The Backstage Blog

Due in large part to the diverse student and faculty population of Indiana University, Bloomington is a veritable melting pot of wonderous sights, mouth-watering aromas, and cultural sites representing countries around the world. Leave the Midwest behind in favor of flavors from a rich community of... Read More

There's always something going on in B-Town! Check out the top events happening in July 2022, and consider spending two or three days with us this season. Use this list to easily navigate from section-to-section:​ Fourth of July Events Ellettsville Fireworks Date: Saturday, July 2 Time: Dusk... Read More

The Square is the heart of downtown Bloomington, lined with over 30 locally-owned businesses including shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more. There's so much to do directly on The Square, but there are even more incredible businesses and attractions surrounding it. Venture off the beaten-path... Read More

If you like to frequent dive bars while you travel, Bloomington has several to offer you. From the no fuss, no muss ambiance to your favorite drinks at a lower price point, B-Town's best dive bars will win you over as soon as you walk through the door. Kick back and enjoy a cold beer or stiff drink... Read More

After a fun night of responsible drinking, you're pretty likely to crave a late-night snack come 1:00 am. Lucky for you, Bloomington has nearly 30 restaurants and food trucks that serve delicious food into the wee hours of the morning*. Wrap up your night on the town and satisfy your drunchies at... Read More

Downtown's beloved 4 th Street is home to a variety of international restaurants that serve incredible authentic fare that's isn't found too often in the Midwest. The street, known as "International Row," is well-loved by students, locals, and visitors — there's something for everyone to enjoy, and... Read More

Indiana University hosts several annual events, and a few of them are such staples that event dates are provided for several years in the future. Use this as a reference for all of IU's biggest yearly events, and feel free to call our Visitors Center at (800) 800-0037 with any questions. That's what... Read More

If you're a new student, or you're family of a new student, you're likely not quite familiarized with Bloomington yet. Finding a good spot to eat near campus can seem like a daunting task, which is why we've put together a comprehensive list of every restaurant within a five-minute walk of any edge... Read More

The Boy Who Lived captured the hearts of millions, and over a decade after the last novel was published, Harry Potter continues to do so. The series may be over, but we can't let go of the whimsical magic associated with it — especially since Bloomington is home to many places that have an uncanny... Read More

Bloomington boasts a huge variety of locally-owned restaurants, and many of them are close to the Indiana University campus, which is extremely convenient if you need to grab a bite to eat without straying far from the university. If you're looking for a quick & *cheap lunch between classes or... Read More