Miller Park Outdoor Summer Theatre
Miller
Park Band Shell
1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington
June 16 - 20 and 23 - 27 "Arsenic and Old Lace"
July 21 - 25 and July 28 - 31 "The Sound of Music"
Local actors will be featured in two popular shows presented free by the City of Bloomington. Come early and grab a seat in front of the band shell, or bring your lawn chair or blankets and enjoy great outdoor theatre with your friends and neighbors.
Day in Dimmitt's Grove
Maria Litta Park, Corner of S. Gridley and E. Jackson Streets, Bloomington, Illinois
Visitors to this scenic neighborhood can enjoy luncheon in the garden and guided
historical walking tours during this family event. President Grant will be on hand, as well as craftsmen and vintage cars.
Lots of activities plus music by Old Time Jam Band and the Harmony Guaranteed barbershop quartet will round out the day. Phone: 309-830-3484 for more information, or visit the Dimmitt's Grove website.
COUNTRY Youth Classic
Bloomington-Normal Area Golf Courses
June 27 – 29
The COUNTRY Youth Classic has introduced team competitions this year. Teams will compete in high school divisions for both boys and girls (13-17 year olds). The first day of the event is for practice, with tournament play the second two days of the event. Here's a chance to see lots of talented young players from around the state. Tournament phone numbers: (309) 665-0033 or 1-800-433-8226.
Illinois Shakespeare Festival
Ewing Manor
48 Sunset Road, Bloomington, Illinois
June 29 through August 13 (various dates during this period)
Pack a picnic and enjoy the Green Show, then experience Shakespeare under the stars in the comfortable, elegant outdoor setting of Ewing Manor. This season's shows include: "MacBeth," "Twelfth Night" and "Henry VIII." Be sure to stroll through the Shakespeare Garden--a special collection of flowers and herbs from Shakespeare's plays just behind the Courtyard Stage. Call 309-438-8110 or toll free (outside Illinois): 866-IL-SHAKE for ticket information. Visit the Shakespeare Festival website. for details.
ISU Concerts on the Quad Series
Quadrangle on the east side of Cook Hall, (off University St.), Illinois State University, Normal
Monday evenings June 20 – July 25
This series of five free concerts features a great mix of musical talents with something for everyone to enjoy. Celtic, Zydeco, chamber music, jazz, and a double bill of opera and Broadway hits will be included in this year's lineup.
Park to Park 5-Miler
July 4
Runners of all ages who like a challenge will want to compete in this point-to-point race jointly sponsored by Bloomington and Normal Parks and Recreation Departments and the Lake Run Club. The race begins at Bloomington's Miller Park and concludes at Fairview Park in Normal. Refreshments will be offered and awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each age division. For details and registration information, visit the Lake Run Club website.
Fourth of July Festivities
Miller Park – Bloomington – 5 – 8 p.m. with fireworks at dusk
Fairview Park – Normal -- noon to 5 p.m. with fireworks at dusk
July 4
You'll find plenty of entertainment and activities for folks of all ages to enjoy during the annual Fourth of July celebrations hosted by the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal. A Sky Concert by WJBC AM will accompany the fireworks displays at both parks.
Harry Potter Midnight Book Release Party
101 E. Beaufort, Downtown Normal, Illinois
Registration deadline: July 8
Event: Friday, July 15
The Children's Discovery Museum will host a party to count down to the midnight release of "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince." Activities will include a "Care of Misunderstood Creatures class." "Tea Leaf Readings," a Magic Show, Harry Potter Trivia, and an appearance by Gilderoy Lockheart. Face painting, magical activities, munchies, and other surprises are also planned. throughout the evening. If you like, come dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character! Advance registration required. Visit the Children's Discovery Museum website. for more information.
Sugar Creek Arts Festival
Downtown Normal
July 9 - 10
Nearly 150 local, state and national artists and artisans will display and sell their work at this annual outdoor artfest. Live music, food concessions and children’s art activities are offered during the event. It's a great way to celebrate summer in Central Illinois!Visit the Sugar Creek Link on the McLean County Arts Center website. for details on artists.
Normal Parks & Recreation Summer Theatre
Normal Community West High School
501 N. Parkside Road, Normal, Illinois
July 15 -17, 22 – 24 and 29 - 31 "The King and I"
Area students in grades 9 - 12 have provided outstanding theatrical entertainment since the early 1970s. Bring the family to watch talented young cast, crew and orchestra members in this great musical from Rodgers & Hammerstein. Call (309) 454-9540 for more information.
Ice Cream Social
Comlara County Park
13001 Recreation Area Dr., Hudson, Illinois
(off I-39 North at Evergreen Lake)
July 16
Bring the family to Comlara Park for ice cream, soft drinks, children's games, and entertainment by a barbershop quartet. For details on this and other special events, visit the park website.
Nothin' But The Blues Festival
Bloomington Sale Barn
2027 S Main St., Bloomington, Illinois
Don't miss this great collection of blues acts. The line-up includes Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton and Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band. Call (309) 820-0099 to order tickets or go to the Festival website.
