This weekend in Bloomington: Sabria Wu, polar plunge, Maurice Broaddus, MLK events

Have a good laugh with the star of "Joy Ride!", test your mettle by jumping in frigid water (it's going to be cold!), or take the kids to Wild Birds Unlimited to create some bird-related crafts this weekend in Bloomington. Start your year off right by spending Monday's Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday volunteering, watching the African American Dance Company, or the city's birthday celebration at the Buskirk-Chumley.

'Joy Ride!' comedian Sabrina Wu at Comedy Attic Friday and Saturday

Sabrina Wu from the Lionsgate comedy "Joy Ride!" will perform at 7 and 9:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Comedy Attic, 123 S. Walnut St. Wu is listed by Variety Magazine as one of the 10 Comics to Watch for 2023. Tickets are $16-$20 and are available at www.comedyattic.com or at the door.

Chill at Lemon Drop Polar Plunge on Saturday

Everyone, from teams to individuals, is invited to participate in the second annual Lemon Drop Polar Plunge at Riddle Point Park on Lake Lemon. At 11 a.m. Saturday at 7599 N. Tunnel Road, Unionville, people can plunge into the frigid waters and then enjoy hot chocolate and warming fires. People are encouraged to wear costumes. Cost is $10 and those who donate more than $35 will receive an event beanie. Donations go to preservation and improvement at Lake Lemon. Go to tinyurl.com/mw5harxs to register and for more information.

6 Foot Blonde plays Saturday at the Bluebird

Hometown indie rock band 6 Foot Blonde performs at 9 p.m. Saturday at The Bluebird, 216 N. Walnut St. Doors will open at 8 p.m. for the 21-plus show. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door and online at thebluebird.ws.

Birding crafts for kids Sunday at Wild Birds Unlimited

Wild Birds Unlimited will host Lake Monroe naturalist Jill Vance for bird-themed crafts 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the store, 1301 S. College Mall Road. All craft materials will be provided. The event will introduce families to bird watching and how to attract birds to their backyards during the colder months. Vance also will provide demonstrations on using kids’ binoculars. For more information, call 812-369-4255.

Sunday talk with author Maurice Broaddus at Monroe County Public Library

Monroe County Public Library's Coffee with Friends program at 2 p.m. Sunday will feature author Maurice Broaddus. Broaddus is a community organizer, teacher and Afrofuturist and his short stories have appeared in Lightspeed Magazine, Black Panther: Tales from Wakanda and other publications. His novels include "Sweep of Stars," "Unfadeable," "Pimp My Airship" and "The Usual Suspects." The talk is for ages 18 and older and will be at 303 E. Kirkwood Ave.

Bloomington Peace Choir sings Monday at MCPL

Everyone is welcome to listen to the Bloomington Peace Choir perform songs of peace 11 a.m. to noon Monday at the Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. The community choir brings people together for the joy of singing and sharing songs from around the world.

African American Dance Company presents interactive performances Monday

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the African American Dance Company will present We Dance to Live, a live performance Monday at the Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. This interactive performance engages the audience in meaningful and functional African and contemporary works that will educate and entertain. There will be two opportunities to see this performance — at 2 and 3 p.m. All ages are welcome. This program is in partnership with the IU African American Arts Institute.

Help others on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by participating in Helping Hands at the Monroe County Public Library from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Drop in and help put together self-care kits for community members in need. All ages are welcome at 303 E. Kirkwood Ave.

More ways to give back: You can help at MLK National Day of Service, Winter Palooza or Activate! in Bloomington

Join in city's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater

The 2024 City of Bloomington Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration begins at 6 p.m. Monday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. This year’s theme is Unlocking Freedom: The Transformative and Liberating Power of Education.

Jesse Hagopian, an award-winning educator and a leading voice on issues of educational equity, the school-to-prison-pipeline, standardized testing, the Black Lives Matter at School movement and social justice unionism, will present the keynote speech. The celebration will have performances by the Indiana University African American Choral Ensemble, Fairview World Music, and Highland Park Elementary School Choir. This year's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award will be presented and “A Day On! Not a Day Off!” volunteers will be recognized.

Reach Carol Kugler at ckugler@heraldt.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Things to do MLK Day weekend in Bloomington, Indiana