Things to do in Bloomington in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Bloomington. The weather is usually mildly cool and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 56—75°F (13—24°C).

Bloomington has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Bloomington. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Bloomington in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Bloomington in May

Top experiences in May
We couldn't find any experiences in May
Holidays in Bloomington in May
May
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Bloomington in May

Temperatures on an average day in Bloomington in May

The average temperature in Bloomington in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 75°F (24°C) to a low of 56°F (13°C). Some would describe the temperature to be mildly cool. The general area may also feel breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Bloomington, July, has days with highs of 87°F (31°C) and lows of 67°F (20°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 37°F (3°C) and lows of 21°F (-6°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Bloomington in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
75°F
highs
56°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, breezy
Feels like
46%
Chance of rain
0.215 in
Amount
12.6 mph
Wind speed
78%
Humidity
14.3 hrs
Daylight length
6:33 AM
Sunrise
8:51 PM
Sunset
43%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 75°F (24°C) and a low of 56°F (13°C), it generally feels mildly cool and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt and remember to bring an umbrella
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Best attractions for Bloomington in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Bloomington has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Bloomington that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Bloomington for May.
Indiana University Bloomington
1. Indiana University Bloomington
4.4
(412)
Public university
Sights & Landmarks
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Love the campus! So much history and beauty. So many students are willing to help for anything you need. Everyone seems so nice, even the squirrels. Food on campus is good too. Would recommend a walk around the campus.
I am writing to express my profound disappointment with the current political climate at Indiana University. As a degree holder from IU, I believe the institution is failing to uphold the fundamental principles of freedom of speech, press, and protest. It appears the administration is bowing to a political party, which is creating significant division. A university's primary role is to foster education and protect rights, but the current administration's actions demonstrate a departure from these core values.
Age limits space so it feels a bit tight. Our room was supposed to be a queen mattress but it felt more like a full instead. No microwave in the room meant you had to buy breakfast from them.
Wonderful university to attend. I love Indiana University. My only regret was not going there all 4 years in college (transferred there). This is easily one of the most, if not the most, beautiful campuses out there. Staff and students are all friendly and the Big Ten culture is great! GO IU! Go HOOSIERS!
Academic institutions should not cave to politics. The cornerstone of academia is freedom of thought and ideas. Democracy dies in the dark.
Such an amazing school with a relatively large beautiful campus! Indiana university and especially Kelly school of business is ranked number 1 in the entrepreneurial field of studies. Indiana offers hundreds of academic programs across multiple campuses and online.
End the censorship of your students! Support journalism and resume the printing of the paper! Education is about having ALL of the information, not just the information that suits you.
A stunning blend of history, nature, and culture! This place is the heart of Bloomington and a must-see for visitors. With its gorgeous limestone buildings, charming walking paths, and rich arts scene, it offers something special for everyone. Walking through the iconic Sample Gates, I felt the welcoming spirit of the campus. I loved exploring the peaceful paths, especially in the fall, when the trees burst into brilliant colors. The Eskenazi Museum of Art was a highlight, with impressive works from around the world. I also enjoyed the quiet beauty of the Rose Well House, where tradition says couples kiss for good luck. Music lovers shouldn’t miss a performance at the Jacobs School of Music, which often hosts free concerts featuring talented students. I found the campus easy to explore on foot, with plenty of spots to stop, relax, and enjoy the scenery. This place is more than a university, it’s a hub of art, history, and nature. Whether you’re here for a tour, a concert, or a peaceful walk, it’s a perfect way to experience the spirit of Bloomington.
Oliver Winery
2. Oliver Winery
4.7
(949)
Winery
Food & Drink
Tasting rooms set in a landscaped garden, picnic packages, plus a shop selling food & wine.
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I surprised my mom and bff with a day here at the winery and let me tell you, we all had a wonderful time! I'm not much of a wine drinker but they definitely are and I still enjoyed the vibes, the atmosphere and the sweet staff. Highly recommend the winery tour because we learned so many things we didn't know, especially that the Oliver's are a wonderful family who have touched the lives of many. Kathy was our tour guide and she was knowledgeable and very sweet. The day was beautiful. I packed us a picnic that we were able to enjoy once the tour was over. Or you can purchase food and snacks at the shop. We left with some wines that they've never tried before so it definitely broadened their horizons. We can't wait to come back!
We had an incredible experience today on our tour and tasting with Kandy! She is incredibly knowledgeable and has a gift for teaching, especially simplifying complex information about the wine making process! I would recommend this to anyone, even those who don’t necessarily like wine!
