Come learn about VU’s ozone garden, where we study how plants are affected by ozone. Learn more about what ozone is, how it is created, its impact on public health, and how we can help decrease it!
FREE ( NO COVER ) | Food & beverages available for purchase
📅 Saturday, September 19 | 8AM–3:30PM
📍325 S 150 E Morgan Twp., Valparaiso, IN
We invite the community to join us at this FREE, family-friendly event in honor of the courageous men and women of our local first responder departments.
Every other Sunday from Mother’s Day through Halloween
Post on 6/26 🚘✨ Rev up your Sunday plans! ✨🚘
Join us at Four Corners Winery for our Car Show
📅 Sunday, July 12
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time: 12 PM - 5 PM
Location: Central Park Plaza, Home to The 1st Source Bank Amphitheater
68 Lafayette St. Valparaiso, IN 46383
The World Cultural Festival, organized annually by the Valparaiso International Center (VIC), is a vibrant celebration of global cultures held each fall at Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana. This family-friendly event features live performances by cultural groups from Northwest Indiana, international cuisine from local ethnic restaurants, children’s activities, and informational booths from community organizations. A highlight of the festival is the Parade of Nations, where attendees are encouraged to wear traditional attire and carry flags representing their heritage. The festival aims to foster cultural exchange, promote diversity, and strengthen community bonds by providing an inclusive space for people to learn about and appreciate different cultures.
Visit the Valparaiso International Center’s website for more information.
FREE TO PLAY
$12* Advance | $15* at the Door
Friday Pop-up German Biergarten
Free & family friendly!
Welcome Home! Attend the 2026 Homecoming Concert, featuring the Chorale, Chamber Concert Band, and the Symphony Orchestra.
FREE | ALL AGES
📅 Monday, September 28 | 4:30PM
📍2801 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383
FREE TO PLAY
Begin your day with a stop at the Menno-Hof Amish-Mennonite information center where guests can learn accurate information through immersive multimedia presentations and hands on displays about the faith and life of Amish and Mennonites. Then enjoy a hearty meal at one of the prime Amish banquet homes. After lunch, you will be guided by a step-on tour guide through a variety of stops highlighting the Amish culture.
We're kicking off Season 72 with a little mystery, a little wine, and a little murder, what's not to love!
A fall fun scavenger hunt throughout Valparaiso!
Date: Saturday, October 3
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Chapel of the Resurrection
1600 Chapel Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383
We're kicking off Season 72 with a little mystery, a little wine, and a little murder, what's not to love!
Date: Saturday, October 3
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Chapel of the Resurrection
1600 Chapel Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Every other Sunday from Mother’s Day through Halloween
We're kicking off Season 72 with a little mystery, a little wine, and a little murder, what's not to love!
FREE TO PLAY
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with the Valparaiso University choirs in a concert featuring American choral music.
We're kicking off Season 72 with a little mystery, a little wine, and a little murder, what's not to love!
Celebrate all things fall at the annual Fall Harvest Festival - pumpkin painting, apple cider, caramel apples, bounce houses, face painting, and more!
Fall Harvest Festival is held in conjunction with the last day of the Valparaiso Market.
Festival Sponsors:
Platinum: Hilltop Neighborhood House
Gold: 1st Source Bank | Indiana Army National Guard | Meijer | Sole Foot & Ankle
Silver:
Bronze: Smith Ready Mix
We're kicking off Season 72 with a little mystery, a little wine, and a little murder, what's not to love!
We're kicking off Season 72 with a little mystery, a little wine, and a little murder, what's not to love!
FREE TO PLAY
We're kicking off Season 72 with a little mystery, a little wine, and a little murder, what's not to love!
Event Highlights
Live music by Die Musikmeisters Band | 12:00 – 4:00PM CT
Oktoberfest-inspired food & seasonal drink specials
Stein Hoisting Competition
Whiskey Barrel Rolling Race
Petting Zoo | 11:00AM – 2:00PM CT
One final community toast to close out Oktoberfest
Don your lederhosen or dirndl, bring your family and friends, and join us as we raise one last glass to great food, great music, and great company.
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION
This 2nd Annual Event will be in the same fashion as Chocolate Walk with fall-themed treats given to event attendees at each Official Autumn Promenade Stop consisting of downtown Valpo restaurants and retailers.
Food Trucks | Live Music | Cold Beer
Proceeds benefit Valparaiso American Legion Post #94
All proceeds benefit the American Legion Charles Pratt Post #94 in Valparaiso, IN
We're kicking off Season 72 with a little mystery, a little wine, and a little murder, what's not to love!
Every other Sunday from Mother’s Day through Halloween
We're kicking off Season 72 with a little mystery, a little wine, and a little murder, what's not to love!
