Very Good Things to Do
14 wholesome ways to meet your neighbors, enjoy the outdoors, hear good music and learn something new around Tippecanoe County.
Markets run every week; festivals and fairs return each year.
Most of the best local traditions are even better shared.
Hours, weather plans and event dates can change.
Markets, traditions & local adventures
03 ideas
Three weekly markets make it easy to buy local on Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday.
Saturdays • May–October • 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Farmers market & live local music
More than 180 years of fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, crafts and Saturday-morning neighborliness.
Market details
Wednesdays • May–October • 3:30–7 p.m.Farmers market & community gathering
A midweek open-air market for local food, makers, music and an easy evening at the park.
Market details
Thursdays • Through October 29, 2026 • 11 a.m.–3 p.m.Campus farmers market
Local produce, plants, prepared food and lunch-hour energy in the middle of Purdue’s campus.
Market details05 ideas
Annual gatherings built around music, history, youth, creativity and time together.
Returning annually • Late June • Three daysBluegrass, old-time & acoustic music festival
A beloved Battle Ground tradition with bluegrass, old-time and acoustic music, free children’s concerts, workshops and open jams.
Festival details
October 24–25, 2026Living history & family festival
Step into 18th-century life with music, demonstrations, historic foodways, crafts and hands-on family activities.
Plan your visit
Returns July 16–24, 20274-H, agriculture & family fair
A county tradition centered on 4-H youth, agriculture, handmade projects, family entertainment, rides and fair food.
Fair details
Final 2026 date • September 5 • 6–11 p.m.Free music, art & downtown street festival
A free downtown celebration shaped by local musicians, artists, small businesses, street performers and volunteers.
Event details
September 27, 2026 • 10 a.m.–4 p.m. • FreeOpen-air art fair
Regional artists, live music, children’s activities and food turn the riverfront into an open-air gallery.
Event details06 ideas
Easy local adventures for families, curious kids, nature lovers and visiting friends.
Open daily • Programs throughout the year1920s farm life & hands-on learning
Meet the animals and learn through gardening, baking, blacksmithing, canning, crafts and everyday 1920s farm life.
Plan your visit
Open most days • Tours, programs & Howl NightsWildlife education & conservation
Guided experiences introduce visitors to ambassador wolves, foxes, bison and the work of wildlife conservation.
Plan your visit
Daily through October 3, 2026 • 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.Animals, education & family play
A seasonal Lafayette favorite with animal exhibits, education programs, a family farm, rides and hands-on discovery.
Plan your visit
Daily • 8 a.m. until half an hour after sunset • FreeWetlands, trails & nature learning
Miles of paved and natural trails, wetland overlooks, wildlife viewing and the Lilly Nature Center—right in town.
Park details
Open Wednesday–Sunday • Programs throughout the yearHands-on science & STEAM discovery
Two floors of hands-on exhibits and family programs invite toddlers through teens to test, build and explore.
Plan your visit
September 18–November 1, 2026Corn maze, pumpkins & fall farm fun
Get lost together in a 22-acre corn maze, pick pumpkins, ride a hay wagon and enjoy a full afternoon of farm play.
Plan your visitSupport local organizations and reach families in your community.
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