Winery day done right. Oliver is an easy “bring friends/family” pick: scenic lake, gardens, and flights that work for newbies or dry-wine people. You can bring your own picnic or grab one of their red-gingham baskets on site. In the Fall, there’s a fun bonus—heirloom pumpkins (including minis and blue-gray/blush varieties) so you can taste, shop, and style your porch in one stop. Staff is friendly, parking is simple, and there are lots of outdoor tables. Tips: arrive early on sunny weekends, consider a weekday for a quieter vibe, and try a guided tasting if you want more education. Note: dogs OK outdoors (double-check signage). They are not allowed in the tasting room or covered patio. (Transparency: my husband is Oliver’s CEO; sharing my genuine opinion.)
We had an absolute wonderful time! My husband and I were passing through the area visiting friends as we made our way home while on vacation. We, a group of 4, booked a guided tasting, hosted by Ian and Kathleen K. Your knowledge and excitement was positively electric! Ask for these two! Absolutely wonderful for both those who have been to tastings before and for those who have not. I would recommend purchasing their artisan tray. We purchased 2, one for each couple and it was for the most part, plenty. If you had not had lunch, get one for everyone because they are single serve portions. After our tasting we continued the fun by tasting wines that were not sampled at the tasting. I have tasted several wines around the country and believe me when I say don't judge a wine just by the description. Let your taste buds guide you because I enjoyed several that I would not have tried if I only went by dry or sweet. I would be in trouble if I lived closer to Oliver! I am looking forward to beginning their mail order program once we finish the enormous collection that we brought home with us. Thank you again for a wonderful timeI
A must visit! This is one of the best places to visit in Bloomington. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted by beautiful gardens, peaceful ponds, and plenty of shaded spots to relax with a glass of wine. The setting is gorgeous and perfect for a picnic or just enjoying the view. Only downside is that’s it’s a bit on the expensive side. We paid $36 for a simple lemon flavoured white wine, a bag of chips and a dip but the ambience made it worth the cost.
My husband and I have been coming to Oliver for 22 years. We come down from Indy a few times a year and are wine club members. They have fun events and we always enjoy our visits. Today was no exception. We scheduled a picnic for two and it did not disappoint. We had a lovely table on the patio area. It was pouring rain, but we didn't even mind, we were well protected from the rain and could enjoy the sights and sounds of the glistening forest, pumpkins all around and the serene lake. Our hostess took good care of us, bringing us a little light for the table, pur wine flights (which you get to choose), and a sumptuous picnic for two, with warm baguette, crackers, two kinds of cheese, grass, dried apricots, olives, skinned almonds, salami, and Oliver's delicious garlic cheese ball. Two Lidnt truffles peaked out from the plate, and we received two Oliver Winery tumblers to take home. We polished off most of the picnic and our lovely hostess returned to inform us we also get dessert! She brought a flight of 5 mini cheesecakes, each delicious and perfectly paired with our remaining wines. We ended our visit with a case of our favorite wines (25% off for wine club members!). The day had cleared and we took a stroll and some pictures on the grounds. Can't recommend Oliver highly enough! We've brought friends and family for visits and everyone is always impressed with the beauty of the vineyard and the wines.
Oliver Winery completely exceeded my expectations. From the moment I arrived, the landscape blew me away. The rolling hills, the gardens, the water features—everything is just incredibly peaceful and beautifully maintained. It honestly feels like a hidden getaway. What made the visit even better was the customer service. Every staff member we met was welcoming, genuine, and clearly cared about making our experience a great one. Nothing felt rehearsed or rushed. They were just kind, knowledgeable people who made us feel at home. The highlight, though, was the Blueberry Moscato. It was unbelievably smooth, fresh, and full of real flavor. I ended up taking bottles home because it was that good. If you’re anywhere near Bloomington, make the trip. Oliver Winery has stunning scenery, wonderful people, and some of the best wine I’ve ever tasted. I can’t recommend it enough.
WOW! My husband and I visited Oliver Winery for the first time on our one year anniversary. We didn’t have many expectations but we were so impressed. This place runs like a well tuned machine. All the staff were so friendly and helpful in our wine selections. There is a huge patio both covered and uncovered that you can sit at for wine tasting. It’s surrounded by beautiful kept up gardens. The atmosphere is so refreshing. I’ll echo what other reviewers say in that if you like sweeter wine, this place is great. No, it doesn’t tatse just like juice, it’s definitely still alcoholic but it goes down SO smooth and easy. Plus, I didn’t feel judged and overly pressured to try drier wines or things I might not like. Their sweet reds and more fruity flavors were truly the best I’ve ever had. My husband would agree too! They offer discounts on cases of wine when you buy at least 6. There’s also a wheelchair accessible access where you can still see and walk around some of the gardens! I already can’t wait to come back.
