Page last updated on October 4, 2023 at 10:37 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
October Programs and Events: Halloween Happenings, Fall Native Tree Planting, and a Homecoming Parade
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
Don Brineman Memorial Golf Scramble benefiting the Bloomington Parks Foundation
Date: Wednesday, October 4
Time: Lunch at 12:30 p.m.; shotgun start at 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $90/player or $360/team
Location: Cascades Golf Course, 3550 N Kinser Pike
Registration information online at bloomingtoninparksfoundation.org/
Tech Center Ceremonial Groundbreaking
Date: Thursday, October 5
Time: 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Trades District, N Madison St at W Makers Way
Registration information online at eventbrite.com/e/tech-center-ceremonial-groundbreaking-tickets-718696559757?aff=oddtdtcreator
Howl at the Moon
Date: Friday, October 6
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St. - meet at the basketball courts near the Grimes Lane parking lot.
A 1 ½ mile, glow in the dark dog walk! All leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Movies in the Parks: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Date: Friday, October 6
Time: 7:45 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers St.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation and The Ryder Film Series present this free movie outdoors on the big screen. This movie is rated PG; we request your assistance in determining if it is appropriate for your family. Bring your own seating.
Trick or Treat Trail
Date: Saturday, October 7
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $5 admission per child (includes one adult admission) + $2 each additional adult
Location: RCA Community Park, 1400 W RCA Park Dr
The paved trail through the woods comes to life with your child's favorite movie, storybook, and fairy-tale characters!
12th Annual Wrapped in Love Public Art Display Kickoff Event
Date: Thursday, October 12
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St
Since 2012, Wrapped in Love tree sweaters have been prominently displayed on trees in the heart of Bloomington from October 1st through the end of the year to raise awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Join the City of Bloomington and Middle Way House and enjoy food and refreshments from local vendors, learn about Middle Way House’s services, and celebrate the 12th annual Wrapped in Love tree sweater display! Tickets are available for purchase at givebutter.com/wrappedinlovekickoff.
A Fair of the Arts
Date: Saturday, October 14
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Fernandez Plaza, 401 N. Morton St. in front of City Hall
Shop for art and fine crafts hand made by local and regional artists. Held in conjunction with the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market.
Community Fall Festival
Date: Saturday, October 14
Time: 2-5 p.m.
Cost: $5 per family
Location: Banneker Community Center, 930 W 7th St
Join us for a celebration that brings together our community through arts, crafts, food and family.
WonderLab’s Partial Eclipse Viewing Party
Date: Saturday, October 14
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: 4th St between the B-Line and the alley beside WonderLab.
NPA Presents Meet the Funders
Date: Thursday, October 19
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Library, 303 E Kirkwood Avenue
In this annual event, a panel of foundations and development directors discusses grants, funding, and inside information to ensure nonprofit organizations are more likely to get funded. In the speed-networking sessions that follow, local organization representatives talk about what they fund and what they look for when selecting nonprofits to fund. Come prepared to ask questions of the panel experts and the grant-makers representatives. Light breakfast items will be served.
Register at tinyurl.com/MeettheFunders2023
Indiana University Homecoming Parade
Date: Friday, October 20
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Woodlawn Ave between 13th & 17th Streets
Fall Pop-Up Market
Date: Friday, October 20
Time: 1 p.m. to 11 p.m
Cost: Free
Location: Madison St between 10th and 11th Streets
Bloomington Pumpkin Launch
Date: Saturday, October 21
Time: Gates open at 11 a.m. Launching begins at noon
Cost: $10 per vehicle
Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds, 5700 W Airport Rd
Launch teams send pumpkins flying through the air, and there are children's activities, live music by Firetower, food vendors, and the festive feel of fall. Bring your own seating.
Boo to Drugs Anti-Drug Trick-or-Treating Event
Date: Wednesday, October 25
Time: 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Switchyard Park Picnic Shelter, 1601 S Rogers St
Anti-drug campaign co-hosted by the Bloomington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration geared towards children and their families to inform them of the dangers of drug use, with trick-or-treating for candy from local agencies.
Festival of Ghost Stories
Date: Friday, October 27
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Bryan Park, 1001 S Henderson St
An ink-black night with leering jack-o'-lanterns and crisp cider set the stage for an evening of live storytelling beneath the stars. Bring your own seating.
Skate & Scare
Date: Saturday, October 28
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Cost: $6 admission + $3 skate rental
Location: Frank Southern Ice Arena, 2100 S Henderson St
Come in costume and skate to spooky tunes…and visit the haunted locker room, if you dare!
National Drug Take-Back Initiative
Date: Saturday, October 28
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Kroger West, 500 S Liberty Dr
Law enforcement officials overseeing the collection of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
Indiana University Fall Cycling Series (Street Sprints)
Date: Sunday, October 29
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Visit iusf.indiana.edu for more information
Location: 7th St between Forrest Ave and Showalter Fountain
Gather ‘Round the Table: The Fusion of Arts and Disabilities
Date: Monday, October 30
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for first 50 registrants
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion,1601 S Rogers St
Join the Council for Community Accessibility at this year's Gather 'Round the Table: The Fusion of Arts and Disabilities. A panel of artists (fine arts, theater, music, and photography) will talk about how art can be accessible to people with disabilities. Dinner is free to the first 50 people to register. An RSVP is required to attend. Please visit: tinyurl.com/2023GatherRegistration to RSVP by October 18, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.
Contact Michael Shermis, CCA staff liaison, cca@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3471 with questions.
PROGRAMS
Knots and Lashings in the Outdoors: A Workshop
Date: Sunday, October 8
Time: noon-2 p.m.
