Page last updated on September 1, 2023 at 11:17 am
For more information, please contact
Angela Van Rooy, Interim Communications Director, Office of the Mayor
angela.vanrooy@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3505
September Programs and Events Calendar
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 with the City and you will discover that no matter your interests or inclinations, there is something for everyone.
EVENTS
Movies in the Park: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Date: Friday, September 1
Time: 8:45 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St., main stage
Bloomington Parks and Recreation and The Ryder Film Series present free movies on the big screen in city parks. This movie is rated PG; we request your assistance in determining if it is appropriate for your family.
bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts
Fitness in the Park: Beginning Yoga
Date: Fridays, September 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Time: 12 p.m.
Cost: $5
Location: Switchyard Park, main stage
Outdoor Beginning Yoga with instructor Emily Tally. For ages 18 years and up. All skill levels welcome! Registration is not required; just show up and pay the $5 per person fee, or buy a 10-class pass for $45. For more information about drop-in fitness classes at Switchyard Park, contact Shelby Drake at 812-349-3700. Learn more at: bloomington.in.gov/recreation/fitness/exercise
Bloomington Community Farmers' Market
Date: Saturdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Showers Common, 401 N. Morton St. next to Bloomington's City Hall
Find a wide assortment of goods locally grown in 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.
bloomington.in.gov/farmers-market
CBU at the Market
Date: Saturday September 2
Time: 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Bloomington Community Farmers' Market 401 N Morton St
Learn more about the City’s sewer system for this week's Mayor at the Market! CBU staff, trucks, and tools will be at the market to show how we maintain wastewater and stormwater infrastructure for the City.
bloomington.in.gov/news/2023/03/29/5564
Tuesday Market
Date: Tuesdays, September 5, 12, 19 and 26
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St. in front of the Pavilion
Support local farmers and small businesses at the Tuesday Market while shopping for fresh, nutritious, local farm products and artisanal foods.
bloomington.in.gov/farmers-market/tuesday
Fitness in the Park: ZUMBA
Date: Tuesdays, September 5, 12, 19 and 26
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: $5
Location: Switchyard Park, main stage
Outdoor ZUMBA with instructor Darrelyn Valdez. For ages 18 yrs and up. All skill levels welcome! Registration is not required; just show up and pay the $5 per person fee, or buy a 10-class pass for $45. For more information about drop-in fitness classes at Switchyard Park, contact Shelby Drake at 812-349-3700. Learn more at: bloomington.in.gov/recreation/fitness/exercise
Bazargan Book Club in Peoples Park
Date: Thursday, September 7
Time: 4:30-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Peoples Park, 501 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Live Hoosier surf klezmer by the Bazargan Book Club
bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts
City of Bloomington and U.S. Department of Justice: United Against Hate Forum
Date: September 7, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: City Hall, available to the public via Zoom or CATS
On Thursday, September 7, from 6-9 p.m., the U.S. Department of Justice and City of Bloomington will host the United Against Hate Forum in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The goal of the forum is to address hate crime legislation, how hate crimes are prosecuted, and to provide resources for campus and community members. Participants in the United Against Hate forum will include representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana, the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney, the FBI, Bloomington and Indiana University Police Departments, the Monroe County Sheriff, El Centro Comunal Latino, Bloomington United, Indiana University Office of Student Support and Bias Education and the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission.
Register Here for Details: tinyurl.com/UAHForumRegistration
The 5th Annual Black y Brown Arts Festival: Kickoff Event
Date: Friday, September 8, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: 4th Street Parking Garage Storefront
Bloomington’s Safe and Civil City Programs and Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs present the 5th Annual Black y Brown Arts Festival. The two-day event will start with the Kick-Off event on Friday, September 8 at the 4th Street Garage Storefront. The Kick-Off event will include a gallery exhibit from 6-9 p.m., and a film screening starting at 9 p.m. The festival seeks to raise and expand art appreciation, create a space that affirms persons of color in the community, and provide a medium for local talent to showcase visual and performing arts in an environment that engages the audience with artists and their work, while enhancing Bloomington’s spirit of inclusion. Learn More: bloomington.in.gov/byb
Switchyard Park Concert
Date: Friday, September 8
Time: 6 p.m. opener, 7:15 p.m. main act
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St., main stage
Americana rock by The Infield Flyers followed by Garth Brooks cover band No Fences
bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts
City of Bloomington Volunteer Fair
Date: Saturday, September 9
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: City Hall,401 N. Morton St
Looking for ways to get involved in the community and make a difference? Come join the Bloomington Volunteer Network for the City of Bloomington Volunteer Fair on Saturday, September 9th from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., inside City Hall. Meet local nonprofits, learn more about the services and programs they provide, and discover many volunteer opportunities where you can share your time and talents.
