake boathouse. Watercraft rentals are $9 per hour. To reserve a watercraft, email the boathouse at griffy.boathouse@bloomington.in.gov or call 812-349-3732 to check availability.
Twin Lakes Recreation Center Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
1700 W. Bloomfield Road
Daily non-member admission $8
Twin Lakes Recreation Center is a sports, fitness and recreation facility with a ⅛ mile indoor track, cardio equipment, free weights and weight machines, functional fitness area and five hardwood courts. Courts are open for pickleball Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn more about TLRC memberships and group exercise classes at twinlakesrecreation.com
Bloomington is a diverse, active, and vibrant community with many monthly events and programs. This list is only representative of City and city-related happenings. For a more comprehensive list, please visit the events calendar of Visit Bloomington at visitbloomington.com/events/.