BloNo Digest.
This Weekend Around
Bloomington-Normal
Fri, Oct 9 – Sun, Oct 11
Here are a few things worth leaving the house for.
Sat, Oct 10 · 5pm
Bloomington Bison vs. Indy Fuel
Grossinger Motors Arena · Tix starting $16
Preseason hockey matchup where the new-look Bison face the Indy Fuel — a chance to see roster tweaks, lineups, and special teams in action before the regular season. Good for fans who want an early, lower-pressure look at the team.
| Friday, October 9 |
Sign & Sing with Communication Junction
10-10:30am · Normal Public Library
Miss Meghan leads a lively story time with songs, movement, rhymes and bubbles while teaching a few basic signs; each child takes home a practice sheet. Recommended for kids birth–5 and suitable for caregivers to participate.
10-10:30am · Bloomington Public Library · Free!
A 30-minute kids’ story time with songs, movement, and read-alouds in the library’s Children’s Program Room; geared to ages birth–11 with caregivers, it mixes music and short stories to keep little ones engaged.
Engineering Technology Career Fair
1-4pm · Bone Student Center · Free
Meet employers hiring for tech-focused internships and full-time roles, shake hands (or chat), and learn how your skills map to real jobs — plus get a free headshot on-site. Bring a resume, research companies ahead of time, and contact Career Services for accommodations.
Central IL B.O.L.D. Trivia Night
6-8pm · Pour Bros, Bloomington · Free!
A nostalgia-themed trivia night run by Twin City Trivia where teams (up to six) answer questions about the last decade at ISU — come with a group or join one there. Free with requested advance registration; bring your own food and buy drinks on site.
Concerts at the Crib: Rockin' & Rollin'
7pm · Normal CornBelters · Tix starting $25
Two nights of tribute-band rock at the Corn Crib: Friday is Battery performing Metallica’s biggest hits, Saturday is Use Your Illusion doing Guns N’ Roses material. Gates open at 6 p.m.; expect standing-room concourse shows with food trucks and concessions.
LIVE @ Connie Link Amphitheatre with Wowie Zowie
7-8:30pm · Connie Link Amphitheatre, Normal · Free!
Outdoor cover-band set of 60s–80s pop and rock at the Connie Link Amphitheatre; bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for tunes from Wowie Zowie, a local quartet featuring guitar, keyboards, bass and drums. Free and family-friendly.
7-11pm · Downs Haunted House, Downs · $16
A long-running Halloween attraction in the Village of Downs: start at Dooley Park for pre-show festivities and concessions, then take a haunted hayrack ride to a walk-through haunted house open Friday–Saturday nights in October. Tickets sold at the pavilion and online.
6-9pm · Run N' Erin's, Bloomington
Local cover band Semi-Sweet will play a three-hour set of 70s and 80s rock/pop plus modern country at Run N' Erin's — good if you like singalong classics and upbeat covers over a long evening of live music.
Doors 7pm; Show 8pm · The Castle Theatre · $15
A six-piece tribute to ’80s hair‑metal playing faithful covers of Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Poison and similar hits with big vocals, flashy guitar work and theatrical stage presence. Expect a high‑energy, nostalgia‑driven rock show built to recreate the arena feel of the decade.
8pm · Jazz UpFront · $10
The award-winning University of Illinois Concert Jazz Band plays an evening of big-band jazz as part of Jazz UpFront, featuring ensemble charts and soloing from student musicians — a good pick if you like classic swing and modern big-band arrangements.
| Saturday, October 10 |
2-3:30pm · Normal Public Library
Sergeant Kiel Nowers from Bloomington Police Community Engagement Unit will talk about what movies, TV, and books get right — and wrong — about policing and the justice system, with time for questions. Content may include graphic violent-crime details; meant for adults and requires registration.
3-4:30pm · Bloomington Public Library
Kids in grades 3–5 will play a simplified, rules-light D&D adventure with pre-made characters—think teamwork, problem-solving, and a bit of treasure hunting. Sessions in October are limited to one per child and require advance registration.