WonderLab Science Museum
3. WonderLab Science Museum
4.8
(1016)
Science museum
Museums
Bi-level kids science museum highlights hands-on activities & programs plus outdoor garden exhibit.
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I highly recommend taking advantage of the free membership for first time parents. Our daughter is only 10 months old but her face lights up when we go to the WonderLab because she LOVES the toddler/infant play area. I can already see how much she will continue to love everything they offer when she’s older, but we can easily spend an hour or two in the toddler corner where she can crawl around and climb safely and play with new toys. It’s nice to take an infant on a freezing winter day when other kids are in school and it’s pretty quiet in there!
Went on a field trip with my daughter and her kindergarten class. They all had a blast. It was a new fun thing to do that was actually educational and not the same stuff they are used to doing every other day. Definitely recommend for young children
This place is so cool!! Things to do for toddlers in a gated in section and plenty for older kids outside of that. Upstairs there are animals and other things to check out too.
Absolutely incredible children's activity space! There were so many things to do and it was affordable. Definitely somewhere you can visit again and again. We can't wait to go back!
Had a great time here with my toddler! The price is a bit steep, but I think it's totally worth it considering there's so much to do. I also really appreciated that your ticket price is valid all day, even if you leave and come back. Staff members were very kind and welcoming as well! Thanks for a great time!
A huge thank-you to the amazing team at WonderLab for attending a recent First Aid and CPR course with CPR BTown! Their staff was curious, engaged, and brought the same enthusiasm to learning life-saving skills that they bring to making science fun for the community. We’re also incredibly appreciative to WonderLab for generously allowing us to use their space to host community CPR classes. It’s a joy to partner with an organization that’s as committed to education, safety, and community impact as we are.
At least 2 of hours of indoor fun! Plenty to keep kids occupied for a while! Great place!
My kids are 12, 7, and 6 and they all had so much fun. My 6 year old is disabled and can't walk but he was able to enjoy so much there. They have socks for one area if your kid doesn't have any on. They also provide ear muffs if the noise is too much for your kiddos. There's an elevator that leads to the second floor, too. Overall, it was a fun experience and we would go back again.
Monroe Lake
4. Monroe Lake
4.7
(192)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Picturesque lake providing activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, fishing & camping.
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Our family loves kayaking here. Great camping. My son says the view of the moon over the lake is the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. 🥹
The storms sent us home packing, but I lost my debit card in the process. A gentleman reached out to me on Facebook to return the card I'd since shut off. We'll definitely be returning for more fish on action. It's a huge plus for such honest people. We love this place!
This is a beautiful park and one of the jewels of SW Indiana and the Indiana State Park system. It has so many recreational opportunities and is easy to find using Google Maps. There are many hiking trails, fishing locations, and even a beach. It is located south of Bloomington not far from Indiana highway 37.
Great spot to rest and go go fishing. The crappie are usually a little small, but it's still nice.
We love camping and boating on Monroe Lake campground. There are sites in the campground you can dock your boat near your site. The lake is huge and beautiful. Try and stay during the week when it’s less crowded.
Beautiful clean lake. Had fun tubing and floating in the cove
Nice place for one day trip
I loved the experience with the beautiful birds and feeding them.
Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
5. Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
4.8
(1625)
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
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I was on campus for a business conference during the summer and they used this building venue for our opening and closing ceremonies. Wow. This place is amazing. The tech alone blew my mind. Top notch facilities and staff. The food was great too.
Attended a women’s basketball game here, was the first time I’d been back to Bloomington since 1994 when I attended basketball camp here. Back then it was like a cathedral. Now in 2025, you see it’s a bit dated compared to other college basketball venues. It’s still nice but not like it was then. Good, passionate fans. Plenty of free parking that was a reasonable walk even in subzero temperatures. Would come back.
Looks impressive on the inside great view from most if not all seats. The big downfall is that concession prices are really high. I understand it's a sports event and college, but they're still really high.
Great environment with great energy and excitement. I love the service, and there is no such thing as bad seats. View was fantastic. Definitely gave me and my dad something to remember.
Iconic basketball arena at Indiana University Bloomington. You can feel the past as you walk around. This is a must see place on your bucket list of iconic arenas and stadiums across college sports and perhaps sports in general. Assembly Hall gets 5 stars for the 5 championships they have in men's basketball! Walk out to Kirkwood Ave after a game and enjoy the atmosphere in town with students and fans alike.
Seating is cheap for IU Women's games. However, nosebleed sections are very sticky. Concession Stand prices are very high.
