75 Things to Do in May in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley!
In this brand new Haute Happenings calendar, you’ll find things to do in May in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley!
May Events in Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley
Thursday, May 29. Shattered Glass class at Maker’s Studio at Twelve Points.
Thursday, May 29. Grand Opening of Eel River Adventures in Bowling Green.
Featured event!
Friday, May 30. Summer Reading Kick-Off with Foam Homies at VCPL Main.
Friday, May 30. Terre Haute Bowling Center end-of-school-year celebration with Richard Goodall. Admission is free! Lane reservation is $90 per lane for up to six bowlers.
Saturday, May 31. Complete liquidation of Woodburn Graphics through public auction.
Saturday, May 31. Terre Haute Bird Festival. Bird demonstrations, crafts, guided bird hikes, food truck, and more!
Saturday, May 31. Spring Toddler Sports with Playpen Sports.
Saturday, May 31. Summer Concert season begins with the Terre Haute Community Band. Welcome to the 27th Season of the Terre Haute Community Band. Our concert theme is “Water, Water Everywhere”. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this talented group of musicians under the direction of Norman Hanson. A beautiful setting in Fairbanks Park on the banks of the Wabash River. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and join us for an evening of music. Thanks to the Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department for making these free summer concerts possible.
Saturday, May 31. Terre Haute Police Department Block Party. The 3rd Annual THPD Block Party will take place on Saturday, May 31st, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Terre Haute Police Department. This end-of-the-school-year event is free and open to everyone in the community. With the support of our community partners, the event will feature food, games, obstacle courses, a climbing wall, face painting, prizes, and much more. Free t-shirts will also be available for children while supplies last.
Saturday, May 31. Miami Nations of Indiana All Nations Gathering in ROCKVILLE, IN. Join us on May 31 & June 1 at 11515 US-36, Rockville, IN, for a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture. This year’s theme: Honoring the Dancers.
Save the date!
June 20, 21, 26, 27, & 28 at 7:30 PM
June 22, 28, & 29 @ 1:30 PM
Tickets for The Wizard of Oz by Crossroads Rep are on sale now! Join us this summer in the magical land of Oz to experience this classic tale. With all your favorite songs, this production will dazzle the whole family! For tickets, visit https://www.universe.com/events/the-wizard-of-oz-tickets-KX719W
Recurring events:
Mondays: Coffee and Crosswords at VCPL 12 Points.
Tuesdays: ArtStart at the VCPL.
Tuesdays: Euchre Bustle at VCPL 12 Points.
Wednesdays. Music Makers Academy at VCPL West.
Tuesdays. Baby Lap Sit Storytime at VCPL West.
Fridays. Music Makers Storytime at VCPL West.
We want to help you find things to do in Terre Haute with kids, but typos happen and event details change. Please confirm information with hosting organizations before making your plans.
The fun has ended for these great events!
Thursday, May 1. Libratory at the VCPL West. Ages 6–11: Do you have a budding artist or a mad scientist whose creativity is waiting to be unleashed? Stop by the Libratory and get ready to experiment! Libratory takes ideas from some of your children’s favorite stories and turns them into concepts that they can experience hands-on. Your child might program a robot, help create and implement a plan to harvest rainwater for West Branch Library’s garden, or create an artistic masterpiece! Each session is a chance to engineer, create, and play.
Thursday, May 1. The Lion King Kids presented by Dixie Bee Elementary. Two show times: 5:30 or 7:00pm.
Friday, May 2. First Friday in 12 Points.
Friday, May 2. Spring Plant Sale at SMWC with Sisters of Providence.
Friday, May 2. The Impact of the Holocaust – Noon Edition Live. Eva Mozes Kor opened the CANDLES Center in 1995. Throughout her lifetime, she worked to educate others about the Holocaust and how she persevered despite the trauma she suffered as a victim of SS physician Josef Mengele’s experiments on her and her twin sister, Miriam. Learn about her powerful story of survival, resilience, and forgiveness during a live broadcast of WFIU’s Noon Edition with CANDLES executive director Troy Fears and Dr. Alex Kor, son of Eva Mozes Kor. This event is free and open to the public. Guests should arrive by 11:30am for the live hour-long radio broadcast beginning at noon.
Friday, May 2. Art Adventures at the VCPL MAIN. Ages 3–5: It’s time to get messy with Art Adventures! From painting with toy car wheels to making marbled paper with shaving cream, your child can experiment with unlimited ways to make art while improving their motor skills, developing their creativity, and increasing their confidence.
