What's Happening in Bloomington This Week? November 2-8, 2026

The first full week of November in Bloomington starts with the IU men's basketball home opener on Monday and Election Day on Tuesday. On Saturday, the farmers' market moves indoors to the Switchyard Park Pavilion, and the Buskirk-Chumley has three shows on the calendar this week.

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

When does IU basketball start?

• Monday, Nov. 2: IU vs. Eastern Illinois, 7 p.m., Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, on B1G+.

• Thursday, Nov. 5: IU vs. Bellarmine, 6 p.m., Assembly Hall, on Peacock/NBCSN.

Times and TV are from IU's men's basketball schedule. IU football has no game on Saturday, Nov. 7; the Hoosiers host USC on Nov. 14.

When is Election Day?

Tuesday, Nov. 3, is Indiana's general Election Day. Look up your polling place and hours at IndianaVoters.in.gov before you go.

What's on at the Buskirk-Chumley?

• Thursday, Nov. 5: SML, from IU Jazz Studies and the Jacobs School of Music. Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 7: Stand Up for Habitat, a comedy night from Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. Doors 7 p.m., show 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, Nov. 8: Hotel California, The Original Eagles Tribute. Doors 7 p.m., show 7:30 p.m.

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

What's on at IU Auditorium?

• Thursday, Nov. 5: First Thursdays. IU Auditorium says November's event "will take place at multiple locations, including IU Auditorium."

• Saturday, Nov. 7: Potpourri of the Arts: An African American Performance Showcase, presented by IU's African American Arts Institute.

Times and tickets are on IU Auditorium's site.

Where does the farmers' market go in November?

Saturday, Nov. 7: Bloomington Community Farmers' Market, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St. The city says the market moves indoors starting Nov. 7 and runs there Nov. 7, 14 and 21, rain or shine, with a Holiday Market on Nov. 28. See the city's market page.

What's there for kids this week?

• Saturday, Nov. 7, 1 p.m.: Tech Trek, Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3400 N. Headley Rd., from Bloomington Parks and Recreation.

• Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m.: Family Art Lab, Eskenazi Museum of Art. The museum says all ages and experience levels are welcome.

• Sunday, Nov. 8, 2 p.m.: From Story to Stage, Monroe County Public Library, downtown, with Jewish Theatre Bloomington.

These are from the B Square Bulletin's community calendar, which lists many more, including weekly storytimes at the library and WonderLab. Some may need registration, so check the organizer's page.

Where's a good fall day trip?

Brown County State Park, near Nashville. Indiana DNR calls it "a traditional fall color hot spot, with nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads." On Monday, Nov. 2, at 11 a.m., a park naturalist leads a fall color hike around Lake Strahl. See the DNR's park page for hours and fees.

For more fall 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 the Bloomington farmers' market move indoors in 2026?

Saturday, Nov. 7. The market runs 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St., on Nov. 7, 14 and 21.

When is the IU men's basketball home opener in 2026?

Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. against Eastern Illinois at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

When is Election Day in Indiana in 2026?

Tuesday, Nov. 3. Find your polling place and hours at IndianaVoters.in.gov.

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