Cost: $5 in-city, $6 out-of-city
Location: RCA Community Park, 1400 W RCA Park Dr
Knot novices are invited to this hands-on workshop to learn common knots and lashings used in outdoor pursuits. Register online by October 5 at bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12150
Camping Basics with IU Outdoor Adventures
Date: Sunday, October 8
Time: noon-2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Dunn Meadow, E 7th St and N Indiana Ave
An informative program on how to enjoy a weekend in the woods! Register online by October 5 at studentlife.indiana.edu/get-involved/outdoor-adventures/index.html
Fall Native Tree Planting
Date: Saturday, October 14
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Ferguson Dog Park, 4300 N Stone Mill Rd
Help plant native trees to reforest the old field at the Ferguson Dog Park. Register online at bloomington.in.gov/parks/volunteer
Dearly Departed Cemetery Tours
Date: Saturday, October 14
Time: 3 different, one-hour tours; see link below for more info
Cost: $12 per person
Location: Rose Hill Cemetery, 1100 W 4th St
The Monroe County History Center hosts guided walking tours with reenactors who share secrets that lie beneath the stones. Pre-registration is required online by October 6 at bloomington.in.gov/cemeteries
Fall Foraging
Date: Sunday, October 15
Time: noon-2 p.m.
Cost: $8 in-city, $9 out-of-city
Location: RCA Community Park, 1400 W RCA Park Dr
Discover the edible bounty of the forest, and sample tea from a wild edible plant. Register by October 11 online at bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12154
Oddly Observed Holidays: Global Cat Day
Date: Monday, October 16
Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $1 per person
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S Rogers St
Dress in costume and show up to celebrate with crafts, games and more!
Leave the Leaves (and Do Less Yard Work!)
Date: Thursday, October 19
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $12 per person
Location: Willie Streeter Community Gardens, 2125 S Highland Ave
Learn ways to support native pollinator habitat in your yard and discuss the benefits of leaving the leaves. Register online by October 18 at bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12113
Pumpkin Carving & Three Sisters
Date: Saturday, October 21
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Cost: $8 in-city, $9 out-of-city
Location: Winslow Woods Park, 2120 S Highland Ave
Carve a pumpkin as you learn about the Three Sisters companion planting technique used by Indigenous peoples of North America. Register online by October 13 at bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12156
American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certification Course
Date: Saturday, October 21
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Cost: $65 per person
Location: Allison-Jukebox Community Center, 351 S Washington St
Register online by October 6 at bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12091
The Cooking Classroom: Fermentation Facts
Date: Thursday, October 26
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person
Location: Banneker Community Center, 930 W 7th St
Learn about fermentation in the food system, how to ferment at home, and potential health benefits. Class is held in Banneker's commercial kitchen! Register online by October 20 at bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12090
2023 Downtown Trick or Treat
Date: October 27
Time: from 5-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Bloomington
Businesses downtown will hand out candy to little ghosts and goblins. Bring the whole family for this annual Bloomington tradition.
Businesses interested in passing out candy during the event must register at this link:
Spooky Nature Crafts
Date: Sunday, October 29
Time: noon-2 p.m.
Cost: $5 in-city, $6 out-of-city
Location: Lower Cascades Park, 2851 N Old State Rd 37 - meet at the Sycamore Shelter
Use natural materials to create an autumnal or spooky craft to take home! Register online by October 25 at bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12155
SHOUTOUTS
Official Trick-or-Treat Hours
The City of Bloomington’s official trick-or-treat hours are set for Tuesday, October 31 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., rain or shine. Be safe and have a happy Halloween!
Parks and Recreation Staff Announce Retirements
Parks and Recreation Department Administrator Paula McDevitt, a 35-year employee of the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, will retire October 16. Barb Dunbar, who has worked for 39 years with the Parks and Recreation Department, most recently as the Operations Coordinator, will retire November 3. The Parks and Recreation Department wishes both Paula and Barb well as they enter the next chapters, and thanks them for their years of service to the Bloomington Community.
Building Trades Park Master Plan
A public meeting to begin gathering information to develop a long-term master plan to guide the future of Building Trades Park, 619 W Howe St, was held September 28. Bloomington Parks and Recreation will collect public comment for the initial master plan development through October 15. To provide input or make a comment about the future of Building Trades Park, visit bloomington.in.gov/parks/parks/building-trades-park.
Central Emergency Dispatch Center Announce Retirements
The Monroe County Central Emergency Dispatch Center had two employees recently retire after serving the community as Emergency Dispatchers for over 40 years each. Kim Carson and Ruth Keselich began working as Emergency Dispatchers on October 8, 1980. Both honorably served the City of Bloomington and residents of Monroe County for almost 43 years. The Bloomington Police Department thanks both Kim and Ruth for their service and wishes them the very best in retirement!
Parking Lots or Housing? Survey open until November 1, 2023
The City is asking for ideas and feedback about three city-owned surface parking lots in the downtown. The main consideration: is one of the three parking lots best-suited to be converted from surface parking to housing? The City owns the property. As a result, there are more options to require affordable housing than are available with privately-owned development. The survey is open until November 1, 2023.
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.
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.
Frank Southern Ice Arena
2100 S Henderson St
The ice arena is open for general admission public ice skating daily, during scheduled times only. Admission is $6 + $3 for skate rental.
Monday through Friday: noon-2:30 p.m.
Friday: 7-9 p.m.
Saturday: 1:30-3 p.m., 7-9 p.m. and 9:15-11 p.m.
Sunday: 3-5 p.m.
Griffy Lake Nature Preserve
3400 N Headley Rd
Boathouse open Saturdays and Sundays, 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 (TLRC) 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/.