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
Spring is one of the best times for seriously fun local events in Indiana, and it gets better every year. In 2022, we had just 40 May events! This year we have 75!
Daily Calendar of Terre Haute Events in May
Monday, May 15. Classes begin for our partners at KinderMusic at KinderCenter. They offer musical classes for infants up to age 8!
Children birth to 3 years may choose to attend 7, 8, or all 9 classes offered for these age groups.
Children ages 3 1/2-5 years may choose any number of Playshops to attend.
World Adventures camp for children 6 – 8 years is July 24 – 28.
All Classes meet at KinderCenter, 4389 Wabash Avenue (1 mile west of SR 46 on US Highway 40)
Contact the KinderCenter to receive a summer brochure or go to KinderCenterMusik.com to see all the summer offerings.
May 13 to June 4. Baby Animal Days with Hobson Adventure Farm. Join as theyy open for the 2023 season with Baby Animal Days! Many babies have been born at the farm this spring and we want to share them with you. Baby goats, calf, foxes, and porcupines just to name a few!
May 23-May 25. Join us for a ride of a lifetime on the C-47A That’s All Brother in Terre Haute, IN. “That’s All, Brother” is the C-47A troop carrier aircraft that led the Airborne Invasion on D-Day, June 6, 1944, carrying 101st Airborne Division paratroopers into France during the D-Day invasion. During the remainder of WWII, “That’s All Brother” served in Operation Dragoon, Market Garden, the Relief of Bastogne, and Operation Varsity.
May 25-June 3. Banks of the Wabash Festival. Rides, live music, community band concert.
Thursday, May 25. Try This Teens: Beginner Macrame. Ages 12–19: Explore a modern take on a centuries-old textile art and add a little boho-chic to your accessories with a macramé keychain.
Thursday, May 25. Haute Create: Intro to Soldering. Ages 13 & Up: Soldering is a multi-purpose technique that will allow you to build electronics, make repairs, and create crafts! In Intro to Soldering, you will pick up this valuable skill and learn how to use the Haute Create soldering stations safely by making your own DIY synthesizer. Customers who wish to use the Haute Create soldering stations independently must complete this class at the Vigo County Public Library.
Friday, May 26. FREE Movie in the Park at Fowler Park. Paddington. Bring your family, friends, blankets, and chairs, and join us for our 2023 Movie in the Park series with DeeJay Danny Wayne!
Featured event! Saturday, May 27. Try tennis for FREE! Register here or send your child’s first/last name and contact phone number to jordankelsey92@gmail.com.
May 27, 2023 at 2 PM at Terre Haute North for ages 4-18.
No racquet? No worries! They have racquets to loan!
Saturday, May 27. Sewer Lair Toys 6th Annual Parking Lot Sale. Join Saturday, May 27th from 9am-4pm for their 7th 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, this is a sale you definitely don’t want to miss!
Saturday, May 27. Oh Honey! Sugar Cookie Decorating Class at Makers Studio. Interested in learning more about decorated sugar cookies?! Sprinkles Cookie Co is here to help! In this 1.5/2-hour class, we’ll cover the basics to sugar cookies (so – yes, it’s beginner friendly!), do some piping practice with Royal Icing, and cover the general concepts around dough and icing! Everything you’ll need is provided at class along with a live in-person instructor – just bring a smile (and maybe an apron).
Saturday, May 27. Rumble at the River with New Wave Pro and Sweatbox Gym. Professional wrestling and boxing at this FREE event! This event appears to have been cancelled.
Sunday, May 28. Animal Friends Dance Party at the Pride Center of Terre Haute.
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. Haute Happenings does not approve or evaluate content or safety measures organizations do or do not take in the time of Covid-19. Please make wise and safe decisions for your family and our community!
Looking for more local fun? Check out the Haute Happenings 2023 Summer Camp Guide on the www.hautehappenings.com homepage!
The fun has ended for these great events:
Monday, May 1. Star Wars Paint Class at Show-Me’s. Painting, trivia, food, and more with Muse Art Terre Haute.