FREE TO PLAY
REGISTER FOR FREE + SIGN UP FOR A SESSION
Join us for an evening of board games, tabletop adventures, role-playing games, card games, and more at Journeyman.
DOWNTOWN VALPARAISO
Dress in your spookiest or silliest costume and join us for a fang-tastic time trick-or-treating from over 100 local businesses and organizations in Downtown Valpo!
Festival Sponsors:
Platinum: Hilltop Neighborhood House
Gold: 1st Source Bank | Indiana Army National Guard | Meijer | Sole Foot & Ankle
Silver:
Bronze: Smith Ready Mix
Downtown Business Trick-or-Treat Stops:
Smith Ready Mix
The Press
E&A Jewelers
Blockhead Beerworks
Blachy, Tabor, Bozik & Hartman, LLC
Porter County Museum
Six Cypress Boutique
Proper Title
Peddlers Pizza Pub
Blackbird Cafe
Edie Boutique
Don Quijote
Central Park Creamery
Teazentea
Rice & Rice
Pikks Tavern
Moses Eyecare Centers
Sangha Center for Wellness, LLC
Super Submarine
Oak Partners, Inc.
Designer Desserts
Langer & Langer
Valpo Chamber
Bun’s Soapbox
Centier Bank
Washington Street Tap Room
Memorial Opera House
1st Source Bank
Nextdoor at Birdie’s
Pickles
Hungry Hound
FLUID Coffee Bar
Buffalo Wild Wings
Hightower Great Lakes
Merit Pilates
Silcott Shoes
Burke Costanza & Carberry
Valpo Vintage
Pretty Little Parties
Locks of Fun
Meridian Title
Valpo Pour House
Fidelty National Title Company
Non-Downtown Business / Organizations:
(Participating from Central Park Plaza & Courthouse Lawn)
Indiana Army National Guard
Hilltop Neighborhood House
HealthLinc
Lori K Bath
Champion Taekwondo
Porter County Central Communications
Restoration Church
Pete’s Barbershop
Girl Scouts of Valparaiso & Washington Township
Vale Park Animal Hospital
Renewal By Anderson
Porter County Child Support
Porter County Health Department
REMAX Lifestyles
Porter County Public Library System
NWI Baths
Walmart Valparaiso
Schillings
Valpo Parks
Andrew Rudakas State Farm
Valparaiso University Athletics
Valparaiso High School - UNICEF
Orchestrated Events
American Legion Post 94
Journeyman Distillery
Xcelsior Martial Arts
Pressure Tech Maintenance
Valparaiso Fire Department
Valparaiso Police Department
Porter County Sheriff’s Police
Ruff Luxury Inn
Red Robin
Green’s Towing
Grimes Exteriors
Sandberg’s Towing
Amps & Volts Electric
The MAAC Foundation, Inc.
Growing Kids Learning Center
Discount Roof
Grieger’s Motor Sales
Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group
@properties / Edward Jones
Ivy Tech Community College
New Chapter Real Estate
Porter County Children’s Museum
UGN
Valparaiso Chick-fil-A
Currie Motors
Valparaiso Republicans
Casey’s
NWI CHAMPION FORCE CHEERLEADING
Avalon Springs Health Campus
The Dogg House
Cotton Candy Kingdom
Great Clips
Event Sponsors
Platinum: Hilltop Neighborhood House
Gold: Indiana Army National Guard | Meijer | Smith Ready Mix
Silver:
Bronze: Central Midwest Carpenters Union | Urschel
Interested in sponsoring an event? Contact us at info@valparaisoevents.com
We invite you to join Hilltop Neighborhood House for our 2026 Vine to Village Fundraiser, an afternoon dedicated to supporting local families in times of need.
FREE TO PLAY
The University’s Symphony Orchestra presents its fourth annual Halloween Spooktacular concert. Attendees of all ages are welcome and costumes are encouraged.
Get ready for a hauntingly good night at Journeyman Distillery’s Halloween Party!
Every other Sunday from Mother’s Day through Halloween
Join Valparaiso University as our theatre department joins the symphony orchestra in retelling the classic story of the Wizard of Oz, adapted for stage performance by the Municipal Theatre of St. Louis
Join Valparaiso University as our theatre department joins the symphony orchestra in retelling the classic story of the Wizard of Oz, adapted for stage performance by the Municipal Theatre of St. Louis
Join Valparaiso University as our theatre department joins the symphony orchestra in retelling the classic story of the Wizard of Oz, adapted for stage performance by the Municipal Theatre of St. Louis
Join Valparaiso University as our theatre department joins the symphony orchestra in retelling the classic story of the Wizard of Oz, adapted for stage performance by the Municipal Theatre of St. Louis
Date: November 14
9 AM - 3 PM
Location: Wheeler High School Fieldhouse
587 W 300 N, Valparaiso, IN 46385
Come support Wheeler Basketball & Athletics!
