Bloomington gives us a reason to laugh this weekend, whether it’s at a stand-up comedy show, the surprise of a 3D movie, the thrill of getting up close and personal with a creepy crawly, or the exuberance of a street festival. Be brave, get out of your house, and let your joy shine this weekend by enjoying live music, connecting with your community, or just sitting back and watching the action.
Laurie Kilmartin brings GenX standup to Comedy Attic
Comedian Laurie Kilmartin rose to prominence in 2020 and 2022 for her biting commentary on current events, which often involves “finding the silly side of serious issues.” The Conan writer, book author and podcaster’s 2024 standup special, released in January and marketed as “proof that not every Gen X standup comedian has turned into an alt-right curmudgeon,” is available on AppleTV, Amazon Prime and YouTube.
Kilmartin will take the stage at the Comedy Attic for four shows on Friday and Saturday at 7:00pm and 9:15pm. Tickets are $16 for students and $20 for general admission at https://www.comedyattic.com/events/94456.
A dystopian future in your face at IU Cinema
Climb back into the armored truck as Furiosa and Max race through the wasteland and out of the screen at the IU Cinema screening of Mad Max Fury Road in 3D. The film won six Oscars and remains one of the best action films of all time, with outstanding performances from Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy, jaw-dropping stunts and a strong storytelling.
See it Friday at 7 or 9:45 p.m. at 1213 E. Seventh St. $10.
Learn about insects at Bug Fest
They may be at the bottom of the food chain, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t fascinating. Learn what makes insects and arachnids so cool at Karst Farm Park’s 10th annual Bug Fest. There’s storytelling, Jungle Joe’s Flea Circus, arts and crafts, music and face painting.
It’s Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2450 S. Endwright Road. Bring a donation of canned fruit or vegetables for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank. All ages. Free.
Why fly to Vegas when you can see the Eagles tribute “Out of Eden” right here?
The Eagles are one of the most successful bands in the world, producing hits such as “Hotel California,” “Take It To the Limit,” and “Best of My Love.” You can book a trip to Las Vegas to see the band during their residency at the Sphere, or you can head to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater to see the six-piece Eagles tribute band Out of Eden.
Hear all the classic songs while spending hundreds of dollars less. It takes place Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. Tickets are $33-$73 and can be found at https://buskirkchumley.org/.
It is a street party and we are all invited
Celebrate radio by volunteering and rocking the block at WFHB’s Block Rocker, right outside the studio on Fourth Street. Bands performing at the free, all-ages, outdoor event include LowDown Brass Band (from Chicago), Negative Glow (Bloomington), The Namby Pamby (Fort Wayne), Low Landers (Nashville, Indiana) and Reggae Union (Bloomington).
There will be food from The Orbit Room, Pili’s Taco Truck, Planted, Popkorn with a Twist and Rasta Pops, drinks from Bloomington Brewing Company and Cardinal Spirits, and nonprofit booths and pop-up shops to check out.
Takes place Saturday from 5-11 p.m. at 108 W. Fourth St. between College Avenue and Walnut Street. All ages. Free admission.
All the toys and comics a collector could long for
Whether you’re looking for a true collectible or searching for childhood nostalgia, the Indiana Toy and Comic Expo at the Monroe Convention Center in Bloomington will meet your X-Men, Superman, GI Joe, pop art, cosplay and collectibles needs.
Held Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 302 S. College Ave. All ages. Admission $8; 12 and under free.
Reach Jill Bond at [email protected].
