Things to do this weekend in Bloomington: Freezefest, music at Sinkhole, Blockhouse bars

Carol Kugler, The Herald-Times
·3 min read

Hey Bloomington, it's cold outside, which means the ice sculptures created at Freezefest will likely last through the weekend. Prefer to stay inside? Strap on a headband, scrunch those legwarmers and head to Western Skateland for a night of '80s rolling dance moves. Here's the details on those events and other things to do around Bloomington.

It's 'Back to the '80s' Thursday at Western Skateland

DJ Axipitor will host "Back to the '80s" 9-11 p.m. Thursday at Western Skateland, 930 W. 17th St. Come dressed in 1980s attire for this age 18-plus event. Entry is $5 per person with $5 more for skate rental.

Spoken Nerd's first Bloomington show Thursday at The Sinkhole

On Thursday, fans of satire and hip-hop have a chance to hear from Spoken Nerd at his first show in Bloomington, at The Sinkhole, 313 E. Winslow Road. Spoken Nerd is the hip-hop/indie pop project of Nathan Conrad of Nashville, Tennessee. The 9 p.m. show is free, with a $8 suggested donation.

Ice carving, family fun, food at Freezefest Thursday through Saturday

Beckett Dhanawade plays with an ice sculpture outside of The Mill during Freezefest on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.
Beckett Dhanawade plays with an ice sculpture outside of The Mill during Freezefest on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.

Watch ice sculptures emerge and interact with some of them outside The Mill on Bloomington's north side beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday as part of Freezefest 2024.

Warm up after by attending the 2024 Chilly Cook-Off from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday inside The Mill. Tickets are $15 and allow the ticketholder to sample portions of chili created by 24 community chefs competing in the contest. Complementary crackers, water and tea will be available.

Sculptor Harvey Russell from St. Louis works on a piece outside of Upland Brewery during Freezefest on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.
Sculptor Harvey Russell from St. Louis works on a piece outside of Upland Brewery during Freezefest on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.

Live ice carving demonstrations will continue 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday by internationally recognized sculptors. During those hours there will be family activities, food trucks selling food and drinks and more. An outside ice bar will be on the patio at Upland Brewing Company 6-10 p.m. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. the B-Town Ice Battle will commence on Uptown's outdoor stage, where all ages can watch ice sculptors battle for the coveted Golden Chain Saw award.

William Tyler & The Impossible Truth perform Saturday at The Bishop

Guitarist William Tyler & The Impossible Truth will perform Saturday at The Bishop, 123 S. Walnut St. The 18-plus show begins at 9 p.m. and costs $20. Tickets available at the door and online at thebishopbar.com.

Coming in 2024: Can't miss events in and near Bloomington, Indiana

Scott Reeves presents 'The Memphis Project' at Blockhouse Bar on Jan. 24

New York-based trombonist/composer/arranger Scott Reeves will presenting "The Memphis Project" at Bloomington's Blockhouse Bar on Jan. 24, 2024.
New York-based trombonist/composer/arranger Scott Reeves will presenting "The Memphis Project" at Bloomington's Blockhouse Bar on Jan. 24, 2024.

As part of the Call & Response jazz series at the Blockhouse Bar, New York-based trombonist/composer/arranger Scott Reeves will present "The Memphis Project," which celebrates the music of jazz masters from Memphis, including Mulgrew Miller, James Williams, George Coleman, Donald Brown, Booker Little and Harold Mabern. Reeves will perform with a band of Indiana University jazz faculty musicians. Sets begin at 7:30 and 9 p.m. $10 cover ($5 for students). Blockhouse Bar is at 205 S. College Ave.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Try Freezefest, hot jazz, adult skating or Spoken Nerd in Bloomington