Monday, May 1. Haute Create Cosplay Co-op. Ages 15 & Up: Are you building your next cosplay masterpiece for an upcoming convention? Work alongside other like-minded makers and creators, access Haute Create’s array of innovative technology, and receive assistance from Vigo County Public Library’s Tech Team when you need it at the Haute Create Cosplay Co-Op. Every month, the Cosplay Co-Op will allow you to get hands-on with 3D printers, a laser cutter, sewing machines, and more! Please bring your own materials for your costume.
Thursday, May 4. Star Wars Blue Milk Drink at Sons’ Spice Co.
Thursday, May 4. Lego Lab at the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 6–11: Challenge your child’s construction skills, teamwork abilities, and creativity at Lego® Lab! Every month, your child can attempt the monthly challenge’s theme 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. Your child’s design will be part of a month-long display in Youth Services.
Friday, May 5. Terre Haute Night Market in Downtown Terre Haute. A super fun evening filled with art, food, outdoor bar, live music, and entertainment in the heart of Terre Haute! $5 admission.
Friday, May 5. Cinco de Mayo Aqua Zumba Pool Party at the Vigo County YMCA.
Friday, May 5. First Friday in 12 Points. Introducing the First Friday event series, featuring art, music, and fun for the whole family. Get ready for the ultimate monthly celebration in the heart of the 12 Points District!
Friday, May 5. Cinco de Mayo at The Wigwam. 5 cent admission exactly (5 pennies or 1 nickel). Pinata, candy, mocktails.
Friday, May 5-Sunday, May 7. Matilda Jr with ISU Community School of the Arts.
Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6. A Taste of West Terre Haute. If you visit four places on Friday, you will be able to attend the baseball game at West Vigo for free!
Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7. Civil War Days. Bring history to life at Billie Creek Village. Speech by General Lee, small skirmishes throughout the day, main battle at 2 pm, blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, field hospital, and more!
Saturday, May 6. Friends Annual Book Sale at the Vigo County Public Library. The sale will be open to the public from Saturday, May 7 to Monday, May 8! Thousands of items will be available at low prices, from current bestsellers to your favorite classics. Proceeds from the Friends on the Library’s Book Sales are used to fund the Library programs and services you enjoy.
Saturday, May 6. Meet Mario and Luigi Live at The Wigwam. Back by Popular Demand! Mario & Luigi Live at The Wigwam Skate & Event Center! Plus receive a FREE 10″ Stuffed Plush Super Mario, Luigi, or Dragon toy with your paid admission. Tickets only $12 include skate rental, photo opportunity, meet & greet, and special stuffed plush toy to the first 100 skaters.
Saturday, May 6. Trivia Night with the League of Terre Haute. Trivia Night is a fun and friendly competition between multiple teams that will test your trivia knowledge while supporting a great cause! Doors open at 5:30pm for dinner and drinks with Trivia beginning at 6:30pm. Buffet dinner and dessert are included with the cost of your ticket, but adult beverages are not. A cash bar will be available all throughout the night.
Saturday, May 6. Rebel Cheer placements with Wabash Valley Tumbling and Gymnastics. Everyone makes a team!
Saturday, May 6. Motorcycle Blessing and Barbecue at Providence Center. Motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to the Woods for a blessing of bikes and their riders and prayer for safety!
Saturday, May 6. Live music and food trucks: graduation celebration at The Sycamore Winery. Plan to celebrate your graduate at the winery!
Saturday, May 6. Goat Yoga at Old 40 Farm. This is an indoor goat yoga class. Goat Yoga is a great way to improve your mood and reduce stress, it’s hard to be sad when your playing with goats. The goats will be jumping, climbing, and cuddling participants. Participating in the yoga aspect is encouraged, but not a requirement.
Saturday, May 6. Cruising Brazil 2023. Meet at Forest Park from 5:00 PM to around 6:30 and then leave to cruise Brazil until you want to go home! This is FREE and simply a time and place to meet to cruise town like we did “back then.” Park and talk to friends and then cruise some more. Swing in for some ice cream and enjoy the evening. If not cruising, then bring the lawn chairs and watch. This is a fun community gathering and other than just a little gas, is free and fun.
Saturday, May 6. Open Studio Night in 12 Points. Come visit the artist in 12 Points at Upstairs at the Gosnell! See their studios, check out their art and support this up and coming community!
Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7. Mother’s Day Market with District 6. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a novice or expert gardener (or anyone in between!), we can help you find just the right plant for your special someone! We spent the winter & early spring tirelessly growing so many grownbyD6 plants including 450 varieties of annuals, 300 varieties of perennials, and 100 varieties of veggies/herbs as well as potted combos for the perfect grab n go gift!
Sunday, May 7. Sunday Lunch at the Truckstop. Enjoy delicious meals from your favorite food trucks from 11:00am-2:00pm.
Sunday, May 7. Mother’s Day Paint Class at Greek’s. Enjoy a fun evening of painting, trivia, and more at Greek’s Pizzeria just in time for Mother’s Day! Class will include instruction, supplies, as well as a full pizza buffet, breadsticks, and drinks! Not to mention a lovely painting!
Sunday, May 7. Rose Concert Band Spring Concert. Join the Rose-Hulman Concert Band and as they present their spring concert. With thrilling marches and toe-tapping tunes, you won’t want to miss out! This event is FREE and open to the public!
Sunday, May 7. The 2023 Marilyn Wheeler Pendergast Spring Dinner will be Sunday, May 7th, 2023 at the Terre Haute Convention Center. The Swope Art Museum invites you to join in celebrating the honoring of Anna Lee Chalos-McAleese and Andy McAleese who will receive the 2023 Pendergast Award for Oustanding Dedication, as well as Richard Templeton who will be the second recipient of the Richard J. Shagley Presidential Service Award! Event will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction; followed by dinner and awards program.
Monday, May 8. Teen Mario Kart Tournament at the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 12–19: Be the first past the finish line at the Teen Mario Kart Tournament! Fifteen registered racers will compete against each other. Earn the Winner’s Cup for your track, and advance to the next bracket until two champions are left to race for the grand prize. Will you stand in the winner’s circle or be knocked out by a blue shell? Non-registered teen viewers are welcome to attend and cheer on their favorite racer. Refreshments will be available.
Monday, May 8. The Harlem Wizards vs The Scholar Ballers. Watch teachers from Hoosier Prairie, Riley, and Dixie Bee and local celebrity Rick Semmler take on The Harlem Wizards! Tricks, hoops, and alley oops!
Monday, May 8. Indiana Invasion All-Star Dance Team Placements. No competitive team experience necessary, but is a plus! We have 2 tiers of dance at our competitive studio, Prep and Elite. Prep teams practice 1 day per week and compete 3 times during the season. Elite teams practice 2 days per week and compete 5 times during the season.
Wednesday, May 10. Crafts with Cricut: Mother’s Day Card. Give your Mother’s Day card a personal touch with the Cricut® cutting machine! Pick from pre-created designs and learn how to use Cricut® Design Spaces to send your pattern to the Cricut® machine—then assemble your card with cut paper details, markers, and more! Supplies will be provided at the Vigo County Public Library.
Thursdays, May 11, 18, and 25. 12 Points Creators Market. Local vendors, food trucks, handmade items, and more! Located at Illumination Wellness.
Thursday, May 11. Lego Stop Motion Animation at the Vigo County Public Library. 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.
Thursday, May 11. Mother’s Day Sip and Paint at Maker’s Studio 12 Points.
Thursday, May 11-Saturday, May 13. Boys skate for free all weekend long at the Wigwam.
Friday, May 12. Registration closes for Mother’s Day Flower Giveaway at Lowe’s. As a thank-you to the moms and other special friends in our lives, you can register now for a free 1-pint flower. Join us on Mother’s Day weekend for fun activities and giveaways for all to enjoy. While supplies last.
Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13. Nonsense in the North Woods at Community Theatre of Clay County. Homeschool Production of Nonsense in the North Woods! Performances will take place at the Community Theatre of Clay County building TWO NIGHTS. Friday May 12th and Saturday May 13th.
Saturday, May 13. My Lady and I at the Vigo County YMCA. Join for refreshments, drinks, and a craft!
Saturday, May 13. Mommy and Me Goat Yoga at Old 40 Farm. Join us at Old 40 Farm to do yoga with the goats and outside. We provide the mats and the instructor. We do not put age restriction on children, please only bring children who are mature enough to follow along and respect the animals, other participants, and the instructor.
Saturday, May 13. Experience Virtual Reality with the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 12 & Up: Dive into a virtual world with the HTC Vive™ VR headset or Meta Quest 2. Explore new games or try old favorites.
