Good morning, Bloomington.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Captured - Journey Tribute

Evening — The Bluebird — $10 — Enjoy an entertaining night with Captured, the ultimate Journey tribute band belting out classic hits.