Today
in Bloomington
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Ellettsville Fire Department will host its annual Fourth of July fireworks show on Saturday, July 4 near the Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corp property at Edgewood Schools (rain date Friday, July 10) funded solely by local donations. The Bloomingtonian
- ➤ Bryan Park Pool and Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad (at 1020 S Woodlawn and 1601 S Rogers) will open Saturday, May 23, while Mills Pool is delayed due to a leak. Bryan operates from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the spray pad from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Bloomingtonian
- ➤ Bloomington will hold a Memorial Day service on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial in the Garden of Honor at Valhalla Memory Gardens (310 N. Johnson Ave) with Army combat veteran Sara Hamidovic speaking, followed by a free lunch at VFW Post 604. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Wheeler Mission celebrated 10 years of service in Bloomington on Thursday, May 14 at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church by hosting a gala attended by 220 community partners — it also shared progress on its capital campaign to raise $4.25 million to modernize its facility for those experiencing homelessness. The Bloomingtonian
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ IU Indianapolis sophomore Ja'Niya Smith won the 2026 JagStart Competition — held at Hine Hall — for her startup Miss CEO Essentials, which offers stylish workwear for beauty professionals; she earned $2,500 to fund product samples and registration and will attend the upcoming IU Founders and Funders Network Venture Summit in Bloomington. Indiana University
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington celebrates Memorial Day weekend with family-friendly events including pool openings at Bryan Park Pool (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) and the IU outdoor pool, drive-in movies at Starlite on May 21 and 24, a Saturday harp workshop at Ellettsville library, and live music at Lake Lemon Marina and Butler Winery. The Herald-Times
- ➤ The Monroe County capital improvement board approved Benjamin Ball's 'A Form of Connection' as the signature public artwork for the Convention Center expansion on Wednesday, May 20 - the twisting aluminum installation will wrap around the new skybridge over College Avenue as construction continues toward early 2027. The B Square Bulletin
- ➤ Waxahatchee will perform live in Bloomington on Saturday, June 20 at Switchyard Park at 1601 S. Rogers St. as part of the Granfalloon Concert Series presented by the IU Arts and Humanities Council at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale and children 12 and younger may attend free with an adult ticket. The Bloomingtonian
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ MCCSC reported Tuesday, May 19 that its two-year financial plan saved $13.2 million while protecting classrooms — most savings came from voluntary retirements and operational efficiencies with minimal teacher layoffs. District leaders plan to offer training for staff transitioning into new roles next school year. The Bloomingtonian
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Monroe County officials reported that 9 roads have been closed because heavy rain flooded areas from near Bloomington east to the Monroe line, with totals approaching 6 inches and more rainfall expected from Friday to Sunday. Motorists are advised not to drive on flooded roads + remain alert to updates. The Herald-Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today the City of Bloomington’s Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development awarded seven improvement grants totaling $30,000 to support projects from native pollinator gardens to cemetery restorations. The awards will fund work at sites such as Bentley Court and the Walnut Woods Community Pantry + other local projects. The Herald-Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana football received commitments from two 2027 recruits, Rico Jackson (from Gaithersburg, Maryland) and Mason McDermott (from Noblesville), during official visits to Bloomington; Jackson chose Indiana over Wisconsin, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech, while McDermott opted for Indiana over UCLA, Northwestern and Missouri. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana rowing finished seventh at the Big Ten Championships Sunday at the Indianapolis Rowing Center (Eagles Creek Reservoir) after securing nine consecutive Dale England Cup wins; junior athletes earned All-Big Ten honors even as the team missed a berth in the NCAA Rowing Championships. Indiana Daily Student
-
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.
-
Joe Jordan Concert
7-11 p.m. — The Bluebird — Ticket info available online — Experience the smooth vocals and rich R&B sounds of Joe Jordan live.
-
The Goonies | 15 Years, 15 Hits
4 PM — Indiana University Cinema — Ticket info not provided — Experience an epic adventure with a classic treasure hunt as the Goonies embark on a thrilling quest.
-
Strawberry Shortcake Festival
All day — Switchyard Park Pavilion — $9 Strawberry Shortcakes and $5 Hot Dog Specials — Indulge in sweet treats and family-friendly fun at this local festival.
-
Tales of Ambergrove at Nexus Convergence
10 AM - 6 PM — Bloomington Convention Center — Free entry — Explore video games, TTRPGs, and unique vendors at this exciting game-themed convention.
-
Greg Mendez at The Bishop
9-11 p.m. — The Bishop — 18+ — Experience the poignant alt-pop sounds of Greg Mendez with tracks from his latest album, 'Beauty Land'.
-
Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival 2026
June 17-20 — Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground — Tickets sold separately — Experience top bluegrass performances with legendary artists and local talent.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
~ Beverly Sills
About Today in Bloomington
Welcome to the Today in Bloomington, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bloomington, Indiana community. If you like the Today in Bloomington, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bloomington.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Bloomington and across Indiana. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Today in Bloomington
A free Bloomington community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://todayinbloomington.com/sitemap