It was our 1st time visiting Bloomington, IN. My spouse is a HUGE Tarheel fan, so he purchased tickets for us to see the ladies' game against Indiana Hoosiers on Dec. 1, 2022. Ironically, December 1, 2021, marked the day we saw our 1st live Tarheel men game in North Carolina. The Simon stadium was massive on the outside and spacious inside. Staff were friendly along with the locals. They told me where the concessions stands were, even joked about us wearing the wrong colors (team). I was in extreme awe of the statues and art displayed, so I had to take pics for the lifetime memories. We even had the best seats in the house since we arrived very early.
The cathedral of college basketball 🏀 every Hoosiers bucket list includes attendance for IU basketball In Assembly Hall! Atmosphere is electric and the arena drips with Hoosier tradition🔴⚪️
Eskenazi Museum of Art
6. Eskenazi Museum of Art
4.8
(235)
Art museum
Museums
Museum with a soaring atrium & huge global art collection hosts free tours & visiting exhibits.
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Parking: Follow Google maps almost all the way to the museum on the IU campus. Find the big red attendant kiosk that says "Permit Parking Only" (or something like that). Drive up to the kiosk and get a ticket from the attendant. For every half hour parked, you pay around $2.50. I stayed for about 2.5 hours and paid $15. Free admission. Beautiful museum full of equally gorgeous art. You can spend hours upon hours here. Many student attendants are walking about to help you. Elevator within the building for the 3 floors, but the stairs are pretty flat and easy to walk up if you're able. I recommend you come at least once when you visit Bloomington.
This place is amazing!!! The best art museum I have ever visited in a public university. What an incredible gift this donation was to the university.
What an awesome art museum. I was super impressed and beautiful architecture. Highly recommend going. They a a Picasso and also a Monet. Not sure if they are always on exhibit, but also had many other amazing artists.
I will never look at African art the same way after all I learned in their African Art wing. When we went to pay for admission we found it was free. But parking was steep.
A fantastic place to visit!!! I highly recommend it. This museum displays great artwork 😍 for you to enjoy to your heart's content. Particularly they have very famous paintings from great artists like Picasso and Monet s among others. Also you will enjoy sculptures, pottery, etc. The cost of the entrance is free so stop by the cafe to enjoy delicious pastry -as we did-. Also they offer sandwiches and drinks.
Went primarily to see the Steinberg exhibit- don’t miss this! - and was delighted by the building. Gorgeous. If I was a student, I would visit daily in the winter to sit under the amazing windows and watch the sky. Video exhibit: see this. I forgot to note the name- worthwhile
Absolutely gorgeous museum! Their collection rivals that of museums in major metropolitan areas, but it’s on a beautiful college campus instead! They could charge for what they have curated here but thank goodness they choose not to. This is a must visit when you’re in town!
This place was incredible! My sister brought her service dog with her and they were so nice and accommodating they ignored her and only talked to the handler. The accessibility of this place is Phenomenal! They have wheelchairs for use inside the museum. They have someone in every room to be there if someone needs help. This place was incredible the only thing I feel like made it a little bit hard to enter each exhibit was the doors they were pretty heavier and my dad pushed my sister in and then he had to grab one of the doors because we had to get my sister in the wheelchair and her service dog in other than that the exhibits were really interesting and unique. Oh and I forgot to mention entry is completely FREE!
Bloomington Community Farmers' Market
7. Bloomington Community Farmers' Market
4.7
(651)
Farmers' market
Shopping
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Went to the Bloomington Community Farmer's Market on a Saturday morning and it was fantastic! We bought some fresh produce, baked goods and other products. Everything was fresh, wholesome and delicious! The vendors were very nice and easy to interact with. I highly recommend a visit to this great farmer's market right in Bloomington!
Our 1st time visiting and it was incredible. So many vendors and farms represented, it was hard to decide who to purchase from. The flowers were absolutely gorgeous! Everything looked so good. We enjoyed the artisans and live music. I'm always looking for real wholesome food offerings and gluten-free options to make the experience 5 star.
I thought it was going to be bigger but there was only a small stands and I’m wasn’t so lucky I guess:( I brought couple staffs (sourdough bread, onions, chili plants, honeys, coffee and stuffs and also paid $16 for 5 tomatoes 😂) but it’s about experience!
