Purdue University will open its campus to the public next month for its annual Spring Fest, a free, daylong event designed to highlight agriculture, science and the arts through hands-on exhibits and family-friendly activities.
Hosted by Purdue’s College of Agriculture, the festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time and will span dozens of locations across campus, including academic buildings, outdoor spaces and Memorial Mall.
Organizers say the event is intended to bring together students, faculty and the broader community while showcasing the university’s research and outreach efforts. More than 40 activity sites are planned, offering interactive demonstrations and exhibits aimed at visitors of all ages.
Among the featured attractions is the return of the popular Bug Bowl, known for its “Cockroach Colosseum,” alongside a plant sale organized by student groups. Attendees can also explore a range of exhibits tied to science, technology and the arts, including a live petting zoo hosted by the Department of Animal Sciences and an open house at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, which will provide a behind-the-scenes look at veterinary education and research.
Other highlights include the Purdue University Herbaria, home to more than 235,000 preserved plant and fungal specimens, and “Woods on Wheels,” a traveling exhibit focused on Indiana’s forest ecosystems. The Purdue University College of Liberal Arts will also participate, featuring displays in art education, music, metals and jewelry, and visual communication design.
Community groups are expected to play a role as well. Scouting Purdue will host a Pinewood Derby race, adding to the event’s slate of youth-oriented programming.
Visitors will be able to pick up maps and schedules at a central information tent near Mitch Daniels Boulevard and Marsteller Street, where volunteers will help direct guests to exhibits. Free parking will be available in several campus lots, with additional paid options nearby.
University officials say the event serves as both an educational showcase and a community gathering, offering a broad look at Purdue’s academic programs and research initiatives.
