Events in West Lafayette, IN

Drop off unwanted electronics for safe recycling at Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds. This e-waste collection offers a convenient way to dispose of old tech responsibly. To minimize wait times, avoid arriving too early, early arrivals are often the ones who end up waiting in line. Medicine will not be accepted at these e-waste events. For details on restrictions and information about other local e-waste options that may be more convenient, refer to the event information provided by the organizers.

Set in the area behind Mackey Arena and along the corridor that connects to the Purdue football stadium, this event centers on the Notre Dame versus Purdue matchup and activity along that route.

Wolfguard Hollow hosts Amtgard, a live action role playing meetup centered on fantasy combat and community. The group is not for profit, free to participate in, and open to all experience levels. In addition to combat, there are opportunities for crafting, helping with activities, taking on leadership roles, or simply being part of the group. Gatherings take place at a free pavilion in Columbian Park, and the exact spot may change at times, including during special activities.

Notre Dame travels to Ross-Ade Stadium for an in-state clash with Purdue in West Lafayette. The teams bring different styles and a shared history, creating a stage where every momentum shift can be felt, from early defensive stands to field-flipping plays. Whether drawn to Notre Dame’s national profile or Purdue’s Big Ten edge at home, the stakes include bragging rights and pivotal influence on the direction of the season.

This no-cost Commander event is open to attendees. Sign into the companion app to receive a complimentary pack or promo, distributed at random.

Enjoy an evening of wildlife education at Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana. Before the main presentation, visitors can explore the Welcome Area and may spot ambassador wolves, foxes, bison, and an eastern box turtle. The program includes a talk about how wolves communicate and a chance to try a few howls with the wolves. Advance purchase is recommended, with tickets available in person or online.

This event marks the 10th annual flea market season with vendors filling the Valley Plaza parking lot in Lafayette, Indiana. Supported by Leaping Leopard Antiques, it features a variety of flea market sellers alongside the shops at Valley Plaza for additional browsing. Parking is free and there is no admission charge. Questions may be directed to Leaping Leopard Antiques. Valley Plaza is presented as a leading local destination for antiques and thrift.

A two-person group plays relaxing, mellow music in a park setting, creating an easygoing atmosphere for a casual outdoor experience.

Michael Kelsey brings his monthly concert series to Walt’s Pub and Grill, presented in the TOPSHELF room on the lower level. A Lafayette guitarist celebrated for decades of creative acoustic work, he blends improvisation, percussive techniques, and interactive moments with the crowd to craft a performance that is unique each time. Admission is free and the show welcomes attendees of any age. For table reservations, call (765) 588-6148.

Chris Janson brings his Wild Horses Untamed Tour to the Long Center for an energetic night of country music. He is known for hits like "Buy Me a Boat," "Fix a Drink," and "Good Vibes."

NAMIWalks West Central Indiana returns to Cason Family Park for a community walk that champions mental health resources across the region and advances the shared goal of ending stigma. The day begins with a mental health themed tailgate and breakfast, opportunities to connect, and a moving personal story from someone sharing their mental health journey. Last year, participants reached a $50,000 fundraising milestone. This year aims even higher, with teams and individuals encouraged to organize, share their why, and build support, including through Facebook fundraisers. Every dollar raised helps provide free mental health support groups, education, advocacy, and crisis resources for individuals and families in the community. Free registration is available. A friendly competition will spotlight the team with the most creative outfits, celebrating community spirit and advocacy. If rain is in the forecast, activities will move across the road to Klondike Middle School, with weather updates shared on social media during walk week.

At Columbian Park Zoo, the Critter Class: Playful Penguins introduces children ages 5 to 7 to wildlife through hands-on learning. Each session highlights a particular animal group, and this one centers on penguins. Participants engage in games, crafts, and STEM activities designed for their age, and a live animal encounter is part of the experience. Weather permitting, supervised visits to zoo exhibits may be included. Zoo Members receive a 15 percent discount on registration. A season pass discount is also available, offering an additional $10 savings when enrolling in all three sessions in the spring or fall in a single transaction.

