BLOOMINGTON – 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.
September Events
4th Street Festival of the Arts
Saturday, September 3, 10 a.m.until 6 p.m., and Sunday, September 4, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all
Location: 4th Street between Indiana Avenue and Grant Street
The 4th Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts is the single largest arts event in the city with tens of thousands of attendees. This festival serves as the opening act to the fall arts and cultural season in Bloomington and brings many visitors downtown to patronize restaurants and retail. The City of Bloomington Board of Public Works coordinates with the Festival on street closures and parking resources. Learn more at 4thstreet.org
Paint the Town Purple
Friday, September 2, 2022, 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Cost: Free and open to all
Location: North side of Kirkwood between N. Walnut and N. College
The event celebrates and highlights the fact that recovery is possible and happens in many ways. This is a family-friendly event that will include a DJ, food trucks, games, and more.
Go Bloomington Launches Mobility Options for a Better Commute
Tuesday, September 6 at 2 p.m
Cost: Free and open to all
Location: Bloomington City Hall (401 N. Morton St.)
As part of the City’s commitment to sustainable transportation alternatives such as walking, biking, public transit, carpooling, vanpooling, micro-mobility, and telecommuting, they are launching the new Go Bloomington program. The goal is to reduce the number of single-occupant vehicles (SOVs) operating in town, which will decrease carbon emissions, relieve traffic congestion, and improve parking availability. Visit the new Go Bloomington website at gobloomington.org and discover your options.
Black y Brown Arts Festival
Saturday, September 10, 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free, family-friendly, and open to all
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion (601 S Rogers St)
The Fourth Annual Bloomington Black y Brown Arts Festival (BBBAF) will include a visual arts exhibition in the pavilion and a performance showcase on stage, with food trucks offering items for purchase. Learn more at bloomington.in.gov/byb.
Fiesta del Otoño 2022
Saturday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free, family-friendly, and open to all
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion (601 S Rogers St)
The City of Bloomington will celebrate its 17th Annual Fiesta del Otoño in the Pavilion at Switchyard Park. Fiesta del Otoño is held in commemoration of the National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, nationally recognized each year from September 15 through October 15. It celebrates and recognizes the contributions Hispanic/Latinx Americans have made to American society and culture. Follow the City of Bloomington’s Latinos Programs Facebook page, at facebook.com/LatinoBTown to learn more.
Lotus World Music & Arts Festival
Friday, September 22 – Sunday, September 25, 2022 6:00 p.m until 12:00 a.m.
Cost: All Access Pass, Single Show Tickets, Weekend and Day Passes Available; ranging from $25-$85; Some free events available.
Location: Switchyard Park, 6th Street between Walnut & College, 4th Street between Walnut & College
Lotus World Music & Arts Festival from The Lotus Education & Arts Foundation with support from the City of Bloomington Board of Public Works, celebrates the diversity, beauty, and joy of music and the arts from cultures around the world. Lotus offers, free of charge during the Festival weekend, a wide scope of activities and invites participants from all economic walks of life. We present a free “Lotus in the Park” event with workshops and concerts, a free and interactive Arts Village displaying community-generated visual arts, as well as a parade, procession, and exhibits. Learn more at https://bton.in/W_hb5.
Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5k Run/Walk
Saturday, September, 24, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Registration is required; $30-$40 race fee
Location: Start/finish at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall (1001 E 17th St)
Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K Run/Walk is a benefit for the Cancer Support Community and Bloomington Hospital Foundation Hoosiers Outrun Cancer coordinates with the City of Bloomington Board of Public Works on route and road closures. Learn more at hoosiersoutruncancer.org.
ÂBlooming Neighborhoods Celebration
Saturday, September 24, 10 a.m. – noon
Cost: Free and open to all
Location: Bloomington City Hall (401 N. Morton St.)
The City of Bloomington invites community members to learn about our vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods. Visit with neighborhood representatives from around the city as they gather in the terraced area under the trees in front of City Hall for a celebration of their accomplishments. Blooming Neighborhoods is a time for networking, sharing ideas, and learning about the neighborhoods that make Bloomington a great place to live. Learn more at https://bton.in/B8O4g.
September Programs
Happy Hours on the Lawn
Fridays 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all
Location: Switchyard Park (1601 S. Rogers St.), main performance stage
Friday, September 2: Busman’s Holiday (groovy rock & roll)
Friday, September 9: Will Scott (blues and soul Americana)
Happy Hours on the Lawn is in conjunction with Food Truck Friday. Canned cocktails by Cardinal Spirits are available for purchase by people ages 21 years and up. See the complete schedule of free concerts in city parks at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market
Saturdays (September 3, 10, 17, and 24) 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Cost: Market is free and open to all; vendor prices vary
Location: Showers Common (401 N. Morton St.)
