Good morning, Bloomington.

Bloomington residents can try Civic Solver, a 10-question news quiz covering local public life for the week ending May 1 now available in the Almost Daily Bulletin email.

The quiz ties together community stories and offers a fun way to test local knowledge.

Bloomington hotels charge high prices for IU commencement weekend as rooms range from about $300 to over $700 per night.

Visitors may need extra work hours to afford a room + families might seek affordable lodging beyond the city, with ceremonies set for May 8 and 9.

Restaurant.com offers never‑expiring digital dining certificates for local restaurants, and Bloomington residents can use code (FOOD20) to get 20% off checks of $10 or more until May 31.

The mobile-first model lets diners easily redeem deals.

The B Square report detailed new property transfers in Monroe County from March 20 to April 27 using Beacon’s online data (sale prices ranged from $9,000 to over $1.3M) and provided a fresh look at local real estate trends.

Indiana's baseball team lost the final two games of its series to Northwestern after winning the opener at Wrigley Field — sophomore Hogan Denny had three for five with three scores and a home run — and will regroup against Purdue at 6 p.m. May 8 in West Lafayette.

IHSAA released baseball sectional draws for teams from Bloomington, Bedford and Martinsville (sectional games run from May 27 to June 1) that set the path to Victory Field in Indianapolis.

The pairings were announced on May 3.

Indiana's softball team swept Illinois over the weekend at Andy Mohr Field, finishing with a 41-13 record and will prepare for the Big Ten Tournament starting May 6 at Maryland Softball Stadium in College Park.

Indiana men’s golf finished tied for 16th at the Big Ten Championships — scoring 38 over par at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, Oregon — and will learn its NCAA Regionals fate on Wednesday.

The IHSAA released softball sectional draws for local teams — matchups for Class 4A, 3A and 2A set sectionals for May 25-30, regionals on June 2, semi-states on June 6 and state finals on June 12-13 at Purdue.

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.

One Step Above Annual Dance Performance

6:30 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of diverse dance styles showcased by local kids, including a special dad routine.

Pinball League and Trivia Night

6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Food or drink purchase required — Compete in a pinball tournament and test your trivia skills for a chance to win gift certificates.