Saturday, May 3. Storybook Hike with the Ouabache Land Conservancy. Ages 0 & Up: Grab your water bottle, put on your favorite hiking shoes, and join the Ouabache Land Conservancy for a trail hike followed by a nature-themed story at the Jackson-Schnyder Nature Preserve. Each route will be between 1 to 1.5 miles long, so make sure that you and your family wear appropriate clothing, bring plenty of water and trail snacks, and will be comfortable making the journey. Please be aware that parking will be roadside.
May 2, 3, and 4. Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale. Shop for books, DVDs, CDs, and more at the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale! On Friday, May 2, members will be able to access items at the Members-Only Preview Sale after a brief membership meeting. Not a member? You can purchase a membership at the door for $5.00 on Friday! Thousands of items will be available at low prices, from current bestsellers to your favorite classics at the Public Sale on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4. Proceeds from the Friends on the Library Book Sales are used to fund the Library programs and services you enjoy.
May 2-4. The Unsinkable Molly Brown at Terre Haute North. In this spirited tale of a legendary American original, we follow the exploits of Margaret “Molly” Tobin Brown, a miner’s wife in Leadville, Colorado who becomes an overnight millionaire with her equally feisty husband J.J. But high society is no match for Molly. As she turns the upper crust of Denver upside down, stands with the miners of Leadville, traverses Europe, and famously survives the Titanic, Molly proves her mettle wherever she goes. From rags to riches, Molly Brown tackled big issues and looked out for the little guy, using her personality, platform, and resources to “Share the Luck.” Funny, light, uplifting and uniquely American, The Unsinkable Molly Brown charmed Broadway and Hollywood with its irresistible, outrageous title role and won over new audiences with this revised version when it premiered in 2020.
Featured event!
Saturday, May 3. Terre Haute Children’s Museum. May the Fourth Be with You! The Empire is on the move! Palpatine is threatening to invade the Children’s Museum! Join the Resistance and show your mastery over and understanding of Unseen Forces and protect the museum! FREE for Members or included with daily admission.
Saturday, May 3. THQMA Arrive and Drive. Has your kid ever wanted to drive a race car? Bring them out to our Arrive & Drive event and let them experience driving 10 laps around our track for just $10! THQMA will provide all safety gear BUT children must be 4.5-13 years of age, wear long pants and closed toe shoes to participate!! Registration will take place upon your arrival.
Saturday, May 3. Haute Hops and Vines Fest. Afterburner Brewing Co., in partnership with Indiana On Tap, is excited to present the 4th Annual ‘Haute Hops & Vines Fest’ on Saturday, May 3rd from 1pm – 5pm at Terre Haute’s Historic Brewing District. The 2025 event will again feature UNLIMITED SAMPLES & POURS from 30+ craft breweries, wineries & distilleries from all over the state and beyond! All attendees will receive a tasting cup when they arrive to enjoy as many of the estimated 125+ unique beers, wines and spirits as they would like (while meeting and getting to know these breweries/wineries/distilleries and their own unique stories along the way).
Saturday, May 3.Kids’ Fishing Derby at Rockville Lake Park.
Saturday, May 3. Brims & Bowties Gala at the Terre Haute Casino banquet room. Put on your Kentucky Derby best and join us for a thrilling evening filled with racing, prize betting, live music, auctions, and a delightful Derby-themed buffet dinner, all to support the Terre Haute Boys & Girls Club!
Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4. Civil War Days at Billie Creek Village in Rockville, IN.
Sunday, May 4. May the 4th Be with You at the Wigwam. Come meet Darth Vader!
Monday, May 5. Lego Lab at VCPL MAIN. Ages 6–11: Challenge your child’s construction skills, teamwork abilities, and creativity at Lego® Lab! Your child can attempt the monthly challenge or build their own designs. At the end of the evening, spend a few minutes touring everyone’s designs and learn how others solved problems in their own builds. Parents and caregivers with children under nine should assist with building.
Monday, May 5. Crafternoons at WEST VCPL. Grab your yarn and crochet hooks, your fabric and sewing supplies, or even your junk journal and washi tape for a relaxing afternoon at Crafternoons. Meet with a group of crafters every week to share ideas, show off projects, or just dedicate time to your WIPs—no matter what you’re creating! Beginning crochet help, assistance from an experienced textile crafter, and sewing machines will be available. Supplies will not be provided.
Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6. STOMP at Rose Hulman Hatfield Hall. STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.
Tuesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 8. Parisienne Tea in honor of Mother’s Day. French teas, hot chocolate, and delectable treats in museum cafe.
Tuesday, May 6. Animals around the World with VCPL MAIN. Ages 6–15: Travel to deep, dark jungles, arid deserts, and even the frigid Arctic in search of reptilian, avian, and furry friends at Animals Around the World! In every session, your child will learn about a unique animal through stories and crafts—and may even get to meet the featured animal.
Wednesday, May 7. Sew Simple: Create a Custom Pin Cushion at VCPL Main.
Wednesday, May 7. Preschool storytime at VCPL 12 Points.
Thursday, May 8.Sweet Reads Book Club: The Confidante. Enjoy a sweet treat, good company, and a great book every month at the Sweet Reads Book Club hosted by the VCPL at Amosami Cheesecake Company.
Thursday, May 8. Classic board games at VCPL 12 Points.
Thursday, May 8. Read to Walter at VCPL 12 Points. Ages 5–19: Is your child uncomfortable reading out loud? Maybe they just need a friendly ear—and Walter the Goldendoodle is ready to listen. Walter is a licensed therapy dog from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs who’s eager to hear a good story and whose calm presence will build your reluctant reader’s confidence.
Thursday, May 8. Pokemon Creation at VCPL Main. Ages 6–15: Who’s that Pokémon? You decide at Pokémon Creation! Use a premade template to design a unique Pokémon, complete with stats, special moves, type, description, region, and even a custom evolution line.
Featured Event!
Friday, May 9th. Terre Haute Honky Tonk Night Market. Dust off your boots and join us for another Honky Tonk Night Market! This ain’t our first rodeo and we are givin’ it another go! Join us for the best vendors and food trucks in town, line dancing, and music by the Abbi Scott Band!
Featured Event!
Friday, May 9, Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11. Tall Tales and Short Stories from Terre Haute Children’s Theatre.
Saturday, May 10. Spring Open Barn at Aris Farm. Come on out to the farm! Free admission and open to the public! Meet and interact with our resident farm animals (alpacas, llamas, goats, mini donkeys, mini horse, chickens, ducks, potbelly pigs, cats and our Livestock Guardian dog, Rose. Walk our self guided nature trail, pack a lunch and enjoy one of our picnic tables in the “Barnyard”! Walk an alpaca or llama on the trail for a $5 donation (tickets will be available the day of the event at our vendor booth, Joyful Things & Aris Farm Mercantile, next to the bathhouse).
Saturday, May 10. Family Hike at Prairie Creek Park. Every month, the Vigo County Parks Department will lead a guided hike at a different local park while exploring native plants, animal tracks, map reading, and more.
Saturday, May 10. Free robotics workshop.
Saturday, May 10. Art Hacks: String Art at VCPL Main. Ages 19 & Up: String art is an easy way to turn simple materials into beautiful patterns and images. Hammer nails into a board, weave colorful string around them, and watch your design come to life. Whether you follow a pattern or make your own, this hands-on craft is a great way to relax, get creative, and create unique décor for your home.
Saturday, May 10. Experience VR at VCPL Main. Ages 12 & Up: Create intricate clockwork mechanisms, save a fantasy world, become a spy, or travel to distant planets with either the HTC Vive™ or the Meta Quest 2 VR headset.
Featured Event!
Saturday, May 10. Live on the Lawn: Emily Ann Thompson & Kel at VCPL Main. All Ages: Professional violinist and fiddler Emily Ann Thompson brings her diverse musical styles to life with her passionate performances of high-energy jigs, lively jigs, and soulful jazz. Accompanied by her husband Kel, who joins her on guitar, percussion, and vocals, Thompson incorporates English and Irish Gaelic lyrics and foot percussion to create a dynamic musical experience. Bring chairs and blankets and let the music transport you to the lively pubs of Ireland, the rolling hills of Scotland, and the electric atmosphere of a jazz club.
Saturday, May 10. Community Sale at the Moonlite Drive-In.
Saturday, May 10. Spring Thyme Plant & Herb Faire. Wabash Valley Herb Society hosts this event the Saturday before Mothers Day each year. Large variety of herbs and over 90 vendors. Perfect day to spend with your Mother, Grandma or family member. Free Admission and parking.
