Things to do in Bloomington, Indiana, this week to have fun

This week in Bloomington, there are plenty of ways to stay active, have fun with friends and family, and benefit important causes at the same time. Watch community players sweep the stage of the Brown County Playhouse, sign up for a 5k and get rewarded with free beer, or dote on therapy dogs from Monroe County Humane Association. Here's some of what's going on Aug. 4-9.

Friday, Aug. 4, The Venue Fine Arts & Gifts will premiere "In Motion," a collection of paintings and drawings by featured artist Joanne Shank. Her work is inspired by movement, like that of musicians playing. The opening reception is 5-8 p.m., at 114 S. Grant St.

And because it's the first Friday of August, this exhibit will be one of many across 14 Bloomington art galleries as part of the monthly Gallery Walk.

From Friday, Aug. 4, to Sunday, Aug. 13, Brown County Playhouse presents six showings of "On Golden Pond." The play, written by Ernest Thompson, follows an aging couple as they spend the summer at their lake house and grapple with changing relationships within their family.

The play only takes place on weekends, Friday-Sunday. You can see the production at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 4, 5, 11 or 12. If you prefer a matinee, the Sunday performances on Aug. 6 and 13 will begin at 2:30 p.m. Buy general admission tickets at https://shorturl.at/jnOR4 for about $22 each. Find the Brown County Playhouse at 70 S. Van Buren St. in Nashville, Indiana.

Fun fact: In 1981, the play was adapted into a screenplay starring Katharine Hepburn and Henry and Jane Fonda, who recreated and transformed their real-life relationship as father and daughter in the film. The film won three Academy Awards at the 1982 Oscars.

This Saturday, bike, run or walk to Bloomington's Switchyard Park for the annual Bike 4 the Kids event. It's held in memory of Dr. John Wrasse, a Bloomington pediatrician who passed away in February 2021, and all funds raised are donated to Riley Kids Fund of Bloomington, via Riley Children’s Foundation.

The two-mile loop goes around Switchyard Park and the B-line Trail. There also will be food, live music, helmet distribution for kids and more. Find more event details at the Bike 4 the Kids website.

Registration is open until the start of the ride/run/walk at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5. Register or donate at https://shorturl.at/dtuU3. It's $25 for participants 18 and older, $10 for ages 6-17, and free for kids 5 and under.

Looking for even more ways to be active on Saturday? If you're itching to run and craving local craft brew, you can sign up for a 5k Beer Run by Indiana Brewery Running Series. It starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Switchyard Brewing Company, and ends back there after.

Register for the event at https://shorturl.at/erxz1. A $35 ticket gets you participation in the 5k, as well as a free beer, swag items and access to event festivities. If you're under 21, you can still participate, and you'll earn a non-alcoholic beverage. Proceeds will help local nonprofits, including the Monroe County Humane Association. Volunteers are also welcome, and they will receive free beer and goodies.

Find Switchyard Brewing Company at 419 N. Walnut St. in Bloomington.

King's Blues, BBQ & Funkfest is returning for its ninth annual gathering Saturday 5:30-11 p.m., at Upland Brewing Co. in Bloomington. Three bands — King Bee and the Stingers, The Dynamics, and The Swing Rays — will play starting at 6 that evening.

Festival seating will accommodate 200 people, but anyone can bring their own chair and join. Ticket prices are $30 for adults and $15 for kids 6-16, and you buy them upon entry. This includes a meal of one meat and two sides, and bottled water is free until it runs out. Upland staff will sell beverages as well. Find the gathering at 350 W. 11th St. in Bloomington.

The event is a fundraiser for the Carl Deal, Jr. Scholarship Fund, which is administered by the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County. The scholarship is awarded annually to a member of the Boys & Girls Club.

From the archive:Horns, drums and BBQ help raise funds for kids

School starting back up can mean schedule changes, homework and stress. Although the first two might be unavoidable, there are ways to unwind. And what's more relaxing than spending time with snuggly pups?

Monday, Aug. 7, from 3:30-4 p.m., Monroe County Humane Association is bringing therapy dogs to the public library downtown for a "De-Stress with a Dog" event. Teens ages 12-19 are invited to drop by and visit them. The Monroe County Public Library is at 303 E. Kirkwood Ave.

Spending an evening with friends and fresh fruit is a great way to ease into August. On Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 6:30-8 p.m., join Bloomington Community Orchard's August Orchard Harvest Picnic.

Snack on ripe fruits at the orchard and produce from local farmers, including blackberries, blueberries and raspberries. There will be shortcakes and whipped cream, and attendees are welcome to bring other food and drinks for themselves or to share. Be sure to bring your own plates and utensils.

The event will coincide with the orchard's weekly Work & Learn Day, which begins at 5 and then will break at 6:30 for the picnic. It is also open to anyone interested.