@bloomingtonmarket may be the best farmers market I’ve been too (sorry Raleigh but you’re a close second). Some honourable mentions for our first go round. @muddyforkbakery They mill their own grains and bake in a wood fired oven. I’m excited to take a baking lesson there one day. @mkonofarm “swinery” doing pork raising right. Excited to try your products. I am a pork chop snob and there is nothing better than a thick cut excellent cut. @breadandrosesgardens Excited to try your sauerkraut. If you know anything about Indiana you know there is lots of corn here. The fact there was a line for McCullough’s Sweet Corn has me intrigued. Next time I’ll give it a try. The onion lady was so just the sweetest person. I may only buy onions from her when in Indiana. Honestly every urban kid should have an opportunity to come to an area like Bloomington to see how food is grown and meet farmers that care. They would learn that farming is a great and noble profession. AND there is nothing more delicious than food bought at the farmers market. #farmers #midwest #hospitality #food #produce #farmeggs #pork #porkchops #farmersmarket #bakery
First time going to this farmers market on Sept 2nd at 10:30am. There are a TON of vendors. Honestly, the layout doesn't really work to make sure you see all vendors. There were a couple of vendors on the sides of the market and back 3rd row that had no customers near it. The awning seems great for vendors (instead of a tent, but the majority of them were still in the sun). Plenty of customers! I found parking on the street nearby. Plenty of fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, cheese, meats, bread, jam and syrup, etc. I chose a flower bunch, cheese curds, sourdough bread, jam, watermelon, peppers, lettuce, a massive onion, etc. They continue at this location through October. Then, they switch to the winter market location through March.
Hello second time going good veg and fruits, not happy about the week old cinnamon roll giant $5.00 for one old old hard ,it's in my freezer because going back to get my 5 bucks bs ,then buy some fruit ,if you buy anything try it, if possible before you leave!
Great food! Wonderful cheese!
Absolutely stunned by the wide selection of fresh produce here! If Pinoy Garden Cafe is there, prepare yourself for the best taco of your life! Pie First Bakery was also serving up some beautiful and delicious tarts. I also enjoyed the location itself, with some great pieces of art to explore.
Indiana University Memorial Stadium
8. Indiana University Memorial Stadium
4.6
(1214)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
50,000+ seat field-turf complex, home to the Indiana University Hoosiers football team.
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This was my first visit to Indiana University Memorial Stadium. My son and I had a great time. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house… I’m sure Indiana University will consider adding more concession stands and bathrooms. The Hoosiers are on fire and it was a packed house.
Beautiful stadium! We attended last Saturday’s football game IU vs. Old Dominion. It was perfect weather for a football game! Our tickets were on the east side of the stadium. The Old Dominion team was on the field in front of us. They put up large canopies. We were in section 28, row 17 and could not see the sideline because of these canopies, especially for the price of the football tickets. IU Athletics should ensure ticket holders ticket holders have an unobstructed view of the field. Several plays were in front of us but we could not see what happened because of these canopies. Perhaps, these canopies should be banned in the future.
This was surprisingly an awesome experience! IU football was notorious for being a bottom Big Ten venue for a long time, with half-empty stadiums and lack of amenities. That was certainly not my experience. The atmosphere for a night game here in 2025 was great! Loud, passionate but respectful fans, good selection of food and beverage, and it didn’t appear to have a bad seat anywhere to watch a game. Needless to say, the days of $10 good tickets are in the rear view mirror. I’d gladly attend another game here.
Indiana won !! 1st Big 10 game this year. Winning 5 games in a roll is shocking for Indiana football. Go, Big Red !! During kick-off, the ball fell over 2 times. A teammate held the ball in position for 3rd attempt. The crowd roared with laughter and cheer. Instead of just adding a sign for "All Gender," they removed the "Family Bathroom " sign. Why not both signs? Not excluding anyone!!!
Great stadium plenty of food choices and not a bad seat in the house
Loving my season tickets. Try to get the logo right side up for your tickets. They get shade during part of the game. The end zones are north and south. So, you'll have the sun at some point.
63-10 vs Allini! Whatcha know about dat? 9/21/26
They need to update their bathrooms. The place is selling out now that the football team is good. Lines for the women’s’ restrooms are among the worst I’ve ever seen in a stadium. Don’t think the bathrooms have been renovated since the 60s.
Buskirk-Chumley Theater
9. Buskirk-Chumley Theater
4.8
(544)
Event venue
Sights & Landmarks
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Always a great time at Buskirk-Chumley. There’s not a bad seat in the house, and all the performances feel like they’re close and connected. Bloomington wouldn’t be the same without it!
A well kept, historical theater to watch movies, concerts, comedy shows etc. Plenty of variety for everyone.
