Bloomington Public Library Children’s Department
205 E. Olive, Bloomington, Illinois
March 8 – April 13
Check out this colorful collection of artwork by students from District 87 elementary schools creatively displayed in the Children’s Department. This is the 22nd annual show and it’s well worth a look. The exhibit is free and may be viewed during library hours.
High-Tech Treasure Hunt
Comlara County Park
13001 Recreation Area Dr., (off I-39 North at Evergreen Lake)
rural Hudson, Illinois
March 18 (Registration continues up to the day of the event if openings exist)
Here’s your chance to learn to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and participate in a geocache program looking for “hidden treasures” around Lake Evergreen. The event is geared to ages 12 and up. GPS units and lunch will be provided. To register, call (309) 726-2022, ext. 221 or go to McLean County Parks online registration.
Spring Bloom Arts Festival
Bloomington Sale Barn
2015 South Main Street, Bloomington, Illinois
March 18
Welcome spring with this juried show of fine art and fine craft by nearly 100 exhibitors from across the nation. Original artwork in a variety of disciplines will be displayed and the artists will be on hand to offer insight into their work. For more information, call the McLean County Arts Center at (309) 829-0011 or visit the Arts Center website.
Trivia Mania
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market, Bloomington, Illinois
March 24
If you’re a “trivia nut,” get your friends and family together as a team and pit your trivia knowledge against other teams for fun and prizes. This is the third year for this fundraising event to support the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics of Illinois. Food and beverages will be available and spectators are welcome. Call (309) 527-4005 for more information.
Illinois Symphony Masterworks 4: Symphonic Seas
Braden Auditorium
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
March 31
The Illinois Symphony Chorus and Orchestra and guest soloists will feature music from the movie classics “Victory at Sea” and “Titanic” along with the “Sea Symphony” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Life jackets are not required, but tickets are, so check the link on the Symphony Website.
Jazz Festival Concert
Center for the Performing Arts
Illinois State University campus, Normal, Illinois
April 1
Join participants in the 10th Annual ISU Jazz festival for an evening concert featuring the competition's winning jazz band performing with special guest, saxophonist Denis DiBlasio. For more information, call 309-438-2540. Tickets are available by calling 309-438-2535 or on the Fine Arts Department website.
Quilt Spectrum 2006 - Bloomin’ on the Prairie
Interstate Center
2301 W Market St., Bloomington, Illinois
April 8 - 9
More than 200 colorful quilts will be displayed and area quilters can visit an extensive merchant exhibition area. Bed turning and quilting demonstrations will be featured, along with a sale of quilted items, raffles and door prizes. Visit the Hands All Around Quilt Guild website.
Halloween in April – Zoo Style!
Miller Park Zoo
1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington, Illinois
April 23
Turn heads on both sides of the animal enclosures! Dress up like your favorite animal and take part in a costume parade at the Zoo. Crafts, games and up-close animal encounters are also planned. For details, visit the Miller Park Zoo website.
An Evening with Utah Phillips
McLean County Museum of History
200 N. Main, Bloomington, Illinois
April 28
Come share an evening of songs and stories of the road and the rails with the one-of-a-kind folksinger Utah Phillips. A champion of labor and a voice for the common man and woman, Phillips will keep everyone thinking, laughing and maybe even singing along! Come early and view the Journey through the Great Depression exhibit for some added insight into Phillips and his music. For more information, call (309) 827-0428 or visit the Museum of History website.
Community Players production of ‘Oklahoma!’
Community Players Theater
201 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington, Illinois
May 5 - 7, 11 - 14, and 18 – 21
This popular Rodgers and Hammerstein musical based on the play "Green Grow The Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs takes the audience back to the Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the 20th Century. Rivalry between farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background for the romance between Curly the cowboy and farm girl Laurey. Local talent is featured in this nostalgic bit of entertainment highlighted by great songs and choreography. For reservations and ticket information, call (309) 663-2121 or visit the Community Players website.
