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8/25 Queering Horror @ Normal Theater "During the presidential election of 1988, a teenager named Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) sleepwalks out of his house one night and sees a giant, demonic-looking rabbit named Frank (James Duval), who tells him the world will end in 28 days. When Donnie returns home, he finds that a jet engine has crashed into his bedroom. Is Donnie living in a parallel universe, is he suffering from mental illness - or will the world really end?
This is the latest entry in our on-going Queering Horror series, presented in partnership with Illinois State University's Department of Psychology, Department of Educational Administration and Foundations, and the ISU Queer Coalition. Queerness and LGBTQ+ individuals have been represented in horror films since the early years of cinema. This series highlights films throughout horror history that have been discussed within the context of queer representation, both the positive and the negative, providing an opportunity for community discussion on the ways in which films can represent and shape our understanding of ourselves and each other."
For tickets and more information visit this link.
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8/26 Community Insight Panel On Data Centers @ BCPA "The City of Bloomington and Town of Normal will host a joint community forum August 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA). The purpose of the forum is to provide the community with reliable information, reflect a range of perspectives, and answer community‑submitted questions about data centers, an issue both communities are actively evaluating as they develop new regulatory frameworks.
The event will be moderated by media personality Susan Saunders, and will feature a diverse panel of speakers representing different backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives related to data centers."
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8/27 NPL Dine to Donate @ Pizza Payaa "Grab a Slice, Support the Library!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 27th! The Normal Public Library Foundation is partnering with Pizza Payaa for a special Dine to Donate event. Whether you are dining in or ordering online, you can help raise vital funds for NPL. Pizza Payaa will donate 20% of all qualifying sales back to the NPL Foundation—and if we collectively exceed $1,000 in receipts, they will boost their donation by an additional 10%!
How to participate: Dining in? Mention the "Normal Public Library Fundraiser" when ordering. Ordering online? Use the promo code Fundraiser at checkout.
Enjoy some delicious pizza and support your community library at the same time."
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8/30 Prairie Pride Coalition Partnership w/ Normal Theater (more info to come!). The first of several collaborative screenings starting with Pariah (2011).
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All month long: Facing Frida: A Multimedia Exhibition in Three Parts @ Art Vortex Studio “Facing Frida is a collaboration of Latinos en Blono, Go Piñata, hej creative, and Art Vortex Studio. The opening reception will include a meet-and-greet with the artists and refreshments.
“Facing Frida” was born in part from the dual-language photo exhibition, “Lele, la muñeca mexicana - Lele, The Mexican Doll," by artist, journalist, and Mexican mom Yolanda Alonso of Latinos en BloNo hosted at Art Vortex Studio from September to November 2025.
The exhibit features the visual explorations of three local women responding to the work and life of Frida Kahlo in ways specific to their artistic practices and lived experience. Coinciding with the week of Kahlo’s birthday (July 6, 1907) and extending through Latinx Heritage Month 2026, this dual-language exhibition offers opportunities to consider the sur/realism of life, love, language, lore, and more through portraiture, paper, and photography.
Other dates to view Facing Frida: A Multimedia Exhibition in Three Parts include First Fridays August 7, September 4, and October 2 from 4-8 p.m., Saturdays July 11, July 18, July 25, and August 8, with a closing reception on October 17 from 10am - 2pm, and by appointment."
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