Upcoming Events in Porter County
Animal
 | Bark in the Park - 07/14/2012 Enjoy a dog-friendly day in the park! |
 | Fall Festival Horse Show - 09/15/2012 - 09/16/2012 Annual Fall Festival Horse Show. |
 | Llama Showcase - 09/29/2012 - 09/30/2012 A llama showcase exhibition. |
 | Popcorn Cluster Dog Shows - 06/20/2012 - 06/24/2012 Five days of dog shows with over 150 breeds. Confirmation and performance competitions. Only pre-registered dogs are allowed. |
 | Summer Fling Horse Show - 06/01/2012 - 06/03/2012 Everything for the horse enthusiast. |
Arts and Crafts
 | Calligraphy Class at Hageman Library - 05/01/2012 - 05/22/2012 Calligraphy class offered at Hageman Library 4 consecutive Tuesdays in May. |
 | Hebron Elementary Arts & Crafts Fair - 10/13/2012 32nd Annual Hebron Elementary Arts & Crafts Fair features over 125 booth spaces at an indoor show. |
 | Holidaze Arts & Crafts Show - 11/17/2012 - 11/18/2012 Big craft show with all types of media, food and 160 crafters. |
 | Shipshewana on the Road - 12/08/2012 - 12/09/2012 Experience the Shipshewana market right here in Porter County. |
Art Exhibits
 | 4th Annual ARTOUR - 08/25/2012 An afternoon of sharing art crafts. Artist are placed in local businesses for an afternoon. This year over 25 artists and 17 local businesses are participating! |
 | 54th Annual Chesterton Art Fair - 08/04/2012 - 08/05/2012 Features the original artwork of over 130 artists from across the United States. Also features artist demonstrations. |
 | Book signing: "Talking Landscapes: The Indiana Dunes." - 09/08/2012 Northwest Indiana native Paula McHugh will sign copies of her book, "Talking Landscapes: The Indiana Dunes." |
 | Celebration of the Arts - 09/15/2012 - 09/16/2012 "A really cool established art fair in a wooded setting." |
 | Harvest Festival Art Show - 10/06/2012 - 10/07/2012 The Portage Park Department invites you to join us for the 2nd annual Harvest Festival. The event consists of a juried art show, wine & cheese tasting, chocolate tasting and live music. Admission is free. |
Car Show
 | Car Show - 05/20/2012 Annual Porter County car show. Come out and explore the possibilities! |
 | Corvette & Chevy Show - 08/11/2012 - 08/12/2012 Annual exhibit for the auto enthusiast. |
 | Portage Cruise-In - 06/03/2012 - 09/30/2012 The Portage Parks Department is hosting 4 Cruise-Ins at Founders' Square Park. There will be raffles, music and food. |
Community
 | Friends of the Library Book Sale - 10/19/2012 - 10/21/2012 The Friends of Westchester Public Library will hold their annual fall book sale October 19-21. |
 | Hebron Block Party - 10/06/2012 Enjoy this Hebron community event. |
 | Household Hazardous Waste, Tire, and Appliance Collection - 05/19/2012 Don't miss this popular annual recycling opportunity. |
 | Illiana Garden Railway Society - 06/23/2012 Eggs-actly on June 23, 2012 there will be a plethora of G- Scale model Eggliners zipping up and down. |
 | Junk-in-the-Trunk - 07/14/2012 Join us for an open air, multiple vendor, rummage sale. Saturday, July 14th from 8am-1pm at Woodland Park. |
 | Party in the Park - 08/18/2012 Held in Thomas Centennial Park, Party in the Park is an annual summer celebration for the Duneland communities of Beverly Shores, Burns Harbor, Chesterton, Dune Acres and Porter. |
 | Summer Outdoor Movies - 06/12/2012 - 07/31/2012 Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy outdoor movies under the stars! |
 | Summer Rhapsody Music Festival - 06/16/2012 - 08/26/2012 The event that opened the park last year is back and we've added 9 additional concerts to make this a summer long event! We will open the season with the Summer Rhapsody Festival Orchestra on Saturday, June 16 at 7pm with a tribute to American fi |
Educational
 | Bookmarks at the Museum - 02/16/2012 - 11/15/2012 Bookmarks at the Museum takes place on the third Thursday of each month, January-November, at 2 p.m. Westchester Township History Museum, 700 W. Porter Avenue, Chesterton. |
 | Century of Progress Homes Tours - 10/20/2012 Join a National Park Service ranger at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for a tour of five historic homes from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. |