Tricia’s Hope 5K Walk/Run takes place at Colombian Park and features a five-kilometer course for both walkers and runners. Participants can complete the distance at their own pace on a route within the park.

Indiana Filmmakers Network Inc. brings a Halloween spooktacular to Tippecanoe Arts Federation, inviting filmmakers, artists, and Halloween fans to gather for an evening of eerie entertainment, movies, and creative community. Admission is free, all ages are welcome, and costumes are encouraged. Expect paranormal talks, local lore, and screenings of frightening short films, along with tarot and palm readings, live art and spooky craft stations, plus snacks, treats, and plenty of spirited conversation. Attendees are welcome to dress up, bring props, display artwork, and share ghost stories. Guest features include Paranormal Incidents and the Indianapolis based team LIVE Paranormal TV with investigators Wayne, Matt, and Tyler. Christopher and Christina Hunt of Legends, Lore, and Hauntings, founders of the Crawfordsville Paranormal Society, add their expertise. The program also spotlights thereminist and educator Xan Hughes, founder of The Theremin Museum, and Castle-Brooks Spiritual Supply offering complimentary tarot readings with optional donations. Additional surprises will be announced. Indiana Filmmakers Network Inc., a 501(c)(3) celebrating more than 25 years of connecting the cinematic arts across Indiana, fosters education, collaboration, and community for creators at every level.

Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds hosts a large community consignment sale that brings together items from more than 550 local families on a single, carefully organized sales floor. Shoppers can browse goods for babies through teens, including strollers, baby gear, furniture, bikes, outdoor toys, play kitchens, decor, sporting goods, books, shoes, and an extensive selection of clothing. The schedule includes multiple shopping options, such as private access for consignors and ticketed VIP presales, a kid-free shopping session that requires tickets, a family day with free admission, a half-price presale that requires tickets, and a final public half-price day with free entry when many items are discounted by 50 percent. Those looking to declutter children’s items can participate as consignors by signing up to sell.

Green Wave Electronics hosts an electronics recycling and disposal drop-off in West Lafayette. Most items can be recycled at no charge. Fees apply to select materials, including $25 per unit for CRT monitors or TVs smaller than 32 inches diagonal, $50 per unit for TVs larger than 32 inches, $90 per unit for wooden or damaged TVs or CRT monitors, $20 per unit for microwaves, and $15 per unit for items that contain wood. Items that use refrigerants are not accepted, such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Collection may close early if the truck reaches capacity.

DeFOUW Chevrolet in Lafayette, Indiana celebrates 65 years with an anniversary car show that welcomes car enthusiasts, families, and community supporters. Spectator admission is free. Exhibitors can register their vehicles for a $20 entry fee, and the first 50 registered participants, including those who sign up in advance, receive dash plaques. Awards will be presented during the event. Advance registration options and event shirts are available. All proceeds benefit United Way of Greater Lafayette, supporting programs that make a local impact.

C.B. Coins and Yette Collect host a broad marketplace for coins, trading cards, and other collectibles at Eagles 347 in Lafayette. Admission is free. The show brings together vendors from the area with tables featuring coins, currency, silver, gold, sports cards, Pokémon, Magic, and more. Visitors can browse, buy, sell, or trade throughout the event, with opportunities to uncover rare pieces and good deals. Vendor tables are available at $30 per table, or $20 per table with a giveaway donation.

At Columbian Park Zoo, this Wildlife Workshop invites kids ages 8 to 11 to explore wildlife and nature through interactive weekend activities. Participants take on STEM investigations, build models, go behind the scenes, and meet several live animals during each session. The program blends hands-on projects with curious thinking, creating a lively setting where learning is fun and new friendships can grow. Zoo Members receive a 15 percent discount on Wildlife Workshop registration. A season pass option offers an additional 10 dollars off when enrolling in all three sessions in the spring or the fall in a single transaction.

Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy performs with her septet. Raised in the Bronx and shaped by classic R&B and church gospel, she comes from a musical family that includes the Philadelphia gospel group the Savettes and her father, musician and songwriter Antonio McLendon. While at SUNY Purchase she won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, launching her as a rising interpreter of jazz standards in the lineage of Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln, and Carmen McRae. Her self-titled debut on Whirlwind was followed by Linger Awhile on Verve, which earned Grammys for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best New Artist. A Joyful Holiday brought additional Grammy honors for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Jazz Performance. Her latest Verve release, Portrait, co-produced with trumpeter and bandleader Brian Lynch, highlights her close-knit rapport with her band and her work as a lyricist, pairing her words with music by Charles Mingus, Sun Ra, and her mentor Barry Harris, and it received an NAACP Image Award and the Grammy for Best Vocal Jazz Album.

Bring your laptop for a complimentary day of coworking at MatchBOX. Whether you have passed by before or are curious about a membership to support professionalism, productivity, focus, or creativity, this is a chance to experience the space. Check in upon arrival, pour a coffee or tea, then choose any seat in the main area and get to work. Enter through the door next to the large barn doors. It is also an easy way to connect with other remote workers and entrepreneurs who want a sense of community. If this day does not work, tours and a free day can be arranged through the website.

Enjoy a miniature painting session where beginners can learn the basics and experienced painters can trade tips while working on projects. Minis, paints, and brushes are provided, and participants bring the creativity. All skill levels are welcome, and the program is for ages 16 and up. No registration is required, and you can drop in at any point during the program. This session repeats on the second Tuesday of the month through December.

In the autumn season, the UK theatre company The Lord Chamberlain’s Men brings Shakespeare’s Othello to Purdue in a staging grounded in Elizabethan tradition. An all-male ensemble performs in period attire with music and dance, reflecting how the play was first mounted. The drama follows the esteemed general Othello and his secret union with Desdemona as they are undone by Iago, an overlooked subordinate whose jealousy fuels calculated deceit. This historically faithful and widely praised production highlights a timeless tale of betrayal and collapse.

Enjoy a casual euchre get-together at Duncan Hall, where players rotate partners through multiple games in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Light bites and background music create an easygoing setting, and a prize will be awarded to the top overall player. Proceeds support the preservation and ongoing care of Duncan Hall. To reserve a spot, email info@duncanhall.org or call 765-742-4788. Admission is $15, payable at the door.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a UK theatre company, brings a historically grounded staging of Shakespeare’s Othello to Purdue. True to the Elizabethan playhouse, an all-male cast performs in period costumes with period music and dance. The story follows the esteemed General Othello and his secret marriage to Desdemona as Iago, a soldier resentful after being passed over, orchestrates jealousy and manipulation that tears their lives apart. This faithful, widely praised production shares a heartbreaking tale of deception and ruin through practices rooted in Shakespeare’s time.

Real-life best friends, comedians, and moms Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley bring #IMOMSOHARD to the Long Center for the Performing Arts, Mars Theatre. What began as a single video became a popular web series that resonated with moms and women everywhere, building a community of millions and earning nearly 300 million views. Their success has grown into national tours, a podcast, and a New York Times bestseller. This performance is for ages 18 and older and may contain adult themes and language.

Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, known from TV’s Whose Line Is It Anyway?, take the stage with Asking for Trouble, a completely unscripted comedy showcase powered by audience suggestions. Their quick wit and easy chemistry spark a steady stream of laugh-out-loud moments as they invent scenes on the spot and keep the surprises coming. It is an unpredictable, high-spirited improv experience with no script and plenty of spontaneous fun.

