About This Festival

TASTE of Tippecanoe ## About the Event The TASTE of Tippecanoe is downtown Lafayette's premier annual street festival and the largest single-day arts fundraiser in Indiana. For over four decades, this beloved celebration has brought tens of thousands of visitors together to experience the very best of what Greater Lafayette has to offer. The event is a vibrant showcase of the region's culinary talent, live musical performances, and local artistic expression, all while supporting The Arts Federation's vital community programs. What makes the TASTE truly special is its perfect blend of food, music, and art in an energetic downtown setting. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the festival captures the warm, welcoming spirit of Lafayette. The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly, with the energy of live performances filling the streets and the aroma of delicious local cuisine drawing crowds throughout the evening. ## Activities & Attractions The heart of the TASTE is its impressive roster of local restaurants, each offering signature dishes and specialties that showcase the region's diverse culinary scene. Participating establishments range from longtime community favorites to contemporary dining destinations, all eager to share their best offerings with festival attendees. Beyond the food, live music performances are a cornerstone of the experience. Multiple stages are set up throughout the downtown area, featuring performers who range from original artists with deep Hoosier roots to established local musicians. The musical lineup celebrates diverse genres and styles, ensuring there's something to enjoy for every taste. The festival also emphasizes local art and creative expression, with opportunities to experience live art throughout the event. This commitment to celebrating the arts community reflects the festival's core mission of supporting artistic endeavors in Greater Lafayette. ## Schedule & Logistics The TASTE of Tippecanoe takes place on the third Saturday in June, with the 2026 edition scheduled for June 20. The festival runs from 5 PM to 11 PM, providing a full evening of entertainment and dining. This timing makes it perfect for an after-work or early-evening outing with family and friends. The event is spread across a large footprint of downtown Lafayette, centered around Riehle Plaza and extending through the surrounding streets. This expansive layout allows attendees to comfortably move between food vendors, performance stages, and art installations without feeling crowded. Admission is $10 for visitors 13 and older, a modest investment in a full evening of entertainment and culinary delights. To save money, advance ticket purchases are available through the official website. For the most current information about participating restaurants, performance schedules, and real-time updates during the event, the TASTE has launched a mobile app that keeps attendees informed of all activities happening throughout the evening. ## History & Heritage The TASTE of Tippecanoe was founded by Lafayette citizen Steve Klink and has grown from a humble one-block celebration into one of the region's most anticipated annual events. When it debuted, the festival occupied just a single block on Columbia Street in front of Loeb's Department Store, featuring just twelve local businesses and a $1 admission price. Over the decades, the event has expanded dramatically to accommodate growing crowds and an ever-increasing number of participating restaurants. By 1991, attendance had swelled to 22,000 people, necessitating a move to larger venues. Today, the festival draws approximately 40,000 visitors and features dozens of restaurants and multiple performance stages. The TASTE serves as the primary fundraiser for The Arts Federation, supporting the organization's mission to foster artistic growth and cultural enrichment throughout Greater Lafayette. This deep connection to the local arts community has made the festival not just a celebration of food and music, but a vital economic and cultural event for the entire region.