Saturday, May 10. Jazz in the Alley with Haute Body Bar. Join Haute Body Bar & Boutique on May 10th for our 2nd Jazz in the Alley, a timeless, captivating evening of live music, local eats, vibrant art, and good vibes under the spring sky. Let’s bring community back downtown. Let’s vibe, connect, and celebrate together.
Tuesday, May 13. Intro to 3D Printing at Haute Create VCPL Main. Ages 9 & Up: Turn your ideas into reality with Intro to 3D Printing. Learn how to prepare a file for 3D printing using the Dremel DigiLab 3D Slicer software, prep the Dremel DigiLab 3D45 printers for use, and start your print! Each participant will receive a small 3D print to take home.
Tuesday, May 13. L’heure du Conte: Bilingual Storytime at VCPL 12 Points. Ages 3–5: Parlez-vous français? You and your little one will enjoy exploring a new language at L’heure du Conte! Learn about French culture and language through songs, nursery rhymes, books, games, activities, and stories.
Wednesday, May 14. Bingo by the Books at VCPL West. Gather with your friends and neighbors
for refreshments and be ready to shout, “Bingo!” as you play traditional and non-traditional bingo games with the chance to win prizes. Bingo cards and number makers will be provided.
Wednesday, May 14. Quick Crock Pot Meals at VCPL 12 Points Kitchen. Crock pot meals aren’t just for winter! In summer, a crock pot keeps the kitchen cool and saves time, making it perfect for busy days—just set it and forget it! Learn more about how to use your crock point in any season with Gail Wright, Purdue Extension Vigo County’s health and human sciences educator, as she demonstrates a quick and easy recipe perfect for summer.
Wednesday, May 14. STEAM Program: The Magic of Holograms.
Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 15. The Great Pages Circus is coming to Terre Haute.
Thursday, May 15. MagiKids at VCPL Main. Ages 8–18: Start your child on the journey to becoming a powerful wizard with Magic: The Gathering, a turn-based trading card game, and MagiKids! Developed to introduce young players to the concepts of Magic: The Gathering, MagiKids encourages participants to sort and build their own custom deck of spells, creatures, and artifacts before they challenge other players to a game that relies on skill just as much as luck and that encourages them to use critical thinking skills to overcome the pitfalls of random chance.
Featured Event!
May 16, 17, 18. Aboveboard comedy at Community Theatre of Terre Haute. Rated PG. Nick is a young professional living in New York. When he notices that food is missing from his apartment he suspects his best friend Milo, a magician who lives in an apartment down the hall. Nick sets up a camera apartment in an attempt to catch Milo, who denies any wrongdoing. Later, when he checks the camera footage, Nick discovers that Milo isn’t the one trespassing. He learns that a squatter has been secretly living in his apartment for nearly a month. When this video footage is posted to the Internet, surprising things begin to unfold.
Friday, May 16 and 29. 11 am-2pm. Food Truck Friday at the City Hall and County Courthouse Campus.
Featured Event!
Saturday, May 17. Summer in the Village. Hosted with VCPL at Fowler Park. Bring history to life this summer at Fowler Park’s Pioneer Village! You and your family can visit the Schoolhouse to experience what life was like for early teachers and their students in a one-room schoolhouse and learn how quill pens were made and used.
Saturday, May 17. Book Binding Mini Series at MuseArt Terre Haute.
Saturday, May 17. reThink Block Party. reTHink’s annual block party is inviting all community members to come and visit our garden, store, plastic up-cycling space and enjoy a free meal. Face painting, vendors, and other activities.
Saturday, May 17. A Night of New Musical Theatre: A Hidden Talents Inc Student Cabaret.
Saturday, May 17. Summer in the Village with Fowler Park Pioneer Village. Join the VCPRD every third Saturday of the month May through August from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for our Summer in the Village! Our cabin caretakers will open up their cabins for all to explore and demonstrate early 19th century skills and crafts. Each month will have a focus on a different craft or demonstration for you to learn!
Saturday, May 17. Spring Market at Bear’s Coffee and Roasting.
Saturday, May 17. Spin Clinic at Northview High School. Spin with World Class instructors and learn new skills! Classes will include all levels of Dance, Flag, Rifle and Sabre. This is a great time to get started on new ideas for the season!
Monday, May 19. Adventures Unbound: A Library D&D Campaign at VCPL Main. Ages 16 & Up: Have you ever dreamed of being a formidable fighter wielding a broadsword or a cunning wizard with a tome of arcane spells in hand? Whether you’re an experienced dungeon crawler or new to the world of Dungeons & Dragons, Adventures Unbound will introduce you to new adventures and other travelers! Each session will focus on a self-contained quest, with dice and pre-created character sheets available for those who require them. Experienced players may bring their own character sheet geared towards a low-level journey.
