Live music in Bloomington, IL

Presented as part of First Friday Concerts by the BCPA and Gibson Area Hospital, the BCPA is partnering with B/N Sunrise Rotary to bring Bags & Brews together with the series for a single night on the BCPA Lawn in Downtown Bloomington. The setting is relaxed and outdoors, with live music, food trucks, drinks, and a bags tournament. The program begins with doors opening, the bags tournament follows, and later How Rude takes the stage. How Rude delivers a high energy mix of 90s hits that spans pop and grunge, built for big sing alongs. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three tournament teams, and all tournament proceeds benefit the Beyond the Books Education Foundation. Concert admission is $5, or free with a receipt from a Downtown Bloomington business.

Enjoy a live set at Connie Link Amphitheatre with Jay Trio, led by guitarist Jay Thomason. With more than twenty years of professional experience, Thomason holds degrees in Contemporary Performance and Contemporary Studio Guitar from Musicians Institute, along with a degree in Music Education. Recognized as a certified shredder, he has toured, recorded, and performed alongside artists such as B.B. King, Anderson .Paak, Larry Carlton, and Kirk Fletcher. After years performing as half of Hot Sauce Universe throughout the Midwest from 2015 to 2022, he now focuses on guitar-driven music that is mostly instrumental, ranging from jazz and blues to pop and metal. His recent solo release is titled Melodies and Improvisations. Connie Link Amphitheatre is a unique performance venue that provides free or low cost entertainment for all ages. Guests can bring lawn chairs or blankets and relax while enjoying concessions like soda, water, popcorn, candy, and frozen desserts for $2 each. The venue is easily reached from the Constitution Trail and offers several parking options.

Almost Live brings a wide-ranging set to Schooners Bloomington, featuring live music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond. Expect a relaxed atmosphere with familiar songs, good food, and the friendly company of others for an easygoing good time.

Micro Spice is back at Gill Street with a mellow acoustic set that pairs easily with good food and drinks. The Bloomington-Normal Illinois duo delivers stripped-down takes on indie, pop, and jazz-tinged songs, featuring warm vocals along with laid-back guitar and sax, keeping the atmosphere unhurried throughout the evening. Their intimate approach is a good match for cocktail hours, private events, and small gatherings.

Jane’s Rumor brings a high energy mix of 80s and 90s alternative rock and pop favorites to the outdoor patio at Cadillac Jacks. Enjoy a summer evening of live music with sing along hits, patio vibes, and food and cold drinks from the venue.

This farmer's market brings together food, art, crafts, and live music in Downtown Bloomington.

Heartland Jazz Orchestra brings a family-friendly performance to Connie Link Amphitheatre, showcasing live jazz from across eras. The Heartland Jazz Orchestra Foundation has offered free public pop-up concerts for years with support from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation through the Mirza Arts and Culture Grant, the Town of Normal through Harmon Arts Grants, and the McLean County Arts Council through the Community Arts Access Grant, reaching diverse audiences and encouraging interest in jazz among younger listeners. Attendees can bring lawn chairs or blankets and get comfortable. Concessions including water or soda, popcorn, candy, and frozen desserts will be available for $2 each. The amphitheatre is accessible from the Constitution Trail and offers multiple parking options.

Enjoy an evening on the patio at Gill Street Bar and Grill featuring Sweetwater, with music, food, drinks, and dancing.

Brushville takes the stage at Cheeks Bar & Grill for a lively parking lot party, delivering a high-energy show that blends country and rock favorites into seamless medleys to keep the celebration going. Expect live music, upbeat vibes, and a fun crowd at this summer gathering.

Blo-No Boogie Band performs a live set at Fat Jacks anniversary celebration. The band brings their stage show to the festivities with live music for the occasion.

Old Shoe is performing at DESTIHL BREWERY in Normal, IL. The show is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM.

Windjammer Bloomington hosts a summer celebration with Party Cannon, planned for a warm evening with a fun and lively vibe. Enjoy an upbeat night that leans into the season’s easygoing energy and the hope of pleasant weather.

