June 6, 2016
Don't Miss It!
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer because with them come some really enjoyable things to do. On July 4, for example, the Stars and Stripes Celebration at Lafayette's Riehle Plaza will feature the Lafayette Citizens Band, led by Purdue's William D. Kisinger, followed by fireworks. Summer is fun. Don't Miss It!
In this special installment, Don't Miss It! provides a sample of events to attend or participate in this summer in Tippecanoe County. Another good calendar, including many of the events below plus more things at Prophetstown State Park and other sites, is here.
Weekly, biweekly and ongoing
Farmers markets. Three of them each week. Really. Get fine fresh produce, baked goods and other stuff; run into people you know and make new friends. Purdue Farmers Market at 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays (until 3 p.m. starting Aug. 18); Historic Lafayette Farmers Market at 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, and Sagamore West Farmers Market at 3:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays. Details
Lafayette Citizens Band. Concert band music directed by William D. Kisinger. Traditional, rousing and fun to hear. 7:30 p.m. Riehle Plaza, Second and Main streets, Lafayette. Thursdays through Aug. 4 plus the July 4 Stars and Stripes Concert at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks, also at Riehle Plaza this year. The band also will have a Labor Day Concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 5. Details
Exhibition. "Recent Acquisitions." May 10-Aug. 12. Purdue University Galleries. Artworks from Galleries' permanent collection, from paintings to rugs. Robert L. Ringel Gallery in Stewart Center. Summer hours: noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday (except holidays) and by appointment. URL: Details
Exhibition. "George Winter: Reflections on the Native Peoples of Early Indiana." June 21-Aug. 13. Purdue University Galleries. Watercolors, drawings, paintings, manuscripts, and letters of this important 19th century artist, who documented the cultures of the Miami and Potawatomi Indians in Indiana and their eventual forced relocation, from the collection of the Tippecanoe County Historical Association. This exhibition is an official Indiana Bicentennial Commission Legacy Project. Fountain Gallery, 330 Main St., Lafayette. Hours: noon-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (except holidays). URL: Details
PMU Summer Concert Series. The Union and PSUB have the recipe: good food, good live music, good folks. Stir and enjoy. The series runs on Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20 and 27. Food service starts at 5 p.m., music usually at 6 p.m., on the Union front lawn (or duck inside if it rains). $ for food. Details
One-time and occasional
JUNE 7
Art in the Park. Five delightful Tuesdays from Lafayette Parks and Recreation, featuring local art and music, food, and family fun on Memorial Island in Columbian Park, south of South Street (approximately 20th Street to 25th Street). 6-8 p.m. June 7, 21; July 12, 26; Aug. 9. Free with concessions for $. Details on Facebook
JUNE 18
Taste of Tippecanoe. A 35-year tradition of local/area food and music, and a joy to the senses. Also a key fundraiser for the Tippecanoe Arts Federation. More than 30 food and drink vendors plus live art and plenty of musical acts on three stages. Fireworks too. 4 p.m.-midnight. Downtown Lafayette. $. Details
JUNE 24-26
Indiana Fiddlers' Gathering. For the 44th year, a very full weekend of concerts, workshops, and just plain lovin' that traditional and contemporary folk music. Featured concerts at 8 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tippecanoe Battlefield in Battle Ground, just north of Lafayette. $. Details
JULY 4
Stars and Stripes Celebration. It's the area's tribute to a way of thinking and living that took a key step in 1776 and is still moving on. Opening at 7 p.m. with Purdue Bands Summer Jazz Concert. Then music by the Lafayette Citizens Band at 8 p.m. Fireworks at dusk, around 10 p.m. The event is at Riehle Plaza, Second and Main streets in Lafayette. Details
JULY 9
Wabash Riverfest. Think outside the bridge. Enjoy a day of varied activities for all ages -- a 5K, canoe race challenges, conservation information, live music, kids' fishing derby, zoo friends, pony rides and a bounce house for the littler ones, lots more; food available. Presented by the Wabash River Enhancement Corporation. $ for food, T-shirts. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (8 a.m. for 5K). Tapawingo Park, West Lafayette. Details
JULY 9
Mosey Down Main Street. A monthly street celebration May-September featuring artists and musicians on three stages. Also street performers and sales of food, beer, wine, crafts. Main Street in Lafayette from Second to 11th. Also Aug. 13 and Sept. 3. Details
JULY 12
Purdue Summer Band Concert. Picture an idyllic summer evening with band music, folks sitting on blankets or lawn chairs (bring yours), and kids making use of their rolling-down-the-hill clothes. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Slayter Center. Free. Details
JULY 15
Gallery Walk. Some satisfying, sophisticated time from head to foot in downtown Lafayette. Some like to dine out first, then stroll at their own pace to view artworks at numerous business, hear live music and sample complimentary refreshments. Also free rides in horse-drawn carriage. Presented by Tippecanoe Arts Federation; includes reception at Wells Community Cultural Center, 638 North St., Lafayette. 6-9 p.m. Also Sept. 16. Details
JULY 16
Dancing in the Streets. Celebrate summer -- of this year and every year since rock 'n' roll came on the scene. Live music on three stages, food and drink, and the signature classic car and motorcycle cruise. It's too hot not to be in summer. 4 p.m.-midnight. Downtown Lafayette. $. Details
JULY 16-23
Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair (86th annual). You got your animals, you got your exhibits, you got your kids, you got your rides, you got your elephant ears. Hey, this is as American as apple pie. Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1010 Teal Road, Lafayette.
AUG. 5-10
Colt World Series. Some of the best age 15-16 baseball teams in the world will converge on Loeb Stadium along Main Street in Columbian Park. A tournament and a longstanding community event. $. Details to be posted as tournament nears and teams qualify.
AUG. 22
Purdue fall semester starts
AUG. 27
Uptown Jazz & Blues Festival. Anything that's hot and cool at the same time is worth a look and a listen. Presented by Greater Lafayette Commerce; proceeds help improve and beautify downtown. 5 p.m.-midnight. Fifth and Main streets, Lafayette. $. Details