Mystery House Tours at The Pond House

Title

Mystery House Tours at The Pond House

Date(s)
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 1–4 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Parks and Recreation Department

Widgets
Pond House Spring with Magnifying Glass

Examine the 1856 Pond House as a history detective. 

  • What are the mysterious markings on the bricks?
  • Why is the window glass wavy?
  • Why is there a door on every side of the house? 

Answer these and other curious questions to win a detective gadget!

Free program for all ages. No registration required. Drop in any time during the three-hour event. 

blm.mn/pondhouse


Whirling Wonders at the Pond House

Title

Whirling Wonders at the Pond House

Date(s)
Saturday, May 24, 2025 - 1–4 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Parks and Recreation Department

Widgets
historic tops

Play a game of dueling tops and learn how to spin a whirligig during this free event.

Then decorate your own wooden top and make a whirligig to take home! 

Tops and whirligigs amused children and fascinated Minnesota pioneer families. 

Free program for all ages. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

blm.mn/pondhouse

 

Ask about Pond House tours.

Beading with Carol Charging-Thunder

Title

Beading with Carol Charging-Thunder

Date(s)
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 1–4 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Parks and Recreation Department

Widgets
Native beaded necklace

Bead a necklace to take home including Buffalo bone hairpipe beads with Lakota artist Carol Charging-Thunder. 

Carol has been beading for over 50 years. Her work has been exhibited at the Tweed Museum of Art in Duluth and was featured in an art exhibit developed by All My Relations Arts.  

Free program. All materials provided. No registration required. 

Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

blm.mn/pondhouse


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The Architecture of the Historic Pond House

Title

The Architecture of the Historic Pond House

Date(s)
Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 1–4 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Parks and Recreation Department

Widgets
Pond House Spring

Explore the architectural style and details of this fascinating historic 1856 home and unlock secrets about other historic buildings. 

Architectural engineer Jay Biedny will also explain window glass making in the mid-1800’s. 

Young architects can construct a mini brick house! 

Free program for all ages. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.


From Sheep to Skein at the Pond House

Title

From Sheep to Skein at the Pond House

Date(s)
Saturday, May 3, 2025 - 1–4 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Parks and Recreation Department

Widgets
Spinning

Try your hand at carding, spinning, and weaving on a loom and make a yarn bracelet to take home. 

Follow the process from raw wool to the finished product with Pauline Bold and Sarah Reinke and see samples of naturally dyed wool.

Free program for all ages. Materials provided. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

Ask about house tours. 

blm.mn/pondhouse

Hillcrest School Carnival 2025

Title

Hillcrest School Carnival 2025

Date(s)
Saturday, May 3, 2025 - 12–3 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Police Department

Widgets

Join the Hillcrest Community School community for a fun-filled school carnival on Saturday, May 3, from 12 to 3 p.m. This exciting event is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and enjoy fantastic food trucks, fun games, face painting, a petting zoo, and more!

Limited activities start at 11 a.m. for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and sensory friendly guests.

Admission is free. Concession and game tickets are available for purchase.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Visit with representatives from the Bloomington Police Department who will be on hand to say hi during the event. 

Hillcrest Carnival logo with games and face painting imagery
Address
Hillcrest Community School

2025 Home Energy Workshop

Title

2025 Home Energy Workshop

Date(s)
Thursday, August 7, 2025 - 6:30–8 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Sustainability

Widgets

Home energy affects our comfort, health, and pocketbooks. The way we fuel our homes also impacts climate change. At this year's Home Energy Workshop, expert speakers will present on home energy efficiency, electrification, and solar. 

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Register now 

A free light dinner will be provided

Español? 952-563-8732

Need translation or other accommodation? 952-563-8732

Address

2025 Plant Exchange

Title

2025 Plant Exchange

Date(s)
Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 8–11 a.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Creekside Community Center

Widgets
Plant Exchange Graphic
Plants

Whether you are an expert gardener or just beginning, this FREE plant exchange is an opportunity to donate, exchange, or adopt indoor, outdoor, and vegetable plants. 

Hosted by Bloomington Parks and Recreation’s Garden Club. 

NEW LOCATION FOR 2025
Logan Lodge, 9930 Logan Ave. S.
Garage (use North Door)
Enter from Logan Avenue just north of the Animal Shelter. Watch for signs to guide you!

Download, print and share: 2025 Plant Exchange flyer

Have questions or need more information? 
Call 952-563-4944 or MN Relay 711


IMPORTANT NOTE

Please keep an eye out for the invasive jumping worm before bringing plants to the plant exchange. Soil that resembles coffee grounds is an indicator of jumping worm presence.

Visit the jumping worm and bare-rooting demonstration/education table for more information. 

Juneteenth Celebration

Title

Juneteenth Celebration

Date(s)
Saturday, June 21, 2025 - 12–5:30 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Widgets
Juneteenth graphic

Bloomington Juneteenth celebration seeks to honor the resilience, freedom, and contributions of Black communities and culture while reflecting on the historical significance of Juneteenth. Join us in a day of fun and reflection!

  • Live entertainment hosted by T. Mychael Rambo
  • Food trucks
  • A walking museum
  • Kids activities
  • ... and more!

In case of rain, event will be held inside Valley View Middle School.

Apply to be an exhibitor at this year's celebration. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2025.

Address
Valley View Middle School

Older Adult Job Fair

Title

Older Adult Job Fair

Date(s)
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 1–4 p.m.
Contact Information

Contact Information

Parks and Recreation Department

Public Health Division

Creekside Community Center

Widgets

 

Job fair attendee talks to employer

Join us for the annual Older Adult Job Fair to connect local businesses offering paid part-time and seasonal employment with experienced members of the workforce.

With more than 16,000 people over the age of 65 living in Bloomington and the surrounding area, there is a group of seasoned, hardworking people who are looking for an opportunity to share their skills and dedication, but may not know where to start.

Look no further! We are hosting local organizations eager to have a conversation with older adults in an approachable, friendly environment. Please note, the event is open to all with no age requirements.

Event includes information and resources as well as a drawing with fabulous door prizes provided by our generous employers. ​We hope to see you there!

Registration

  • Register online or call Kate at 952-885-8805.
  • Registration is appreciated, but not required.
  • The first 250 participants will receive a gift bag of resources. 

Download, print and share the Older Adult Job Fair flyer.

Hosted by Martin Luther Campus and the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and Public Health Division.

Martin Luther Senior Living logo
Address
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