Upcoming Events in Porter County
Animal
 | Bark in the Park - 07/12/2014 - 07/13/2014 Dogs, animal shelters, animal rescues, activities, contests, free entry, family fun! Next to Chesterton European Market. |
 | Be Kind to Animals - 04/26/2014 - 04/27/2014 This event will include offerings from area Rescue Groups, Shelters, Veterinarians, Trainers, Groomers and Pet Supply Companies. |
 | VKC Dog Show - 10/25/2014 - 10/28/2014 The Valparaiso Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the sport of purebred dogs. |
Arts and Crafts
 | Central Park Plaza Market - 06/03/2014 - 10/01/2014 Outdoor farmer's market, vendors selling fresh local produce, handmade products, plants and flowers. Also live musical entertainment. Tuesdays 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. & Saturdays 8 a.m. - noon |
 | Christmas Craft Show - 11/29/2014 - 12/01/2014 Homemade and buy/sell craft show. |
 | Hebron Arts & Crafts Show - 10/11/2014 - 10/12/2014 33rd Annual Hebron Elementary Arts & Crafts Fair features over 125 booth spaces at an indoor show. |
 | Shipshewana On The Road Comes to Valparaiso - 12/13/2014 - 12/15/2014 Shipshewana On the Road shows are two day sales where independent vendors offer their products or merchandise for sale to the general public. |
Art Exhibits
 | 26th Annual Celebration of the Arts - 09/20/2014 - 09/22/2014 A two day mixed media art fair on the grounds of the Schoolhouse Shop. |
 | Chesterton Art Fair - 08/02/2014 - 08/04/2014 The Chesterton Art Fair is a 2-day fine art fair held at Hawthorne Park in Porter, IN. |
 | Harvest Festival Fine Arts Fair - 10/04/2014 - 10/06/2014 Juried arts show. Live entertainment, wine, cheese and chocolate tasting. Indoor event. |
 | Interwoven Expressions 2014 - 11/01/2014 - 11/02/2014 Juried textile arts exhibit and sale by artisans from states bordering Lake Michigan. |
Car Show
 | Chesterton Cruise Night - 05/31/2014 - 10/26/2014 Cars of all kinds - vintage, sport, muscle and foreign. A night of true family fun! |
 | Hooley Car Auction - 08/09/2014 - 08/11/2014 The Hooley Auction is said to be one of the best small car auctions in the nation. |
 | Valpo Fest Motorcycle-Car Show - 05/25/2014 - 05/26/2014 The 26th Annual Spring Valpo-Fest Motorcycle-Car Show. |
Community
 | 9/11 Tribute Concert - 09/11/2014 - 09/12/2014 The Coffee Creek Conservancy is hosting a free 9/11 Tribute Concert |
 | All-American Fest - 07/04/2014 - 07/06/2014 Come celebrate the 4th of July at taltree! Activities include games, crafts and Thomas the Tank Engine all weekend long. |
 | Annual Easter Egg Hunt - Chesterton Lions Club - 04/19/2014 Find a lucky egg and win a prize. Take photos with Chester the Lion and the Easter Bunny. Ages 0-12. |
 | Chesterton's European Market - 05/03/2014 - 10/26/2014 An outdoor family/artisanal market held in historic downtown Chesterton every Saturday from the beginning of May through the end of October. |
 | Cinco De Mayo Celebration - 05/03/2014 Come out and join the Cinco De Mayo Celebration. There will be a DJ, Folkorico Dancers and live music by the Jimmy Sarr Band. Food, drink specials, giveaways and lots of fun! |
 | Community Egg Hunt - CrossPointe Christian Church - 04/19/2014 Come join in the fun! There will be inflatables, food, crafts, candy, prizes and fun. Don't forget to bring a basket and camera for a picture with the Easter Bunny! |
 | Easter Egg Hunt - Westchester Public Library - 04/19/2014 Easter Egg Hunt for kids between the ages of 2-6 yrs. |
 | Jammin with Save the Dunes - 06/07/2014 Get ready for the fun! Jammin with Save the Dunes draws hundreds of dunes lovers to beautiful Washington Park. There will be 4 live bands, great local gub from Rolling Stonebaker Pizza, Shoreline and Soda Dog and amazing local craft beer. |
 | Lakeshore 12-20 - 06/21/2014 - 06/22/2014 Family Health/Cancer Awareness Day, featuring face painting, kite flying prizes, outdoor exhibits and a 5K run/walk in the morning that ends at the Indiana Dunes State Park, all benefiting. |
 | Party in the Park - 08/16/2014 - 08/17/2014 Duneland's back-to-school celebration! |
 | Valpo Brewfest - 09/27/2014 - 09/28/2014 Cheers to Ya! The 5th Annual Valpo Brewfest is a celebration of the great craft beer and the cool people that enjoy it. Sample over 125 different styles of beers from America’s best craft brewers. |
