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You
can't keep up with what's going on in Bloomington,
Indiana. The university town that enjoys fun all
year long never stops celebrating its seasons with
activities, sports, music, dining and shopping. From
the Lotus World Music Festival to the Hilly Hundred
Bicycle Tour, visitors can enjoy the best Indiana
has to offer in one great city that encompasses all
of the state's assets in one place. Bloomington is a
diverse city in south central Indiana. Located about
50 miles southwest of Indianapolis, it is the county
seat of Monroe County. As of the 2000 U.S. Census,
the city had a total population of 69,291.
Bloomington is the 7th largest city in Indiana.
Indiana is located in the United States in the
central portion of the country. It is bounded on the
north by Lake Michigan and the state of Michigan; on
the east by Ohio; on the south by Kentucky, with
which it shares the Ohio River as a border; and on
the west by Illinois. Indiana is one of the Great
Lakes states. Wabash River bisects the state from
northeast to southwest.
Considered one of the most beautiful university
campuses in the U.S., Indiana University features
colorful fall foliage, flowers in the spring and
lazy summer days enjoyed on the sprawling, shaded
campus lawns. This green community is
environmentally and ecologically conscious in its
policies. Bloomington was one of the first cities in
the state to ban smoking in all public and private
businesses, including private clubs.
For
tourists, Bloomington is a city for four seasons.
Event driven with world class entertainment held all
year long, enjoy simple pleasures such as lake
boating, fishing, water skiing and swimming or
winter activities such as sledding. Bicycling,
tennis, jogging and traditional American sports such
as team football and baseball pit university talent
against other colleges for some old-fashioned fun.
Those seeking
a simpler life will discover Bloomington offers
small town charm, world class talent and a full
calendar of events to occupy and interest a variety
of tastes.
Below is a
partial list of activities obtained from the
visitors bureau. For additional information, don't
hesitate to contact the agency at the contact
numbers listed below.
Events
Arts Fair on
the Square
Bloomington Area Arts Council on the Downtown
Square; Bloomington, IN 47403
(812) 334-3100
The Arts Fair on the Square is a one-day juried show
sponsored by the Bloomington Area Arts Council (BAAC).
Bloomington
ArtsWeek
Enjoy a plethora of great arts events and
performances during this annual celebration of the
arts in Bloomington.
Bloomington Beer Festival
Bloomington Convention Center 302 S. College Avenue;
Bloomington, IN 47403
(812) 332-9495 | Fax: 812-333-9090
Enjoy tasting over 200 different import and micro
brews! 2005 marks the 13th year for this annual
celebration of beer, sponsored by Big Red Liquors.
BubbleFest
and Bloomington Parks and Recreation at the Frank
Southern Ice Arena; Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 377-1337 | Fax: 812-330-1337
See the world from inside a giant bubble! Adults and
kids of all ages are invited to explore the
fascinating science of bubbles at the annual
BubbleFest.
Canopy of Lights
Downtown Bloomington Commission Downtown on the
Courthouse Square; Bloomington, IN 47403
(812) 336-3681
Join downtown businesses in celebrating the holiday
season as Santa flips the switch to transform
downtown Bloomington into a sparkling winter
wonderland. Several special open houses are held in
the downtown region.
Chocolate Festival
Bloomington Convention Center 302 S. College Avenue;
Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 837-9546
You be the judge as two divisions compete for the
title of best tasting chocolate dessert! Local
professionals from the Bloomington community will be
judging the competition, but the public is invited
to judge.
Downtown Gallery Walks
Several Art Galleries in Downtown Bloomington.;
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 334-3100
Enjoy downtown Bloomington and celebrate the
richness of visual art during four Gallery Walks
presented each year.
Farmers' Market
Showers Plaza 7th and Morton Streets; Bloomington,
IN 47402
812349-3705 | Fax: 812349-3705
The market offers a tantalizing array of locally
grown flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, juices,
honey, apple butter, spices and much more! The
activity starts EARLY at this Saturday morning
tradition!
