BloNo Digest.
This Weekend Around
Bloomington-Normal
Fri, Oct 2 – Sun, Oct 4
Here are a few things worth leaving the house for.
Sat, Oct 3 · 10am-5pm
Uptown Normal · Free!
More than 100 juried artists set up along Uptown Normal’s streets for a free, outdoor fall arts festival with fine art and crafts for sale, two live music stages, food trucks, and art-making demos hosted by the McLean County Arts Center.
| Friday, October 2 |
10-10:30am · Bloomington Public Library · Free!
A 30-minute story time with music, movement, and stories for kids (birth–11) and their grown-ups, held Fridays in the library’s Children’s Program Room — good for wiggly toddlers, early readers, and adults who want a simple morning out.
12pm · ISU Fell Hall · Free!
A relaxed, coffee-shop–style hour for international and domestic students to chat, play board games, try snacks from Egypt, and use a craft or stress-relief table—no RSVP needed. Runs noon–1 p.m. in the Fell Hall OIE lobby.
4pm · Downtown Bloomington · Free
Kids can pick up a free scavenger-hunt sheet at any participating downtown gallery on First Friday, look for artworks that match the clues, and return a completed form to The Little Art School by 7 p.m. for grab-bag art supplies and entry in the grand-prize drawing. The hunt is free and open to children roughly ages 4 through junior high!
October First Friday: Witches & Wizards Night
5pm · Downtown Bloomington · Free!
Downtown’s October First Friday turns spooky with a Witches & Wizards theme—costumes, a choreographed “Witches Dance” performance at Eaton Studio Gallery, then a promenade of repeat performances at select stops before an evening of shopping, dining, and themed cocktails at participating businesses. Great if you like costume parades, live street performances, and a festive downtown stroll.
7pm · Downs Haunted House, Downs · $15
Every weekend in October the Village of Downs turns spooky: start at Dooley Park for pre-show festivities and concessions, then hop a haunted hayrack ride out to a long-running haunted house for a classic seasonal scare. Open Fridays and Saturdays, 7–11 PM.
7-8pm · University Galleries · Free!
Four musicians will improvise live music to accompany Selina Trepp’s stop‑motion film I work with what I have, then stick around for a reception. Good pick if you like experimental soundtracks, animation, or casual artist meet‑and‑greets.
11am · Bloomington Parks & Recreation · Free!
Bloomton Parks hid pumpkins decorated by SOAR volunteers across city parks; clues (two each Friday) point to different parks from Oct. 2–29 and signs stay up a week. Snap a photo with the sign and pumpkin on the Facebook event to earn one entry per park; three families win prize baskets on Oct. 30.
8pm · The Castle Theatre · $33
Nonstop DJ sets of 2000s and 2010s pop, hip‑hop, R&B, dance, and rock—expect sing‑along anthems from artists like Britney, Beyoncé, Eminem, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Drake, and more, plus a packed dance floor and Y2K‑style photo moments.
Andrew Duncanson & Take A Ride
8-11pm · Jazz UpFront · $10
Andrew Duncanson (of The Kilborn Alley Blues Band) performs a duo set of blues with soulful vocals and guitar — think smooth grooves, gritty singing, and tight, stripped-down musicianship for fans of classic blues.
| Saturday, October 3 |
Downtown Bloomington Outdoor Farmers’ Market
7:30am-12pm · Downtown Bloomington · Free!
The Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market is back outdoors with spring produce, plant starts, baked goods, local meats, honey, eggs, and other artisan goods from familiar vendors and newcomers. Expect live local music and kids’ activities!
Mid Century Modernist Architectural Home Tour
9:30am · McLean County Museum of History · $30
See a self-guided tour of ten mid-century modern exteriors around Bloomington–Normal, plus a decorative-arts exhibit and an optional morning panel (with a short Bloomington‑Normal Youth Symphony performance) that explains local MCM architecture. Tour packets and the exhibition are at the McLean County Arts Center; proceeds support local history and arts organizations.
11am-12pm · Bloomington Public Library
Make a tiny, leafy fairy garden to take home — all materials provided and no registration required. It’s a drop-in craft session with limited supplies, so arrive early if you want to snag one.
Peoria Area Network Tailgate at Illinois State
2-6pm · Illinois State University · Free!
Peoria-area ISU alumni and fans are gathering for a pregame tailgate before the Redbirds’ game against South Dakota State — casual food, conversation, and game-day camaraderie.
ISU vs South Dakota State Home Football Game
Doors 5pm; Game 6pm · Hancock Stadium · Tix starting $28
Wear black and pack Hancock Stadium for ISU vs. South Dakota State—kickoff at 6:00 PM—with a halftime drone show and a light-up rally towel giveaway for fans. Doors open at 5:00 PM.
7pm · Bloomington Center For The Performing Arts · $30
The quartet will sing tight four-part harmonies and upbeat gospel songs with polished, high-energy staging—think contemporary Southern Gospel with strong vocals and crowd-friendly arrangements. Good if you like vocal groups and lively, feel-good concerts.
LIVE @ Connie Link Amphitheatre with Taylor Steel & The Love Preachers
7-8:30pm · Connie Link Amphitheatre · Free!
Taylor Steele & the Love Preachers play rootsy Americana—fingerpicked acoustic songs, warm harmonies, and moments where electric guitar and a tight rhythm section push things toward bluesy rock. Bring a blanket or chair for this free outdoor show at Connie Link.
KIDS NIGHT OUT at Iron Coyote!
5:30-9:30pm · Iron Coyote Challenge Park, Bloomington · Starting at $46
Drop the kids off for supervised Saturdays of climbing, ninja obstacles, games and snacks while they play from 5:30–9:30 PM. For ages 5–15, the weekly Kids Night Out at Iron Coyote gives parents a four-hour break and kids an active, social evening.
Duende III: A Masquerade at Ewing Manor
6-11pm · Ewing Manor, Bloomington · $50
An evening of masked revelry at Ewing Manor with live music from Sweet Nothings, tarot readings by Midnight’s Shadow Spells, food from Bay Area Mexicana, and a cash bar from Stave Wine Bar & Market — all proceeds support Lilac Rising.
Saturday Night Trivia at Casper Brewing
7-9pm · Casper Brewing Company, Bloomington · Free!
Seven rounds of pub-style trivia with real prizes and no entry fee or app—just show up with a team and play. Expect a mix of brain-teasers and crowd-pleasers; good for groups who like friendly competition and a low-key weeknight out.
8-11pm · Jazz UpFront · $10
The Reginald Lewis Quartet will play a set of jazz centered on dynamic arrangements and improvisation, with each tune built around storytelling and solo interplay—good if you like thoughtful, live jazz and skilled instrumental conversation.
| Sunday, October 4 |
10am-2pm · DESTIHL Brewery & Beer Hall
Browse handmade goods from local artisans set up on the lawn, with a mix of crafts, gifts, and small businesses to peruse. Live music from Unsubs plays 12–2pm while you shop; vendors include candles, woodwork, jewelry, and more.
TourBus Concert Series: Thee Unsubs
12-2pm · DESTIHL Brewery & Beer Hall · Free!
A free outdoor set on the Harvest Market lawn by Thee Unsubs, a trio playing original songs that mix power-pop, ballads, and R&B—bring a chair or blanket for patio and lawn seating on a first-come basis.
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