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| The Lafayette-West Lafayette area is home to a number of indoor and outdoor festivals that appeal to all age groups and varied interests. Here is a sampling of events held throughout the year: |
PURDUE GRAND PRIX RACE
Go-Kart race on track to the north of Purdue University’s Ross-Ade Stadium. Other activities during the event include time trials, a bed race and carnival. Held every year in April.
BUG BOWL
Every year, the Purdue Entomology Department holds its annual Bug Bowl, with an insect petting zoo, insect crafts, cockroach racing and the famous cricket spitting contest. Held every year in April. To find out more, visit the web site:
http://www.entm.purdue.edu/Entomology/outreach/bug_bowl/index.html
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FARMERS MARKET
This outdoor market space on 5th Street between Main and Columbia has been used to sell fresh produce, flowers and baked goods since the 1830’s. The hours are every Tuesdays from 6:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.; and Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Every year May through October.
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ROUND THE FOUNTAIN ART FAIR
One of the best one-day outdoor Art Shows in the Midwest. It features paintings, sculptures, pottery, photography, prints, jewelry and other media. Held on the Courthouse Square in Historic Downtown Lafayette. Held every year in May.
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YMCA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
The YWCA Strawberry Festival is held annually on the YWCA grounds at 6th and Cincinnati Streets. The festival features live music and entertainment, children's games, strawberry shortcake, a food court, a 5K Run/Walk and a 1K Kids' Fun Run, and arts and crafts booths with handmade items. Other activities include a strawberry bakeoff, a children's drawing contest, and raffles.There is no admission charge, and the festival is held rain or shine. Held every year in June.
Contact: YWCA, 765-742-0075
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TASTE OF TIPPECANOE
Since its modest beginning in 1982, the Taste of Tippecanoe has emerged as one of the most popular events in Lafayette. For the past several years, organizers of the Taste have expected some 40,000 participants to enjoy an evening of food and music in downtown Lafayette. Encompassing the space around Riehle Plaza and the John T. Myers Pedestrian bridge, the Taste features booths from the city's top area restaurants in addition to an abundance of music and entertainment acts. The culmination of the evening is an extravagant fireworks display over the Wabash River. The festival benefits the Tippecanoe Arts Federation. Held every year in June.
Contact: TAF, 765-423-2787 or visit website
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INDIANA FIDDLERS GATHERING
Held among the stately trees of the Tippecanoe Battlefield Historic Park, this traditional music gathering encourages listening, playing and dancing. Formal stage presentations and informal jam sessions will be enjoyed by all. Held every year in June.
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FESTOONED FOURTH DISPLAY
The Ninth Street Hill Historic Neighborhood Association celebrates the holiday by decorating The Hill with flags of all periods, bunting, and plenty of red, white and blue. Held every year in late June and early July.
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STARS AND STRIPES CONCERT & FIREWORKS
Music throughout the evening is culminated with the 1812 Overture being performed by the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra. Cannons and fireworks bring the day to a rousing close. Slayter Center Hill, Purdue University. Held every year in July.
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HOT SUMMER NIGHTS
Various events and locations including Dancing in the Streets of Downtown Lafayette. This event has it all: classic car show, cruise-in and more! Held every year in July.
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COLT WORLD SERIES
Boys from all over the world come to Loeb Stadium to compete in these baseball play-offs for 15-16 year olds. Held every year in August.
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RIVERFRONT JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
This downtown festival on the banks of the Wabash River at Riehle Plaza features the best of area jazz and blues musicians. The outdoor atmosphere adds to the enjoyment of the evening. Held every year in August.
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GLOBAL FEST
This West Lafayette festival celebrates the diversity of Purdue University and the Greater Lafayette area through foods, music, crafts and traditions. A highlight of the festival is the group naturalization ceremony that starts the event. Held every year in August.
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GUS MACKER 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Downtown Lafayette streets are turned into a basketball tournament for all ages. Held every year in September.
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FEAST OF THE HUNTER’S MOON
At Fort Ouiatenon, seasonal activities begin in the spring and are highlighted by The Feast of the Hunters’ Moon each fall. This is one of the Midwest’s most colorful festivals with an authentic recreation of an 18th century gathering of French and Native Americans. A military encampment, a voyageur encampment, over 50 blanket traders, 60 period merchants, 100 traditional crafts, 65 French and Native American foods, plus four performing areas for music, dancing and demonstrations make this a weekend to remember!
Contact: 765-476-8402 or visit the web site: http://www.tcha.mus.in.us/feast.htm
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DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS
The holiday season is greeted in downtown Lafayette with costumed characters from Dickens’ novels, carriage rides, live entertainment, food, crafts, and demonstrating artisans... culminating with the tree lighting. Held every year in December.
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CHRISTMAS PARADE
This community tradition has been going on for over 50 years. To start the holiday season area bands, local floats, clowns, fire engines, police, postal workers and, of course, Santa are welcomed by the crowds along Main St. in downtown Lafayette. Held every year in December.
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PURDUE MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS CHRISTMAS SHOW
Held in the beautiful Elliott Hall of Music on the Purdue University campus, this student production to greet the holiday season has been declared one of the outstanding musical presentations in the United States. Held every year in December.
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HOLIDAY LUMINARIA DISPLAY
Originally started by the Ninth Street Hill Historic Neighborhood Association and now joined by the historic neighborhoods throughout the city, this beautiful display of lighted luminary is a gift to all. Held every year in December.
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