Join us at the Ag Alumni Fish Fry!
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette, IN 47905
Doors and Exhibits Open: at 9:00 a.m. | Parade Begins: at 10:30 a.m.
** please note this is 30 minutes earlier than previous years**
Free Parking
$30.00 until December 31. $35 starting January 1
This year’s Fish Fry keynote will be delivered by Jim Bishop, Purdue University Department of Animal Sciences alumnus (B.S., 1995; M.S., 1997) and author of The Adventure Within: Why Successful Professionals Still Feel Stuck and How to Purposefully Rekindle Your Craving for Adventure. Bishop's presentation, "When Conflict is Helpful: Navigating conflict in agribusiness and multigenerational workplaces,” will explore how harnessing diverse perspectives and generative tension can drive innovation within the agricultural industry. Drawing from his own generational farming experience, Bishop will discuss how working through conflict can help businesses and farms thrive for generations to come. With a passion for creating a sustainable agricultural system, Bishop hopes to inspire the next generation of leaders while empowering today’s leaders to stay motivated.
Important Notes:
- Yes, we know Purdue Basketball plays at 1 p.m. - see Game Watch Party information below
- Table seating is 8 maximum per table
- No tickets will be mailed out
- Priority seating deadline is January 13; registration deadline is January 17 for catering.
- Dietary restrictions reported after January 17 cannot be accommodated.
- A portion of each paid ticket purchased is considered a gift to the College of Agriculture
When registration closes - call office (765) 494-8593 for remaining ticket availability.
Game Watch Party:
After the Fish Fry concludes at 12:30pm, we will show the Purdue vs Oregon Men's Basketball game on the big screens at 1pm. There is no additional fee to stay and enjoy the game watch party. Please note there will not be childcare during the game watch party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are list of common questions about the Fish Fry.Free parking is available in the lots surrounding the Tippecanoe County fairgrounds facilities. Main entrance will be on the east side of the building. There is handicap parking close to the south entrance.
Tickets will not be mailed this year. You will receive your table seating assignment when you check in at the event. It is important that we know the names of all your guests to simplify this process at check in. If you need to update your guest names anytime after you register, please call the Ag Alumni office at 765-494-8593 or e-mail danica@purdue.edu with updates. If you wish to pay by check, please call the office to place your order.
*For the 4th year in a row* Tables have seating for 8. When you register, in the "Notes" field you can enter any special seating requests you have and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Join us for fun activities while the adults enjoy the main program. This section will be updated as details get confirmed. There is no cost for children to participate but registration is required for all children. On the Fish Fry registration page, there is a ticket type for childcare area - please fill this out for each child.
Reservations are required by January 17 for the Ag Adventure's Club
Menu will be posted here.
Food caterer is Shoup's Country Catering.
Please list any dietary restrictions you have when you register. If you have changes to your guests anytime after you register and need to update dietary restrictions, please call the Ag Alumni office at 765-494-8593 or e-mail danica@purdue.edu with changes. Dietary restrictions reported after January 17 cannot be accommodated.
The list of 2026 awardees for the Certificate of Distinction have not been released yet. To view past recipients, please visit the Certificate of Distinction page.
There are a limited number of exhibitor booth spaces in Ag Avenue. If you would like information about being an exhibitor, please e-mail brandi@purdue.edu.
Contact Jaydon Kauffman at jwkauffman@purdueforlife.org with sponsorship questions and marketing deadlines.
It is a special tradition to include students and friends as servers at this event - servers receive a free meal and get to enjoy the Fish Fry program. We need over 100 volunteers to help at this event. This is a great event for networking - don't miss your opportunity to be involved! Volunteers need to register for the event and select the “volunteer” ticket and enter your information. Additional information will be sent to you after you register. Volunteers need to be at the event site at 8:45 a.m.
Servers will again receive a free t-shirt to wear during the event.
Photo galleries
2021 - covid - Fish Fry was virtual
For local hotel information, please visit Home of Purdue Hotels.
Questions?
Contact the Purdue Ag Alumni office at (765) 494-8593 or e-mail Danica Kirkpatrick at danica@purdue.edu.