About The Bluebird
The Bluebird is a small live-music nightclub in downtown Bloomington, Indiana, located at 216 N. Walnut Street (thebluebird.ws ). Opened in 1973 (www.setlist.fm ), it has been a staple of the local scene for 40+ years (forum.spaffnerds.com ). The club is strictly 21+ (ID required at the door) (www.indieonthemove.com ) and holds about 288 people (www.indieonthemove.com ). Inside, the atmosphere is classic “dive bar” meets music venue – low ceilings, flashing stage lights, and walls covered in framed photos and posters of past bands (forum.spaffnerds.com ) (wanderlog.com ). One visitor calls it a “great live music venue…hard to find” these days, praising its good sound and cheap drink prices (www.tripadvisor.com ). In short, the Bluebird lives up to its reputation as Bloomington’s iconic, intimate rock club, with a gritty charm and a rich local history.
Events and Programming
The Bluebird hosts live music nearly every night (often up to six nights per week). The lineup is diverse: local cover and tribute bands, indie and Americana acts, touring rock or country artists, even reggae or jam bands. Mondays are usually karaoke nights, while the rest of the week features everything from original rock and pop to bluegrass and blues. For example, recent shows have included touring country/rock acts like Daniel Donato – whose upcoming show was listed at 8 PM (21+) with $20–$25 tickets (thebluebird.ws ) – as well as bluegrass/jam bands like Town Mountain in 2025 (www.concertarchives.org ). Ticket prices typically range from very low (small cover charges around $5–10 for local bands) up to $20–30 for bigger names. The official event calendar (on The Bluebird’s site) shows rectangular ticket windows via SeeTickets, and the indie music site notes that cover bands are common. Past performers have spanned genres: rock, alternative, country, folk and more, reflecting Bluebird’s role as a go-to venue for touring acts and homegrown favorites alike.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue. The Bluebird’s box office (at 216 N. Walnut St, phone 812-336-3984 (thebluebird.ws ) (www.indieonthemove.com )) opens in the daytime and stays open through showtime. Advance tickets for big shows usually sell on The Bluebird’s website (via SeeTickets), and remaining tickets often go on sale at the door if not sold out. Because the club fills up, it’s wise to buy early for popular acts. Note that all events are age 21+, as indicated by the venue’s listing (www.indieonthemove.com ), so plan accordingly. Ticket prices vary by event – for example, a recent Daniel Donato show was $20–$25 (thebluebird.ws ) – while local-band shows can be as low as $5–$10. There are no elaborate seating tiers or VIP areas; everything is general admission on the main floor.
Seating and Layout
The Bluebird’s interior is essentially a single open room with the stage at one end. The stage is raised only a few feet above the floor, so “front row” is really just the edge of the dance floor (forum.spaffnerds.com ). Patrons stand and dance on the open floor. According to a visitor review, the club has plenty of standing room at the front, and back near the bars and walls there are high-top tables and a few barstools to rest on (forum.spaffnerds.com ) (wanderlog.com ). In fact, one patron noted there are “3 different bars” in the space, which helps spread out guests and keeps lines moving (wanderlog.com ). Because the capacity is only 288, even the back of the room is fairly close to the stage, but the very best views are up front by the stage. The club also features an upstairs outdoor rooftop lounge – a small open-air patio where you can grab a drink under the stars during shows (wanderlog.com ). In summary, expect a standing-room environment with multiple bars at the sides and a few tables, an intimate stage just inches from the crowd, and bonus rooftop seating for fresh air breaks (forum.spaffnerds.com ) (wanderlog.com ).
Getting There and Parking
The Bluebird is centrally located in downtown Bloomington at 216 N. Walnut St (thebluebird.ws ) (right between 6th and 7th Streets). Street parking is available along Walnut and nearby avenues; on-street meters are enforced, but you can often find 2-hour free spaces if you arrive early. For longer stays, use the city’s 7th & Walnut parking garage (318 N. Walnut) which is open 24/7 and only $0.50 per hour (www.bloomington.in.gov ). Other nearby lots and garages (like the 3rd St lot and the 4th St garage) also offer affordable rates. Public transit: Bloomington Transit route 7 (Walnut/Clear Creek) runs along Walnut St. and stops at the Downtown Transit Center (Walnut & 3rd St) (bloomingtontransit.com ) (bloomingtontransit.com ). From there it’s a short walk north on Walnut to the club. Late at night, rideshares (Uber/Lyft) and taxis are common in Bloomington; the Walnut St frontage of the club or nearby intersections (e.g. 5th & Walnut) are typical drop-off/pick-up points. Ample sidewalks and lights downtown make walking from most Hilton/Crowne Plaza/Airport-area hotels quick (see “Nearby Amenities”).