Monday, May 19. Read to Rover at VCPL West.
Monday, May 19. Lego Stop Motion Animation at VCPL Main. Ages 8–12: Encourage your child to turn their ideas into reality, experiment with creative problem-solving, and work cooperatively with others. Teams of two will build models, create background scenery, move the Lego® mini-figs between scenes, and add voiceovers to produce their own short film using a Lego® Stop Motion Animation kit.
Monday, May 19. Shut Up and Read Book Club at VCPL West. Do you want to read but can’t seem to carve out time in your busy schedule? Then add the Shut Up & Read Book Club to your calendar! Every month, you can spend a few minutes discussing your current book with other avid readers and then sip on coffee or hot tea while you dedicate an hour to curling up with your book and working your way through your to-be-read pile.
May 19-20. Audition for The Wizard of Oz at Maple Avenue Theatre. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, we welcome all ages and experience levels to audition! Come prepared to sing, dance, and bring your favorite Oz characters to life.
Wednesday, May 21. Stop Motion Claymation for Teens at VCPL Main. Ages 12–18: Create your own stop-motion film at Stop Motion Claymation for Teens. Begin by developing your storyboards, sculpting your characters and set, and learning how to shoot and assemble frames for your finished work. Work on your film may require attending monthly sessions.
Wednesday, May 21. DIY Laundry Soap for Healthy Living at VCPL Main. Save money, reduce waste, and take control of what goes into your laundry! Learn how to make simple, effective homemade laundry soap using just a few ingredients. Avoid harsh chemicals, customize scents, and create a cleaner option for your clothes and the environment.
Thursday, May 22. Pokemon Card Creation at VCPL Main. Ages 6–15: Do you have a dream chase card? Or would you prefer to create your own one-of-a-kind Pokémon card? At Pokémon Card Creation, you can make your own shadowless Charizard card, give a “Driftalon” five hundred hit points, or dream up a shiny version of a Water-Psychic type! Draw your Pokémon on a double-sided card, add stats and special moves, and more!
Friday, May 23. Nerf Night at Vigo County YMCA. Get ready for an epic evening of foam-blasting fun! Join us for NERF NIGHT — the ultimate action-packed event where kids can run, dodge, and compete in safe, team-based Nerf battles.
Friday, May 23. Women’s Self Defense Seminar at Atreyu Martial Arts.
May 22-May 31. Banks of the Wabash Festival. Featuring Luehrs’ Ideal Rides.
May 23, 24, 25. Aboveboard comedy at Community Theatre of Terre Haute. Rated PG. Nick is a young professional living in New York. When he notices that food is missing from his apartment he suspects his best friend Milo, a magician who lives in an apartment down the hall. Nick sets up a camera apartment in an attempt to catch Milo, who denies any wrongdoing. Later, when he checks the camera footage, Nick discovers that Milo isn’t the one trespassing. He learns that a squatter has been secretly living in his apartment for nearly a month. When this video footage is posted to the Internet, surprising things begin to unfold.
Saturday, May 24. Cars & Coffee at Bear’s Coffee and Roasting Co. Rev up your engines and fuel your morning with great coffee, incredible cars, and delicious eats! Join us at Bear’s Coffee & Roasting with Deluxe Detailing for Cars & Coffee, where car enthusiasts and caffeine lovers come together for a morning of classic rides, custom builds, and high-octane conversation.
Saturday, May 24. Sewer Lair Toys Annual Parking Lot Sale. Join us Saturday May 24th from 9am-4pm for our 9th Annual Parking Lot Sale! There will be toys, collectibles, video games, Pop Culture items, art, and an in-store raffle with drawing at 4pm. This event only comes around once a year, so mark your calendars. Rain or shine!
Monday, May 26. Joey Chestnut Live at Rural King: Memorial Day Popcorn Challenge.
Tuesday, May 27. Tabletopia: Gaming with Terre Haute Tabletop at VCPL Main. Ages 16 & Up: Whether you want to build your own zoo, trade resources to grow your settlement, or create beautiful mosaics, Tabletopia has the perfect game for you! Every month at Tabletopia, Terre Haute Tabletop will introduce new players to contemporary board games and provide skilled players with a regular gaming session, new challenges, and a connection to Terre Haute’s board game community.
