Spend Labor Day in Bloomington...
Labor Day weekend marks the start of a new season. The temperature starts to drop, the leaves start to change color, and tailgates are happening every weekend. Many celebrate the holiday with a good barbeque and relaxing in the sun. While that all sounds fun, Bloomington has quite the weekend in store for the long weekend. Check out these five festivals for you (most within three blocks of each other) all within two days and in one place.
Pridefest
When: Saturday, August 31, 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Where: E. Kirkwood Avenue between N. Walnut and Grant Streets
Cost: Suggested donation of $5
Celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and community at the 6th annual Pridefest hosted by Bloomington PRIDE, Inc. This all-ages event is filled with live entertainment, vendor booths, activities for kids, and of course, food and drink.
Fourth Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts
When: Saturday, August 31, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm & Sunday, September 1, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where: Fourth Street between Indiana Avenue and Grant Street
Cost: Free
The 42nd annual arts and crafts festival will host 120 artists from across the country to showcase and sell their art. Along with art, there will be various stages and booths featuring live music, spoken word poetry, and children's activities.
Garlic Fest & Community Arts Fair
When: Saturday, August 31 - Sunday, September 1, 11:00 am
Where: Waldron, Hill, & Buskirk Park; 331 S. Washington Street
Cost: Free
Bloomington's most fragrant festival is also happening during Labor Day weekend. The 2019 GarlicFest is an all-ages sensory celebration featuring local artists (who use the ingredient in their work), live music, a kids zone, a beer garden, good eats (obviously), and more.
BubbleFest
When: Saturday, August 31 - Monday, September 2, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm daily
Where: WonderLab Museum; 308 W. 4th Street
Cost: $9, all BubbleFest activities included with the price of admission
Spend the long weekend blowing bubbles, bouncing bubbles, and even building bubbles at BubbleFest 2019! There are even stations where kids (or the entire-family) can create bubble art, bubble wands, and experience experiments with bubbles.
B'Town Jazz Fest
When: Saturday, August 31, 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Where: Monroe Convention Center; 302 S. College Avenue
Cost: Free
Sing and dance at Bloomington's annual celebration of jazz music. B-Town Jazz Fest will also feature performances by leading local jazz musicians, collegiate students, and special guests all night!
Fireworks at Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina/Fairfax Beach
When: Sunday, September 1, Dusk
Where: Fairfax State Recreation Area
Cost: $7/vehicle (with an IN license plate), $9 (without an IN license plate)
Who says fireworks are just for the Fourth of July? Head out to Fairfax State Recreation Area (near Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina) to enjoy fireworks, family, and the beach. Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina also has a 3-day special deal.
Other Events
For the sports fans...
Soccer enthusiasts will enjoy the Adidas/IU Credit Union Classic at Bill Armstrong Stadium and the Jerry Yeagley Classic at Karst Farm Park. Both take place at various times August 30 - September 1.
