Parks and Recreation Special Events

December 2022 - March 2023

Join Bloomington Parks and Recreation and community partners in welcoming winter during the annual Winter Fete Celebration. Most activities are free and all activities are fun for the whole family!

Visit the Winter Fete page for all of the exciting details. 

May 1-28, 2023

Step-to-It

What is the Step To It Challenge?

The Step To It Challenge is a FREE four-week physical activity challenge that motivates people of all ages and abilities to become more physically active. Family members, coworkers, schoolmates, neighbors, and friends come together to participate in this friendly competition among communities. 

If you’re looking for a fun way to convert your competitive spirit into a spring exercise program, the Step To It Challenge is for you!

How do I get started?

• If you work or live in Bloomington, join our team online.
• Registration begins April 1 at www.steptoit.org 
• Log your steps and other activities daily at the Step To It Challenge website beginning May 1, 2023. Use the online conversion chart to track other activities such as biking, Zumba, skateboarding, working around the house or even washing your car!  New in 2023, use your Fitbit to track your activity. 
• Get moving and stay active! The top stepper in each age group wins Minnesota Twins tickets.
• Check back for community rankings and status updates and help your city earn bragging rights as the most active! 

Where should I walk?

Walking is just one of the ways you can earn your steps.  But if you're interested in some fun and scenic places to walk in Bloomington, check out our Active Hiking and Biking Guide for suggestions. 

 

Kites and Bites 2023

Enjoy food trucks, music and kites, all of which will take over Valley View Playfields at East 90th Street and Portland Avenue South on Saturday, June 10, 2023, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

KITES

FREE kites will be available for youth age 18 and younger (while supplies last). Or bring your own kites to fly high in the sky! 

BITES

• Food vendor details coming soon!

Have a blast dancing and moving to the high energy KidsDance DJ performance. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Various days June - August

Grab the kids and invite the neighbors to see the best music groups and entertainers in the Twin Cities. Arts in the Parks includes Monday Morning Kids Series, Tuesday Performance Series, Midweek Music and Market, Thursday Blockbusters and Sunday Funday. All programs are free of charge and open to the public.

Learn more and discover the exciting lineup on the Arts in the Parks web page.

Saturdays, June 10 - October 14, 2023 (outdoor markets)
Wednesdays, July 12 - August 23, 2023 (Midweek Music & Market)

The Bloomington Farmers Market is a weekly gathering in which farmers, growers and producers sell their own products directly to the public. At the market you will find a great variety of fresh locally grown produce as well as flowers, meat, cheese, honey, maple syrup, berries, fresh baked goods, jams, jellies, coffee, smoothies, art and more! The market also features music and special activities.

To learn more or become a vendor, check out our Farmers Market page

July 3, 2023
5 - 10:30 p.m.
Normandale Lake Park
84th Street between Normandale Blvd and Chalet Road

Bloomington's Independence Day celebration is held each year on July 3 at Normandale Lake Park. The fun includes music, food, fireworks and more! 

In June you'll find information on performers, food, parking, weather and other details on the Summer Fete page.

2023 Information coming soon

River Rendezvous 2022

This wonderful festival is a chance to experience living history at Pond-Dakota Mission Park in Bloomington, Minnesota. The goal is to demonstrate the lifestyles of people living in Minnesota between 1830 and 1870 through story-telling and interactive, hands-on demonstrations!  

River Rendezvous 2022 takes place September 24, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  For all the details, visit the River Rendezvous page!

Spinning at River Rendezvous 2019

 2023 information coming in September
 

October 30, 2022
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Normandale Lake Park
West 84th Street  & Chalet Road

Join us for the Second Annual Halloween Trick or Treat Trail event. This FREE outdoor event takes place at Normandale Lake Park, 84th Street and Chalet Road and is designed for children preschool age through 5th grade.

The Trail begins near the boat launch on the west side of the lake opposite the Chalet Road parking lot and includes entertainment, candy, and more surprises! 

New in 2022, to keep things moving smoothly, preschoolers through 2nd graders are encouraged to hit the trail 2 - 3:30 p.m. and 3rd through 5th graders are encouraged to hit the trail 3:30 - 5 p.m.  Also new this year, a food truck will be part of the event. 

• Costumes not required
• Donation of a non-perishable food item for the VEAP food shelf is appreciated but not required.
• Event takes place weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted here and on the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Facebook page. 
• For full details, including map, coloring contest information and more, visit blm.mn/halloween
  • Coloring contest deadline has been extended to Monday, October 24.