As the snow melts this semester, it’ll be time to get outside and explore all that Bloomington has to offer. The question isn’t whether or not there’s anything to do around town, it’s where to find things. From farmers’ markets to live music, there’s always a campus or community event to keep an eye out for.
In this day and age, social media is often the best way to go to find things to do around Bloomington.
This Instagram account has food and activity recommendations for tourists and residents alike to explore the city. Visit Bloomington’s recent recommendations include checking out the museums on campus, such as the Wylie House Museum, the historic home of IU’s first president, and the Lilly Library, home to IU’s special collections as well as rotating exhibits. Currently on exhibit is “The Big Picture,” which features some of the largest items held at the library.
Additionally, Visit Bloomington has a free to order 2026 Visitors Guide that highlights a variety of activities, which can be found at the link in their Instagram bio, along with a series of blog posts on different locations to check out. Its posts provide information on activities like winter hikes around town, Bloomington’s indoor attractions and how to spend 48 hours in Bloomington.
While the city of Bloomington’s social media isn’t solely focused on fun activities, it’s one of the best places to go for news and updates about parking, sanitation and local government. During the recent winter weather these past few months, the city’s Instagram posted updates on sanitation delays and parking garage openings as well as tips about snow shoveling and warming stations.
The city's social media, which is @citybloomington on Instagram, X and YouTube, and City of Bloomington, IN – Office of the Mayor on Facebook, also has information about financial assistance programs for utility bills as well as town halls, neighborhood grants and volunteer opportunities.
From November to March, the winter market is held at Switchyard Park Pavilion on Saturdays. Its social media account lists the vendors, time and location of the farmers’ market.
Additionally, from April to November, the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market is held at Showers Common next to City Hall.
The market’s social media, @bloomingtonwinterfarmersmarket on Instagram and Bloomington Winter Farmers’ Market on Facebook, also shares information about live music and photos of different produce and baked goods available for sale.
For the book lovers of Bloomington, Morgenstern Books is an obvious follow on social media. Its Instagram bio boasts that it’s “Indiana’s largest Independent Bookstore,” but Morgenstern’s is also a community hub for coffee and literary events.
In addition to books, you can purchase coffee, food and local art in the store. The store’s Instagram advertises all their upcoming events. From book launches to author talks, Morgenstern’s hosts multiple events each month.
Finally, this one may be a bit on the nose, but the IDS is the place to go for Bloomington news. In recent weeks, the IDS has posted articles about local protests, road closures and the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The IDS social media also shares “Three things to read today” on its Instagram story, which is a good way to get a quick dose of Bloomington and IU news. You can also find the IDS on X, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok as @idsnews.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student’s spring 2026 Housing and Living Guide.
