BY BRAD OPPENHEIM
If you’ve spent any time in downtown Lafayette, you’re familiar with the diverse mix of establishments to dine, grab a drink and explore. A couple of years ago, the city made an effort to enhance that experience even more, launching what’s known as the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).
Introduced in summer 2024, the pilot program allowed individuals of legal drinking age to purchase an alcoholic beverage from participating businesses within the approved area. Visitors could then stroll through a defined section of downtown, enjoying their drink during various hours throughout the week. The initial DORA began on a modest scale, spanning just a single block along Main Street, from 10th and 11th streets.
Following what was dubbed a successful launch of the pilot, the area was expanded in summer 2025, encompassing a much larger portion of Main Street, stretching from Second Street all the way east to 11th Street. This includes landmarks such as the courthouse square and the area that makes up the farmers market.
DORA boundaries are clearly posted with signage throughout downtown. Rules state that beverages must remain outdoors and are not allowed to be brought into businesses unless the establishment explicitly allows it, which will be indicated by posted signs.
As the temperatures begin to rise and we begin to spend more time outdoors, heading into the third year of offering a DORA, city leaders are looking ahead and touting the success of years past.
“With last year’s expansion the feedback has been entirely positive,” says Myles Holtsclaw, senior community development manager at the City of Lafayette’s Economic Development Department. “I have received positive feedback about the program from business owners, downtown employees and people purchasing beverages from the DORA locations.”
Holtsclaw says that more downtown businesses have shown interest, and he hopes even more will choose to join. Currently, 15 establishments are actively participating in the DORA.
“I have encouraged all downtown businesses to share any issues they have with the DORA, and so far I haven’t received any,” he says. “My hope is that continues.”
Along with businesses, downtown event organizers also are expressing interest in using the DORA to facilitate their beverage needs, creating an easier and streamlined process.
Holtsclaw says as of now, there are no plans to expand the current boundaries.
“Our last expansion covered all qualifying vendors in the downtown area, and we haven’t received any requests to expand the DORA footprint,” he says. “Communities are allowed to have multiple DORAs, but we do not have any plans to create an additional DORA currently.”
Broadening DORA’s appeal
To further enhance the vibrancy and charm of downtown, the city is looking to broaden its appeal to visitors of all ages, exploring the addition of live entertainment within the DORA boundaries, creating a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
“For a long time, the mayor [Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski] has envisioned having live entertainment downtown in the evenings as residents and guests enjoyed our historic downtown for shopping, shows and events, and our wonderful restaurants and eateries,” says David Huhnke, director of marketing and communications for the City of Lafayette.
Huhnke says the plan is to offer live music performances at least once a month, creating regular opportunities for people to come together and experience the vibrant atmosphere of downtown.
“We want this live entertainment to be family friendly to draw an audience of all ages so visitors can appreciate what Lafayette has to offer while enjoying the sights and sounds of our historic downtown,” he says.
The plan calls for scheduled performances on designated dates (e.g., the first and third Thursday of each month) or based on the availability of a specific group. Huhnke says these performances will not compete with scheduled events or annual festivals that are already scheduled downtown.
Huhnke says there will be a variety of entertainment, from live bands that encompass high school music departments; dance studio groups; bands of all genres, or performing arts groups from around Greater Lafayette.
Performances will pop up at varioius locations throughout the designated area, from Riehle Plaza to open-air spots along Main Street, in front of local storefronts, and the former train stop at Main and 11th streets, bringing energy to all corners of downtown.
To ensure a positive experience for everyone, shows will begin around 7 p.m. and conclude by 10 p.m., striking a balance between lively entertainment and respect for nearby residents and businesses. Additionally, Huhnke says the city is open to partnerships with businesses or organizations interested in helping offset the costs of hosting live entertainment.
“So far, we have evaluated the live entertainment by the feedback we have received and the number of attendees,” he says. “It has been appreciated by those who have attended in the past and the feedback that has been shared on the city’s social media sites.”
For individuals or groups that are interested in performing, they can contact the city at LafayetteLive@lafayette.in.gov
“We are still in the beginning stages of this program, so there will be adjustments as we go forward,” Huhnke says.
For more information regarding hours, guidelines and participating businesses, visit: lafayette.in.gov
