Good morning, Bloomington.

Bloomington police will hold the Pack the Cruiser drive Saturday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two Kroger locations to collect shelf-stable food items in partnership with Midwest Food Bank and the Salvation Army for local pantries, and the Central Illinois Magic community will host the Cans for Cards drive at the Normal Public Library during the same hours—donated items will be shared with local partners to help prepare for winter shortages.

Yesterday, a video captured the Veterans Day ceremony at VFW Post 454 in Bloomington (local officials and residents honored military veterans).

Bloomington’s VFW Post 454 is expanding its services by inviting both older and younger veterans to join new programs and events such as a 5K run and the fourth annual Ruck March that included a food drive collecting 1500 pounds for Midwest Food Bank.

The post also works with local groups to help veterans in need (including support from the Veterans Treatment Court) and welcomes public participation to boost scholarships and advocacy.

Midwest Food Bank in Normal will host its annual Blessing Blitz, a 24-hour volunteer marathon with 24 service projects on November 25-26 at its warehouse.

Volunteers ages 5 and up must register in advance on the event website for guided tours and photo opportunities.

Home Sweet Home Ministries is asking neighbors to donate turkeys and nonperishable foods and to volunteer for its Big Give event with Midwest Food Bank—this event will help make Thanksgiving meal boxes and will mark its 108th anniversary on Thanksgiving Day, with turkeys available for purchase at Hyvee to be dropped off at the food bank.

Heartland Community College is offering free art classes for veterans in partnership with CreatiVets, a nonprofit started by a veteran.

The classes let veterans earn credit while using art to work through their experiences—one session on Nov. 4 included projects like ornaments and gold leaf collages.

Hayes Carll Concert

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — 18+ Event — Experience the soulful tunes of Hayes Carll live in Bloomington.

Big Daddy Weave: Let It Begin Tour

7-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $26.00+ — Experience an uplifting night of music with Big Daddy Weave and friends as they perform inspiring hits and favorites.

Theresa Caputo Live Experience

7-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $55.00+ — Don't miss the 'Long Island Medium' star LIVE in an engaging performance.

Blippi: Join The Band Tour

6-7:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $36.50+ — Experience a fun musical adventure with Blippi and friends exploring sounds, rhythms, and instruments.

Sevendust Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — $43 — Experience Sevendust's heavy grooves and soulful vocals on their Southside Double-Wide Tour.

City of Bloomington Turkey Trot

9-11 AM — Miller Park — Free registration — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a community fun run and support a local food drive.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

2-3:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $44.00+ — Experience breathtaking circus acts combined with seasonal music in this enchanting holiday show.

2025 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship

Dec 3-6 — Shirk Center — Visit NCAA DIII Championship site for details — Witness the crowning of the national champion in women's volleyball.

The Pantagraph's Holiday Spectacular

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $19.00+ — Celebrate the holiday season with an evening of festive entertainment at The Pantagraph's Holiday Spectacular.

NPC Mid-American Winter Classic

10 AM – 10 PM — Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center — Ticketed event — Experience thrilling amateur bodybuilding competitions featuring various divisions.