Goo Goo Dolls bring a live performance to Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, Illinois.

Cue the nostalgia for a 90s music trivia evening packed with songs, artists, lyrics, music videos, and the decade’s unforgettable hits across grunge, hip hop, boy bands, pop queens, and one-hit wonders. Expect questions that span from Nirvana and NSYNC to Tupac, TLC, Alanis, and Britney, ideal for anyone who still knows every word to “Semi-Charmed Life” or instinctively shouts “Stop! Collaborate and listen!” Bring your mixtape-loving crew and put that throwback knowledge to the test. Booking in advance is necessary. Tickets cost $5 per person, and tables can seat up to six.

Music Bingo at Chi Family Express turns classic bingo into a music game. A host plays short clips, and players look for the matching artist or song title on a six-square card and mark it. Fill the card to win a prize, then another round starts. When a tune is on the tip of your tongue, people often ask a friend, chat with a nearby table, or hum along until the answer clicks, which is part of the fun. It is free to play, prizes are offered in every round, and the atmosphere is full of sing-alongs, laughter, and the chance to discover a new favorite song.

A free, all-ages performance at Uptown Circle features The Tucked in T's. The group blends country blues, acoustic rock, folk, roots, and modern string band influences for an acoustic set that spans music by The Beatles, The Stones, Chris Stapleton, Grateful Dead, Keb’ Mo’, Stephen Stills, John Prine, Neil Young, and others. Blankets or lawn chairs are welcome, and arriving early offers time to shop or grab a bite in Uptown Normal.

Sunny Side returns to The Mystic Kitchen for its first performance back at the venue, arriving from New Orleans as part of the band’s sixth national tour. The performance is planned outdoors, weather permitting. There is no cover charge, and tips for the musicians are encouraged. Known for a premium wine selection and thoughtful food pairings, The Mystic Kitchen offers a setting where guests can enjoy the music alongside a delicious meal. Sunny Side is a New Orleans-based jazz group inspired by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, and other early jazz greats, with more recent influences that include Ray Charles, Fats Domino, and Dr. John. With rich three-part harmonies, a tight rhythm section, and a high-energy vocalist and dancer, the band delivers an authentic and lively New Orleans jazz experience. This stop is part of a run of 24 shows in 21 cities with appearances in Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Maryland, and more, ranging from intimate listening rooms to vibrant swing dance halls. The band is a popular choice for private events and weddings, earning The Knot’s Best of Weddings recognition multiple times, a distinction reserved for the top 5 percent of wedding bands nationwide.

Music bingo at Lucky 7's Bar turns song clips into a friendly challenge. The host plays short snippets, each card has six squares, and players mark the spot when they match the artist or song title they hear. Fill the whole card to snag a prize, then keep the fun going with more rounds. If a tune does not ring a bell, lean on friends or make a new ally at the next table, or hum along until recognition hits. It is free to play, with prizes awarded in every round, and plenty of chances to sing, laugh, and discover a new favorite song.

Live music fills the patio at Baxters, creating a relaxed summer atmosphere with food and drinks available. Guests can spend the evening outdoors while the music plays. The experience is weather dependent.

The Beach Boys bring the Sounds of Summer tour to Grossinger Motors Arena, highlighting a catalog that has resonated for generations. For more than half a century, the group has shaped American music, selling over 100 million records as hits like Surfin’ USA, California Girls, Good Vibrations, and Kokomo climbed the charts and became enduring favorites. This tour stop also marks a salute to 250 years of the USA and honors the 60th anniversary of Pet Sounds.

At The Westside Blono, experience classic bingo with a musical twist. A host plays short clips of songs while players scan their cards, each with six squares, to spot the artist or song title and mark it. Fill your card to claim a prize, then jump into more rounds as the game continues. If a tune is unfamiliar, ask a friend or even a stranger, or hum it at the table while you figure it out. It is free to play, and prizes are awarded in every round. Expect sing-alongs, lots of laughs, and the chance to discover a new favorite song.