The Bishop Bar is a no-cover neighborhood bar and live music venue located two blocks south of the downtown Bloomington square. It offers a laid-back, come-as-you-are alternative to the college bars along Kirkwood, drawing a mix of locals, students, and touring musicians through its doors seven nights a week.

Bar & Atmosphere

Up front, The Bishop runs a rotating craft beer selection alongside spirits and cocktails, with weekly specials that keep it budget-friendly. The room is cozy rather than polished — walls covered in local art and show flyers, a pool table, and an outdoor smoking area — giving it a lived-in, community feel rather than a manufactured one.

Live Music & Events

In back, The Bishop operates as one of Bloomington’s most active independent concert venues, hosting touring and local acts across indie rock, punk, folk, hip-hop, and experimental genres, with occasional comedy and dance nights mixed in. Shows can happen any night of the week, and there’s no cover charge to be in the building — you only pay for a ticket if there’s a performance you want to see.

Good to Know

• Address: 123 S. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN 47404
• Hours: 5:00 PM–3:00 AM Mon–Fri, 7:00 PM–3:00 AM Sat–Sun
• Cover charge: None — tickets only required for ticketed shows
• ID policy: Valid state or federal photo ID required for all patrons, including under 21
• Parking: Garage across the street; free lot behind the building after 9 PM; metered street parking (free Sundays)
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Whether you’re settling in for a quiet pint or catching a touring band on a Tuesday night, The Bishop Bar has been a steady fixture of Bloomington’s independent nightlife and music scene.