What's Happening in Bloomington This Week? November 16-22, 2026

This week in Bloomington starts with free Latin jazz at the Buskirk-Chumley on Monday. IU women's basketball plays at home Wednesday and Sunday, IU men's basketball takes on Kentucky in Indianapolis on Friday, and the farmers' market is at Switchyard Park on Saturday.

Lesa Miller is a REALTOR® and broker in Bloomington, Indiana, who helps buyers and sellers in Bloomington, Bedford and the surrounding communities. Here's what caught my eye this week.

When does IU play this week?

• Tuesday, Nov. 17: IU men's basketball vs. Arkansas, 7:30 p.m., in New York.

• Wednesday, Nov. 18: IU women's basketball vs. Coastal Carolina, 7 p.m., at home in Bloomington.

• Friday, Nov. 20: IU men's basketball vs. Kentucky, 8 p.m., in Indianapolis.

• Saturday, Nov. 21: IU football at Washington, in Seattle. Kickoff time is still to be announced.

• Sunday, Nov. 22: IU women's basketball vs. Southern Indiana, 2 p.m., at home in Bloomington.

Times are from IU's football, men's basketball and women's basketball schedules.

What's on at the Buskirk-Chumley?

• Monday, Nov. 16: IU Latin Jazz Ensemble. Doors 7 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. The theater says, "FREE EVENT! NO TICKETS NEEDED!"

• Friday, Nov. 20: A Foreigner's Journey to Boston, a tribute concert. Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. All ages.

The theater is at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. Details are on the Buskirk-Chumley's events page.

What's on at the Jacobs School of Music?

• Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m.: Mainstage in Concert: Circus Maximus, IU Opera and Ballet Theater, Musical Arts Center. The program includes John Corigliano's Circus Maximus and George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." See IU Opera and Ballet Theater's page for tickets.

• Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.: IU Philharmonic Orchestra, with alumna Karen Kamensek as guest conductor. See the Jacobs School events calendar.

Is the farmers' market open this Saturday?

Yes. Saturday, Nov. 21: Bloomington Community Farmers' Market, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St. The city says it "takes place rain or shine in November." See the city's market page.

What's there for kids this week?

WonderLab, 308 W. 4th St., has Science Story Time (ages 2-6) on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m., and STEM Saturday (ages 5 and up) on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m. November's theme is paleontology. See WonderLab's events page.

Where's a good day trip?

French Lick Springs Hotel Tree Lighting, Saturday, Nov. 21, French Lick. The resort lists kids' Christmas crafts from 2 to 6 p.m., free hot cocoa and live reindeer photos from 4 p.m., and the Celebration of Lights and fireworks at 6 p.m. on the Casino Front Lawn. Santa and Mrs. Claus are at Spring No. 8 restaurant from 7 to 9 p.m. See the resort's Season of Lights page.

Heading to Brown County State Park this week? It's closed from 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, to 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, for a deer reduction hunt, according to the Indiana DNR.

For more ideas, see A Local's Guide to Fall in Bloomington and Bedford.

Before you go

Event details change. Check each organizer's page for times, tickets and weather updates before you head out.

Frequently asked questions

When does IU play Kentucky in basketball in 2026?

Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at 8 p.m. in Indianapolis, according to IU's men's basketball schedule.

Is the Bloomington farmers' market open in November?

Yes. On Saturday, Nov. 21, it runs 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St., rain or shine.

When is the French Lick Springs Hotel tree lighting in 2026?

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026. Kids' crafts start at 2 p.m., and the Celebration of Lights and fireworks are at 6 p.m. on the Casino Front Lawn, according to French Lick Resort.

Thinking about living in Bloomington? Call or text (812) 360-3863, or visit LesaMillerRealEstate.com/Links.