 | Go Fly a Kite - 07/28/2012 Come out to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and learn to make kites at the Paul H. Douglas Center. |
 | Perseid Meteor Shower - 08/10/2012 Join fellow sky watchers as they count the meteors from the annual meteor shower. |
 | Perseid Meteor Stargaze - 08/11/2012 Annual meteor shower star gaze from the beach at Indiana Dunes State Park. |
 | Plant Problem Sleuthing - 09/15/2012 Learn to diagnose your plants' problems and where to find more information on what's bugging them. |
Environment / Nature
 | 15th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest - 07/14/2012 Annual Sand Sculpture contest for kids of all ages at Indiana Dunes State Park. |
 | Sandhill Crane Field Trip - 11/10/2012 Annual field trip to see 10,000 cranes. Trip leaves from Indiana Dunes State Park. |
 | Singing Sands Star Show - 06/23/2012 Star gazing from the Indiana Dunes State Park Beach Pavilion. |
Ethnic
 | Greek Festival - 06/15/2012 - 06/17/2012 Enjoy food, music, and drinks while sampling a wide array of delicacies. |
Exhibits
 | Tractor Pull - 09/02/2012 Old-fashioned tractor pull. Come out and join the fun! |
 | Valparaiso Kiwanis Hot Air BalloonFest - 09/07/2012 - 09/09/2012 The Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club will conduct our 21st annual Kiwanis Hot Air BalloonFest at the Porter County Fairgrounds. |
 | Watch & Clock Convention - 08/03/2012 - 08/04/2012 Annual convention of watch & clock enthusiasts. |
Fairs
 | 4th Annual Taste of Porter County - 08/25/2012 - 08/26/2012 Delight your taste buds with friends and family, and enjoy creations from food establishments in Porter County and beyond!! |
 | Kouts Porkfest - 08/25/2012 The Kouts Porkfest is an annual arts, crafts, food and entertainment festival. Fun for the whole family! |
 | Portage Perch Fest & Gran Prix - 08/10/2012 - 08/12/2012 A unique event that encompasses many activities over a three day span. |
 | Porter County Fair - 07/19/2012 - 07/29/2012 Our Fair includes free entertainment, food, carnival rides, 4H exhibits, livestock shows and grandstand shows. |
 | Valparaiso Popcorn Festival - 09/08/2012 The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival is located in beautiful downtown Valparaiso. |
 | Wizard of Oz Festival - 09/14/2012 - 09/16/2012 On September 14-16th, 2012, the Duneland Business Initiative Group will host the 31st Wizard of Oz Festival in Downtown Chesterton, Indiana. |
Farmers Markets
 | Central Park Plaza Market - 06/05/2012 - 10/30/2012 Shop local and buy fresh! Unique vendors, handmade products, plants and produce direct from the farm. Tuesdays & Saturdays from 8am - 3pm from June through October! |
 | Chesterton's European Market - 05/05/2012 - 10/27/2012 Chesterton’s European Market provides a strong tradition of quality shopping and live entertainment within a festive community experience. |
 | Portage Community Farmer's Market - 06/03/2012 - 09/30/2012 The Portage Community Farmer's Market is a great place to buy fresh picked produce, breads, jams, jellies, hand made pastries and much more. |
 | Schoolhouse Shop Farmer's Market - 05/04/2012 - 10/06/2012 Labriola artisan bread, gourmet foods, gifts; candies, contemporary apparel at Dune Clothiers, cards & stationery, floral shop, toys & games, home accents, patio plate lunches. |
Food / Beverage
 | 41st Annual Blueberry Social - 07/11/2012 You are cordially invited for social time of fellowship and yummy blueberries for your tummy. |
 | 9th Annual Summer Benefit - 06/02/2012 9th Annual Summer Benefit supporting the Shirley Heinze Land Trust at Sand Creek Country Club. |
| Australian Wine Tasting Dinner - 04/28/2013 Visit the Inn at Aberdeen for a special Australian Wine Tasting Dinner. Make it even better by spending the night in a great Jacuzzi suite for two, enjoy the fireplace, and wake up to a fantastic breakfast! |
 | Eat Up Wine Down - First Thursdays - 11/03/2011 - 12/06/2012 $5 Food and Drink Specials at Valpo Dining Restaurants the First Thursday of EVERY Month. |
 | Pines Supper Club - 09/15/2012 Pines Village will turn Porter County Expo Center into a supper club as a fund raiser for their emergency shelter for older adults. |
 | Tailgate Chili Challenge - 09/21/2012 Held in the Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce parking lot, the Chili Challenge takes place just prior to the CHS Homecoming Parade. |
