Good morning, Bloomington.

Hustedt Jewelers will host its Diamond Dig fundraiser—running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—at 713 IAA Drive in Bloomington on Sept.

20.

Country Financial committed $20,000 to the Illinois Farm Bureau's Rural Development Grant program during the Tailgate n' Tallboys festival on Thursday—an effort to support rural development projects.

Bloomington staff members unveiled plans to identify and revitalize derelict properties in local neighborhoods and will soon begin assessments—aiming to restore neglected areas for community safety and improvement.

Bloomington leaders shared plans at a Monday meeting to fix 300 to 400 empty homes by rehabbing, redeveloping, or demolishing them, and the program will use federal grants, IHDA funds, and city money along with local partners.

The city also reported a record fire department year with over 14,000 calls and noted that the Grossinger Motors Arena and Center for the Performing Arts earned nearly $8.3 million while drawing more than 250,000 people in fiscal year 2025.

FREE Lunchtime Concerts

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Withers Park — Free entry — Enjoy quality musical entertainment during your lunch hour with various local acts performing weekly.

Color Splash Open Skate

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Bloomington Ice Center — Free entry — Skate in a vibrant atmosphere filled with music and colorful surprises.

Dog Days 5K

11 PM – 3 AM — 17485 E 2500 North Rd — Entry fee varies — Participate in a fun nighttime 5K event for dog lovers.

Illinois Chamber Music Festival

12:00 AM — Illinois Wesleyan University — Free entry — A delightful summer festival for young musicians featuring intensive training and public performances.