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Indiana Features Four Seasons of Fun
 

Bloomington, Indiana - Four Seasons of Fun

 

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.

mapFor 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