 | Taltree Sixth Annual Gala - 06/08/2012 Taltree Arboretum & Gardens hosts its sixth annual fundraising Gala. |
 | Taste of Duneland - 09/01/2012 The 5th annual Taste of Duneland will highlight the many cuisines in the Duneland area. |
 | Taste of Valpo - 05/24/2012 Get ready to taste signature dishes from more than 40 restaurants at this year's Taste of Valpo. |
 | Valparaiso Brewfest - 09/29/2012 Sample over 125 different styles of beers from America’s best craft brewers and vote for your favorite Indiana craft beer as we award the coveted HOOSIER BREW award to the top vote recipient. |
Historical
 | Aukiki River Festival - 08/25/2012 - 08/26/2012 Imagine a time during the 1900's when the Baum's Bridge - along the Kankakee River - was bustling with activity. |
 | Fall Harvest Festival - 09/28/2012 - 09/30/2012 Demonstration of farming in the early 1900’s with steam and gas powered equipment. |
 | History Comes Alive! - 09/08/2012 - 09/09/2012 An entire weekend of history themed programming at Indiana Dunes State Park. |
 | Tools Exhibit - 04/13/2012 - 07/22/2012 Porter County Museum's exhibit on all types of tools from the last two hundred years. |
 | Wolf Mansion Tours - 04/27/2012 - 12/23/2012 Wolf Mansion Victorian Italianate, built in 1875, is listed on the national historic register. |
Holiday
 | "Howl"oween at the Dunes! - 10/27/2012 - 10/28/2012 Special Halloween weekend at the Indiana Dunes State Park. |
 | 9/11 Tribute Concert - 09/11/2012 The Coffee Creek Watershed Conservancy is hosting a free concert on Sept. 11, 2012. |
 | Amhurst Asylum Haunted Attraction - 10/05/2012 - 10/31/2012 Prepare to be frightened in this 23,000 square foot, all-indoor haunted house designed by two people who have a combined 20 years of experience in haunted houses and horror movies. |
 | City of Valparaiso's 4th of July Blast - 07/04/2012 Come on out to celebrate the 4th of July in Valparaiso style! |
 | Fall Harvest Festival - 10/26/2012 Downtown Trick or Treat! Wear your spookiest or silliest costume and go door-to-door in Valparaiso’s downtown to get some tasty treats from our restaurants and retailers. Free Hayrides provided by the Valparaiso Parks Department! |
 | Family 4th Fest - 07/04/2012 Family 4th of July Festival in Hawthorne Park, Porter, Indiana. |
 | Fireworks on the Lakefront - 07/03/2012 A 4th of July celebration! |
 | Haunted Hayride - 10/25/2012 - 10/27/2012 The haunted hayride runs from October 25th through October 27th from 6:30pm-9:30pm at Woodland Park. It is $2 per person, children under 2 are free. |
 | Holiday Traditions in the Dunes - 12/08/2012 Enjoy the season by learning about some of the holiday traditions of the dunes and discovering how you can start a "greener" celebration of your own. |
 | Holly Days - 12/07/2012 Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season in downtown Valparaiso! Enjoy holiday music, ice carvers, live nativity, train rides, carolers and the holiday village! |
 | Kouts Annual Christmas Open House - 12/01/2012 - 12/02/2012 Shop for unique Christmas gifts! This 30 year old Christmas festival is a great place to shop for handcrafted unique gifts, homemade cookies and candies. |
 | Mistletoe Market - 12/01/2012 Chesterton’s European Market dresses up for the holidays! |
 | New Years Eve Party - 12/31/2012 Celebrate the new year at this event! |
 | Santa's Holiday Forest - 11/22/2012 - 12/25/2012 A real Christmas tree - a perfect gift for the whole family! |
 | Trick or Treat Chesterton - 10/26/2012 The Second Annual Trick or Treat Chesterton event provides children the opportunity to trick-or-treat with more than 60 participating businesses along Broadway, Calumet and Indian Boundary Road. |
 | Twilight Parade and Duneland Christmas Celebration - 11/23/2012 - 11/24/2012 The Duneland Christmas Celebration begins the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 23rd) and continues through Saturday, November 24th. Festivities start Friday evening at 5:30pm, with the Twilight Christmas Parade. |
Home & Gardens
 | WRF Nursery Fall Festival - 10/06/2012 - 10/07/2012 Hayrides to the U-Pick Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze. Pumpkin carving contest. Enjoy eating chili cooked in a cauldron over an open fire. |