Downtown Bloomington Outdoor Farmers’ Market
7:30am-12pm · Downtown Bloomington
The weekly outdoor farmers’ market returns to the square with local produce, meats, baked goods, honey, eggs, plant starts and artisan goods, plus kids’ activities and live local musicians each weekend.
10-10:30am · Bloomington Public Library
An all-ages story time with music, movement, and read-alouds for kids from newborn to 11 and their caregivers — expect singing, simple dances, and short stories to enjoy together. Great for caregivers looking for an active group activity.
CANCELED - Beginner Mat Pilates
10-11am · Normal Public Library
A beginner-friendly mat Pilates class from Club Pilates that focuses on strength, mobility, balance, and mindful movement in a welcoming group setting at the library—good for newcomers and anyone wanting a gentle, guided workout.
12-2pm · Miller Park Zoo · Free with regular admission!
Learn about monarch conservation and the zoo’s Monarch Tag-and-Release program while enjoying Latino music, crafts, dance demonstrations, and face painting — all activities included with admission. The event highlights monarchs’ importance to Latino communities and offers craft-vendor booths.
Mourning in McLean Book Signing
1-3pm · Bobzbay Books, Bloomington
Candace Summers, senior director of education at the McLean County Museum of History, will sign copies of her book Mourning in McLean, a short, illustrated look at 19th- and 20th-century death customs in Central Illinois—postmortem photos, hairwork jewelry, mourning clothing, monuments, and more. Books available for purchase (pre-orders encouraged).
7-8:30pm · Connie Link Amphitheatre, Normal · Free!
Local rock band Jack Dupp & the Empty Bottles plays upbeat covers and originals with four lead singers, mixing rock across multiple eras; bring a blanket or lawn chair for this free, family-friendly outdoor show at Connie Link Amphitheatre.
Yesterday And Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience
Doors 6pm; Show 7pm · Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts · Tix starting $30
A Beatles tribute band plays a show built from audience requests: before the concert you submit favorite songs and stories, and the band arranges the setlist around those choices for a different performance each night.
7-10pm · Altitude Trampoline Park, Bloomington · $25
Dance under disco lights to DJ-picked favorites during a family-friendly evening of jumping, music, and glow — bring friends and wear (or buy) the $3 trampoline socks required to participate. Tickets are sold online in advance.
KIDS NIGHT OUT at Iron Coyote!
5:30-9:30pm · Iron Coyote Challenge Park, Bloomington · $46
Drop the kids off for four hours of supervised play at Iron Coyote’s Kids Night Out: climbing, ninja-style obstacles, games, snacks and pizza for ages 5–15 every Saturday evening so parents get some free time.
Saturday Night Trivia at Casper Brewing!
7-9pm · Casper Brewing Company, Bloomington
Seven rounds of pub-style trivia with real prizes and no entry fee or app—just show up with a team, answer questions, and compete for top-team prizes. Casual, conversation-friendly night that suits groups who like a low-pressure challenge.
10-11am · Underwood Park · $20/family
A morning of kid-focused Halloween activities at Underwood Park: small-group sign-and-sing story time led by Communication Junction instructors, then games, a craft station, and photos with staff — bring a blanket for story time and buy a family ticket covering two parents.
| Sunday, October 11 |
2-3pm · Normal Public Library
Work through short hands-on challenges using the beginner-friendly 3D design app TinkerCad, with library staff on hand to help you model something you can later submit for 3D printing. Devices are available but you can bring your own; intended for teens and adults and registration is required.
Treble Choir & Civic Chorale Concert
6-7:30pm · Center for the Performing Arts · $6 students; $12 GA
A joint concert blending choral repertoire old and new: Brahms and Elgar sit alongside contemporary works by Susan Labarr, Tadeja Vulc and Eriks Ešenvalds, plus arrangements of pop songs from Laufey and a Treble Choir tribute performance of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
4-6pm · Iron Coyote Challenge Park, Bloomington
Obstacle-course competition where participants tackle strength, speed, and skill challenges around Iron Coyote’s ninja setup; expect timed runs and head-to-head heats. Spectators can watch the action; competitors pay $30 to enter.
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