Enjoy a Summer Movie Night Series screening of Hocus Pocus and Beetlejuice presented by FBi Buildings. Food trucks will be available and popcorn is free. Admission is free, and instead of a ticket attendees are asked to bring a donation that supports local nonprofit organizations serving individuals and families throughout Tippecanoe County. The HIVE Recovery Hub welcomes seasonally appropriate new or gently used adult clothing and shoes, especially boots, along with personal care and hygiene items such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and feminine products, plus household essentials like paper goods, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and blankets. Bravely Women’s Health accepts diapers, pullups, wipes, new or gently used infant and toddler clothing, formula, baby food, new bottles, and infant hygiene and postpartum care items. Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. seeks food items, including canned fruits and vegetables, canned proteins such as chicken, tuna, and beans, soups, boxed meals, peanut butter, 100 percent fruit juices, cooking oils, basic baking items, cereal, oatmeal, rice, and pasta. A donation serves as the ticket for entry. Support comes from presenting sponsor FBi Buildings, with additional support from Gold sponsors BK Management, Centier Bank, and Visit Lafayette West Lafayette, Silver sponsors Black Sparrow and The Eleventh House, and Bronze sponsors Midwest Rentals, J.R. Kelly Company, and Greyhouse and The Lobby by Greyhouse.

Get ready for an evening of creativity and self-discovery at Painting with a Twist. You’ll paint the Lunar Love artwork while Psychic Medium Charley Reed shares guidance on how the moon’s phases connect with chakra energy centers. The night includes guided discussion and intuitive energy guidance, plus step-by-step instruction to help you create your painting in a welcoming group setting.

Step into a witch’s cottage for an adults-only night where fantasy and creativity mingle. Expect a whimsical atmosphere filled with goddesses, pixies, crafty witches, and perhaps even a harpy, plus curated photo backdrops and photographers to capture the magic. Each ticket includes two drink tickets, unlimited food and dessert, an exclusive gift bag, and a guided art experience led by Ms. Sophia, an Art Historian, so every guest departs with a personal masterpiece. Attendees must be 21 or older, and tickets are required through the event page. Capacity is very limited, with only 12 spots available.

At Loeb Playhouse, enjoy a tribute to the signature sounds of Billy Joel and Elton John as Michael Cavanaugh performs a set filled with their best known songs. A Tony and Grammy nominee selected by Billy Joel for the Broadway production Movin’ Out, Cavanaugh has earned praise from major critics and was called “The New Piano Man” by Billboard. He channels both artists with expressive vocals, precise phrasing, and commanding piano work, creating a lively salute to the piano anthems that helped define rock.

Built for shooters who already have a solid grasp of the fundamentals, this training focuses on understanding the unpredictable realities of self defense encounters. It is not a static line class with perfect stances and unmoving targets. After confirming everyone can handle and fire their handguns safely and completing some precision work, the first day incorporates movement, at times in close proximity to others. The approach is a fighting handgun curriculum shaped by personal experience in multiple deadly force incidents and by witnessing several more, with an emphasis on practical skills for dynamic situations.

Everyone is welcome at Indiana Legion Post 11 for an indoor gathering with steak and plenty of time to hear the Weasels.

More than 5,000 runners and walkers gather for the 15th annual Purdue Boilermaker half marathon and 5k. The races start and finish outside Ross-Ade Stadium, home of Purdue football. The half marathon route travels through West Lafayette and across the Purdue University campus, while the 5k stays closer to campus. Participants receive a long sleeve shirt and a finisher medal. Purdue students and members of the military are eligible for a year-long $5 discount. Open to Purdue alumni, students, fans, and those with no school affiliation.

Take a walking tour through Purdue Galleries that explores how textiles function within contemporary art. The experience begins at the Robert L. Ringel Gallery in the Stewart Center with a guided look at Mystics of Matter by Faig Ahmed, then continues with a walk to the Patty and Rusty Rueff Galleries in Pao Hall for In This Moment by Julian Jamaal Jones. The Ringel Gallery showcases interdisciplinary visual art from nationally and internationally recognized artists alongside works from the permanent collection. The Rueff Galleries serve as a teaching and research venue, with East and West spaces that regularly feature exhibitions created or curated by students, faculty, and alumni. Lunch will be provided at Pao Hall, and transportation between locations is not provided.