Find fresh, nutritious food and support local farmers and small businesses at the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market every Saturday. Farmers’ Market vendors accept SNAP benefits, and SNAP recipients can double the value of their SNAP benefits with Double Market Bucks. Find more information and a list of participating vendors at bloomington.in.gov/farmers-market.
Performing Arts Series Concert in Bryan Park featuring Amanda Biggs and Daily Bread and Butter
Sunday, September 4, 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all.
Location: Bryan Park (1001 S. Henderson St.)
Bloomington Parks and Recreation presents back-to-back concerts in Bryan Park! Hear traditional folk and European dance music by Daily Bread and Butter followed by Amanda Biggs & Co. cabaret of song! See the complete schedule of free concerts in city parks at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
Tuesday Market
Tuesdays, September 7, 14, 21, and 28, 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all.
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion (1601 S. Rogers St.)
Find fresh, nutritious food and support local farmers and small businesses at the Tuesday Market at Switchyard Park. Farmers’ Market vendors accept SNAP benefits, and SNAP recipients can double the value of their SNAP benefits with Double Market Bucks. Find more information and a list of participating vendors at bloomington.in.gov/farmers-market.
A Fair of the Arts
Saturday, September 10, 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all.
Location: Showers Common at City Hall (401 N. Morton St.)
Held in conjunction with the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market
Shop for art and fine crafts handmade by local and regional artists. See the list of participating artists at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/a-fair-of-the-arts.
A Fair of the Arts
Tuesday, September 13, 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all.
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion Plaza (1601 S. Rogers St.)
Held in conjunction with the Tuesday Market
Shop for art and fine crafts handmade by local and regional artists. See the list of participating artists at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/a-fair-of-the-arts.
Splash & Glow Party
Day & Time: Thursday, September 15, 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Admission $3/person.
Location: Switchyard Park Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad (1601 S. Rogers St.)
Colored lights in the spray pad and glow sticks all around kick-off the Parks and Recreation “Glow” series of events! See all Parks and Recreation upcoming events at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events.
Movies in the Parks: Encanto
Friday, September 16, 8:15 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all.
Location: Bryan Park (1001 S. Henderson St.)
Bloomington Parks and Recreation and the Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with “Encanto” on the big screen in Bryan Park. “Encanto” is rated PG; we request your assistance in determining if the movie is appropriate for your family. Bring your own seating. See the complete schedule of free movies in city parks at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
Glow in the Dark Scavenger Hunt
Friday, September 16, 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Cost: Admission $4/person.
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion (1601 S. Rogers St.)
Have a fun adventure searching for glowing clues throughout the park. Solve the puzzle and win a prize! See all Parks and Recreation upcoming events at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events.
Glow in the Park
Saturday, September 17, 8 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Cost: Admission $6/person.
Location: The Waldron, Hill, and Buskirk Park (331 S. Washington St.)
Black lights, neon paint, and rockin’ music by DJ Maddog combine for a glowing good nighttime dance party! See all Parks and Recreation upcoming events at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events.
HAND Home Buyers ClubÂ
Saturdays, September 17, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and September 24, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Cost: Free; registration required
Location: All classes will be held virtually
The City of Bloomington’s Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department’s Home Buyers program offers participants a chance to explore the possibility of affordable home ownership. Home Buyers Club comprises two sessions which are held on two consecutive Saturdays. 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. Income-eligible graduates may qualify for up to $10,000 in Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance from HAND (https://bton.in/w5r1Z). Spaces are limited, to register visit https://bton.in/lTDXk.
Celebrate Lower Cascades Park
Sunday, September 18, 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all
Location: Lower Cascades Park, Waterfall Shelter
Bloomington Parks and Recreation celebrates the completion of a significant park project at Lower Cascades, and the park’s history as the first city park in Bloomington! Interactive games, nature hikes, rubber duck float down Cascade Creek, and live music.
Learn more about the history of Lower Cascades Park at bloomington.in.gov/parks/parks/lower-cascades
Evening with the Bloomington Community Band
Sunday, September 18, at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all
Location: Switchyard Park Main Stage (1601 S. Rogers St.)
The Bloomington Community Band is a volunteer concert band composed at any one time of 50 to 60 musicians with ages ranging from 18 to 85.
