BN Life

Summer Festivals in Bloomington-Normal

Summer is Bloomington-Normal’s most action-packed season. Here are the major festivals happening in our area!

 

Glorious Garden Festival
June 15-16
David Davis Mansion

Numerous gardens in Bloomington-Normal are featured on this garden walk. Take a tour of Sarah Davis’ garden, which still contains 16 plants that she originally planted in the 1870s. Tickets are $17 in advance and $7 for anyone under 18.

 

Illinois Shakespeare Festival
July 5 – August 11
Ewing Cultural Center

Since 1978, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival has been devoted to performing the works of Shakespeare, in addition to new works written in his spirit. Festival-goers can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, live jazz music, ice cream socials with the cast and crew and nightly green shows. This year’s performances include The Merry Wives of Windsor, Henry V and Shakespeare in Love.

 

Sugar Creek Arts Festival
July 14-15
Uptown Normal

The streets of Uptown Normal are painted with artists and art lovers alike during the annual Sugar Creek Arts Festival. The combination of high-quality art, live music and food has kept the streets of Normal full of color and activity year after year.

 

Lincoln’s Festival on 66
July 20-22
Downtown Bloomington

This three-day festival presents programs, re-enactments, lectures, walking tours and activities regarding our nation’s 16th president. It is held in Downtown Bloomington each summer. This year’s festival features Bicentennial-specific programs celebrating highlights of Illinois’ 200-year history.

 

Sweet Corn Blues Festival
August 25-26
Uptown Normal

Over 50,000 ears of fresh sweet corn, sidewalk sales, arts, crafts and flea market vendors await you on the streets of Uptown Normal!

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