Judy Collins has inspired audiences for decades with a singular voice, courageous songwriting, personal resilience, and a steadfast dedication to social activism. Rising to prominence in the 1960s, she embodied the era’s optimism and resolve in movements for social and environmental justice. Her presence remains vibrant as new generations connect with a body of work spanning 55 albums, sustained by a disciplined creative life. A celebrated singer and songwriter, she is renowned for inventive interpretations of folk standards alongside her own eloquent originals. Her version of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now is enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and her intimate take on Send in the Clowns earned Song of the Year at the 1975 Grammy Awards. With multiple top ten singles and gold and platinum releases, her influence reaches across generations, reflected in the tribute album Born to the Breed featuring artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, and Leonard Cohen.

Held at Lilly Nature Center, this partner meeting welcomes TICT collaborators and anyone interested in the local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA). The Steering, Education, Eradication, and Reporting committees will provide updates, then break into small groups and reconvene for broader conversations about upcoming volunteer workdays, outreach to raise the group’s visibility, and grant possibilities. Anyone looking to get involved in invasive species management and community education is welcome to attend. For questions, email tictaboutinvasives@gmail.com.

Bang on a Can All-Stars salute fellow New Yorkers Philip Glass and Steve Reich with a touring program that recognizes their approaching 90th birthdays. After more than three decades performing and collaborating on their music, the ensemble brings landmark works to the stage at Loeb Playhouse. The concert features a brand-new arrangement of Glassworks performed start to finish, alongside Steve Reich’s rock quintet 2×5 and New York Counterpoint, creating a focused celebration of two celebrated composers and their milestone year.

At Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, the LRD Supernovas take on BWA Roller Derby in a roller derby matchup with a nod to a classic scary movie catchphrase about favorite films. The event features food trucks, prize giveaways, and additional activities. Advance tickets are $12, tickets at the door are $15, and children 10 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.

Presented by BTE Presents, the Bellamy Brothers bring a performance shaped by more than 40 years of making music. Howard and David first found momentum on the pop charts in the 1970s, then shifted into country success in the 1980s, helping open the door for later duos like Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry and Big & Rich, with the Judds coming before them. Their story starts in Florida, where their first official show took place in 1968 at the Rattlesnake Roundup in San Antonio alongside their father. They refined their craft in clubs across the South that served Black audiences and provided backup vocals for Percy Sledge, Eddie Floyd and Little Anthony & The Imperials. Soon after, they headed to Atlanta, embracing a rock and country blend as the Allman Brothers were ascending.

Resurrection Ministries is hosting a concert featuring The Guardians. Entry is free at the door, with an opportunity to contribute through a freewill offering. For more information, contact Dan Galema at 765.426.0101.

Tippecanoe County households can recycle unwanted tires at a free drop-off hosted at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds. All tire types and sizes are accepted, with a limit of 20 tires per household. Tires on rims or containing metal will not be accepted. This event is for Tippecanoe County residents only, and proof of residency is required. It is not open to businesses. The event will close once capacity is reached or by the posted closing time, whichever comes first.

Nurse Blake brings an all new comedy set to Loeb Playhouse, diving into the outrageous things patients and their families say and do. Look for jokes about WebMD fueled 'stage 8' self diagnoses, call lights pressed like game show buzzers, and stories where nothing is off limits. It is a laugh filled night for healthcare workers who could use a breather, as well as friends, coworkers, and even that unforgettable patient who once claimed an allergy to water.

Gravity & Other Myths presents Ten Thousand Hours, featuring eight acrobats in an exploration of what it takes to achieve physical mastery. The performance highlights relentless practice, echoing the widely known 10,000 hour concept, and reveals the less visible work, fine details, and demanding preparation behind elite acrobatics. Focused on the capabilities of the human body, it invites audiences to appreciate the many hours of training that make each feat possible. This Australian circus company, known for a candid approach since 2009, first staged Ten Thousand Hours at the 2024 Adelaide Fringe Festival.

