Good morning, Bloomington.

Parks and Recreation updated residents on repairs at parks.

Mills Pool remains closed for leak work, Rogers Street north of Switchyard Park will reopen by June 10 ahead of the festival, and Lower Cascades Park’s Sycamore Shelter is partly open following tree damage + crews work to restore full access.

The column explains how locals can embrace B-town living by tipping well, shopping at neighborhood markets, and exploring community events beyond campus favorites — a guide to experiencing Bloomington’s unique townie spirit.

Bloomington city officials led by Jane Kupersmith are preparing to nominate nine census tracts for the federal Opportunity Zone program, with a public portal opening soon and state recommendations beginning July 1 — the move aims to boost long-term local investment and redevelopment.

Indiana University Bloomington will launch a fleet of 24 food delivery robots on June 8, with orders placed via the Grubhub app.

The tested robots, confined within campus boundaries, will deliver food from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily (serving spots like King’s Hawaiian and The Lantern) to ease meal access.

Bloomington Transit took delivery of a 60-foot articulated bus at the Grimes Lane facility on Thursday, with two more expected later this month to boost campus routes 6 and 12 for the fall semester.

Drivers are training on the new bus, which seats 61 passengers + 62 standing.

The Bloomington South girls track team finished second at the IHSAA state finals on Friday, June 5 at North Central High School while breaking three school records and medaling in several events.

Senior Violet Hall praised the team’s achievement as the best finish in school history.

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.