Purdue to offer family-friendly activities at annual event
From the plant sale to the legendary Bug Bowl, featuring the Cockroach Colosseum and honey tasting, the 2024 Spring Fest will offer an array of vibrant, interactive activities suitable for all ages on Saturday, April 13.
The annual festival, a free and inclusive event open to all, is set to take place in 36 sites on campus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This seasonal celebration will span the College of Agriculture buildings and grounds, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Memorial Mall. Community members and students are invited to participate in immersive activities that cover a range of subjects, including science, technology, engineering and the arts.
Entomology professor emeritus Tom Turpin entertains 2023 Purdue Spring Fest guests at the Bug Bowl’s Cockroach Colosseum. “Spring Fest is a great way for people of all ages to engage with the College of Agriculture, as well as other colleges, departments, centers and student activity organizations through hands-on activities and cultural experiences. It’s a fun way for students to interact with the community while showcasing their educational pursuits.”
- Amy Winger, event coordinator
Pocket guides containing a map and list of activities will be available at the information booth located at the corner of Mitch Daniels Boulevard and Marsteller Street. Some of the activities include:
- Boiler Barnyard, a live petting zoo that features cows and calves, sheep, pigs, chickens and horses, hosted by the Department of Animal Sciences.
- The Purdue Veterinary Medicine Open House.
- The Sandra Yover Haas String Quartet performing as the Cricket Quartet at the Bug Bowl.
- The Boilermaker Black and Gold Edition hot sauces sale, hosted by the Department of Food Science.
Attendees coloring at last year's Spring Fest, one of the many interactive, family-friendly activities available at the annual event. Spring Fest will also present Canstruction, a capstone project for students in the College of Education designed to spark creativity while making a meaningful contribution to the local community. Students will create structures using canned goods collected from parents and donors, demonstrating their artistic talents and their dedication to philanthropy. Doubling as a food drive, all cans will be donated to Food Finders Food Bank after Spring Fest, helping the organization support Greater Lafayette residents.
In tandem with Spring Fest, Purdue will be hosting the 16th annual Purdue Challenge 5k run/walk, supporting the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, and Purdue Aviation Day.
Free event parking is available in the Marsteller Street parking lot, Discovery Park Lot and the Wood Street Parking Garage. Additionally, paid parking is available at the Harrison Street Parking Garage.
For additional details, including activities, demonstrations and reading lists, please visit the official Spring Fest website.
