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Bloomington news, events, and recommendations delivered free every morning.

Bloomington, IN
61Events this week
12Free things to do
90New spots
98New stories

● Checked this morning, before the 6 AM send.

This week in Bloomington

Five picks from this week's calendar. See all 61 events, day by day →

Breaking the chains of bondage .

Monday 5pm · Abe Martin Lodge

Trivia

Monday 8:30pm · The Back Door · Free

Tuesday Market

Tuesday 4pm · Hopewell Commons · Free

Kids Garden

Tuesday 4:30pm · Mother Hubbard's Cupboard · Free

Senior Discount at the ReStore every Wednesday

Wednesday 11am · Bloomington

New in Bloomington

Places that opened, reopened, or earned a mention this month — the ones we'd go back to.

The Elm Restaurant

Restaurants

Neighborhood date-night pick: The Elm Restaurant leans into locally sourced, contemporary American dishes that feel special without being fussy, pairing Bloomington’s creative streak with thoughtful technique.

elmbloomington.com ↗

Fabu Hair Studio, Spa, and Extension Bar

Beauty

Stronger strands ahead: Fabu Hair Studio, Spa, and Extension Bar specializes in advanced, multi-therapeutic hair restoration, from customized men's systems and seamless extensions to head spa rituals that reset your scalp.

fabuhairstudios.com ↗

Wild Orchid - Embodied Pole Dance & Sensual Arts Studio

Health & Wellness

Find your inner spark: Wild Orchid - Embodied Pole Dance & Sensual Arts Studio is Bloomington’s only pole and sensual arts spot, a private members-based community to laugh, move, and feel unapologetically you.

wildorchidpolearts.com ↗

Bloomington’s best businesses

Every spot worth knowing, in one place.

The restaurants, shops, and services the newsletter recommends, all in one place — every listing checked, and paid pins marked every time.

Browse Bloomington’s best →

Most read in Bloomington

The five stories Bloomington readers clicked most this month, from the daily editions.

  1. Bloomington Unveils 3D 'Fan Wall of Fame' Mural for IU's Title Run

    A new 3D mural has been unveiled in downtown Bloomington, showing a life-sized scene celebrating the 2026 national football championship of Indiana University.

    Full story at hoodline.com ↗

  2. Indiana football announces game day enhancements at Memorial Stadium for 2026 season

    Indiana football has announced a series of changes to its game day experience at Memorial Stadium for the 2026 season, including a new official team store location, 42 new concessions sales areas, and 39 portable restrooms.

    Full story at 247sports.com ↗

  4. Labor Day events include 4th Street Festival, Smithville car show

    The 50th annual Fourth Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts is set to take place on Saturday, Sept.

    Full story at tmnews.com ↗

  5. Call for Removal of IU Trustee Sage Steele Over Controversial Social Media Post

    A controversy is brewing at Indiana University Bloomington, with the organization We The Hoosiers and the science advocacy group Concerned Scientists demanding the removal of Trustee Sage Steele over a social media post suggesting the use of waterboarding for Dr.

    Full story at news.ssbcrack.com ↗

Explore Bloomington

The rest of what BaseLocal keeps current for the city.

Bloomington eventsAll 61 events this week, day by dayThis weekend in BloomingtonThe 29 things worth your weekendFree things to do12 free events happening this weekRead the latest editionSee exactly what lands in your inboxColumbus32 miles away — nearby on BaseLocalSeymour37 miles away — nearby on BaseLocalGreenwood38 miles away — nearby on BaseLocalIndianapolis46 miles away — nearby on BaseLocal