Bloomington-Normal, ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of “Best Small College Towns America,” is heating up with summer events and activities.
Here’s a list (in no particular order) of 10 fun things for Redbirds to do near Illinois State University’s campus this summer.
1. Dive into summer at the new O’Neil Aquatics Center
New in 2024, the O’Neil Aquatics Center in Bloomington features the community’s first public lazy river, a 30-foot tall twisting slide, a zero-depth leisure pool and lap pool, and two (1-meter and 3-meter) diving boards. Normal’s Fairview Family Aquatic Center also features four pool areas, five slides, and a zero-depth activity pool.
2. Celebrate 200 years of Funk Farms
Funk Farms is throwing a 200th birthday party on Saturday, June 22, which promises to be a fun-filled and informative day on the farm. Visit Funk Farms, 20 minutes southwest of campus, to learn about the history of the Funk Family farm—including how to make maple syrup—and enjoy food, vendors, live music, and more. Admission is free.
3. Make Music Normal
Held steps away from campus in Uptown Normal, Make Music Normal presented by CEFCU—Friday, June 28-Saturday, June 29—is two days of free, live entertainment showcasing local and regional talent across six stages. Organized by Normal LIVE, music performances are also scheduled at Uptown Circle each Wednesday and Saturday evening through the end of September, with other shows taking place at the Connie Link Amphitheatre.
4. Experience nature at the Horticulture Center
Located off West Rabb Road in Normal and open to the public daily from dawn until dusk, the 23-acre Illinois State University Horticulture Center features tranquil gardens and a towering native prairie, which transports visitors far away from the everyday bustle.
5. Attend the Illinois Shakespeare Festival
In its 47th season, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival is a professional repertory company that produces mainstage productions for more than 10,000 patrons each year at the open-air Ewing Theatre. This season features Twelfth Night, Sense and Sensibility adapted by Quetta Carpenter, and Macbeth, with performances running June 27-August 3.
6. Shop the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market
Located around the Downtown Square each Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-noon, the Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market offers fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, pork, beef, free-range poultry and eggs, flowers, plants, herbs, and more, sold by the people who grew or produced them.
7. Listen to Concerts on the Quad
Pull up a lawn chair or lay down a blanket and enjoy a free concert, from jazz to opera, each Monday in July beginning at 7 p.m. on the east side of Cook Hall on the Quad. Concerts on the Quad are presented by Illinois State University’s Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts and School of Music.
8. Open skate
During the dog days of summer, cool off with open skating at the Bloomington Ice Center. Skaters of all ages, skill levels, and interests are invited to take a stroll around the Olson Ice Rink. A themed holiday (July 27) and color splash (August 24) open skate are also planned this summer. Then, return to Grossinger Motors Arena (connected to the Bloomington Ice Center) in October to watch the puck drop on the inaugural season of Bloomington Bison hockey, the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) affiliate of the New York Rangers. The Redbird men’s and women’s hockey club teams also play there.
9. McLean County Fair
Experience the world’s largest county 4-H Show during the McLean County Fair, July 24-28. Enjoy twists, turns, and thrills at the carnival, take in a grandstand show, check out the 4-H exhibits, or get your fill of deep-fried fair food.
10. Step right up, and enjoy the Sweet Corn Circus
As a nod to Bloomington-Normal’s agriculture and circus roots, the annual Sweet Corn Circus in Uptown Normal—Saturday, August 24-Sunday, August 25—draws thousands of attendees each year who enjoy fresh (picked earlier that morning) sweet corn on the cob and performances by Gamma Phi Circus clowns, acrobats, aerial artists, and more. And be sure to return to Uptown October 5-6 for the Sugar Creek Arts Festival.
