Feast of the Hunters' Moon

About the Event

Step back in time to the vibrant world of 18th-century frontier life at the Feast of the Hunters' Moon, a beloved two-day festival held the first weekend of October at Fort Ouiatenon Historic Park in West Lafayette, Indiana. This immersive historical reenactment celebrates the annual autumn gathering of French voyageurs, British traders, and Native American tribes like the Wea, who came together after the harvest to feast on fresh game, trade furs and goods, and share stories by the Wabash River. What makes it truly special is the authentic atmosphere: participants in period clothing bustle about a recreated trading post, filling the air with the sizzle of voyageur stew, rhythmic fife and drum music, and the crack of flintlock rifles. It's a warm embrace of Indiana's pioneer heritage that draws families, history enthusiasts, and food lovers alike, offering a joyful escape where the past feels alive and inviting—perfect for creating lasting memories under crisp fall skies. ## The Surrounding Area
Nestled along the scenic Wabash River in Tippecanoe County, Fort Ouiatenon Historic Park sits in a peaceful, primitive country setting just four miles southwest of West Lafayette, evoking the wild beauty of old New France. West Lafayette, home to Purdue University, buzzes with youthful energy, world-class Boilermaker sports, and innovative tech scenes, while nearby Lafayette offers charming downtown shops, riverfront trails, and attractions like the Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum. Visitors love exploring the Wabash Heritage Trail for hikes amid autumn foliage or popping into local favorites for hearty farm-to-table meals—think cozy pubs with craft brews, farm-fresh diners serving Indiana pork tenderloin sandwiches, and ethnic spots reflecting the area's diverse communities. This corner of Indiana captivates with its blend of riverfront serenity, academic vibrancy, and Hoosier hospitality, making it an ideal base for weekend getaways. ## Activities & Attractions
Dive into a whirlwind of hands-on history and sensory delights at the Feast. Watch reenactors portray French soldiers drilling with muskets, Native American dancers in vibrant regalia, and voyageurs haggling over beaver pelts at authentic trading posts. Music fills the air from fife and drum corps, fiddlers, and colonial balladeers, alongside lively dancing and military maneuvers. Crafts demonstrations showcase blacksmithing, weaving, and woodworking, while historical tours reveal fort secrets. Food is the star: savor period-authentic treats like rabbit stew, venison sausage, bannock bread, and cornmeal cakes from vendors using 18th-century recipes— hearty, flavorful bites that transport your taste buds. Kids thrill at flintlock firing demos, Native American games, and interactive exhibits, with plenty of strolling space amid blockhouse replicas and flag-draped poles. It's a full day of wonder for all ages. ## Schedule & Logistics
The Feast unfolds over two full days on the first weekend of October (exact 2026 dates to be confirmed closer to the event), typically from morning setup around 9 AM through evening festivities until dusk. Key highlights include opening parades, ongoing demos throughout the day, music performances in the afternoon, and grand feats like musket volleys and dances peaking mid-afternoon. Admission is free, with no parking charge—ample free lots and shuttle services ease access to the park at 3129 South River Road. Arrive early for prime viewing spots, dress in layers for variable fall weather, and bring cash for food and crafts. Pet-friendly and family-oriented, it's designed for easy enjoyment. ## History & Heritage
Rooted in the legacy of Fort Ouiatenon, Indiana's first fortified European settlement established by the French in 1717, the Feast honors the real autumn gatherings at this vital fur-trading outpost on the Wabash. Local visionaries like landowner William Wetherill and the Tippecanoe County Historical Association (TCHA), formed in 1887, preserved the site after rediscovering it through artifacts and digs—culminating in the 1930 blockhouse replica. Early pageants in the 1920s and 1929 reenactments evolved into the modern Feast, launched in 1968 as a one-day event and expanded to two days by 1969. Organized by TCHA, it's grown into a community cornerstone, fostering pride in the peaceful French-Wea coexistence amid fur trade rivalries, Pontiac's War, and frontier shifts. Today, it unites thousands yearly, safeguarding this slice of Hoosier heritage with unwavering authenticity.