See the complete schedule of free performances in city parks at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
Lake Monroe Day Drinking Water Treatment Plant Tours
Sunday, September 18, 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free, registration required
Location: 7470 S Shields Ridge Rd, Bloomington (Monroe Water Treatment Plant)
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 and close-toed shoes are required. Capacity is limited so register today at friendsoflakemonroe.org for this and other Lake Monroe Day events.
Bloomington Trivia Championship Series
Friday, September 23, Doors open at 6 p.m., and Trivia begins at 7 p.m
Cost: $30 per team
Location: Switchyard Park Pavilion (1601 S. Rogers St.)
Bloomington Parks and Recreation and host Skip Daley present trivia in Switchyard Park! Prizes are awarded to the top three teams. Food and soda, beer, and wine are available for purchase on-site. Register your team online at https://bton.in/~RAYE.
Harvest for the World
Saturday, September 24, 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all
Location: Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market (401 N. Morton St.)
Harvest for the World is an experience of sight, sound, and taste featuring ethnic vendors, dance, and sounds from Bloomington’s international communities. Learn more about the Farmers’ Market at bloomington.in.gov/farmers-market.
Movies in the Park: The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings
Friday, September 30, 8 o.m. until 10 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to all
Location: Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park (812 W. 9th St.)
Bloomington Parks and Recreation and partner Cicada Cinema present a free pop-up movie on the ballfield in Butler Park. Bring your own seating. See the complete schedule of free movies in city parks at bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
September Shoutouts
Volunteer Coaches Needed for Bloomington Youth Basketball Leagues
Prospective coaches must register by September 30.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation seeks coaches who can commit to once- or twice-weekly practices and one game per week or weekend at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center, 1700 W. Bloomfield Rd. Players are in grades K-6. All leagues are coed through grade 3; girls play in a girls-only league beginning in grade 4. The time and day of practices are determined by grade level. Volunteer coaches make a difference in the lives of kids and can help develop our next big IU basketball star! Register online as a volunteer coach at https://bton.in/XM3xt.
Environmental Education Volunteers Needed for Leonard Springs Nature Days and Annual Bugfest
Share your love of nature with future generations!
Bloomington Parks and Recreation seeks adults with an interest in the outdoors to assist with Leonard Springs Nature Days at Leonard Spring Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd., on Tuesdays in September and October (volunteer for one Tuesday, or ALL the Tuesdays!) and during Bug Fest on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Hilltop Gardens at Indiana University. Learn more about how you can share your love of nature at https://bton.in/R3t4p.
Launch Device Engineers, Builders Needed for Annual Pumpkin Launch Competition
Register launcher by October 14 for October 22 competition at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, 5700 W. Airport Rd.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation is seeking entries for the annual Bloomington Pumpkin Launch and needs creative builders, inventors, and engineers to build pumpkin launching devices. Launchers must be mechanical in nature; no fuel, compressed air, electricity, explosives, other chemical components, or any other fluids including oil, water, and hydraulic fluid. Categories are available for Youth (16 yrs. and younger), students (high school and college students), and adults. See launch rules and register a launch device at https://bton.in/w2130.
Bloomington Arts Commission Emerging Artist Placemaking Grant
Grant application opens online on September 26.
Applications for funds for emerging artists will be accepted from September 26, 2022, through October 21, 2022. Awards will be announced and distributed in November 2022. More details will be announced later in September. Apply here: bloomington.in.gov/arts/grants.
City’s Holiday Market Accepting Vendor Applications from Local, Regional Artists
Applications due by 5 p.m. on September 30.
The 20th annual Holiday Market, with booth spaces outside at Showers Common, 401 N. Morton St., takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, November 26. Indoor artist booth spaces are not available in 2022. All work for sale at Holiday Market must be original and made by the applicant. Work must be safe, have a decent life expectancy, and exhibit quality of craftsmanship. Apply online at https://bton.in/PJ_Em.
September Operating HoursGriffy Lake Boathouse Hours of Operation
Daily in September, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Griffy Lake Boathouse, 3400 N. Headley Rd.
Canoe, kayak, and paddle board rental $8/hour
Visit Griffy Lake to hike, fish, picnic, or just relax on the lake. Personal watercraft pay an $8 launch fee. Make watercraft rental reservations by emailing griffy.boathouse@bloomington.in.gov.
Bryan Park Pool Hours of Operation
Open September 3, 4, and 5, 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Bryan Park Pool, 1020 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Admission: $5/person
For up-to-the-minute information on weather-related pool closings, call the Aquatics Hotline at 812-349-3741.
