Festivals and Fairs
Bloomington hosts numerous annual festivals and fairs throughout the year, creating a tourism draw that has a significant impact on Bloomington’s economy. The Freezefest Festival in January, the Pride Film Festival in February, and the Indiana Heritage Quilt Show make up some of the key events in the first quarter of the year. The spring season kicks off a busier festival season with the Bloomington Craft Beer Festival, the Hoosier Half Marathon and 5k, and the IU Little 500 Weekend. May continues the trend with Harrodsburg Heritage Days and the Bloomington Early Music Festival. June makes for a fun summer in Bloomington with the Limestone Comedy Festival, Arts Fair on the Square, and Taste of Bloomington. In July, residents can enjoy the Fourth of July parade and festivities or the Monroe County Fair. August rounds out the summer activities with the Bloomington Blues and Boogie Woogie Piano Festival, Pridefest, and Indiana Toy and Comic Expo. Fall starts with a busy September and includes the B’Town Jazz Fest, Fourth Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts, Garlic Fest & Community Art Fair, Bubblefest, Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest, Monroe County Fall Festival, Hoosiers Outrun Cancer, and the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival. October is just as packed with events and includes the Midway Music Festival, IU’s Homecoming Weekend, the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, Hilly Hundred Bicycle Tour, and Bloomington Restaurant Week. November doesn’t slow down the pace in Bloomington. Events include the Artisan Guilds of Bloomington Holiday Show, the Bloomington Handmade Market, Canopy of Lights, and the Holiday Market. In December, residents and visitors can enjoy Krampus Night. All year long, there is a First Thursdays Festival and a Gallery Walk in downtown Bloomington.
OTHER RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES In addition to the amenities provided by the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, community members have other recreational opportunities in Bloomington and Monroe County. Some of these opportunities include: County Parks Karst Farm Park • Splash pad • Trails • Picnicking • Day camping • Biking • Disc golf 56
Bloomington Parks Comprehensive Master Plan