Feast of the Hunter’s Moon
The most widely known festival held in Greater Lafayette is most likely the annual Feast of the Hunter’s Moon, a re-creation of an 18th Century French and Indian trading post on the banks of the Wabash River. The Feast is held on the grounds of Fort Ouiatenon, the site of the first European settlement in Indiana. In addition to craft demonstrations, military re-enactments and authentic foods, two local drum and fife groups make annual appearances at the Feast, the Voyageur Ancient Fife and Drum Corps and the Tippecanoe Ancient Fife and Drum Corps.
Future Feast dates are scheduled for:
Remember to make your hotel reservations for the Feast early.
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YWCA Strawberry Festival
If you like strawberries, you’ll love the YWCA’s annual Strawberry Festival. The festival supports the YWCA’s efforts to end domestic violence, eliminate financial barriers so all women have access to cancer screenings, provide quality childcare, and help people improve their health and fitness. The fest traditionally features a 5K Run/Walk for all ages, a 1K Kids’ Fun Run, craft booths, games, a tennis tournament, pony rides, and (of course!) lots and lots of strawberries!
Taste of Tippecanoe
In Greater Lafayette, summer doesn’t really seem to begin until the Taste of Tippecanoe. Presented every June by the Tippecanoe Arts Federation and held right in the heart of downtown Lafayette-West Lafayette at Riehle Plaza and the Big Four Depot, on the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge, and at Tapawingo Park in West Lafayette. The “Taste” is a one day, multi-stage festival that draws more than 50,000 people and features a smorgasbord of local restaurants, live music, and ends with a spectacular fireworks show for kids of all ages.
The Taste of Tippecanoe is the primary fundraiser for the Tippecanoe Arts Federation. The 2009 Taste of Tippecanoe is scheduled for Saturday, June 20th, 2009 from 4p-Midnight.
Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering
Every year, Greater Lafayette plays host to the Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering. This regional festival at the Tippecanoe Battlefield is a three-days of acoustic music featuring the best in old-time, bluegrass, swing jazz fiddle, string band, Celtic and ethnic music on one stage.
Presented by Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering, Inc., the festival draws up to 10,000 people annually to hear the best in traditional music. Past performers have included John Hartford, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Johnny Gimble, John McCutcheon, Mike Seeger, Tom Paley, Chris Thile & Nickel Creek, Robin & Linda Williams, Carry Newcomer, Howard Armstrong, Johnny Frigo, Claude Williams, Jethro Burns, and Rocky Stone among others.
LayFlats Arts and Music Festival
The most recent addition to Greater Lafayette’s festival calendar is the Lay Flats Arts and Music Festival. Launched in 2007, this annual outdoor music and arts festival held at the Tippecanoe Outdoor Ampitheatre in West Lafayette features several genres of music including garage rock, alternative rock, country, bluegrass, folk, hip hop, and electronica set across three stages and tents.
In addition to the music, artists exhibit mixed media, paintings, sculptures, photography, blown glass, hand made jewelry, etc. Interactive workshops and art installations for children and adults include creative writing, traditional musical instruments, as well as the construction of the main stage backdrop during the day.
Proceeds from the event support local charities and benefit children’s art therapy, outreach and support programs in Greater Lafayette.