Saturday, May 13. Brunch and Blossoms at the Red Barn. Spend the morning with Mom at the Red Barn! Brunch will begin at 10:30am with a floral arranging class at 11:30.
Saturday, May 13. Watch The Incredibles at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center. Enjoy a tour of the cats and relax with a movie. Concessions available so bring chairs or a blanket!
Saturday, May 13. Stand Against Suicide. Team of Mercy is hosting a Stand Against Suicide event in the 12 Points area again. Our goal for this event is to bring awareness and help break the stigma that surrounds mental health and reach learn how to reach out for help. March 13th is a day for commUNITY!! We will have volunteers all around the area holding our awareness signs, resource tables that will have informational handouts, food, and fun!
Saturday, May 13. Griffin Bike Park Spring Fling. Ride Tours through specific trails in the park, with experienced ride leaders. Get a sneak peek of 2 of the new trail opening in 2023.
Saturday, May 13. Mother’s Day Vendor Market at The Meadows. Over 85 vendors inside the atrium selling Mother’s Day gifts, spring decorations, and more!
Saturday, May 13. Spring Thyme Plant and Herb Faire at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds. Free admission! Vegetable plans, trees, herbs, garden decor, aromatherapy, soaps, and more!
Saturday, May 13. Open Barn at Aris Farm. Come out and explore the farm Saturday, May 13th, 11am to 5pm (Indiana time). Interact with and learn about all the resident animals. You will have the opportunity to walk an alpaca! Shop the Aris Farm Mercantile stocked with alpaca yarn, gloves, hats and much more. Inspired & Rewired will have items made from recycled baling wire. Joyful Things will have handcrafted upcycled and repurposed home decor and jewelry. Walk our self guided nature trail. We will have spinning and felting demos and more. Free admission for the public!
Saturday, May 13. 2023 opening of Hobson Adventure Farm.
Sunday, May 14. Mother’s Day Brunch. Enjoy a delicious brunch spread catered by Federal Coffee & Fine Foods! including locally-made bagels, smoked salmon, whipped cream cheese, avocado, local hard cooked eggs, fruit preserves, candied bacon twists, roasted breakfast potatoes, a charcuterie spread, and more!! Featuring a bottomless mimosa bar! Bring your mom, bring your besties, bring your grandma…we’re celebrating all the special women in your life! Tickets are $40 per person.
Sunday, May 14. Mommy and Me “Making Cake Pops” class at Sons’ Spice Co. For the first time ever we are hosting a “Mommy & Me” cooking class for Mother’s Day! Mom and kiddo alike will fully participate in making cake pops from scratch. From forming the pops to fully dipping and decorating, one will learn everything they need to know about making these delicious and delicate treats!
Sunday, May 14. Terre Haute Convention Center 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Brunch. Mothers should be celebrated everyday, but Mother’s Day should be extra special. Celebrate her with us!
Sunday, May 14. Rose Jazz and Choir Spring Concert. Join the Rose Jazz Ensemble and Choir as they perform toe-tapping hits from various styles of jazz music, and popular songs from the music of yesterday and today. You won’t want to miss this performance! The Rose Symphony Orchestra also presents their spring concert on the same day! These events are FREE and open to the public!
Tuesdays. Art Start at the Swope. Art Start will be on Tuesdays from 1-2pm. For children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Classes will be hosted in the Education Center.
Wednesdays. Board game night at Full Moon games. Join at Full Moon Games Every Wednesday at 6:00 PM for Board Game Night! Demo Library to play from or bring you own games! Entry Fee: FREE!
May 10, 15, and 25. VCSC Physical Nights. $10.
Tuesday, May 16. Time Travelers: Highland Lawn Cemetery. Learn about Highland Lawn Cemetery’s history, burial traditions, and lore. Designed by Adolph Strauch in 1884, the 139-acre cemetery was created to be a park-like setting for the visitors of the deceased, with winding roads, rolling hills, and picturesque landscaping, becoming the final resting place for many notable individuals of the city’s past.
Wednesday, May 17. Thompson Thrift Short Track Series at Griffin Bike Park. Come out and try your hand at racing or bring your family and watch some of our local talents go at it on the ever-changing Griffin Bike Park short track! Classes for everyone and maybe the easiest courses you will ever see at GBP!
