The Little 500 hits Bloomington like a massive wave each year, swimming with tradition, celebration and, of course, the largest collegiate bike race in the United States. As the Little 500 quickly approaches, Bloomington is still hosting events for everyone, not just die-hard cycling fans.
The races themselves are the centerpieces of the event, with the Women’s Race beginning at 4 p.m. April 24, and the Men’s Race at 2 p.m. April 25. So, I would, of course, put those on the to-do list first.
But besides the races, here are some non-cycling events appearing during “The World’s Greatest Collegiate Weekend.”
University Twits Sketch Comedy Performance
The University Twits are an IU sketch-comedy troupe that perform comedy shows once a month in Ballantine Hall. The troupe performs exclusively original material, writing their own sketches and jokes.
The group is showcasing their comedic pursuits at 9 p.m. April 24 in Ballantine Hall, Room 110. The sketch-comedy performance is a free event, encouraged for all to join in an hour of laughs, fun and sketches.
HANDS in Autism’s Art Expo: “Art of the Mind”
HANDS in Autism is an Indiana state-wide resource center for those with autism and other special needs. The group annually celebrates art created by autistic individuals in April, especially those who use art as a way of expression. The expo also showcases pieces created by those supporting autism acceptance.
This year’s theme is “Art of the Mind,” featuring pieces showcasing artist’s interpretation of the few words.
The expo is housed in the Indiana Memorial Union-Oak Room, beginning with an opportunity to meet the artists and see the exhibitions from 1-4 p.m. April 24. Then, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27, the exhibition is again open to visitors.
IU Soul Revue Spring Concert
At 7:30 p.m. April 25, IU Soul Revue is presenting its Spring Concert to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater bringing a night of soul, contemporary Black popular music and R&B to the weekend of cycling. The group is led by accomplished musician James Strong, who has over 30 years of experience within the music industry, having worked with artists including Tupac and LL Cool J.
Tickets for the concert are available online or at the box office for $25.92 and discounted to $15.66 for children and students.
Bring Your Own Business
Bring Your Own Business is an organization dedicated to showcasing student businesses monthly in Dunn Meadow. From vintage clothing to plants, the monthly event brings a crowd of student shoppers, ready to purchase a wide variety of items sold.
Bring Your Own Business appears again in Dunn Meadow from noon to 4 p.m. April 26, just in time for the Little 500, encouraging shopping sprees from all welcome.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's spring 2026 Little 500 Guide.