Sound of Illinois Chorus Dinner Show
Bone Student Center Ballroom
Illinois State University
College Ave. and University St., Normal, Illinois
July 23
This outstanding Central Illinois Barbershop chorus has been entertaining audiences (and winning competitions) since 1942. Enjoy a great dinner served by chorus member/waiters, and great barbershop harmony in numbers performed by quartets and the full chorus. Call (309) 454-2300 for ticket requests. For additional information about the chorus and other events, visit the Sound of Illinois Chorus website.
Freedom Tea
David Davis Mansion Historical Site
1000 East Monroe Drive
Bloomington, Illinois
July 23
Wear your red, white and blue when you come to tea at the David Davis Mansion. The Tea Ladies will host a patriotic tea and share some facts about the women's suffrage movement and how it changed the way of life in America. This program proved so popular, that an additional date was added, so get your reservations in quickly by calling (309) 827-2200. Visit the Mansion website. for more information the Davis Mansion and its programs.
Prairie Fire Theatre Production of "Ruddigore"
Westbrook Auditorium, Presser Hall
Illinois Wesleyan University Campus, Bloomington, Illinois
July 29 – 31 and August 5 – 7
"Ruddigore, or The Witch's Curse" is Gilbert & Sullivan's operatic spoof on stock melodrama. With ghosts, villains, and a pair of "star-crossed" lovers, this production is fun for the whole family. For tickets call 309-824-3047. Check out the Prairie Fire Theatre website. for details on other shows this season.
National Night Out
Miller Park
1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington, Illinois
August 2
Bloomington will host its 12th annual celebration highlighting crime/drug and gang prevention and neighborhood unity this year. Free food, games, prizes, raffles, karaoke, informational booths sponsored by local organizations, and a softball game between Bloomington police and firefighters will all be part of the evening's activities. Local favorites Hip Pocket will provide the entertainment. Citizens are asked to turn on their porch lights to light up their neighborhoods against crime. For more information, visit the event website.
2005 McLean County Fair
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market St., Bloomington, Illinois
August 3 - 7
This annual convergence of farm, family, food, and fun includes the largest 4-H fair in the country with exhibit projects ranging from livestock to model rockets. Visitors will learn about community groups, and enjoy bands, carnival rides and novelty acts. There will also be plenty of excitement with the PRCA Western Rodeo, demolition derby and tractor pull events. Country music star Joe Diffie and Christian musician Travis Meadows will be featured in free grandstand shows. Hosted by the McLean County Farm Bureau and the University of Illinois Extension-McLean County, this event has been a cooperative tradition since 1932. Details at the Fair website.
Campfire Fun Night
Sugar Grove Nature Center
4532 N. 725 East Road
McLean, Illinois
(south of Funks Grove off Old Route 66)
August 5
Sample S'mores, enjoy lemonade and iced tea, and settle in around the fire for stories, songs and friendship. Learn about what happens in the wild after sundown on a night-time nature hike. The event is free, but advance registration is required by calling (309) 874-2174 or e-mail:sugargrovenc@earthlink.net
"Pride on the Prairie"
Eagle Radio Prairie Air Show
Greater Peoria Regional Airport
Off I-474 on the southwest side of
Peoria, Illinois
August 6 - 7
The show is held in nearby Peoria and benefits Bloomington-Normal's Prairie Aviation Museum. This year's show will honor veterans and commemorate the 30th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam conflict. Aerobatic performances will begin around noon on both days, and will feature the Army Aviation Demonstration Team, the Black Daggers and a host of popular air show performers. Food, activities and static aircraft displays are also scheduled. Wear your sunglasses, sunscreen and hats, and pack the folding chairs and umbrellas for shade. Visit the Prairie Air Show website. for ticket information.
Golden Days of Radio
Heartland Theatre Company
Community Activity Center
1100 N. Beech St., Normal, Illinois
August 12 - 14, 18 - 21
Heartland Theatre Company and the McLean County Museum of History invite you to a fun-filled show featuring music, old-time radio commercials, behind-the-scenes sound effects, and local radio personalities. For ticket information and reservations, call (309) 452-8709 or visit the Heartland Theatre website.
Cultural Festival Weekend
Miller Park
1020 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington, Illinois
August 19 – 21
This local tradition highlights our community's cultural diversity with ethnic food, music and dance, as well as a Gospel music celebration. The NEXT Stage talent showcase features up-and-coming performers from across the state. Vendors and community organizations will be on hand, and the Children's Village will provide a wide range of activities. Festival admission is free, so bring the family. For details, visit the Cultural Festival website.
Sweet Corn & Blues Festival
Downtown Normal
August 27 - 28
Enjoy your fill at this great "music and munch" festival held in downtown Normal. The event features more than 16 tons of sweet corn cooked by a vintage steam engine and provides entertainment by some of the best blues bands in Central Illinois. It's summertime fun at its buttery, bluesy best!
Day of the 'Dozer
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market St., Bloomington, Illinois
August 28
*CANCELED* (Check back next yr.)