Went to see Jeff Tweedy on Thursday 11/20. The music was great, but 4 people sitting in the row in front of me were talking loud enough for everyone nearby to hear for the entire show. Now obviously, there’s only so much a venue can do about people talking, but then halfway through the show, a few members of the group decided to try to be trendsetters and stand up in an attempt to get everyone to stand up. No one followed suit, but they continued standing and blocking the view for myself and the gentleman next to me. After about 10 minutes of this, a different member of the audience asked them politely to sit down, to which they rudely replied that they would continue standing. At this point, the audience began to yell at them to sit down, and all but one of them did. Finally, a staff member came over and asked the last remaining person to sit, but she refused again, and the group began to heckle Mr. Tweedy asking his opinion on if the audience should stand up. Mr. Tweedy had to take the matter into his own hands, telling the audience which songs to sit or stand for during the rest of the performance. I’m writing this review because I believe it to be the duty of the venue to deal with disruptive audience members, and they failed to do that during this show even when it caused the show to be interrupted multiple times.
Took the family to see Newsies, the Disney musical, for Christmas. This quaint little theater is in great shape and restored nicely. Overall a fun experience but found it difficult to hear the actors over the orchestra and will probably sit farther away on my next visit.
101 years old theatre! A historic gem with charm, character, and incredible performances! This place is the heart of live entertainment in Bloomington. From concerts and film screenings to theater productions and community events, it offers something for everyone. Walking into the theater, I was struck by its beautiful 1920s architecture, with its vintage marquee lighting up the street. The intimate setting means every seat has a great view, and the acoustics are fantastic, making it a perfect place to enjoy live music or a film. I attended a local music performance, and the experience felt warm and personal, with a great connection between the performers and the audience. The staff and volunteers were incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. I also appreciated how the theater supports local artists and community events, making it a true part of Bloomington’s cultural life. This place is more than just a theater—it’s a space for creativity, community, and unforgettable performances. Whether you’re here for a show, a movie, or just to admire the historic charm, it’s a must-visit in Bloomington for lovers of the arts.
Spotless and gloriously restored theater. I used to work next to it in the 1980’s! Such nice staff, local beer and snacks, coffee shop attached to it, parking available behind. I LOVE this theater.
Great venue! It is a sit-down venue. We worked around it and boogied, but worth mentioning. The show was awesome, too!
Great little theater. Fun to see old venues that haven't changed all that much. So much more character and class than new places!
Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
10. Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
4.8
(348)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
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This is a beautiful Buddhist temple with Mongolian. We had an amazing time walking through the peaceful, natural surroundings such a serene and uplifting energy. There’s also a gift shop if you’re looking for meaningful items for your home or office. I didn’t see any monks during our visit, but it’s best to call ahead and make an appointment if you’d like to connect with one. Also, every Wednesday from 6 to 7 PM, there’s a meditation session open to anyone who wants to come, pray, or simply sit in stillness. It’s a truly beautiful place and always welcoming.
Something about this building just felt off. Our first thought upon approaching this was the oddness of the neon sign in the window, which didn't feel like it fit, but we didn't allow that to deter our journey. A couple pulled into the parking lot shortly after we arrived, and I think the woman (by the look on her face towards us several times) did not like the fact that we were there. Perhaps she felt we did not fit in or belong, or maybe I was just reading too much into her facial expressions. The library is wonderful with many beautiful works of art, and is the main draw of this building. This room had a much more positive energy to it. There are many books here to gain enlightenment, and it felt like a peaceful place for meditation and knowledge. There's a gift shop here, that felt a bit chaotic. I understand the need for money, it is the world we live in, but something about it felt very negative. I worked many jobs in my life where I did not feel like I was contributing something positive to the world, so I left to pursue something more meaningful. This is the same feeling I had while here. Honestly, other than the library, this building had negative vibes for us.
We live directly across from the Tibetan Center and it’s such a beautiful place to visit. There’s so much to look at and just walking around looking at all the sculptures and displays make for a relaxing day. We see some Buddhist occasionally and everyone we’ve met are so awesome and willing to chat with you. We are not from this faith, however we always feel welcome and are greeted by a hello and a kind smile. On the premises they offer a worship temple, gift shop, many outside displays, a Lilly pond, clean restrooms and they even have cabins that can be rented out. I think there are 4 cabins and I’m thinking last year they told me $100/night for rental. (Please check, I could be wrong about the pricing). Plenty of parking and easy access.
I visited this place this weekend, and it’s an amazing place to relax. It has a beautiful history and a special energy you feel as soon as you arrive. While some areas could use a bit of maintenance, it remains a magical and peaceful space.
Amazing place. Really well maintained, and great knowledgeable volunteers, art and Tibetan Mongolian culture. Free entrance, and welcome to everyone.
Beautiful grounds & buildings, each drive through.
