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
Date: Saturday, September 3 through Sunday, September 4
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
Date: Friday, September 2
Time: 11:00 am-9:00 pm
Location: Switchyard Park
Admission: Free
Food Truck Friday takes place at Switchyard Park every Friday from April 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.
Emerging Artist Fashion Show + Gallery Walk
Date: Friday, September 2
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. Ten downtown art galleries participate in the event — stroll through the heart of Bloomington as you admire various works at each location. September's event will also include the Emerging Artist Fashion Show from 7:00-9:00 pm.
WEEKEND FARMERS' MARKETS
Photo by Woolery Farmer's Market
Date: Saturday, September 3
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
Enjoy live musical performances at The Bluebird by the following artists:
Artist: Read Southall Band
Date: Friday, September 2
Time: Doors open at 7:00 pm; show starts at 8:00 pm
Admission: $12.00 per ticket
Sporting Events
JOSH BURTON MEMORIAL RACE
Date: Friday, September 2
Time: Gates open at 5:00 pm; hot laps begin at 6:30 pm; race begins at 7:30 pm
Location: Bloomington Speedway
Admission: $25.00 per person
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. Illinois
Date: Friday, September 2
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Memorial Stadium
Admission: $15.00-70.00 per ticket
Enjoy the first home game of the 2022 IU Football season against Illinois.
IU Men's Soccer IU Credit Union/adidas Classic
Date: Saturday, September 3
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Bill Armstrong Stadium
Admission: $5.00 per ticket
Enjoy the IU Men's Soccer IU Credit Union/adidas Classic against Notre Dame.
IU Women's Soccer vs. Notre Dame
Date: Sunday, September 4
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Bill Armstrong Stadium
Admission: Free
Enjoy the IU Women's Soccer match against Notre Dame.