Late Night Adventures
Bloomington Indiana has something for everyone! I’ve listed just a few of my favorites!
On Campus
Union Board Films … Free movies on the big screen? Yes please! Weekly movies are screened across campus. Sometimes you can even score free food with the film thanks to various student groups.
Bowling and Billiards … Open until 10pm Sunday through Thursday and 11pm Friday and Saturday, the IMU bowling alley and billiards is a no-brainer for late night fun!
Jacobs School events … I can not recommend this one more! Throughout the school year you can find various operas, ballets and special events at the MAC (Musical Arts Center) that are world class and significantly discounted for students. Additionally, there are free student and faculty performances that provide a wide range of genres and instruments to enjoy!
Indiana Memorial Union Late Night … Looking for an easy way to meet other students and enjoy some karaoke, crafts, haunted houses, dances, game and more!? Well the Late Night crew at the IMU have weekly events to check out!
Fine Arts Plaza … Located in Central Campus the Fine Arts Plaza is a great place to wander and socialize on campus in the whee hours. Sit down and put your feet in the Showalter Fountain. Lay on your back and put your feet up on the wall of the Eskenazi Museum of Art and watch as the Light Totem projects changing colors across the building (it’s an IU tradition!).
IU Cinema … Do you love movies and film? The IU Cinema offers a unique movie going experience. It screens old and new movies with special premiers and film talks.
Take in a Show
The Starlite Drive-In … The Starlite is a historic drive-in theater that has been operating since 1955! Enjoy a double feature for only $9! Bring your own snacks or enjoy some classic treats from their concessions! Make up a cozy spot in the back of your vehicle or lay out a blanket and enjoy a magical movie watching experience with friends under the stars!
The Bishop … If live music is what your after, The Bishop offers top notch performers in their music venue! This is a great option for those under 21 because many of the shows are 18+! If you are 21+ you can head over to the bar side of the building after the show for a specialty cocktail or local beer!
Buskirk-Chumley Theater … The Buskirk has been engaging Bloomington since 1922. You can find late night events such as film festivals, live performances, special classic movie screenings (such as a Hitchcock film series or the Rocky Horror Picture Show), and so much more!
The Comedy Attic … The Comedy Attic hosts everything from world famous comedians to open-mic nights. This is a 17+ venue and offers a full food and drink menu. So come hungry and ready to laugh until you cry!
Bloomington Playwrights Project Ted Jones Playhouse … The BPP is the only professional theatre company in Indiana that showcases original plays! If you are looking for a fresh bit of culture, head over to the Ted Jone Playhouse downtown for one of their 8 annual shows or events!
21+ Bluebird Nightclub … Live music, Live music and LIVE MUSIC!!! You can find performances by hit musicians, emerging artists and even karaoke nights!
Get Your Game On
Western Skateland … Yes! On Thursdays from 9–11pm anyone 18+ can enjoy open roller skating with retro music (sometimes even a live band!). Not into retro music? Grab your groovy-self and jump on the roller rink Saturday from 10pm to 1am for an 18+ hip-hop R&B party! Only $10 for entry and skates!
Frank Southern Ice Arena … The ice skating rink has Night Owl open skating from 9:15–11pm on Saturday nights from October through March! There is a $6 admission fee and $3 skate rental.
Lazerlite Lazer Tag … Lazerlite has an exciting lazer tag arena and a huge arcade. On Friday and Saturday nights from 8–11pm you can get 3 hours of unlimited lazer tag for $20! So put on your war paint and bring some friends!
Hoosier Heights … Hoosier Heights is a climbing gym that offers late night climbing until 10pm every night. If you want to get a good workout in and have a blast doing it, this is the place to be!
21+ The Orbit Room … The Orbit Room is a cozy underground bar on the downtown square that has live music, pinball and um yesss… craft hot dogs!!! Open until 12am Tuesday-Saturday.
21+ The Cade … Step back into the 80’s with this stocked downtown arcade bar! Burger Time, Tapped, Galaga… all the classics! Grab a booth set up with a classic Nintendo 64 console or pull out one of the many board games. There is usually a cover charge at the door, but all the games are free to play aside from the wall of pinball machines which are $1 per game!
21+ The Tap … If you’re a trivia fan then come by The Tap Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 8–10pm! There is a huge selection of craft beer and the menu is huge. You can also find live music on stage during the weekend nights!
Midnight Snack
Baked … Did someone say cookies?!? Have a late nite craving for something sweet? Need a sugary late-night pick me up to finish your homework? Offering pick-up or delivery, you can splurge on some indulgent cookies with your choice of fresh in-house dough, mix-ins and toppings! Open well past midnight everyday of the week!
Döner Kebab Food Truck … My favorite late-night snack in Btown! You can usually find the Doner Kebab food truck on Kirkwood Avenue not too far from the Sample Gates. The gentleman who usually runs the truck at night is super nice, so be sure to leave a tip in the jar before heading off to other adventures!
Pili’s Party Taco Deli and Food Truck … Located on Walnut Street just off the downtown square, Pili’s Deli and Food Truck is a Btown staple for late-night eats. So fresh! So tasty! Wander over to Pili’s for a taco or two.. or three!
Hartzell’s Ice cream … Who doesn’t love ice cream? Hartzell’s is local and makes their ice cream in-house! Open until 11pm daily you can dine in or take your ice cream for a walk down Kirkwood or through campus.
The Chocolate Moose … This ice cream shop has been around since 1933. You can stick around and enjoy your ice cream on the road side of the building by the walk-up window or in their cafe. They have my favorite ice cream in town, the vegan grasshopper!
Runcible Spoon … Runcible Spoon gets its name from a children’s story about love, adventure, nature, and whimsy. The vibe here is exactly that. Sit on the front patio among overgrown plants and string lights or inside among the wood paneling, paintings and books. Sip on a cappuccino or hot chocolate and enjoy their all day breakfast menu until they kick you out around11pm.
B’Town Diner … Their motto is “made from scratch” and they are serving up breakfast and dinner late-night from 10pm to 3am! So if you’re awake a need a place to study or hang with good food, hot coffee and classic diner feels this is the place!
Rockit’s Pizza … This iconic 1990 pizza joint is right next door to the Bluebird nightclub. Inside is a small galley style seating area. The walls are filled with signed images of bluebird performers as well as patron graffiti on the walls and booths. You can feel the history and love for this place as soon as you open the door. An of course, the pizza is superb and served whole or by the slice!