4 tires, mounted and balanced out the door very reseasonable prices. Up and coming new kids on the block in the tire game. Come by check them out! Tzu the manager is the man, thanks again for the directions to that massage parlor👍
The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center is a lovely part of Indiana with some incredible opportunities to meet lovely people and experience several Buddhist traditions. I had the pleasure of a personal tour with an informative and lovely member of the community who shared the historic and cultural heritage of this place. ❤️
Butler Winery and Vineyards
11. Butler Winery and Vineyards
4.8
(127)
Winery
Food & Drink
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I was blown away by the hospitality and amazing wines I experienced from this lovely vineyard. I would never have expected to find such well made & impressive wines in Indiana. I cannot say enough good things about Butler Winery. It is definitely a MUST VISIT if you are in or driving through Bloomington! Do not miss visiting this gem. Keep in mind that this is a family owned winery. This is not some large scale, corporate owned vineyard. The family are always on-site and available for questions, suggestions, etc Butler’s 2022 Norton is a MUST TRY!!!! One of the most impressive wines I have had in 2024!
We have been coming to Butler for years but today we were very impressed by Eduardo. He was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about all of the Butler wines. Thanks to him we signed up for the wine club and are looking forward to our first membership tasting party. He also introduced us to the late harvest wines. I’m now a fan! Thanks so much!
I absolutely love this winery! The wine is outstanding and the atmosphere is warm and inviting—perfect for both casual visits and special occasions. Ive been coming here since early 2000’s as a kid, back in the days of eating pizza by the pond! Once I turned 21, it became my go-to winery — They even hosted my engagement party, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! The staff was welcoming and attentive, and all of my friends and family had an amazing time. They also host a multitude of events, such as the eclipse in 2024, where my family gathered to witness an amazing event. I’m so grateful for the memories we made here and will definitely keep coming back!
I live about 5 hours from here but was in the area and because they open early decided to head over. 10am and chilling in a picturesque are with an amazing glass of wine. Did a flight and was happy as can be. The place is beautiful the people are friendly the wine prices are reasonable and even bought some souvenirs. Thank you Lisa for the time you spent with my girlfriend and I.
Always friendly workers. Love the variety from dry to great fruit style wines. They have pond and covered porch with chairs. Nice setting to share a bottle with. Definitely worth the drive. They have meats and cheese to add to make it a nice addition to the wines.
Nice winery with some nice tasting wines. The staff is very helpful and accommodating. The setting is nice and the porch area is good for drinking and enjoying light fare. The tasting room is big enough to have several groups tasting at the same time
Great place to sit on the patio and have an afternoon picnic. Bring your own food or order theirs. the wine is reasonably priced and is not bad for Indiana wines.
Nice little winery. Excellent wine slushies! I’m not a wine person so not one to critique the wine but it’s a nice place for a little tasting.
Fairfax State Recreation Area
12. Fairfax State Recreation Area
4.5
(74)
State park
Nature & Parks
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Nice place to relax & rent paddle board or kayak. The staff were awesome to rent from. A few trails by the pavilion across the road from the beach that are easy, but one area needs mowed a little better. Make sure to use bug & tick spray.
Apparently the beach can be used as a boat ramp now when the water is high.
It was a really pretty day, kind of hot. This was my first trip to Lake Monroe. I visited Fairfax Station Recreation area which has a reservoir and a beach. There were families and other groups of peopl
Had a $7 fee to get in, then the bathroom/beach house was all locked up so we couldn't even change into suits. The beach was murky and beach "sand" just lots of little rocks and shells. May be normal for the area, not sure. The kids enjoyed it but changing in a room would've been cool. 90° out and the beachcomber still locked!
Fun and beautiful place. Has a little beach with a safe area to swim. A lot of neat nature including Bald Eagles, Red tail Hawks, Snakes, Deer and of course fish.
This lake is just beautiful. People are somewhat friendly, awesome beach, and awesome scenery.
We had our wedding at the Big Oaks Shelter. It was simply beautiful. The staff mowed the day before and were very helpful through the process. The only thing I did not like was that the public was able to use the restrooms while we were having the wedding...and the wedding certainly did not stop the public from using those restrooms!
Nice for a beach in Indiana, all sand..no rocks. Bathroom and changing area. Room to fish. Sad little playground tho.
Monroe County Courthouse
13. Monroe County Courthouse
3.9
(23)
County government office
Sights & Landmarks
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Beautiful Courthouse! Worth visiting. Bring your dog!! : )
Nice and cozy right in the middle of the city!
Absolutely stunning example of old world architecture. It's a beautiful building to just look at .
Good place to take pictures
I placed a restraining order on my neighbor for several reasons. I've had to take time off work to come down there and they move the date and time. I have bills to pay. I can't afford to take off without pay for them to change dates. When placing a restraining order on someone then expecting them to have to see them in court defeats putting restraining order on them in the first place
Hard to find parking. Was there to pay property tax. I love the down town but parking is something else & having to pay so much to park stinks.