25th Anniversary Lake Run
Lake Bloomington
May 6
With a 12K or 4.37 mile competitive run, and a 3-mile non-competitive walk, there are plenty of options for participation. A post-race party with food, beverages and music will also be part of this milestone observance. Both Lake Run courses were certified by USATF standards. Proceeds from the Lake Run will benefit Habitat for Humanity. For details, visit the Lake Run Club website or call (309) 451-3309.
Bloomington-Normal Film Festival
Historic Normal Theater
209 North St., Normal, Illinois
May 9 & 10
Short films (each no longer than 3 minutes) by amateur filmmakers will be screened at the Normal Theater. The May 9 event will highlight the work of young adults. Films by college students and others will be featured on May 10. For additional information, visit the filmfest website.
Youth Day and Open Cockpit Day
Prairie Aviation Museum
2929 East Empire, Bloomington, Illinois
May 13
Climb into the cockpit of reconditioned military planes on display at Prairie Aviation Museum (cameras welcome!) or wander inside a giant earth balloon that gives a view of the earth from the inside out with air routes, weather indicators, and more. Aviation enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy activities and exhibits. Call Prairie Aviation
Museum (309) 663-7632 for details or visit the PAM website.
A Day in May - Photography Contest
Lincoln Leisure Center
1206 S. Lee, Bloomington, Illinois
May 13
Amateur photographers of all ages are invited to capture images of Bloomington with a 35-millimeter camera. Each participant will receive a marked 35mm roll of film at 9:00 a.m. and then head out to take pictures anywhere within the city limits of Bloomington. Finished rolls of film must be returned by 4:00 p.m. Film will be developed and all photos will be returned. Winning photos in three categories will be displayed at Lincoln Leisure Center throughout the summer starting May 22. For details, call (309) 434-2260.
Nature Walk - Late Spring Wildflowers
Parklands Foundation, Merwin Preserve - West Gate Rural Gridley, Illinois
May 14
Take an afternoon stroll through a wildflower wonderland with an experienced guide from Parklands Foundation. For directions to the Merwin Preserve, visit the Parklands Foundation website or call (309) 452-5728.
Keep the Bloom in Bloomington
Downtown Bloomington
May 20
Don’t miss the Farmers' Market kick-off first thing in the morning. Stick around for cooking demonstrations and food-tasting, as well as the Adopt-a-Pot ceremony and entertainment. The Tour de Metro later in the day will offer a special look at downtown living spaces. For Tour de Metro ticket information, visit the link at the Downtown Bloomington Association website.
Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park Intertribal Pow-wow
Grand Village of the Kickapoo Park in rural LeRoy, Illinois
June 3 – 4
Intertribal dancers plus art and food vendors will come together for the 8th Annual Intertribal Pow-wow. This outdoor event offers a chance for the whole family to observe some colorful and symbolic elements of Native American cultural heritage. Call 309-962-2700 or 309-962-4106 or visit the Park website.
20 Years: The 5th Annual 10-Minute Play Festival
Heartland Theatre Company
Community Activity Center
1100 N. Beech St. Normal, Illinois
June 8 - 11, 15 - 17, and 22 - 25
This year’s festival features plays submitted by playwrights from all across the country, all on the subject of what can happen in 20 years. For ticket information and reservations, call (309) 452-8709 or visit the Heartland theatre website.
Special Olympics Illinois - State Summer Games
Sports Complex area
Illinois State University, Normal, IL
June 16 -18
Cheer on the athletes and teams from all over the state as they compete in aquatics, athletics, bocce, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, and unified bocce events. It’s a great opportunity to volunteer for a good cause, too. Visit the Special Olympics Illinois website for schedule and other details.
Glorious Garden Walk
David Davis Mansion Historical Site
1000 East Monroe Drive, Bloomington, Illinois
June 16 – 17
Take self-guided tours of select local gardens in the Bloomington-Normal area, including the Heirloom Garden on the grounds of the David Davis Mansion. McLean County Master Gardeners and representatives from local landscaping companies will be available to answer questions. This special event benefits the David Davis Mansion Foundation and Chestnut Health Systems Auxiliary. Call (309) 828-1084 or check the Davis Mansion website for more information.