Inside the Venue
When you enter The Bluebird, you’ll go through security/doorman first (especially on busy nights). The interior has a lively but relaxed dive-bar vibe. Several bartenders serve drinks behind mirrored bars on either side of the room. As one TripAdvisor reviewer notes, the staff is good and the drinks are reasonably priced (www.tripadvisor.com ). There is no kitchen or food service (just grab a bar snack or greasy tub of popcorn if they have it), so don’t plan on sit-down dining inside. The walls are decorated with concert posters, photos, and even signed guitar picks – one fan said the walls are “adorned by memorabilia from renowned artists” who have played there (wanderlog.com ). Lighting is full concert mode (bright stage lights and colored washes on the floor), so it can be dark off-camera. In the crowd, people often dance, drink bottled beer and shots, and hang out on the railings or the small seated areas. One review even praises the “lots of standing room and seated tables” and fast-moving lines thanks to the three bars (wanderlog.com ). Restrooms are located in back; a visitor did mention a broken latch in the women’s room (www.tripadvisor.com ), so you might want to check that early. Coat check: redundant on a cool night since there’s nowhere to stash a coat – most people just hold jackets or hang them on a chair. Overall, inside you’ll experience a packed, energetic club scene with friends talking or dancing close to the stage, decent club sound and lights, and a friendly staff (www.tripadvisor.com ) (wanderlog.com ).
Nearby Amenities
The Bluebird is in the heart of Bloomington’s downtown, so you have many options before or after a show. Restaurants: Just a block or two away you’ll find local favorites like Village Deli (bagels and sandwiches) and Nick’s English Hut (burgers and pub fare) (www.tripadvisor.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). Almost every cuisine is nearby along Kirkwood Avenue: Mexican tacos, Asian noodles, pizza, brewpub burgers, you name it. For late-night snacks or post-show drinks, bars and cafes spill onto Walnut and 6th St – for example, Upside Beverage or The Irish Lion Pub are within walking distance. If you need to stay overnight, downtown Bloomington has hotels galore. The Walnut Street Inn (118 N Walnut) is literally next door (www.bloomingtontheater.com ), and other downtown hotels include the Hilton Garden Inn and SpringHill Suites (just a few blocks away) as well as college-era spots like Graduate Bloomington, Hyatt Place and the Showers Inn on Kirkwood (www.bloomingtontheater.com ) (www.bloomingtontheater.com ). If you arrive early and need parking, the Walnut Street Garage (3rd & Walnut) or some street meters are a short walk. In terms of transportation, the Downtown Transit Center is at 3rd & Walnut (serving multiple local bus routes) (bloomingtontransit.com ), and rideshare pick-up/drop-off is easy on Walnut. Overall, the club is on a lively strip – plan for an evening with dinner or drinks out, and you’ll find plenty of delicious dining, friendly bars and quick Uber options right around the corner.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Bluebird’s long history and tight vibes set it apart. Opening in 1973 (www.setlist.fm ), it pre-dates most current venues and has seen famous names before they were famous. Bloomington-born John Mellencamp, for example, played The Bluebird way back on Sept 17, 1987 (www.setlist.fm ). More recently, big touring acts like Jimmy Eat World and Blues Traveler have performed here on smaller stages. Its cultural impact is clear: setlist archives list hundreds of shows across rock, country, indie and folk (www.concertarchives.org ), and the town’s music fans often call it a “live music Mecca” (www.tripadvisor.com ). What really makes it unique is the atmosphere – the club never lost its “local hangout” feel. One reviewer notes that it feels like a comfy IU-town hangout even when packed (forum.spaffnerds.com ), and visitors love the walls of posters and signed mementos marking town history (wanderlog.com ). The outdoor rooftop patio is another rarity, letting you step outside to the night air. Students and locals alike cherish that The Bluebird unapologetically stays a no-frills, all-live-music venue. In sum, its combination of decades-old legacy (memorized by those photos and concert posters (forum.spaffnerds.com ) (wanderlog.com )) and affordability keeps artists and audiences coming back, giving Bloomington’s music scene a focal point unlike any other.