A very pretty building with great architecture.
Nice place to eat drink look around and enjoy the history
Monroe Convention Center
14. Monroe Convention Center
4.5
(347)
Convention center
Banquet hall
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Everyone is very kind and genuine. I have enjoyed my time here many times. The staff are courteous and professional. I highly recommend coming here for all your event needs.
Went for a toy convention. Not very clear on where it's OK to park at for free. Not very efficient at getting people in, but that's probably more on the event for not letting you buy tickets early. Place looked clean though, well lit. Neither of us used the restroom so can't speak for those.
LOVE going to ITCE here every year. So clean and inviting
Maybe not a fair assessment, but was caused by an exclusive vendor. We attended an event, the facility was adequate, probably should not have had to remind staff to turn on air conditioning, but that was an easy fix. The real problem is with the food vendor, MCL. After checking the menu, then check with catering staff at the event, my wife with Celiac was shown exactly which items were safe. She was assured there was zero cross contamination as she was at the head of the line. Well she left so sick, it was much worse than a little cross contamination. She was miserable for an entire week.
Enjoyed the facility. Lunch was okay. Parking was good.
The staff was friendly, the food was good, the area the event was held was well lit and very spacious. These are just a couple of photos from the lobby area.
Good place for an event. Multiple rooms with a lot of space.
Convenient location, lots of free parking nearby. They could have better access to the load-in area. It's big enough for one big truck but not quite big enough for two cars wide. Bottom line, they really need more space. I hear it's coming, but . . .
Wylie House Museum
15. Wylie House Museum
4.8
(52)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Built in 1835 for a university president, this house is now a museum with period furnishings.
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Very small local museum run by IU. Very hot in the summer, but enjoyed the visit!
Step back in time and experience life in 19th-century Indiana—this place is a hidden treasure for history lovers. With its beautifully preserved rooms and authentic artifacts, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Bloomington’s past. During my visit, I was warmly welcomed by the knowledgeable tour guide, who brought the history of the house to life with engaging stories. I loved seeing the original furniture, quilts, and photographs, which made me feel like I was walking through the daily life of the Wylie family, the first president of Indiana University. The heirloom garden outside was a lovely touch, filled with plants that would have been grown during the 1800s. The tours are free and small in size, giving visitors plenty of chances to ask questions and explore at their own pace. The house is also well-maintained and peaceful, making it a perfect spot for history lovers and anyone curious about Bloomington’s early days. This place is more than just a museum—it’s a window into Bloomington’s rich history. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s a must-see destination that connects you to the past in a personal and meaningful way.
Cool historical house belonging to the first president of the university. Really enjoyed the contemporary art that was designed to address some of the missing parts of the story. Overall, pretty cool.
The historic house of the first president of Indiana University has been turned into an interactive experience. There are no roped off areas and you can get surprisingly close to the artefacts (an old piano, porcelain dishes, antique dolls, cooking implements, and much more). Especially interesting is a baby doll with two faces, one white and one black, on opposite sides on the head. You are certainly welcome to view the house at your own pace but I strongly encourage you to take the free tour led by university students from the history department. The tour pushed the experience up to 5 stars. Pro Tip In the kitchen area, they are giving out spices and herbs reminiscent of the old days. Take some home, make a little tea and reflect on your Wylie House experience, if so inclined.
Really enjoyed this tour. We were the only ones so we got a private tour. The young woman, grad student, was very nice and personable. We had a great time, learned a lot. We were even going to come back the next day but decided on checking out Nashville instead. So much to do in this area.
We went here for a history class trip. I had never known about it before even though I've been in Bloomington for three years now. But, I can say that it is a really hidden gem of Bloomington History. It's easy to overlook, but there's a healthy bit of history tucked away in the neighborhood. The tour was well-guided and we were able to see many recreations and antique items from the mid 1800s. Would recommend if you've never been!
Awesome! If you’re in town, definitely check it out! They offer free tours too (not sure if it’s only for students but I think it’s for everyone!) There’s tons of history at this place and the tour guide explains it all!
Thank you for allowing me to volunteer on Saturday 7/17/2021. I thoroughly enjoyed myself pulling weeds and helping contribute to such a historical museum. Emma was a great lead and helpful in allowing me to come out that morning. I will continue to volunteer here and help the garden thrive.
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Opera and Ballet Theater
16. Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Opera and Ballet Theater
4.6
(11)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
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Such a cool building with awesome architecture. Great performances throughout the year
I have seen some of the finest performances in ballet and opera here. These are tomorrow's stars. Clearly, the BEST!

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