A free annual gathering at The Arts Federation for the Lafayette Hub of the Indiana Filmmakers Network brings together union representatives, agency leadership, and working actors for an in-depth conversation about acting, representation, and the business of film. Featured guests include Kathy Byrne and Denise Jaeckel of SAG-AFTRA, Scott Tucker of Talent Fusion, and Jim Dougherty of Indy Actors Academy and Online Actors Academy. The program explores how to work with SAG-AFTRA and with talent or casting agencies, offering practical guidance for performers in stage, screen, studio, commercial, and voice work, as well as for models, filmmakers, and producers. Topics include audition approaches, agents and representation, performer rights, contracts, casting practices, and hiring actors for productions. Professional actors and filmmakers are expected to attend, and a Q&A is planned during the session and after. Attendees can enter through the door by the parking lot, use the buzzer if it is locked, and take the elevator to the second floor.

Presented by IU Health at the Long Center, this Irish dance holiday production brings together a company of 20 Irish dancers and musicians. The tale follows King Balthazar and his sons on a westward journey, joined by Clara and her Knights, as they confront an adversary intent on taking the crown and extinguishing the Christmas Spirit. The story unfolds through high-energy dance and music set to a newly composed holiday score by award-winning composer Joe Sanders, presenting a Christmas adventure.

Designed for ages 8 to 11, this weekend workshop invites young explorers to dive into wildlife and nature through active, minds on learning. Participants take on STEM themed activities, build models, head behind the scenes, and meet several live animals during each session. The atmosphere is energetic and friendly, helping kids stay engaged while they learn and make new friends. Zoo members receive a 15 percent discount on registration. A season pass discount is also available... register for all three sessions in either spring or fall in a single transaction to receive an additional $10 off.

Two Big Ten foes clash at Ross-Ade Stadium as the Wisconsin Badgers take on the Purdue Boilermakers. Expect a hard-nosed, run-first approach from both sides, where field position and control of the line of scrimmage carry extra weight. With the conference race tightening late in the season, a couple of well-timed explosive plays could decide the outcome and turn a tight contest into a memorable finish.

Discover how pressure shapes the world around us and what it can teach about everyday life. Doktor Kaboom returns to Purdue with a brand-new performance that blends interactive science, quick wit, and messages that build confidence. Through lively demonstrations, he explains core physical science ideas while using them as parallels for the mental and emotional pressures people experience. Crowds stay engaged with high-energy comedy, and audience volunteers are invited to become the stars of key moments. Under Pressure! acknowledges the stress some students may feel and offers tools and life lessons to help navigate common challenges.

Pauly D returns to The Neon Cactus, bringing the party back once again.

Resurrection Ministries hosts a concert featuring POET VOICES. There is no charge to enter at the door, and a freewill offering will be accepted. For more information, contact Dan Galema at 765.426.0101.

A Juno Award recipient, trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg brings a lively jazz spirit to holiday classics, showcasing her interpretations of Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You, Sia’s Santa Is Coming for Us, Christmas Island, and more. A Canadian artist now based in New York, she is widely regarded as a leading light of hot jazz, with ten citations in DownBeat’s Rising Star category, more than 25 million streams, and appearances at major festivals around the world. Her smoky vocals pair with fiery trumpet for a program that celebrates classic American music, shaped by an acclaimed performer who also champions music education. The performance takes place at Loeb Playhouse.

Little River Band delivers a high energy concert filled with the harmonies and musicianship that made them a staple of the 70s and 80s. Praised by Glenn Frey of the Eagles as one of the finest singing bands, they rose on multiplatinum success, sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and achieved Top 10 hits in six straight years. The set highlights fan favorites like Reminiscing, Cool Change, Lady, Lonesome Loser, Help Is on Its Way, The Night Owls, Take It Easy on Me, The Other Guy, Man on Your Mind, and Happy Anniversary. Expect a tight performance that keeps the crowd moving and singing along to the songs just the way they remember them, with an extra surge of feeling, vibe, and energy.