Visitor Tips and Information
When planning a night at The Bluebird, remember it’s strictly 21+ (www.indieonthemove.com ) so everyone in your group must have ID. Dress is casual – jeans and a t-shirt is just fine. Arrive early on busy nights to claim a spot up front or to grab a barstool; lines at the door can form, and drink lines move faster if you’re there early. There’s no formal coat check, and space is tight, so bring only essentials: your wallet, keys, phone and ID. The club’s small size and loud music mean earplugs can be a good idea if you’re sensitive to volume. Expect crystal-clear beer and cocktails from the bar (the staff is generally friendly) (www.tripadvisor.com ). Smoking is not allowed inside (Indiana law), so step outside or to the rooftop for cigarette breaks. Outside food is not permitted, and large backpacks may be asked to stay in a car – just the usual club rules. Finally, plan to stick around after the show or choose a nearby hotel, since The Bluebird’s energy tends to spill into late night. In short: come ready to dance and sing along, bring your ID and cash/card for the bar, dress for a night of rockin’ fun, and you’ll enjoy the authentic Bluebird experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity and age limit at The Bluebird?
The Bluebird has a relatively small capacity (listed at about 288 people) and enforces a strict 21+ age limit on all events. Everyone must show valid ID at the door. (It’s a college-town club, so under-21s are not permitted, per the venue’s policy.)
How do I buy tickets to shows at The Bluebird?
Tickets are usually sold online through The Bluebird’s official site (a SeeTickets link) and at the door. The box office at 216 N. Walnut (phone 812-336-3984) opens during business hours and on show nights. For popular acts, it’s best to purchase advance tickets online or early at the box office, since shows can sell out. If any tickets remain, they can be purchased at the door before the concert.
What is the layout of the venue and where should I stand to see best?
The Bluebird is an all-standing club. The small stage is only a few feet high with no safety railing, so you can get right up to it. The best view is directly in front of the stage – front-row can be literally touching distance. There are a few high tables and benches along the sides and a back rooftop area for sitting. Multiple bars around the room help spread people out, but it’s a tight, intimate space. We recommend arriving early to grab a spot up front for the best experience.
What parking and transit options are available near The Bluebird?
Downtown Bloomington has both street parking (metered) and public garages. A convenient choice is the 7th & Walnut parking garage (318 N Walnut), which has a very low rate (about $0.50 per hour) (www.bloomington.in.gov ). Street meters nearby are enforced but some limited free spaces exist if you arrive early. Bloomington Transit serves downtown: Route 7 (South Walnut) stops at the Downtown Transit Center (Walnut & 3rd St) (bloomingtontransit.com ) (bloomingtontransit.com ), a short walk from the club. For rideshare or taxis, the drop-off point is on Walnut Street outside the venue.
Are there seats or table service at The Bluebird?
No, The Bluebird has no reserved or numbered seating. It’s mainly a standing-room general-admission club. You can stand wherever you like or perch at the sides. Along the walls there are high-top tables and bar stools where you can rest, and even a few seated benches. However, most of the crowd will be on their feet dancing. Because the venue is small, it’s more like a standing-room bar/dance floor (with three bars inside) than a seated theater.
Can I bring a backpack or camera into The Bluebird?
Basic safety rules apply. Large backpacks or bags are often discouraged or checked at the door – it’s best to carry only essentials. Small purses or pockets are fine. As for cameras, casual phone photography is usually allowed, but professional cameras or video equipment may not be. If in doubt, ask the doorman. In any case, pack light: you’ll be in a crowded, active space, so a big bag would be cumbersome.
Is The Bluebird wheelchair accessible?
The Bluebird is in an older building and primarily a ground-floor club, so wheelchair access is fairly limited. The main entrance is at street level, but the clubhouse area is crowded and narrow. There are no elevators to the rooftop. If you need wheelchair-friendly seating or have mobility concerns, contact the venue in advance. They may be able to accommodate you on the main floor, but it is not a fully ADA-accessible venue like a modern theater.
What items are sold inside The Bluebird?
The Bluebird does not sell formal merchandise (like T-shirts or CDs) on a retail counter. It has a full bar, selling beer (often bottles plus drafts) and mixed drinks – one reviewer specifically mentioned the cheap drinks and fast bar service (www.tripadvisor.com ). There may be a few concert posters or guitar pick mementos on the walls, but no official merch table. The club is focused on live music rather than retail.
Are smoking and vaping allowed inside or outside?
Smoking is prohibited inside the venue by Indiana law (no indoor smoking in public places). If you want to smoke or vape, you would need to step outside. The entrance area and sidewalks along Walnut St are common cigarette breaks spots. There is currently no indoor smoking lounge at the Bluebird. Always dispose of butts in outdoor ashtrays.
Is outside food or drink allowed at The Bluebird?
No. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are typically not allowed inside the club. It’s a bar setting, so only the items you purchase at The Bluebird’s bar should be consumed in the venue. Eating beforehand or at nearby restaurants is recommended if you need a meal.