COUNTRY Youth Classic
Bloomington-Normal Area Golf Courses
June 26 – 28
Last year’s tournament included more than 520 golfers between the ages of 3-22 from 14 different states and seven foreign countries. Come watch talented young teams compete in high school divisions for both boys and girls. The first day of the event is for practice, with tournament play the remaining two days of the event. Visit the COUNTRY Youth Classic website or call (309) 665-0033 or 1-800-433-8226 for details.
Ongoing:
Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market
Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
Saturday mornings May 20 through October
This season marks the 10th anniversary for the Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market featuring area produce, flowers and related products each week. Local artists and artisans also have their work for sale as part of Artists’ Alley. Weather permitting, musical entertainment is also part of the mix around the Courthouse Square in historic Downtown Bloomington. For up-to-date information on special events and types of produce offered, check the Farmers Market website.
First Wednesday Brown Bag Lectures
Center for Counseling and Healing Arts
1100 N. Beech, Normandy Village, #13, Normal, Illinois
First Wednesday of the month at noon
Through December
If you’d like to learn more about journaling, dream interpretation, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery and many more interesting topics, bring your lunch and come for the free presentations and conversation. For more information and the list of topics for 2006, call (309) 454-2111.
Twin City Horseshoe Pitchers Club
Maxwell Park
Parkside Road and Gregory Street, Normal, Illinois
Recreational and competitive horseshoe pitchers can enjoy the 12 pit lighted court at Maxwell Park in Normal First week in May through the end of September. For more information, call (309) 454-1132 or (309) 452-2322.
Free Lunch Concerts
Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
Each Wednesday May 17 through August 16
Bring your lunch, your blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy concerts by a diverse array of bands and solo performers from this area. Performances are scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and will feature Big Band sounds, country ballads, Caribbean, jazz, traditional Irish music and much more. All concerts will be held on the north side of the McLean County Museum of History (facing Jefferson Street).
Bike rides with the McLean County Wheelers
Meet at various times and locations
Join this group of bicycle enthusiasts for tours, club rides, weekend rides, and racing. Members ride road bikes, mountain bikes, and recumbents. Details about meetings and daily rides are online at the McLean County Wheelers website.
Horseback Trail Rides
Wellgreen Farm
Rural Downs, Illinois
Trail rides and other activities for horse lovers are a great way to spend a spring weekend. For details, call (309) 378-2124 or visit the Wellgreen Farm website.
3rd Sunday Market
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market St., Bloomington, Illinois
Third Sunday, May through October
If you like antiques, collectibles and crafts, this is the place to be on the third Sunday of each month from May through October. More than 450 dealers (with 300 booths inside the Center) set up rain or shine to display and sell thousands of items. For additional information, call (309) 452-7926.
U.S. Cellular Coliseum events
Front Street and US 51 South, Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
Beginning in April
The newest venue in the Twin Cities will open this spring. Scheduled entertainment includes the Smucker’s Stars on Ice show, concerts by John Mellencamp and Martina McBride, and Monster Trucks, too. If you like arena football, the new Bloomington Extreme team will play eight home games in the new facility between April 1 and July 8. For more information about the facility, upcoming events and tickets, visit the U.S. Cellular Coliseum website.
Pepsi Ice Center
West Olive and US 51 South, Downtown Bloomington, Illinois
Beginning in May
This indoor public ice skating facility, operated by the Bloomington Parks & Recreation Department, features a full size sheet of ice (200’ x 85’) and is part of the U.S. Cellular Coliseum complex. The Pepsi Ice Center will offer opportunities for ice skating, hockey and figure skating when it opens in May. Call Rich at (309) 434-2260 for details, or check the Pepsi Ice Center link on the U.S. Cellular Coliseum website.
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