Good morning, Bloomington.

The Monroe County Fair continues through Sunday, July 5 at 5700 W.

Airport Road despite an extreme heat warning, offering grandstand events, carnival rides, and livestock shows while exhibitors keep animals cool + fans and water. Planned events include a rodeo, demolition derby, and figure 8 derby.

The Bloomington Arts Commission in collaboration with the City announced its Artistic Advancement Grant program to award local artists up to $2,000 for eligible expenses from Nov.

1 to Oct. 31. Applications are accepted until Monday, Aug. 10.

Over 200 IU faculty signed an open letter criticizing the decision to remove Executive Dean Rick Van Kooten from Arts and Sciences, as announced on June 16 with his departure set for Aug.

1. They urged IUB to explain the changes to ensure the college’s future aligns with its values.

Volunteers are invited to join Sierra Club weed wrangles this summer to remove Japanese stiltgrass and help restore native wildflowers on Pate Hollow and Hays trails — events begin on Jul.

5 on Pate Hollow and Aug. 2 on Hays and include hikes spanning 2 to 6 miles.

Gov. Mike Braun appointed three new Indiana University trustees on July 2: Matty Ferguson (a Bloomington native), Steve Henke, and Mel Raines will serve until June 30, 2029.

IU President Pamela Whitten said their leadership strengthens the board as the university works toward its 2030 strategic plan.

A recent report (from local research) shows that prices for essentials at July 4 cookouts are higher than last year, and residents may need to adjust their budgets as they plan celebrations tomorrow.

The analysis offers tips on where to save on costs.

College Avenue south of 3rd Street in downtown Bloomington has been closed since June 30 (until July 24) for construction of a skywalk that will link the convention center expansion with the existing facility.

Former Indiana football players Fernando and Alberto Mendoza were named winners of the 2026 Male Athlete of the Year at the NIL Store Awards on Wednesday — they also launched the Mendoza Family Fund to support multiple sclerosis programs and earned an extra 10% on NIL Store sales starting July 1.

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.

65 North Pickers Performance

8-11 p.m. — The Bishop Bar — 18+ entry — Experience a fusion of bluegrass and jam band vibes with lightning-fast picking and unforgettable originals.

Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Graduate by Hilton Bloomington — Book Now on Eventbrite! — Unleash your creativity making a traditional Turkish lamp while enjoying delightful snacks.

Couples Communication Cure: An Evening with Michele O'Mara

6-7 p.m. — Morgenstern Books & Café — Free entry — Explore effective communication in relationships with expert Michele O'Mara as she shares insights from her latest book.

James Eichman Live Concert

9-11 p.m. — The Bishop Bar — 18+ entry — Experience evocative alt-Americana and indie rock sounds from Nashville’s own James Eichman.