Surfboards, chessboards, and even a superhero dog. Bloomington is buzzing with activity in the days ahead. You can test your strategy skills at a community chess event, enjoy some tacos, or shop for hidden treasures at a local junk sale. Music lovers can sing along at a Taylor Swift-themed fest, comedy fans can catch Olivia Carter’s debut performance, and for those in the mood for a good film there is a selection for you to choose from.
Here is a closer look at what is happening around town.
Meet your new favorite comedian
Get ready to laugh out loud as Olivia Carter makes her Bloomington debut! This rising star, fresh off her Tonight Show debut and a highlight at the Just For Laughs Festival, is bringing her brutally honest and sharp witty humor to you.
Carter will be taking the stage a The Comedy Attic, 123 S. Walnut St., on both August 15 and 16, with shows at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Tickets are available now — do not miss the chance to see her live and in action!
Your next treasure
You can also make your way to the Switchyard Park Pavilion, on August 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., for Bloomington’s favorite community rummage sale, Junk in the Trunk. It is the perfect chance to recycle, refresh your space, and uncover hidden treasures especially as the summer comes to an end and the fall semester rolls in. Bring your bargain-hunting spirit and find something unique while giving items a second life.
From tacos to tactics
If live music and bustling festivals are not quite your thing, how about sharpening your mind over a chessboard? The Hoosier Chess Academy is hosting Women International Master Garcia Morales — a top player from Chihuahua, Mexico, and director of Chesskid Espanol — for two days of free events in Bloomington.
On August 16, at the Monroe County Public Library, Morales will teach a chess lesson for kids of all skill levels (pre-K through 12th grade) from 10:30-11:30 a.m., followed by a Q&A over tacos from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m before moving onto simultaneous exhibition matches from 1-3 p.m.
On August 17, head to the Faith Lutheran Church for a Spanish-language talk and a scavenger hunt from noon to 1 p.m., and stick around for a personalized game analysis from 1:30-4:30 p.m. All events are free — just bring your curiosity, and maybe your best opening move.
For the Eras, the fans, the feels
Ready for round two of singing, dancing, and all the Taylor Swift hits? Grab your best era-inspired outfit and a make your way to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Kirkwood, on Sunday August 17, at 2:30 p.m., where you will find a high-energy tribute concert celebrating Taylor Swift’s musical journey once again. The Bejeweled Band, featuring Aimee Eisenmann and Maddie Lindley, will perform hits and fan favorites from every era.
Limited tickets are available now, with premium seating options for those seeking an up-close experience. Don’t miss this chance to relive the magic of Taylor Swift’s music live on stage.
Movies For All Ages
If you are in the mood for a night out with friends and a splash of early-2000s nostalgia, head to The Back Door at 207 S. College Ave., on Saturday August 16, for a screening of Blue Crush. This classic follows four best friends balancing part-time jobs, big dreams, and prepping for the annual Pipe Masters competition — all while riding the wave of girl power. Showtime is scheduled for 9 p.m., tickets are $8, and it is a 21+ event, so grab your friends and catch this Y2K throwback.
But if you are looking for something more family-friendly, the Downtown Monroe County Public Library has got you covered with DogMan on Sunday, August 18, from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. Perfect for both kids and parents, this animated adventure tells the story of a police officer and his loyal K-9 partner who, after a freak accident, become one crime-fighting hero. Together, DogMan must embrace his new identity and face off against a feline supervillain Petey the Cat.
Contact Ayzah Khan at AKhan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Movies, mind games, and more this weekend in Bloomington
Reporting by Ayzah Khan, The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
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