For More Information: contact Michelle Moss at getconnected@bloomington.in.gov.
Movies in the Park: Alfred Hickcock's Strangers on a Train
Date: Saturday, September 9
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Bryan Park, 1001 S. Henderson St.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation and The Ryder Film Series present free movies on the big screen in city parks. This movie is rated PG; we request your assistance in determining if it is appropriate for your family.
bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts
The 5th Annual Black y Brown Arts Festival
Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion and Grand Stage, 1601 S. Rogers St
Bloomington’s Safe and Civil City Programs and Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs present the 5th Annual Black y Brown Arts Festival. On Saturday, September 9, at the Switchyard Park Pavilion, the BYB art market will open from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. with performances beginning at 4:00 p.m. The festival seeks to raise and expand art appreciation, create a space that affirms persons of color in the community, and provide a medium for local talent to showcase visual and performing arts in an environment that engages the audience with artists and their work, while enhancing Bloomington’s spirit of inclusion. Learn More: bloomington.in.gov/byb
A Fair of the Arts
Date: Saturday, September 9
Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Fernandez Plaza, 401 N. Morton St. in front of Bloomington's City Hall
Shop for art and fine crafts hand made by local and regional artists. Held in conjunctions with the Saturday Bloomington Community Farmers' Market.
bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/a-fair-of-the-arts
Fitness in the Park: Tai Chi
Date: Mondays, September 11, 18 and 25
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: $5
Location: Switchyard Park, main stage
Outdoor tai chi class with instructor Jennifer Weiss. For ages 18 yrs. and up. All skill levels welcome! Registration is not required; just show up and pay the $5 per person fee, or buy a 10-class pass for $45. For more information about drop-in fitness classes at Switchyard Park, contact Shelby Drake at 812-349-3700. Learn more at: bloomington.in.gov/recreation/fitness/exercise
The City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Black Males: Black Male Youth Summit
Date: Thursday, September 14
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free (must register in advance)
Location: City Hall (401 N. Morton St)
The City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Black Males (CSBM) invites middle school- and high school-aged males to attend a one-day Black Male Youth Summit at City Hall, on Thursday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Connecting the Dots” is the theme of the fourth annual summit. The summit, focused on African American and Latino male-identifying students, is open to young men of all races and backgrounds. Register at form.jotform.com/221735378725160
Splash & Glow Party
Date: Thursday, September 14
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $3/person
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St., Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad
Show off your dance moves in the spray pad and take part in a glow-in-the-dark hunt to seek out take-home prizes.
bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12098
Movies in the Park: Vivo
Date: Friday, September 15
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Bryan Park, 1001 S. Henderson St.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation and The Ryder Film Series present free movies on the big screen in city parks. This movie is rated PG; we request your assistance in determining it it is appropriate for your family.
bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts
Glow in the Dark Scavenger Hunt
Date: Friday, September 15
Time: 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Cost: $4/person
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St., Picnic Shelter
Glowing clues fall into place, leading you to the grand prize!
bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12071
Fall Bio-Blitz
Date: Friday, September 15 through Sunday, September 24
Time:
Cost: FREE
Location: Griffy Lake Nature Preserve
Compete to find as many plant and animal species as possible at Griffy Lake! Access to a mobile device and the iNaturalist app is required.
bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12141
La Fiesta del Otoño
Date: Saturday, September 16, 2023
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St
Within the framework of the National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department is hosting the annual La Fiesta del Otoño. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Celebrando Nuestra Cultura / Celebrating Our Culture”. La Fiesta del Otoño educates and provides festive activities for all to enjoy while connecting with our local community, Latino families, and agencies.
bloomington.in.gov/latino/nhhm
Glow in the Park
Date: Saturday, September 16
Time: 8-10:30 p.m.