Performing Arts
 | A Midsummer Night's Dream - 07/14/2012 BE ENCHANTED! Summer is the perfect time for Shakespeare's much-beloved comedy where mischief, mayhem, fairies, lovers, and buffoons collide. |
 | Brother of All - 05/25/2012 - 06/09/2012 Chicago Street Theatre is thrilled to share resident playwright Jim Henry's (The Angels of Lemons, Backwards in High Heels) latest work with audiences for the first time. |
 | Christmas Extravaganza - 12/07/2012 - 12/16/2012 While you wait for Santa & Mrs. Claus’s arrival you will be entertained by our very own MOH Operettes! Watch as Santa and his helpers light the 21 ft Holiday Tree – it’s North Pole Spectacular! |
 | Christmas Time is Here Again: Songs of the Season - 12/19/2012 During this busy time of year, take a breather and come remember why this is the most wonderful time of the year. Sing along and enjoy Christmas favorites. |
 | Elvis FANtasy Fest - 10/12/2012 - 10/14/2012 Elvis weekend with tribute artist contest. Live band and concert with winnings ETA’s. Dance, Elvis memorabilia and special guest who knew or worked with Elvis. |
 | Harbor Lights - 05/19/2012 Five seasoned entertainers with unique performance histories came together ten years ago to bring you Harbor Lights. |
 | Lunchtime Cabaret: An Afternoon with Patsy Cline - 10/17/2012 Patsy Cline, the infamous Nashville sound that turned into pop music sensation, is back by popular demand. |
| Lunchtime Cabaret: Stephen Sondheim - 06/06/2012 Stephen Sondheim, a Broadway musical composer and lyricist is always pushing the envelope, redeveloping the ordinary, and stretching the mind of audiences. |
| Lunchtime Cabaret: The Music of Henry Mancini - 08/22/2012 Henry Mancini is one of the world's most awarded and respected composers. |
| Lunchtime Cabaret: The Women of the Silver Screen - 07/25/2012 Come celebrate the golden age of movie musical magic. Listen and relive those classic moments of the big screen. |
 | Music in the Park - 06/19/2012 - 08/27/2012 Music in the Park Concert Series. Come out to a free concert at Woodland Park starting June 17th and continuing every Tuesday till the end of August. |
 | OKLAHOMA! - 06/01/2012 - 06/10/2012 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA! Music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. Audience Requested! |
 | SHOUT! The Mod Musical - 09/28/2012 - 10/07/2012 From cover-to-cover SHOUT! Travels in time from 1960 to 1970 chronicling the dawning liberation of women. |
| Songs of Bing Crosby - 11/14/2012 Bing Crosby was one of the best selling recording selling artists of the 20th century. Come and enjoy his many songs! |
 | Summer Bandstand Concert and Family Film Series - 06/08/2012 - 08/10/2012 An old-fashion concert series featuring a variety of traditional music, followed by a movie suitable for family viewing. |
| Summer Rhapsody Music Festival - 08/18/2012 Summer Rhapsody Festival Orchestra highlighting musical selections from some of Hollywood's classic and modern film scores. Food, Beer Tent and VIP Area will be available Additional Don't miss the final c |
 | The Big Pumpkin Spooktacular! - 10/26/2012 Memorial Opera House brings you the Pumpkin Players, a new acting troupe bringing you laughter, spook tales, and endless Halloween fun! |
 | The Music of Frank Loesser - 09/19/2012 You may or may not have heard of this man, but you have most definitely heard of his music! Loesser will leave you wanting more! |
 | Thoroughly Modern Millie - 08/03/2012 - 08/12/2012 Thoroughly Modern Millie is a high-spirited musical romp that has all of New York dancing the Charleston. |
Sporting Events Participant
 | Lorie's Lakeside Century - 09/15/2012 15, 28, 38, 62 or 100 mile bike ride on beautiful Lake Michigan, that benefits the programs and services of the VNA of Porter County. |
 | Popcorn Panic Run/Walk - 09/08/2012 The Popcorn Panic is a 5 mile run or 5 mile walk that is running for the 34th year. Held in conjunction with the Popcorn Festival. |
Swap Meets
 | Valpo Fest - 05/27/2012 Huge Motorcycle Show, Swap Meet, Live Music, Door Prizes, Trophies, Dash Plaques, Giant Food-Fest, and Beer Garden! |
Photographs Copyright: Craig Berg, Darcy Giesseman, Jeff Greenberg