Kids who want to explore the wonderful world of BIG equipment can do so to their heart's content at this annual fundraising event! More than 15 pieces of construction equipment and related vehicles will be available for rides, and other equipment will be set up for climbing. Concessions and T-shirts will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Community Cancer Center in Normal and the McLean County affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information, Visit the Day of the Dozer website. or call the Community Cancer Center at 309-451-8500.
Cheaper by the Dozen
Community Players Theatre
201 Robinhood Lane, Bloomington, Illinois
September 9-11, 15-18, 22-24
Enjoy good family comedy at its best with this classic American favorite from the book by Frank and Ernestine Gilbreth dramatized by Christopher Sergel. To get your tickets for this season opener at our local community theatre, call the Box Office at (309) 663-2121. For details on auditions and other shows planned for this season, visit Community Players on the web.
FlatCon 2005
The Interstate Center
2301 W. Market, Bloomington, Illinois
September 23-25
FlatCon is a gaming extravaganza that offers something for everyone. Role playing, miniature, board, and card games and tournaments from a wide variety of genres will be represented and demonstrated. Vendors will include Anime, gaming, fantasy gifts, and comics. More information is available at the FlatCon website.
Fall Colors Family Day
Comlara County Park
13001 Recreation Area Dr.
(off I-39 North at Evergreen Lake)
Hudson, Illinois
October 8
For a good old-fashioned day of fun, bring the whole gang out to Comlara Park for hayrack rides, children's games, hot dogs and marshmallows roasted over a fire, and Nature's annual "art show" in the wooded areas surrounding the park. For details on this and other special events, visit the Park website.
Parklands Foundation Seed Collection Work Day
Meet at Towanda FS/Fast Stop Service Station
September 24
Experienced and novice outdoor enthusiasts are invited to help members of the Parklands Foundation collect seeds as part of the group's efforts to maintain some of our most beautiful natural areas. Call (309) 527-5636 or e-mail horgan@mcchs.org for details, and visit the Parklands website.
Haunted Trail
Constitution Trail
Normal, Illinois
October 21, 22, 28, 29
Take a self-guided tour complete with scary characters, spooky sounds and creepy lighting. Kids 8 years old and up will have lots of fun. For younger children and their parents, the first two nights will feature non-scary sights and sounds. Call (309) 434-9540 for more information.
Ongoing:
Children's Discovery Museum
101 E. Beaufort
Downtown Normal, Illinois
Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays)
Activities and special programs are available throughout the summer months at the new museum in downtown Normal. Call (309) 433-3444 or visit the Children's Discovery Museum website for more information.
Downtown Bloomington
Farmers Market
Downtown Bloomington
Saturday mornings
through October
Visit with your neighbors and enjoy a huge variety of 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.
Trailside Farmer's Market
Municipal parking lot
between North St. and College Ave., Normal, Illinois
Tuesday evenings through November 1
This new project in downtown Normal will feature local vendors with fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and meats for sale. Booths will be set up right off the Constitution Trail.
Blacksmithing Demonstrations
Sugar Grove Forge
(Sugar Grove Nature Center)
4532 N. 725 East Road
McLean, Illinois
(south of Funks Grove off Old Route 66)
Third Saturday morning of the month
through August
The public is invited to watch members of the Illinois Valley Blacksmith's Association at work perfecting their skills with hammer, anvil and forge.
Twin City Horseshoe Pitchers Club
Maxwell Park
North of Parkside Road and Gregory St., Normal, Illinois
Recreational and competitive horseshoe pitchers can enjoy the 12 pit lighted court at Maxwell Park in Normal beginning the first week in May through the end of September. For more information, call (309) 454-1132 or (309) 452-2322.
Free Lunch Concerts
Withers Park,
Downtown Bloomington
Each Wednesday through August 17
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. Concerts are held in Withers Park at East and Washington Streets.
Horseback Riding
Moraine View - State Recreation Area
27374 Moraine View Park Rd., LeRoy, Illinois
More than 10 miles of bridle paths on Timberline Ridge Trail wind through most of the area. There is an equestrian campground available and horses also are available at the stables for group trail rides. Call (309) 724-8043 or e-mail: moraineview@dnrmail.state.il.us for more information. Visit the Dept. of Natural Resources website. for details on other activities in the park.
3rd Sunday Market
Interstate Center
2301 W. Market St., Bloomington, Illinois
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.
Twin City Stars Collegiate baseball team
The Twin City Stars are part of the Central Illinois Collegiate League (CICL), one of only ten summer collegiate baseball leagues certified by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Home games rotate between Red Bird Field at Illinois State University and Jack Horenberger Field at Illinois Wesleyan University. For team roster, schedules and ticket information, visit the league website.
Disc Golf
Maxwell Park
Parkside Rd., Normal, Illinois
During regular Park Hours
Limber up and try your skill at disc (Frisbee) golf. The Maxwell Park facility is located just south and across the street from Champion Fields on Parkside Rd., and features an 18-hole court.
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