Things to do in Bloomington: Paint your pet, true crime author, dumpling demos

As townie summer wraps up in Bloomington and students flood back, organizations across the city will host events to keep everyone entertained. Love Taylor Swift? Check out these seven happenings this week for movies, music, shopping and more.

Swifties at Switchyard

Calling all Taylor Swift fans! On Friday, Aug. 11, at 5 p.m., Switchyard Park will host an Eras Tour-themed pop-up craft event. It lasts three hours and occurs during Happy Hours on the Lawn.

You can make clothespin figurines and prop them up for pictures on a tabletop-sized Eras Tour stage. The event is free while supplies last. At the same time, enjoy Food Truck Friday and live music from artists as part of the park's Performing Art Series. Attendees can dress up and bring friendship bracelets, as is custom at Swift's concerts.

Switchyard Park is at 1601 S. Rogers St. in Bloomington.

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Country singer Lorrie Morgan comes to town

Singer/songwriter Lorrie Morgan will perform at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater this Friday night at 7. Morgan is a Nashville, Tennessee, native and the daughter of George Morgan, a Country Music Hall of Fame member. She first performed at the Grand Ole Opry as a 13-year-old.

You can buy tickets now online, at the theater's box office or by phone at (812) 332-3020. Tickets range from about $40-$60. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Find the Buskirk-Chumley Theater at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.

See 'The Little Mermaid' at IU Outdoor Pool

Saturday, Aug. 12, see "The Little Mermaid," a 2023 live-action version of the classic Disney film, at the IU Outdoor Pool for free. The movie starts at dusk, around 8:30 p.m., and will end around 11.

The event is part of the Summer Outdoor Movie Series, hosted by Indiana Memorial Union, Student Involvement and Leadership Center, and Division of Student Affairs. The pool is located on the IU campus at 1490 N. Fee Lane. Free.

Want a portrait of your pet?

Submit a picture of your pet now for a "paint your pet" workshop Sunday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control is hosting the event at Switchyard Brewing Company. For $40, you submit a photo, receive a sketch of your pet, and then follow a step-by-step process to paint it perfectly in pop art or traditional style. Half of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control.

To participate in the workshop, send a picture of your pet to the instructor, Zach, at zachlowe.gallery@gmail.com before Aug. 12. Include your full name and 3-5 high-quality photographs of your pet, and make sure to add "Bloomington" to the subject line.

'No Place Like Murder' with true-crime author

Join award-winning author Janis Thornton on Sunday, Aug. 13, from 2-3 p.m. at the Monroe County Public Library downtown. Thornton, and Indiana native, has published nine books. Her 2020 book, "No Place Like Murder," is a modern retelling of 20 Midwestern true crimes from 1869 to 1950.

Head to meeting room 1B at 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. in Bloomington to chat with Thornton and purchase books. The event is for ages 18 and up.

Drop-in dumplings workshop, yum!

Learn to make Chinese dumplings Thursday, Aug. 17, from 3:30-5:30 p.m., at Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, a Bloomington food pantry. The event, led by guest instructor Jenny, is free (though donations are welcome) and family-friendly. You can drop by to learn to make dumplings or just to sample them.

To join the learning crew and get a hands-on experience, register at https://www.mhcfoodpantry.org/education. Find Mother Hubbard's Cupboard at 1100 W. Allen St.

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Peek behind the screen at IU cinema

The IU Cinema team is hosting an afternoon for movie fans next Thursday, Aug. 17, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be music, movies and games, and guests get a behind-the-scenes-tour. While you snack on free cookies and lemonade, get a glimpse at upcoming films with the cinema's reel of trailers. IU Cinema is at 1213 E. 7th St. in Bloomington.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Things to do in Bloomington, IN: Taylor Swift craft, pet portraits