Cost: $6/person
Location: The Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park, 331 S. Washington St.
Black lights, neon paint, and rockin' music combine for a glowing nighttime dance party!
bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/glow-in-the-park
Tours at the Water Plant for Lake Monroe Day
Date: Sunday September 17, 2023
Time: 10:00a, 12:00p, or 2:00p
Cost: Free
Location: Monroe Water Treatment Plant 7470 S Shields Ridge Rd
Have you ever wondered where the water coming out of your kitchen faucet comes from? Join staff from the City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) for a tour of the Monroe Water Treatment Plant. Learn about the treatment process that turns water from Lake Monroe into our drinking water and how that water is distributed to taps throughout Bloomington. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, take place outdoors, use stairs, and sturdy, close-toed shoes are required. This tour is not suitable for preschool aged children. This is just one of many events for Lake Monroe Day! Capacity is limited so register today.
friendsoflakemonroe.org/events/
Evening with the Bloomington Community Band
Date: Sunday, September 17
Time: 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St., main stage
bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts
Oddly Observed Holidays: National Cheeseburger Day
Date: Monday, September 18
Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $1/person
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St., Pavilion
Get silly and celebrate obscure holidays on the third Monday of the month! Dress up for the theme and enjoy crafts, games, and more!
bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12116
Nature Sounds: Katydids
Date: Friday, September 22
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Bryan Park, 1001 S. Henderson St., Woodlawn Shelter
Come learn more about the stridulating wings of the katydid while listening to the stridulations of the fiddle.
bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/nature
Bug Fest
Date: Saturday, September 23
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Karst Farm Park, 2450 S. Endwright Rd.
Learn all about amazing insects at Bloomington's tenth annual Bug Fest! Check out cool insects, make a craft, participate in bug-themed activities, and much more. Exhibitors will share and display their knowledge on a variety of buggy topics. Bug Fest is a collaboration of: City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation, Monroe County Parks and Recreation, Purdue Extension—Monroe County, and WonderLab Museum. bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/bug-fest
Movies in the Park: Black Panther Wakanda Forever
Date: Saturday, September 23
Time: 8:15 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Bryan Park, 1001 S. Henderson St.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation and The Ryder Film Series present free movies on the big screen in city parks. This movie is rated PG-13; we request your assistance in determining if it is appropriate for your family.
bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts
World Rivers Day Cleanup
Date: Sunday, September 24; register by September 22
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St. - Meet at the picnic shelter
Celebrate World Rivers Day by helping clear debris and invasive species along Clear Creek in Switchyard Park.
bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12140
Celebrating Bloomington Neighborhoods
Date: Tuesday, September 26
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St.
Sponsored by the Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) and the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND), this gathering is for anyone interested in neighborhood associations. Whether you’re starting from scratch, reinvigorating a languishing group, or going strong with an active association, this event is for you! For more information and to RSVP please email conabloomington@gmail.com.
Apple Tasting at the Farmers' Market
Date: Saturday, September 30
Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Fernandez Plaza, 401 N. Morton St. in front of Bloomington's City Hall
Apple Tasting will rock you to the core!
bloomington.in.gov/farmers-market
PROGRAMS
Insect Investigation
Date: Saturday, September 2; register by August 31
Time: 3-4 p.m.
Cost: $5/Bloomington residents, $6/out-of-city residents
Location: Rogers Family Park, 2000 E. Winslow Rd., meet at the red barn.
Gain the knowledge to identify insects you find on future hikes, in your garden, or even in your house! bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/11998
Fall Frog Songs
Date: Sunday, September 10; register by September 7
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
Cost: $5/Bloomington residents, $6/out-of-city residents
Location: Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3400 N. Headley Rd. Meet at boathouse.
Learn about local frogs and their unique calls.
bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12139
Seed Saving with Canku Luta
Date: Wednesday, September 13; register by September 12
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $12/person
Location: Willie Streeter Community Gardens in Winslow Woods Park, 2120 S. Highland Ave.