Over 100 crafters, bounce houses, fun activities for the kids, only $1 admission (under 18 free) and something for everyone.
Contact Jan at Bearcatcraftshow@gmail.com if you are interested in being a crafter in our show!
Pink Friday small business shopping experience, on Friday, November 20th, 2026
Holiday shopping with intention starts at the Autumn Artisan Market. Sip on your favorite craft cocktail as you explore the work of talented local artisans and discover unique, handcrafted goods ready for gifting.
Holiday shopping with intention starts at the Autumn Artisan Market. Sip on your favorite craft cocktail as you explore the work of talented local artisans and discover unique, handcrafted goods ready for gifting.
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Kick off the holidays in Downtown Valparaiso!
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Visit 4 - 5 bakeries and shops during our extremely popular Christmas Bakery Bus! At each of the stops, you’ll receive treats, samples, & shopping time. Enjoy a generously portioned, sit-down lunch. In route to each location, the fully narrated tour includes the history of Christmas traditions from a variety of cultural groups such as the Greek, Polish, German, Italian, Irish, and Chinese. The Downtown Chicago Christmas Bakery Bus route focuses solely on stops in downtown Chicago. In addition to visiting delicious bakeries, we will see the Macy's Christmas Great Tree.
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Directed by Ashleigh Happer
Free to attend | All ages welcome
FREE TO PLAY
Galactic Greg’s presents the Black Hole Comics Expo, a free, family-friendly, comics-focused show featuring comic books, trade paperbacks, graphic novels and original comic art.
47th Annual Valparaiso Popcorn Festival & Parade
Indiana Avenue - Napoleon St. - Uncle Menny’s Original Greek’s Pizzeria
Lafayette St. - Indiana Ave. - Monroe St.
Get ready to wave your checkered flags, enjoy some delicious food at the Food Truck Rally, admire cool rides at the Popcorn Festival Automotive Showcase, & snap a photo at our Popcorn Pit Stop photo op as you get set for the most poppin’ weekend in Valpo!
Bring your own Hot Wheels Ride or purchase on-site for $2
Enter to race for $1 / car
All entry proceeds donated to Porter County Suicide Prevention Task Force.
POPCORN PIT STOP SPONSORS:
Thank you to our generous festival sponsors for their support:
Platinum: Purdue University Northwest
Gold: Drive & Shine | Graff Auto Campus | Indiana Army National Guard | Journeyman Distillery | Lerner & Rowe | Wintrust Indiana
Silver: Chick-fil-a Valpo | Indiana Beverage | IVY TECH Valparaiso | Smith Ready Mix | Strack & Van Til | Team Chevy Valpo | US Federal Credit Union | Valparaiso University Athletics
Bronze: 1st Source Bank | Horizon Bank | Indiana University Northwest | Meijer | Northwest Indiana Tents & Events | RICCI’S Landscape Management, INC. | University of Chicago Medicine | Valparaiso University
Friends of Popcorn Festival: RB SMITH | OZINGA | The LINC | Universal Construction & Restorations LLC | Valpo Velvet
Platinum: Lori K Bath
Gold: Centier Bank | Purdue University Northwest | Terry’s Windows & More
In-Kind Festival Sponsors
Pre-Festival Kick - Off Concert to celebrate the 47th Annual Valparaiso Popcorn Festival.
Join us for this concert featuring the South Shore Orchestra Woodwind Quintet performing a variety of music for all ages!
FREE TO PLAY
Every other Sunday from Mother’s Day through Halloween
ALL AGES | FREE ADMISSION | FREE PARKING
MONDAYS | 7:00PM – 9:00PM CT | FREE TO PLAY
A new intimate live music series celebrating some of the finest jazz artists from Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland.
Saturday, August 29, 2026
10 AM to 3 PM
Sunset Hill Farm County Park
775 Meridian Rd #8507
Valparaiso, IN 46385
Valpo’s annual Faculty Showcase Recital features solo and collaborative performances by faculty from the Department of Music.
ALL AGES | FREE ADMISSION | FREE PARKING
Pre-show entertainment at 5:30 featuring Jack Cunningham.
Michael McDermott’s brand of rock n’ roll brims with the kind of wellhoned style and wisdom that can only come from a career on the road and a pedigree in the studio. Effortlessly blending natural folk sensibility, pop hooks, and honest rock, McDermott’s music is as much for the outcast as the congregation. It’s an exploration of the dark corners of life’s journey and it resonates middle class truths through the passionate filter of a kid that grew up on Chicago’s Irish South Side.
If you are a fan of Springsteen, Van Morrison, John Steinbeck, Patti Smith … McDermott’s inspirational rock is in your wheelhouse, waiting late night with a guitar, spare smokes and stories of the American heart.
