Labor Day marks the start of Bloomington's most magical season.

The temperature begins to get chillier, the leaves start to change color, and the air becomes crisper. While many celebrate summer's last hurrah with a backyard barbeque and a final soak in the sun, Bloomington offers a wide array of fun events to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall — we've rounded up every festival and event you can expect to find during Labor Day weekend so you don't have to.

Use this navigation list to easily jump from section-to-section:


Festivals

4th Street Festival of the Arts & Crafts

4th street fest vg

Date: Saturday, September 2 through Sunday, September 3
Time: 10:00 am-6:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am-5:00 pm on Sunday
Location: 4th Street
Admission: Free

Enjoy the annual 4th Street Festival of the Arts & Crafts, with work available by over 120 local, regional, and national artists.


Special Events

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

Food trucks lined up at Switchyard Park for Food Truck Friday

Date: Friday, September 1
Time: 11:00 am-9:00 pm
Location: Switchyard Park
Admission: Free

Food Truck Friday takes place at Switchyard Park every Friday through October. Swing by anytime between 11:00 am-9:00 pm to grab some delicious, locally-made food, enjoy the amenities at Switchyard Park, and experience live music & performances from local artists.


Lilly Library Tour

 

Date: Friday, September 1
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
Location: Lilly Library
Admission: Free
Guided tour of the Lilly Library including stunning murals in the Reading Room and experts will talk about books including the Gutenberg Bible and Audubon’s Birds of America to name a few.

 

Gallery Walk

Comic strip exhibit at Dimensions Gallery

Date: Friday, September 1
Time: 5:00-8:00 pm
Location: Various downtown art galleries
Admission: Free

Enjoy local & regional art and Bloomington's vibrant downtown scene during Gallery Walk. Fourteen downtown art galleries participate in the event — stroll through the heart of Bloomington as you admire various works at each location. 

 

WEEKEND FARMERS' MARKETS

Vender set-up at the Woolery Farmers' Market
Photo by Woolery Farmer's Market

Date: Saturday, September 2
Time: Varying times — see all Saturday markets here
Location: Multiple venues — see all Saturday markets here
Admission: Free

Enjoy three different Bloomington farmers' markets during Labor Day weekend: the Bloomington Community Farmer's Market, Woolery Farmers' Market, and Smithville Farmers' Market.


Live Music

The Bluebird

Exterior of The Bluebird on a concert night

Enjoy live musical performances at The Bluebird:

Artist: Magic City Hippies
Date: Saturday, September 2
Time: Doors open at 8:00 pm; show starts at 9:00 pm
Admission: $25.00 per ticket


Sporting Events

JOSH BURTON MEMORIAL RACE (rain date)

bloomington speedway

Date: Friday, September 1
Time: Gates open at 5:00 pm; hot laps begin at 6:00 pm; race begins at 7:00 pm
Location: Bloomington Speedway
Admission: prices vary

Celebrate the life of Josh Burton and enjoy a night of motorsport with Midwest Sprint Car Series Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, and Midwest Mini Sprint Association racing.
 

IU FOOTBALL SEASON OPENER VS. OHIO STATE 

The IU football team huddling in the locker room
Photo by IU Athletics

Date: Saturday, September 2
Time: 3:30 pm
Location: Memorial Stadium
Admission: Ticket prices vary

Kick-off of the 2023 season against Ohio State. Go Hoosiers!

 

IU MEN'S SOCCER adidas/IU CREDIT UNION CLASSIC

An IU soccer player kicking a soccer ball
Photo by IU Athletics

Date: Friday, September 1
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Bill Armstrong Stadium
Admission: Adults $10.00, Youth $5.00

The last match up was 2021. Watch the top ranked IU team take on Washington.

Date: Monday, September 4
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Bill Armstrong Stadium
Admission: Adults $10.00, Youth $5.00

IU Men’s Soccer is 3-0 against Seton Hall, come cheer them on to victory!

 

IU WOMEN'S SOCCER VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS

And IU women's soccer player shooting to make a goal
Photo by IU Athletics

Date: Sunday, September 3
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Bill Armstrong Stadium
Admission: Free

Come out and cheer on the IU Women's Soccer team against Northern Illinois.


Looking for more to do in Bloomington this fall? Check out these blogs:
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