Bye-bye, July! School supply giveaway and more to do in Bloomington this weekend

The last days of summer break are dwindling. July is nearing its end, and K-12 students are headed back to school. Make the most of this final week by watching a comedy show, celebrating Queen Bey or browsing free school supplies just in time for back to school.

Adults can have fun, too! Field day at Switchyard Park

On Friday, July 28, adults 21+ are invited to a field day event from 6-9 p.m. at Bloomington's Switchyard Park. Admission is $8, and that gets you access to outdoor fun: dodgeball, musical chairs, giant lawn games and the IU Outdoor Adventures rock wall. If you aren't feeling competitive, get a drink and groove to '80s, '90s and 2000s music. There will also be a photo booth available.

All of this takes place at Switchyard Park's Main Stage Lawn at 1601 S. Rogers St. For more information, contact Crystal Ritter at ritterc@bloomington.in.gov.

'Show up' Friday night for dramedy film

Cicada Cinema is putting on a showing of the 2022 drama/comedy "Showing Up," starring Michelle Williams. The film plays Friday night at 8 at Hopscotch Coffee & Kitchen. Tickets are $8.

"Showing Up" is about a sculptor's journey through drama, love and creativity. It's an hour and 48 minutes long and is rated R. Hopscotch Coffee & Kitchen is at 235 W. Dodds St.

Queen Bey's Renaissance: Beyoncé night at The Back Door

Friday night, you'll be feeling flawless and crazy in love at The Back Door's Club Renaissance Beyoncé dance party. It'll be an irreplaceable night. You'll run the world. Get it?

The bar opens at 7 Friday night, but the dance party starts at 10. Be prepared for drag performances, Bey's top songs and a whole lot of singing. The drag queens will perform 10 p.m.-midnight, but the dancing continues until the bar closes at 3 a.m.

California comedian Ron Funches coming to Comedy Attic

Ron Funches is coming to Bloomington this weekend to perform Friday and Saturday nights at The Comedy Attic. It isn't the comedian's first time in town, and you've got four chances to see him this time. Both nights of the weekend will have 7 and 9:15 p.m. shows. Students get in for $16, and it's $20 admission for everyone else.

Funches is also an actor, starring in "Get Hard" and "The Goldbergs" and voice acting in "Trolls," among other movies and TV series. He has a one-hour special on Comedy Central called "Ron Funches: Giggle Fit."

Free school supplies and more at Switchyard Park

School will start before you know it. A Back to School Outreach event is scheduled for Saturday, July 29, to make school preparations easier for the whole family. If you swing by Switchyard Park at 2 p.m., you can shop backpacks, school supplies, clothing and shoes for free.

The event is hosted by City Church for All Nations. There'll be food, refreshments and even free haircuts. And, most exciting, anyone 18+ with an Indiana Driver's License is eligible to win a free car. Come to Switchyard Park from 2-4 p.m. Saturday and stress less about school prep.

Back to school: Monroe County students get a 'jump start' on school ahead of first day

Bringing "Iron Chef" to you: Chef's Challenge

Saturday evening at 7, Community Kitchen will present Chef's Challenge, Bloomington's premier culinary event. Three local chefs will take the stage at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in a competition similar to "Iron Chef." They'll use a secret ingredient to craft a dish in an hour. Local judges (including the H-T's Carol Kugler) will choose the winner.

On the Menu: Watch local top chefs create dishes at Bloomington Chefs' Challenge July 29

During the event, you can also indulge in a live auction, restaurant trivia and local hors d’oeuvres. The event will last 2.5 hours, and doors open at 6. Buy tickets now for $30. If you're industry staff, admission is only $10. All proceeds help Community Kitchen fight hunger in Monroe County.

Feeling nostalgic? Get out those old dresses and tuxes.

You've been missing the 80s. Back to school has you reminiscing on your teenage years, and your old prom dress is still in the closet covered in cobwebs. Dust it off, find a date and go to retro prom at The Fairfax Bar and Grill at 8660 S. Fairfax Road on Saturday night.

From 8-11 p.m. on the July 29, the Pam Thrash Retro Prom is a place to let loose while supporting a good cause. It's a benefit for Hoosier Hills Food Bank. There are two ticket options. One is $10, half of which goes toward the food bank. Or, bring two canned goods to the event and get in for $5.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: This weekend: field day, comedy, chef's challenge in Bloomington IN