Good morning, Bloomington.

Merchants Bank and IU Athletics are hosting a Summer Signing Series at the bank’s new downtown branch today from 1 to 2 p.m., featuring IU football players for autographs and free T-shirts.

Additional sessions are scheduled later in June (athlete details posted on social media).

Downtown Bloomington's legacy businesses face a succession challenge & over 40 long-running shops need new ownership plans and community support to keep local traditions alive.

Downtown legacy businesses face a succession gap — over 40 long-running shops require new owners as they seek planning and community support to continue their operations.

Local leaders urge focused efforts to secure a smooth transition that preserves Bloomington’s vibrant local economy.

Trader Joe’s will return its popular mini canvas tote bags with four striped pastel colors to local stores on Wednesday, June 17 for $2.99 each.

The limited-edition bags measure 13 x 11 x 6 inches and are expected to sell out quickly.

RealFest (a summer music festival) features local talent and artists from Chicago, Cincinnati, and Los Angeles.

It will run Saturday from 1 to 10 p.m. at Dunn Meadow with free admission.

Emil Wakim returns to the Comedy Attic this fall to record his debut Netflix special and perform in five shows Oct.

22-24 at the club where his career began + tickets cost $37.89 online.

Indiana University launched its new Capital Campus in Washington, D.C. to expand student opportunities through courses, internships and on-site housing, plus programs like the Hamilton Lugar Global Policy Program that connect students with government and industry partners.

Associate professor Rita Patel is developing a wearable device to diagnose exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction in young athletes (often mistaken for asthma) through IU LAB’s startup program.

The prototype, showing 100% detection accuracy and backed by a $3.7M NIH grant, might reach the market with an application deadline June 14.

The Softball Coaches Association of Indiana announced its all-state honorees for the 2026 high school softball season (with teams selected for Class A/2A and 3A/4A) based on coaches’ votes.

The selections honor top players from area schools.

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.

Indiana University Summer String Academy

N/A — June 20 – July 18 — Indiana University Jacobs School of Music — Tuition required — Intensive training for young string musicians at a top music school.

Bloomington Contra Dance

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. — Harmony School — Sliding scale donation from $3 to $20 — Enjoy a community dance experience that promotes safety and inclusion.

Music Masterclass at Indiana University

Event Title — Time Range — Indiana University Jacobs School of Music — Cost — Enhance your musical skills in a collaborative and expert-led environment.