Fourth Street Festival of the Arts
Between Fourth and Grant Streets in Downtown
Bloomington; Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 335-3814
This annual festival began in 1976 as a way for area
artists and crafts people to showcase their talents
and has been a Bloomington tradition ever since!
Hilly Hundred
Bicycle Tour
PO Box 55405 ; Indianapolis, IN 46205
(317) 767-7765
The Annual Hilly Hundred Weekend, sponsored by the
Central Indiana Bicycling Association (CIBA), is a
classic bicycle event designed for the touring
bicyclist.
IU Sing
Fine Arts Plaza East 7th Street; Bloomington, IN
47405
(812) 855-9152
Every February, over 3,000 students, the largest
student participation of any activity during the
school year, donate their time and talents to this
musical extravaganza.
IU Summer Music Festival
Jacobs School of Music 1201 E. 3rd Street;
Bloomington, IN 47405
812-855-9846 | Fax: 812-855-9847
The IU Summer Music Festival provides a great way to
enjoy Bloomington from mid-June to mid-August.
Lotus World Music and Arts Festival
Lotus Education and Arts Foundation PO Box 1667;
Bloomington, IN 47402
(812) 336-6599 | Fax: (812) 336-3959
The Lotus Education and Arts Foundation (LEAF) is a
not-for-profit organization established in 1994 and
based in Bloomington, Indiana.
Monroe County Fair
Monroe County Fairgrounds Just off State Road 45
West; Bloomington, IN
(812) 349-2575
Enjoy a traditional county fair, complete with 4-H
projects and competitions, a rodeo, loads of food
vendors, carnival rides, games and more!
Picnic with the Pops
Ivy Tech Bloomington Campus 200 Daniels Way;
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 336-8747
This annual celebration takes place on 4th of July
weekend. Enjoy a concert of all your favorite
popular patriotic tunes from the Bloomington Pops
Orchestra and other musical guests.
PRIDE Film Festival
114 East Kirkwood Avenue ; Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 323-3020 | Fax: (812) 323-3024
PRIDE is Bloomington’s only annual film festival!
The festival is devoted to issues and situations
concerning the gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender (GLBT) communities.
Spring Garden Walk
This annual event features tours of five residential
gardens that have been selected to represent the
many aspects of gardening. Other non-residential
gardens are sometimes also included.
Taste of Bloomington
The Taste of Bloomington is an annual celebration of
Bloomington's wide variety of unique dining
experiences. Over 30 restaurants are on site with
specialties for you to sample.
Theta Antique Show
Bloomington Convention Center 302 S. College Avenue;
Bloomington, IN 47403
(812) 344-2312
The annual Theta Antique Show is a tradition among
Bloomington area antique lovers. With nearly 40
booths from fine antique vendors, you're sure to
find just what you're looking for.
Third and High Festival
St. Charles Parish at the corner of Third and High
Streets; Bloomington, IN
(812) 336-5853 | (812) 336-5325
This annual event is sponsored by the St. Charles
Parish at the corner of Third and High Streets.
While more than 60 artists are exhibited each year,
arts and crafts are not the only reason to attend.
Other f ... more
Winter Wine
Festival
Bloomington Convention Center 302 S. College Avenue;
Bloomington, IN
8123329495x12
Break out of the winter blahs with the Bloomington
Winter Wine Festival! The General Admission Room
contains over 200 different wines from around the
world ranging in price from $5 to $30 a bottle.
Before you
go
Bloomington/Monroe County Convention & Visitors
Bureau will send free visitor information about the
many things to see, do and experience in
Bloomington. You may request up to 3 copies each of
their current publications or request more
specialized information.
Information Specialists may be contacted directly
during normal weekday business hours and Saturdays
from 10 am to 3 pm: cvb@visitbloomington.com
Telephone: 812-334-8900 or 800-800-0037.
www.visitbloomington.com
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