This weekend in Bloomington: summer solstice, Lemonade Day and art everywhere
Townie summer started as soon as Indiana University's graduation ceremonies were over, but the official start of summer was just this week. Celebrate the longest day of the year (a couple days late) at Switchyard Park, support young entrepreneurs by drinking some lemonade and check out what local and national makers have created at the Arts Fair on the Square. Oh, and the Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show is this weekend. Sorry about getting the date wrong last week.
Sunny summer solstice at Switchyard
It’s officially summer! Come celebrate the solstice this Saturday, June 24, at the Switchyard Park Pavilion Lawn. Catch some rays with your family in the park from 1-4 p.m. There will be sun-themed games and arts and crafts, and it’s free for everyone. For more information, or to register as a volunteer, head to https://bloomington.in.gov/parks/events/summer-solstice.
Sweet and sour: It's Lemonade Day
Squeeze every drop of fun out of this weekend with Saturday’s Lemonade Day Monroe County. Whether you want to help your kids host their own lemonade stand, or sample the lemony goodness across town, you can be part of the celebration. The organization’s mission is to help youth become involved in their communities and learn about entrepreneurship. So far, there are nearly 50 locations registered for Saturday’s event. Find Bloomington sweet spots or register your own stand at https://lemonadeday.org/monroe-county.
Crack up with Shanda Sung
Laugh out loud Friday and Saturday at The Comedy Attic with local stand-up comedian Shanda Sung as she tapes her first special. Sung’s work gives audiences a glimpse into motherhood, womanhood and the absurdities of human life. There are shows at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. both nights. Student tickets are $15, and general admission is $18.
It rocks! Annual Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show
If you like gems, fossils, jewelry — if you’re a fan of any and all things shiny — visit the Annual Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show this weekend, June 23-25 at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds. There will be food, too, and a variety of minerals and jeweler tools for sale. Proceeds benefit scholarships. Swing by Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Food and spirits from across the country
Indulge in flavors from across the country this Saturday in Brown County during the first-ever Hard Truth Food and Spirits Festival. Five regions of the U.S. will be represented with food, desserts and cocktails, sponsored by Hard Truth Distilling Co. Buying a $20 ticket gets you a swag bag including sunglasses and a “passport” that earns stamps with each food or drink purchase. The day lasts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hard Truth Hills, 418 Old State Road 46, Nashville, IN 47448.
Get creative at the Arts Fair on the Square
Fine art and crafts will be showcased Saturday during the Arts Fair on the Square. This annual event has drawn crowds to the Monroe County Courthouse square for over 40 years. The juried art show will feature local and national creatives. You can meet artists, purchase art or browse the booths for inspiration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Puppet performances: Ventriloquism at the Tivoli
If you feel like staying indoors this weekend, head to Spencer’s Tivoli Theatre for the International Ventriloquism and Arts Festival. The three-day event, coined VentFest is the first of its kind in Owen County. It will feature renowned ventriloquists, like Landon Harvey and Jay Johnson, and tickets can be purchased at ventfest.org. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $10-$25.
Dreams, Landslides and Silver Springs at The Bluebird
Rumor has it Fleetwood Mac is back. Tribute band Back 2 Mac will harness the iconic sounds of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham Friday at 9 p.m. at The Bluebird. Anyone over 21 can purchase tickets ahead of time and flock to the nightclub to revisit the sounds of the ‘70s. Doors open at 8, and tickets are about $20 apiece.
Find your muse and perform at Morgenstern Books
Slow Sunday afternoons spent reading and listening to poetry, sharing your work and finding like-minded writers — sound like your cup of tea? Lounge at Morgenstern Books for the Last Sunday Poetry Reading & Open Mic on June 25 from 3-4 p.m. The event is presented by the Writers Guild at Bloomington, and it’ll feature writers C. S. Matthews and Bree Jo’ann Flannelly. Poets of all experience levels can sign up for the open mic.
Comics and creation, all day long
Eight hours of celebrating comics and manga. A challenge to start and finish a piece of art in one day. Monday at the Monroe County Public Library, comic fans age 7 and up can attend the program, which is in partnership with Vintage Phoenix Comic Books. Snacks, lunch and art supplies will be provided. Feel free to stay from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or just hang out for an hour or two. More information at https://mcpl.info/.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Summer's here: Things to do this weekend in Bloomington, IN