Wednesday, May 17. Wayback Wednesday Teen Movie Night with the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 12–19: Shrek’s peaceful swamp is overrun with fairytale creatures who’ve been exiled from their homes by Lord Farquaad of Duloc—and Shrek wants his solitude back! In exchange for Farquaad relocating his unwanted guests, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona from a nearby castle.
Wednesday, May 17. Read to Rover at the Vigo County Public Library WEST Branch. Share a book with a furry friend from Love on a Leash. These good-natured therapy dogs are eager to listen to your child practice reading aloud in a stress-free setting, complete with cuddles, belly rubs, and ear scratches!
Thursday, 18. After school story break at the WEST branch of the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 6 –10: Listen as stories come alive with After School Story Break! Your child can enjoy an after-school snack while listening to unique characterizations from their favorite books while you socialize with other parents. After storytime, explore the contents of the book through games and crafts.
Friday, May 19. Going Topless for PINK with Wabash Valley Jeep Junkies. Includes Kids’ duck hunt, bounce house, kids’ obstacle course, and more!
Friday, May 19. Camp Navigate’s Culinary Kids Fine Dine Friday. Camp Navigate will host its inaugural Culinary Kids Fine Dine Friday event. Join us May 19th from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Lab at 1668 Locust Street for a fun and fine dining evening. Camp Navigate’s new program creates opportunities for our students to have real-life culinary and hospitality experiences!
Saturday, May 20. 5th Annual Terre Haute Bird Festival. Live bird demonstrations, guided bird hikes, craft area.
Saturday, May 20. City of Wellness. FREE showcase for healthy living in the Wabash Valley at Rose Hulman.
Saturday, May 20. Run for the Gold: Bringing the Arts to 12 Points. Two 5K’s and a Bunny Hop Fun Run will take place on April 8, 2023, in the historic 12 Pts. and Collett Park area. The first race will begin at Gold Medal Plaza, which is named for the three Gold Medal Olympians that graduated from Garfield High School, the beloved high school that educated many great people from 1912-1971 in12 Pts. The races will begin on Maple Avenue and will go west eventually going into Historic Collett Park. One of our Olympians Dr. Greg Bell, Gold Medal Winner in Track and Field for Long Jump in Australia 1956 who jumped over 26 feet will be in attendance to begin each race and award Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals at the finish line in the traditional Olympic Fashion by standing on winning blocks while our National Anthem is played.
Saturday, May 20. Opening day of the OUTDOOR farmer’s market season at The Meadows Terre Haute. Produce, flowers, breads, dog treats, candles, and more! Weekly on Saturday mornings from 8:00 am-noon.
Saturday, May 20. Get ready for an explosion of color during the Surviving the Color 5k run/walk! Be sure to dress in white and we’ll make sure you leave covered in color! Not a runner? That’s OK! We are all about having a fun time not setting records! Must register by May 14th to receive a t-shirt.
Saturday, May 20. Read to Rover at the Vigo County Public Library. All Ages: Share a book with a furry friend from Love on a Leash. These good-natured therapy dogs are eager to listen to your child practice reading aloud in a stress-free setting, complete with cuddles, belly rubs, and ear scratches!
Saturday, May 20. Kickoff to Summer (presented by Christmas in the Park) at Forest Park in Brazil. Consisting of a vendor market with 50+ vendors for shopping, food trucks, car show, kiddie area and a free concert with The Shane Lunsford Band opening up for 7 Bridges – The Ultimate Eagles Experience, you’re not going to want to miss out!
Saturday, May 20. Fowler Park Blacksmithing Class. Participants will learn how to operate a blacksmith forge and understand the parts of an anvil and the uses of various hand tools in the blacksmith shop. They’ll also get to shape metal using learned techniques including forging a curve, a twist, a square, and more!
Sunday, May 21. Bridal Show at WaterTower Estates Winery. Each ticket includes a glass of wine, exclusive deals & access to vendors, plus goodies & giveaways!
Monday, May 22 and Tuesday, May 23. Maple Ave Summer Theatre Program. Auditions for The Music Man.
Wednesday, May 24. Wabash Valley Recovery Center open house. Refreshments provided!
Wednesday, May 24. Place flags for the fallen around the ISU Memorial Stadium.
