Valparaiso is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Lafayette area, making it an ideal day-trip location. 2009 is shaping up to be an ideal year for a Lafayette excursion, especially since the area is offering an array of fine festivals! 
Of course, even if you decide to visit on a day with no festival, the area boasts antiques and eclectic shopping, numerous dining options including handmade candies, quaint coffee shops and the state's oldest drive-in restaurant. You'll find a sophisticated art scene, which includes a wide variety of galleries and outdoor art. Plan a trip March 20-21 and enjoy Spring Open House Downtown including carriage rides, stores open late with specials, a Farmers Market and more! Or if Art peaks your interest, visit May 15 or July 10 to experience one of our downtown Gallery Walks. Visit the Lafayette, West Lafayette Convention and Visitors Bureau website for a complete calendar of events to help you plan your trip. The major festivals as follows:
'Round the Fountain Art Fair - May 23
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.
Taste of Tippecanoe - June 20
This community event highlights food from favorite area restaurants, music, dancing and fireworks. Enjoy the evening on the banks of the Wabash River at Riehle Plaza & the pedestrian bridge.
Indiana Fiddlers' Gathering - June 26-28
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.
Dancing in the Streets - July 18
Downtown Lafayette - West Lafayette. This event has it all: classic car show, cruise-in and more!
Uptown Jazz and Blues - August 22
Downtown Lafayette on 5th Street between Columbia and Main Streets. Three stages of continuous live Jazz & Blues music, dancing, food, beer and wine.
Art on the Wabash - September 20
A one-day local juried artists fair. Artists from a regional 14-county area offer pottery, glass, paintings, carvings, jewelry and more. Tapawingo Park along the Wabash River.
Octoberfest - October 3
Family fun, food vendors, crafts, Farmers' Market, music and kids' activities. Evening highlights includes beer and wine garden, food and music. Downtown on Lafayette's Historic Main Street (from 5th Street to 11th Street).
Feast of the Hunters' Moon - October 10-11
This 2-day historical reenactment features traditional crafts, goods and life-styles of the 18th century trade period. Held annually on the grounds of historical Fort Ouiatenon on South River Road, four miles outside of West Lafayette.
Dickens of a Christmas - December 5
The holiday season is greeted with costumed characters from Dickens' novels, carriage rides, live entertainment, food, crafts and demonstrating artisans.