This workshop will cover many topics related to seed saving such as avoiding cross pollination, harvesting seeds from wild and cultivated plants, determining when to harvest seeds, drying seeds, testing germination, sharing seeds and more. There is an opportunity to purchase seeds at the end of the workshop.
bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12111
Sunset Paddle
Date: Thursday, September 14; register by September 7
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.
Cost: $12/Bloomington residents, $15/out-of-city residents; register by August 10
Location: Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3400 N. Headley Rd. Meet at boathouse.
Enjoy a view of the sunset from Griffy Lake!
bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/11998
Bloomington Trivia Championship Series Hosted by Skip Daley
Date: Friday, September 22
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: $30/team of up to six people
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St., Pavilion
Prizes are awarded each night to the top three teams. Register online by September 21.
bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/trivia-championship
HAND Home Buyers Club
Date & Time: Saturday, September 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, September 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: FREE.
Location: Council Chambers, City Hall, 401 N Morton St, Rm 115
The Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department's Home Buyers Club offers participants a chance to explore the possibility of affordable home ownership. 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. Registration is required. Learn more and register at bton.in/lTDXk
Night Paddle
Date: Friday, September 29; register by September 22
Time: 7:30-9 P.M.
Cost: $12/Bloomington residents, $15/out-of-city residents
Location: Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3400 N. Headley Rd. Meet at boathouse
Enjoy a view of the sunset from Griffy Lake!
bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/11992
Harvest Moon Night Hike
Date: Friday, September 29; register by September 26
Time: 8:30-10 p.m.
Cost: $5/Bloomington residents, $6/out-of-city residents
Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park,4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Discover the magical woods at night under the moonlight on this guided night hike.
bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12153
Where the Furry Things Are
Date: Saturday, September 30; register by September 22
Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $5/Bloomington residents, $6/out-of-city residents
Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park,4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Search for animals like real trackers!
bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12152
SHOUTOUTS
Save-the-Date for Gather ‘Round the Table: The Fusion of Arts and Disabilities
Monday, October 30th, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Join the Council for Community Accessibility at this year's Gather 'round the Table: The Fusion of Arts and Disabilities. We will have a panel of artists (fine arts, theater, music, and photography) to talk about how art can be accessible to people with disabilities. It will be Monday, October 30th, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Switchyard Park Pavilion. Dinner is free to the first 50 people to register. Registration forthcoming soon.
Contact Michael Shermis, CCA staff liaison, cca@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3471 for questions.
Congratulations Rundell Ernstberger Associates, winner of the Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Award for design of Switchyard Park
The award was presented by the (INASLA) awards reception in Indianapolis on August 17.
City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control is in need of canned dog and cat food to feed the hundreds of animals in shelter care. This can be any brand and any flavor. Both dog and cat canned food is needed. Donations may be dropped off or shipped to The Bloomington Animal Shelter at 3410 S Walnut St. Bloomington, IN 47401. The shelter’s Amazon wishlist can be found at: amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/177WXMHFFZ8AU
OPERATING HOURS
Animal Shelter Adoption Center
3410 S Walnut St
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from noon-4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from noon-3 p.m.
Banneker Community Center
930 W 7th St
Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Bryan Park Pool
1020 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Bryan Park Pool is open September 2, 3 and 4 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sept. 4 is the final day of operation for the 2023 swimming season.
Admission to Bryan Park Pool is $6 per person. For up-to-the-minute information on pool hours of operation, including weather-related closures, call the Aquatics Hotline at 812-349-3741 or follow City of Bloomington, IN - Parks and Recreation on Facebook.
bloomington.in.gov/parks/pools/bryan-park-pool
City of Bloomington
401 N Morton St
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 Nature Preserve
3400 N. Headley Rd.
Boathouse open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Watercraft (canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboards) are available for rent for $9 per hour. Reservations are recommended; to reserve a watercraft, call the boathouse at 812-349-3732 or email griffy.boathouse@bloomington.in.gov.
bloomington.in.gov/parks/parks/griffy-lake
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 Rd
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/.