Staff report
Bloomington, Ind. – July 7, 2023
Bloomington, Ind. – The City of Bloomington is buzzing with a variety of activities and events this month, offering something for everyone in the community. From youth-oriented markets to outdoor concerts and recreational programs, residents and visitors can expect a vibrant and engaging July in Bloomington.
For those interested in fresh local produce and artisanal foods, the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market will be held every Saturday in July from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Showers Common. The market offers a wide variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as other goods such as eggs, meats, cheeses, honey, flowers, and more. Admission is free. Additional details can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/farmers-market.
Fitness enthusiasts can participate in various outdoor exercise classes through the “Fitness in the Park” program. One such class is Tai Chi, held on Mondays throughout July at 7 p.m. at Switchyard Park’s main stage. Participants of all skill levels are welcome, and the cost is $5 per person. No registration is required. For more information about drop-in fitness classes at Switchyard Park, contact Shelby Drake at 812-349-3700. Learn more at https://bloomington.in.gov/recreation/fitness/exercise.
The month of July offers a variety of concerts in the park, showcasing talented musicians from different genres. On Thursday, July 6, Lexi Lynn will perform live honky tonk/heartbreaker country music at Peoples Park, located at 501 E. Kirkwood Ave., from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event is free. More details can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
For those interested in yoga, the “Fitness in the Park” program will offer outdoor Beginning Yoga classes on Fridays throughout July at noon. The classes will be held at Switchyard Park’s main stage, and the cost is $5 per person. No registration is required. For more information about drop-in fitness classes at Switchyard Park, contact Shelby Drake at 812-349-3700. Learn more at https://bloomington.in.gov/recreation/fitness/exercise.
Bloomington will also host the Bloomington Trivia Championship Series on Friday, July 7, at 7 p.m. at Switchyard Park’s Pavilion. Teams of up to six people can compete for the title of Bloomington’s newest trivia champion. The event costs $30 per team, and participants are encouraged to register online by July 7. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from The Cabin Restaurant and Lounge. More information can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/trivia-championship.
Art enthusiasts can visit the “A Fair of the Arts” event on Saturday, July 8, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fernandez Plaza, located at 401 N. Morton St. This fair showcases art and fine crafts created by local and regional artists. The event is held in conjunction with the Saturday Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market. Admission is free. More details can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/a-fair-of-the-arts.
Additionally, the Tuesday Market will take place on Tuesdays throughout July from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Switchyard Park, in front of the Pavilion located at 1601 S. Rogers St. This market provides an opportunity to support local farmers and small businesses while shopping for fresh, nutritious, locally sourced products and artisanal foods. Admission is free. Further information can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/farmers-market/tuesday.
The “Fitness in the Park” program will also offer ZUMBA classes on Tuesdays throughout July at 7 p.m. at Switchyard Park’s main stage. The cost is $5 per person, and participants of all skill levels are welcome. No registration is required. For more information about drop-in fitness classes at Switchyard Park, contact Shelby Drake at 812-349-3700. Learn more at https://bloomington.in.gov/recreation/fitness/exercise.
Outdoor concerts continue throughout the month at Peoples Park, located at 501 E. Kirkwood Ave. On Thursday, July 13, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Dan Kusaya will perform live world music and dance. The event is free. More details can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
Switchyard Park will host “Happy Hours on the Lawn” on Friday, July 14, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring live Latin, Caribbean, reggae, and funk rock music by Kyle Billman & The Algoriddims. The event is free and will be held on thePavilion Lawn at Switchyard Park, located at 1601 S. Rogers St. More information can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
Another installment of the Sunday Concerts in Bryan Park series will take place on Sunday, July 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bryan Park. The concert will feature back-to-back performances by the Sam Finley Trio (instrumental, funk, blues, and jazz) and The Movin’ Hips (classic blues, R&B, soul). The event is free. Additional details can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
On Thursday, July 20, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Lennon Beasley will perform live indie and rock music at Peoples Park. The event is free. More details can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
The Switchyard Park Thursday Night Summer Music Series, presented by Visit Bloomington, will feature performances by Easy Eye Recording artists Shannon & The Clams with Say She She and Abby Jeanne on Thursday, July 20, starting at 6 p.m. at Switchyard Park’s main stage. The event is free. For more information, visit https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
Switchyard Park will continue its Concert Series presented by Bloomington Parks & Recreation on Friday, July 21. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with an opening act by Joe Donnelly, a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, followed by the main act, The Dynamics, a classic R&B/funk band, at 7:15 p.m. The concert will be held at Switchyard Park’s main stage, and admission is free. More information can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
Peoples Park will host live Americana music by singer/songwriter Steve Plessinger on Thursday, July 27, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free. Additional details can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
For those seeking a nostalgic experience, the ultimate Adult Field Day will take place on Friday, July 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Switchyard Park’s main stage lawn. Attendees can participate in various throwback games such as dodgeball, musical chairs, and giant lawn games. The event will also feature the IU Outdoor Adventures Rock Wall and music from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and a photo booth will capture the fun memories. Admission is $8 per person. For more information, visit https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/adult-field-day.
On Saturday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Council for Community Accessibility will celebrate the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at City Hall’s Fernandez Plaza, next to the Farmers’ Market. The event will feature games, activities, information booths, and opportunities to connect with organizations such as the Monroe County Public Library, Stone Belt, and the Indiana Institute for Disabilities and Community. Attendees can interact with the Wheelie Women from the MALL (Mobility Aids Lending Library) to explore mobility aid options. The event is free, and everyone is encouraged to attend. Follow the Council for Community Accessibility (CCA) on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CouncilforCommunityAccessibility for updates.
The Sunday Concerts in Bryan Park series will wrap up the month with performances by The Top Hat Blues Revue (blues, jazz, rock, and originals) and Straight Up Chumps (relevant upbeat funk-jam) on Sunday, July 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The concert will be held at Bryan Park, and admission is free. More details can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/concerts.
In addition to the events and concerts, Bloomington offers various recreational programs throughout July. These programs include Sunset Paddle on Thursday, July 13, at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, a BFD-hosted Car Seat Inspections program on July 3, 17, 24, and 31, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) classes, DIY Water Filtration at Leonard Springs Nature Park, Insect Black Lighting at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, Outdoor Art & Nature Crafts at Winslow Woods Park, and more. Each program has its own date, time, cost, and registration requirements. Detailed information about each program can be found at https://bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs.
Lastly, the City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) will host a Landscape Education Workshop on Wednesday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Switchyard Park Pavilion. The workshop aims to provide information on sustainable landscaping practices and will cover topics such as stormwater management, plant selection, mowing and mulching techniques, and a tour of Switchyard Park’s landscaped features. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. For more information and to register, visit https://forms.gle/WYij2vG2Tk1UsYtr8.
Residents Academy, a program designed to educate community members about various aspects of local government, will also take place in July. The academy will be held on Thursdays from August 24 through October 26, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. More information about the academy can be obtained by contacting the City of Bloomington Office of the Mayor.
For more information about any of the events or programs mentioned above, please contact the City of Bloomington Office of the Mayor at [email protected] or 812-349-3406.
