Broadway shows. Garage bands. Fine dining. Street food. Gallery strolls. Nature hikes. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy here.
Indiana University and Bloomington are, in many respects, inseparable. Events start on campus and spill into the city. Festivals fill the city and get magnified on campus.
And the natural wonders that surround both are enjoyed by all.
Thanks to the Jacobs School of Music and the many arts-oriented student organizations, there is almost always a musical performance going on somewhere on campus—most of them free.
There are more than 1,100 musical performances on the IU campus each year.
IU also boasts a full season of classic and contemporary opera and ballet theater, a university orchestra, and four museums and art galleries.
The first Thursday of each month is a time for you to celebrate the arts and humanities at IU Bloomington.
Get ready for the best day of the weekThere are dozens of theaters and concert venues at IU and across Bloomington. Here are just a few of the standouts.
If you want to see big names and big shows, the IU Auditorium is the place to go. Each season, the auditorium showcases Broadway musicals and plays, top comedians and musical performers, and family-friendly acts.
IU students get discounted tickets.
See what the IU Auditorium offers
The IU Cinema bills itself as the place for film, and it’s not exaggerating. Every semester, it screens more than 100 films. It also brings celebrated filmmakers to campus and offers students and the community a variety of educational experiences.
Learn more about IU Cinema
Owned by the city of Bloomington, “the Buskirk” as B-towners call it, hosts a wide variety of events every year. From jazz concerts to stand-up comedy festivals, there’s always something new happening at this intimate theater.
Explore the Buskirk
Bloomington is famous for its Lotus World Music and Arts Festival—a yearly celebration of world music and arts. But that’s one of many festivals that take place all year long.
The year kicks off with Pridefest, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community on the iconic Kirkwood Avenue.
From April to November, explore multiple farmers' markets, bringing fresh produce and local music around Bloomington in a festival-like atmosphere.
Summer brings festivals celebrating food, comedy, art, and more. And when fall arrives? It’s IU season, with Homecoming, Parents Weekend, and more!
See the Bloomington Event CalendarBloomington is a foodie city—and we have the accolades to prove it. People have been known to come here just for the food!
With over 350 resturaunts around town, you’ll never have trouble finding something good to eat.
Local favorites include the ethnic restaurants on Fourth Street, alfresco dining on the square, and pub food at Nick’s or the Upland Brewery.
Indiana University and Bloomington are home to dozens of museums, art galleries, and cultural centers.
Bloomington is nestled in the hills of south central Indiana. Within easy driving distance, you’ll find Indiana’s largest lake, a national forest, a state park boasting a waterfall, and more.
Whether you choose to explore by bike, boat, foot, or car, you’ll be wowed by the natural wonders that surround you.
INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON
107 S. Indiana Avenue