Good morning, Bloomington.

Bloomington offers free events this weekend.

Dollyfest starts today at the IU Museum from 12:45 to 2 p.m. and the carnival at the Fine Arts Plaza kicks off Friday night, with a plant sale, park free admission, Cinco de Mayo festivities + a Monday concert rounding out the schedule.

Ballet students showcased 40 original choreographed pieces at the Musical Arts Center on April 28-29.

The annual project serves as the capstone for Jacobs School of Music’s ballet majors and featured Trey Ferdyn’s 30-minute work (Fine Motor) along with other creative performances.

Assistant coach and senior Andrew Gus was named IU’s Student Leader of the Year at the April 8 awards ceremony in the Indiana Memorial Union’s Frangipani Room for his work with IU club hockey and the Campus Sports Federation.

He will work with the Penguins after graduation.

An independent analysis commissioned by IU faculty found the university held over $2.2 billion in unrestricted reserves and a AAA bond rating, suggesting that recent job cuts and program eliminations were not financially necessary.

Faculty discussed these findings at a virtual town hall on April 29.

Bloomington High School North and South students earned first place at the national Festivals of Music competition in Chicago on April 17.

Their Hoosier Youth Philharmonic win follows months of hard work that also earned them a gold ranking at a statewide contest.

City officials updated traffic signals on Walnut and College Avenues and at 10th and 17th to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists; a Feb.

23 Transportation Commission hearing presented the first phase of a citywide effort funded by the Highway Safety Improvement Program.

Trash piles remain at a cleared homeless camp near I‑69 since cold weather prevented the planned cleanup.

City officials are now seeking cost estimates for debris removal from public land (Community Foundation managed) later this year.

Monroe County data shows 41 drug-related deaths in 2025 with 24 tied to opioids, a decline from 2024; local experts warn that unpredictable, dangerous batches laced with fentanyl continue to fuel risk while recovery centers like Courage to Change offer support.

Holiday World earned top rankings in several USA TODAY 10BEST categories ahead of its season opening on Saturday, May 9, and will host summer events such as Holidays in the Sky & Rubber Duck Days.

Bloomington South shut out Bloomington North 2-0 on Tuesday at Groh Field with senior Xavier Hemingway posting a two-hitter and striking out 12.

The Panthers, now 11-1, kept their winning streak alive with fireworks after each win (a local tradition) boosting team spirit.

Indiana baseball shortstop Cooper Malamazian overcame setbacks and chose the college route after being drafted in 2024.

He built resilience through injuries and challenges and now posts strong stats at Indiana, with Coach Mercer expecting his game to soon reach another level.

Bloomington South's softball team beat North 11-2 on Tuesday, Apr.

28; first-year starters Perry Murphy (4-for-4, 3 runs) and Aminah Saahir (3 doubles, 3 RBIs) helped secure an 18-hit victory.

Free Feline Friday

12-5 p.m. — Bloomington Animal Shelter — Free adoption — Find your next feline friend at this monthly event dedicated to pet welfare.

Maris Live Performance

7 PM — The Bluebird — Ticket prices not specified — Experience the playful sounds of rising star Maris, a unique pop singer-songwriter.

Benjamin Tod Concert

7 PM — The Bluebird — Ticket info not provided — Experience the heartfelt country melodies of Benjamin Tod and his wife Ashley Mae after the retirement of Lost Dog Street Band.

MotionArts Dance Academy Spring Gala 2026

2-3:30 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — E-tickets available — Celebrate a spectacular semester of dance with vibrant performances from ballet, contemporary, jazz, and company dancers.

Potentate's Golf Outing

11:30 a.m. — The Pfau Course — Registration required — Kick off the golf season with the First Potentate's Golf Outing of the Year.

Night Market

5-10 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Free entry — Enjoy local vendors, free pinball, and happy hour specials in a lively community atmosphere.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Indiana Hoosiers Baseball

2-3 p.m. — Bart Kaufman Field — Ticketed event — Feel the thrill of collegiate baseball as the Illinois Fighting Illini take on the Indiana Hoosiers.

INDY Golf Tournament at The Pfau Course

Time Range — The Pfau Course — Cost — Experience a challenging 7,241-yard championship course in a stunning natural setting.

Case Oats Album Release Concert

8 PM - 12 AM — The Bishop Bar — 18+ entry — Experience the debut album of Case Oats, a blend of alt-country and folk from Chicago's rising star Henry True.

Sounds From the Black Hole featuring Bubba Fontaine and Byrdman

5:30-8 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $10 + food/drink purchase required — Experience live experimental music from talented local artists.