Platinum: Everwise Credit Union
Gold: Avalon Springs Health Campus
Silver: Blockhead Beerworks | Currie Motors Ford | First Merchants Bank & Friends of Music | Havyn Homes & ALSAC/St. Jude | Indiana Army National Guard | Lori K Bath | Maar Financial Group of Thrivent | Surf Internet | Stu & Megan Summers
Bronze: AM Stabilizers | Centier Bank |Diamond Peak Homes | Family Express | NIPSCO | Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union | RB SMITH | Silhavy Creek Family Dental | Smith Ready Mix | Team Chevrolet | The LINC | Universal Construction & Restorations LLC | Valpo Velvet Ice Cream
Date: 8/27/2026
Time: 5:30PM - 6:30PM CT
Location: Journeyman Distillery at The American Factory. 258 South Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
Award-winning travel and food writer, Jane Simon Ammeson, is coming to Valparaiso
Known for her captivating stories about the people, places, flavors, and hidden gems of the Midwest, Jane has spent years exploring the rich culture of Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. Her newest release, 100 Things to Do in South Bend, Indiana, Before You Die, highlights unforgettable destinations throughout the region, including Journeyman Distillery.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet Jane in our Shop, hear about her adventures across the Midwest, purchase a copy of her latest book, and have it personally signed. Whether you’re a devoted local, an avid traveler, or simply looking for your next great weekend adventure, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.
About the Author
Jane Simon Ammeson is an award-winning freelance writer, author, columnist, and photographer. She has written 16 books covering topics ranging from history and travel to food, true crime, and local culture. Her book Lincoln Road Trips: The Back-Roads Guide to America’s Favorite President received a Bronze Award in the Lowell Thomas Journalism Awards for Best Travel Book, and she has earned numerous Mark Twain Awards for her travel and food writing.
When she isn’t writing, Jane enjoys cooking, horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, gardening, and discovering new places to explore.
ALL AGES | FREE ADMISSION | FREE PARKING
MONDAYS | 7:00PM – 9:00PM CT | FREE TO PLAY
Every other Sunday from Mother’s Day through Halloween
ALL AGES | FREE ADMISSION | FREE PARKING
Join Hilltop for a free outdoor summer movie series!
The Midwest Big Band is the creation of a core group of close friends-musicians who have played together for many years and share the same passion for big band jazz. Our goal was to assemble the best musicians and vocalist’s from Northwest Indiana and the South Chicago Suburbs who share our vision. Each musician loves making great music and cherishes the opportunity to share it with every person who hears the band perform.
Midwest Big Band Presents the Ultimate Tribute to Sinatra featuring Jim Bulanda and Tom Panici
Platinum: Everwise Credit Union
Gold: Avalon Springs Health Campus
Silver: Blockhead Beerworks | Currie Motors Ford | First Merchants Bank & Friends of Music | Havyn Homes & ALSAC/St. Jude | Indiana Army National Guard | Lori K Bath | Maar Financial Group of Thrivent | Surf Internet | Stu & Megan Summers
Bronze: AM Stabilizers | Centier Bank |Diamond Peak Homes | Family Express | NIPSCO | Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union | RB SMITH | Silhavy Creek Family Dental | Smith Ready Mix | Team Chevrolet | The LINC | Universal Construction & Restorations LLC | Valpo Velvet Ice Cream
ALL AGES | FREE ADMISSION | FREE PARKING
Enjoy lunch and a show at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story chronicles the life and music of rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly from his early start in Texas to his meteoric rise to fame and untimely death at the age of 22. Experience the original sound that changed rock and roll music as we know it. Content advisory: Mature Themes
MONDAYS | 7:00PM – 9:00PM CT | FREE TO PLAY
Join us on Saturday, August 15, from 11am–2pm at both our Valparaiso and St. John locations for a sweet summer treat your dog will love!
ALL AGES | FREE ADMISSION | FREE PARKING
Midwest's Premier Chris Stapleton Tribute Band from Cedar Lake, Indiana.
Pre-show entertainment at 5:30 featuring Dylan Raymond.
Platinum: Everwise Credit Union
Gold: Avalon Springs Health Campus
Silver: Blockhead Beerworks | Currie Motors Ford | First Merchants Bank & Friends of Music | Havyn Homes & ALSAC/St. Jude | Indiana Army National Guard | Lori K Bath | Maar Financial Group of Thrivent | Surf Internet | Stu & Megan Summers
Bronze: AM Stabilizers | Centier Bank |Diamond Peak Homes | Family Express | NIPSCO | Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union | RB SMITH | Silhavy Creek Family Dental | Smith Ready Mix | Team Chevrolet | The LINC | Universal Construction & Restorations LLC | Valpo Velvet Ice Cream
ALL AGES | FREE ADMISSION | FREE PARKING
MONDAYS | 7:00PM – 9:00PM CT | FREE TO PLAY
