Bloomington throws a festival for nearly every season. This guide lists the big recurring ones, when they usually happen and where to find the official details. Dates move from year to year, so check the organizer’s page before you plan, and see our events calendar for what is coming up.
Spring
Little 500
The IU Student Foundation presents the Little 500 bicycle races at Bill Armstrong Stadium, 1606 N Fee Lane, in late April. The women’s race runs on Friday and the men’s race on Saturday. In 2026 they were April 24 and 25. Information: IU Student Foundation and Visit Bloomington. Try our B-Town 500 Trivia game while you wait, or see the stadium on the 3D map.
Bloomington Early Music Festival
A week of concerts, workshops and lectures on music from before the mid-19th century, usually held in late spring. The 2026 festival ran May 26 to 30, with evening events at Trinity Episcopal Church, 111 S Grant St. Info: blemf.org and our directory listing.
Summer
Monroe County Fair
The 4-H fair takes over the Monroe County Fairgrounds, 5700 W Airport Road, around the end of June and the first week of July, with livestock shows, a carnival and food. Rides opened June 30 in 2026. Info: Purdue Extension Monroe County 4-H.
Bloomington Pridefest
Bloomington PRIDE hosts a free festival on Kirkwood Avenue with performances, music, food and community groups. It is usually held in late summer, around the end of August or in September. The 2026 festival ran from 2 to 11 pm between Walnut and Dunn Streets. Info: Visit Bloomington.
Labor Day weekend
Fourth Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts
A juried show of about 120 artists and craftspeople, held on Fourth Street over Labor Day weekend. Admission is free. The artists who run it began the festival in the 1970s, and 2026 marked its 50th anniversary on September 5 and 6. Info: Visit Bloomington.
Fall
Lotus World Music & Arts Festival
Bands from around the world play in downtown clubs, churches and theaters over a long weekend in early October, with workshops and food. Visit Bloomington lists the 2026 festival as October 1 to 4. Info: lotusfest.org and our directory listing.
Winter
Freezefest
Bloomington has held a winter festival called Freezefest. Read our 2023 post for what it was like, and watch the events calendar for a current edition.
Tips for festival days
- Check the organizer’s site the week before. Street closures and times change.
- Park outside downtown and walk, or take Bloomington Transit.
- Bring cash for small vendors and a reusable water bottle.
- Our food guides help you find a meal near any festival.
Run a festival we left out? Submit your event and we will add it.