Keep out of the heat: Barbie, Oppenheimer, Shrek and an SNL comedian in Bloomington
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July has been hot and hazy lately. Luckily, staying indoors in Bloomington doesn't have to be boring. Two of the summer's long-awaited films — "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" — will be in theaters Friday.
Besides that, there are historical displays and art galleries, celebrity comedians and cartoon characters, tribute bands and girl groups. Head downtown this week for a number of exciting and affordable events.
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Extra! Extra! Read all about the history of local news
Beginning Tuesday, July 18, the Monroe County History Center is hosting an exhibit tracking the history of the local newspaper industry. "Breaking the News: The Past and Uncertain Future of Local Print Journalism" spans three galleries and nearly two centuries of news. Many artifacts from The Herald-Times are included in the displays.
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Adult admission is $2, but students pay only $1. Members and kids under 5 get in for free. You have until Dec. 30 to stop by the history center at 202 E. 6th St. in Bloomington for this exhibit. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It's time: Barbie and Oppenheimer in theaters near you
Two of the year's most anticipated movies will be in theaters starting Friday, July 21. You can buy advance tickets for "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" for showings on Friday or the following days at Bloomington's AMC theaters.
"Barbie" has a run time of an hour and 54 minutes, while "Oppenheimer" will last 3 hours. If you time it right, you can see them both in one day. The first stars Margot Robbie as the timeless, glamorous doll and Ryan Gosling as Ken. The latter tells the story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer — played by Cillian Murphy — who created the atomic bomb.
The AMC CLASSIC Bloomington 11 is at 1351 S. College Mall Road, and AMC CLASSIC Bloomington 12 is across town at 2929 W. 3rd St.
Bringing the World Cup to you, today through Aug. 20
The 2023 Women's World Cup starts Thursday, July 20. Head to the Taproom at Switchyard Brewing Company during operating hours to see every match for free. There will be $20 mimosa bucket specials, too.
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The first day of the World Cup brings New Zealand vs. Norway, Australia vs. Republic of Ireland, and Nigeria vs. Canada. The United States will play Vietnam on Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern. The World Cup will end a month from now, with the final scheduled for Aug. 20.
Here's when you can hang out at the brewery — located at 419 N. Walnut St. — each week:
Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday-Wednesday 3-10 p.m.
Thursday 3-11 p.m.
Friday noon-11 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Stay sophisticated with jazz, wine and art
Juniper Art Gallery is featuring live music by Peter Lerner for this month's Jazz Night. Every third Thursday of the month, the gallery hosts an evening of relaxation. From 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, head to 615 W. Kirkwood Ave. to listen to jazz, sip wine or beer and observe the artwork.
Lerner is a jazz guitarist with vast performance experience. Juniper Art Gallery displays and sells local, handmade art and artisan goods. It's located at 615 W. Kirkwood Ave. in Bloomington's Arts & Entertainment District. There is free parking behind the gallery.
Get funky and soulful at Switchyard's Summer Concert Series
From 6-10 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, Shannon and the Clams, Say She She, and Abby Jeanne will perform at Switchyard Park in Bloomington. The show is part of the park's Thursday Night Summer Concert Series. You can watch the concert for free from Bloomington's Switchyard Park at 1601 S. Rogers St.
Shannon and the Clams, the show's headliner, is an Oakland-based R&B group with a vintage sound. Say She She is composed of three women from Brooklyn producing "discodelic soul" music. Thursday's third performer is Abby Jeanne, a solo vocalist from Milwaukee.
The bands will be performing on the main stage on the east side of the park. Bring your blankets, chairs and coolers. Food Truck Friday has arranged vendors beginning about 4 p.m.
If you can't make it to the earlier performances, Abby Jeanne will play an after show at the Orbit Room Thursday night, 8:55-11:55 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Rock and roll never gets old
AC/DC tribute band "Thunderstruck" will perform at the Bluebird Nightclub on Friday, July 21, at 9 p.m. The band calls itself America's AC/DC tribute. The five-man ensemble is based in Louisville but has performed across the country since its inception in 2015.
Doors open at 8. It's a 21+ event, and tickets cost $15 per person. The Bluebird is at 216 N. Walnut St. in Bloomington. Buy tickets online.
SNL star coming to The Comedy Attic
Saturday Night Live's Punkie Johnson will take the stage at The Comedy Attic on Friday and Saturday nights. Both the 21st and 22nd have shows at 7 and 9:15 p.m. Johnson is a comedian featured in "Love Life" and "A Black Lady Sketch Show," in addition to SNL.
Students from any school can see the show for $16, while tickets are $20 for the general public. For the 7 p.m. shows, doors open at 6. Get there as early as 8:45 for the 9 p.m. show. The Comedy Attic is at 123 S. Walnut St.
Buy tickets and read Johnson's bio here.
Everyone's favorite ogre is back
Sure, 2023 blockbusters are coming to theaters soon, but sometimes you can't beat the classics. See "Shrek" on Saturday afternoon at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater as part of the Summer Family Film Fest. It'll play at 3:30 p.m., and tickets are $6. Kids five and under can see the movie for free. Doors open at 3.
Get tickets here.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: AMC theaters show Barbie and Oppenheimer, Bloomington, IN things to do
