Downtown Bloomington to See Temporary Street Closures for IU Homecoming Parade

Downtown Bloomington will see temporary parking restrictions and street closures on Friday, Oct. 30, for Indiana University's 2026 Homecoming Parade. The IU-organized event begins at 5:30 p.m. and returns to Kirkwood Avenue this year, traveling east from Washington Street to Sample Gates at Indiana Avenue.

On Friday, Oct. 30, parking will be prohibited on Kirkwood Avenue from Walnut Street to Indiana Avenue and on Washington, Lincoln, Grant, Dunn, and Indiana streets between Fourth and Sixth streets.

Washington Street will close to traffic beginning at 2:30 p.m. to accommodate parade staging. Kirkwood Avenue will close at 5 p.m., ahead of the parade's 5:30 p.m. start.

Kirkwood Avenue and the affected north-south streets will reopen after the parade concludes.

Residents, businesses, and visitors should anticipate increased pedestrian activity and traffic congestion downtown throughout the afternoon and evening. Those traveling to or through downtown are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and consider alternate routes.

Attendees and other downtown visitors are encouraged to use the City's parking garages.

With IU's Homecoming football game against Minnesota scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, and Halloween activities taking place throughout the weekend, residents and visitors should anticipate increased traffic and pedestrian activity.

Bloomington's trick-or-treat hours remain 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Motorists are encouraged to drive cautiously, remain alert for pedestrians, particularly children and families in residential neighborhoods, and allow additional travel time.

Indiana University organizes and coordinates Homecoming weekend. For additional event details, parade information, and participant guidance, visit IU's official Homecoming Guide.