Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington is gearing up for a fun-filled Fourth of July celebration, and this year’s lineup promises something for everyone. Bloomington Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Downtown Bloomington Inc. and title sponsor IU Credit Union, has unveiled a packed schedule of holiday events that will take place on Friday, July 4.
At the heart of the day’s festivities is the city’s beloved Fourth of July Parade, which will once again bring vibrant color, marching bands, local groups, and joyful crowds to the streets of downtown. But before the parade kicks off, the Bloomington Community Band will begin the morning with a live performance at 9 a.m. on the south side of the Monroe County Courthouse, located at 100 W. Kirkwood Avenue.
Following the musical start, the parade itself will get underway at 10 a.m., featuring 65 different entries. The route begins at the intersection of College Avenue and 10th Street, heads south on College, turns east onto Kirkwood Avenue, continues one block, then north on Walnut Street, and loops back to 10th Street. The event is expected to draw large crowds, and city officials encourage visitors to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
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Both the parade and the band’s performance are subject to change or cancellation in the event of extreme weather. For updates, the public can call 812-349-3754.
The celebration doesn’t stop with the parade. Bloomington Parks and Recreation is also offering a free Open Swim Day at the city’s two public pools. Both Bryan Park Pool (1020 S. Woodlawn Ave.) and Mills Pool (1100 W. 14th St.) will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., giving families a chance to cool off and relax in the summer sun.
For those planning to visit a splash pad or skate park, officials advise checking the Splash & Skate Hotline at 812-349-3741 for the latest updates in case of inclement weather. This line provides the current status of Bryan Park Pool, Mills Pool, and the Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad, located at Switchyard Park, 1601 S. Rogers Street.
Even though Bloomington City Hall will be closed on July 4 in observance of the holiday, several Parks and Recreation facilities will remain open to serve the community. These include:
• Griffy Lake Boathouse (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), 3400 N. Headley Rd. – 812-349-3732
• Cascades Golf Course, 3550 N. Kinser Pike – 812-349-3764
• Twin Lakes Recreation Center (7 a.m. to 1 p.m.), 1700 W. Bloomfield Rd. – 812-349-3720
These destinations offer a wide range of outdoor activities from boating and kayaking to golfing and indoor fitness.
While most of the action takes place on Friday, the celebration continues into the weekend with the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market on Saturday, July 5. The market runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. outside City Hall at 401 N. Morton Street, offering locally grown produce, handmade goods, ready-to-eat treats from small businesses, and live entertainment from local musicians.
With a full schedule of community-centered events, this year’s Fourth of July festivities in Bloomington reflect the city’s strong tradition of civic pride and celebration. Whether you’re watching the parade, jumping into the pool, or strolling through the farmers’ market, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the holiday with friends and family.
