Fort Ouiatenon existed before West Lafayette did — and every October, thousands of visitors gather along the Wabash River to relive exactly why that matters. The Feast of the Hunters' Moon isn't just a festival; it's a direct recreation of life at the first fortified European settlement in what's now Indiana, running continuously since 1968.
A Fort That Predates the City Around It
Fort Ouiatenon operated as a French fur-trading post from 1717 to 1791 — decades before Lafayette or West Lafayette existed as towns. The Feast of the Hunters' Moon recreates the annual fall gathering that once brought French traders and Native American nations, including the Wea, Kickapoo, Miami, Potawatomi, and several others, together at the fort each autumn. It's a genuinely rare thing: a regional festival built on real, specific local history rather than a generic seasonal theme.
What to Expect at the 59th Annual Feast
The 2026 Feast marks the event's 59th year, running October 24–25, 2026 at Fort Ouiatenon Historic Park, four miles southwest of West Lafayette on the banks of the Wabash. Expect:
- Five stages of continuous, free programming — French and Native American music and dance, fife and drum performances, and military drills
- Over 40 different recreated period foods
- Hands-on activities including candle-dipping, bead bracelet making, and axe-throwing
- Thousands of reenactors and participants across 30 acres of festival grounds
A Real Economic Engine for the Region
This isn't a small local gathering — the Feast generates over $3 million in local tourism revenue annually and serves as the primary fundraiser for the Tippecanoe County Historical Association, supporting preservation of historical sites across the region. For a weekend event, that's a serious footprint on the local economy.
Same Weekend, Two Big Draws
If you're planning a visit, note that the Feast lands on the exact same weekend as the Ironman GNCC race in nearby Crawfordsville — October 24–25, 2026 — making it a genuinely packed weekend across West Central Indiana if you want to catch both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Feast of the Hunters' Moon?
A historical reenactment festival recreating the annual fall gathering of French traders and Native American nations at Fort Ouiatenon, an 18th-century fur-trading post near West Lafayette, Indiana.
When is the Feast of the Hunters' Moon in 2026?
October 24–25, 2026, at Fort Ouiatenon Historic Park in West Lafayette, marking the festival's 59th annual year.
Is the Feast of the Hunters' Moon free to attend?
Programming across the festival's five stages is free; specific food and vendor items are purchased separately, with proceeds supporting local nonprofit organizations.
How old is Fort Ouiatenon?
Fort Ouiatenon operated from 1717 to 1791 as a French trading post, predating the founding of both Lafayette and West Lafayette.
Why This Kind of History Matters to Me
Part of what I love about West Central Indiana is how much real history sits quietly behind our small towns — this is exactly that. If Tippecanoe County's mix of history and college-town energy has you curious about the area, take a look at our Tippecanoe County guide, check out more upcoming events in Tippecanoe County, or reach out if you're exploring a move to the region.
Event details reflect information available as of August 2026. Confirm current schedule and admission details directly with the Tippecanoe County Historical Association before planning your visit.
