Good morning, Bloomington.

Bloomington celebrates America 250 with a Fourth of July parade starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at the corner of 10th Street and College Avenue and fireworks events across the region, including a kickoff on June 26 at Monroe County Fairgrounds (admission applies to some events).

Ace Hardware’s Hometown Days event continues through Father's Day with a $230 discount on a Traeger grill & additional savings on tools and outdoor gear, plus exclusive Ace Rewards perks for shoppers.

The promotion is available for a limited time at local stores.

An experimental music show takes place June 20 at Redbud Books with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and music starting at 7 p.m. Water Is the Sun, Bubba Fontaine and Lather will perform Unholy Triforce’s world premiere track (a unique lathe-cut disc) while all ages enjoy a $10 suggested donation.

Bloomington Transit has launched tap-to-pay, letting riders use credit cards and smart devices on the redesigned Route 16 that merges former Routes 3 West and 13.

A test ride on Monday showed light midday ridership and on-time performance after a brief delay.

Indiana University School of Medicine and the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering are starting a five-year project using AI to search billions of compounds for Alzheimer’s treatments.

The project receives a $6 million NIH grant to speed up drug research + boost development of new treatment options.

Edgewood’s senior Jayden Stephens was named the top softball catcher in Indiana as he received the Johnny Bench Award — the honor will be recognized at a luncheon on July 7 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

Indiana basketball has scheduled a preseason exhibition against North Carolina on Oct.

18 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse — ticket sales begin Thursday and tip-off time with TV details will be announced later.

Bloomington South advanced to its first state baseball final in 54 years after a 1-0 win over No. 3 Evansville North.

The team now prepares for the championship game.

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.

Indiana University Golf Tournament

Tee time — The Pfau Course — Check online for fees — Play 5,634 yards of challenging golf at a beautiful venue.

Mama Said String Band Live

Time TBA — The Bluebird — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience the grassroots sound of Mama Said String Band bringing their unique style to Bloomington.

FISU America Games

7-11 p.m. — Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall — Average ticket price $83 — Experience thrilling international sports competition in Bloomington.