Educational
 | Music Heritage Series Program - 04/25/2014 Join in with the Save the Tunes Council as they perform traditional music associated with spring and Earth Day. Tune up your vocal cords and gather up for a sing-along. |
 | Sunday @ the PoCo Muse - 04/27/2014 The More the Obstacles Fall Between Us: An Exhibition and Performance of the Welcome Project. |
Environment / Nature
 | 17th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest - 07/12/2014 - 07/13/2014 Watch the sand come alive or participate with friends and family, Saturday, July 12 as the Friends of Indiana Dunes sponsors the 17th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest at Indiana Dunes State Park. |
 | Birding 101 Hike - 04/26/2014 - 04/27/2014 Come discover which birds live where on this introductory birding hike. Hike through three ecosystems - woodland, prairie and wetland. Leasr where best to view birds. Register online at www.taltree.org. |
 | Children's Train Day - 08/16/2014 - 08/18/2014 Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, Percy, James, and Emily will all be there. This year Thomas will introduce two new friends, Toby tthe Tram and George the Switch Engine. |
 | Dunes Adventure Camp - 06/30/2014 - 07/04/2014 Campers aged 14-16 spend 4 days and 3 nights immersed in the unique ecology of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. |
 | Dunes Glamping Weekend - 06/07/2014 - 06/09/2014 Indiana Dunes State Park will offer a special themed weekend to explore the natural and cultural resources in the dunes from a glamping perspective June 7-8. |
 | GLOW: Art after Dark - 08/15/2014 - 08/17/2014 A three-night, glow-in-the-dark celebration of nocturnal nature. This event features glow-in-the-dark art exhibits and performances, stargazing, a nocturnal nature education program, and children’s activities. |
 | Hummingbird Banding Demonstrations - 08/09/2014 - 08/10/2014 The Indiana Dunes State Park Interpretive Services and Friends of Indiana Dunes will be hosting a special day of bird banding at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center. Join in on this magical experience! |
 | Indiana Dunes, Science, and YOU!! - 05/03/2014 Check out this opportunity to talk with local scientists, learn about their research within Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and spend time with them out in the field! Come discover how research is used to solve real-life dilemmas. |
 | International Migratory Bird Day - 05/10/2014 - 05/11/2014 A daylong celebration of birds, bird migration, and the habitats that protect them. |
 | Junior Ranger Extravaganza - 04/19/2014 Kick off National Park Week by viewing their new exhibit featuring the Junior Ranger programs offered at parks across the country. Learn about some of the other 401 national parks by playing National Park Jeopardy. |
 | Me We Fest 2014 - 06/21/2014 - 06/22/2014 Holistic approaches to improving ones health and wellness through mini info-sessions focusing on organic gardening, yoga, composting, canning and home remedies. |
 | Midsummer Celebration & Solstice Evening Concert - 06/21/2014 - 06/22/2014 Solstice program and Swedish cultural traditions at Chellberg Farm. June 21, 2013, noon - 4:00 pm, evening concert 7:30 - 8:30 pm |
 | National Kids to Parks Day - 05/17/2014 Bring your kids to the park and receive a water bottle and a set of Nature Play cards. Build a fort in the Nature Play Zone; become a Junior Ranger; take the hiking challenge; and enjoy spring at the National Lakeshore. |
 | Night Hikes - 06/05/2014 - 06/19/2014 Come see nature at night! These night hikes are a great way to see the stars and learn about how elusive noctural wildlife can be. |
 | Owl Banding in the Dunes - 10/13/2014 - 11/17/2014 Join naturalists for the 6th year of Saw-whet Owl Banding at Indiana Dunes State Park. |
 | Perseid Stargaze and Snoring on the Sand! - 08/09/2014 - 08/10/2014 Indiana Dunes State Park Interpretive Services will be hosting its Annual Perseid Meteor Stargaze at the Indiana Dunes State Park beach pavilion. It's the only night of the year that you can stargaze and sleep on the beach. |
 | Project Learning Tree: Environmental Education - 04/26/2014 This educator training program uses the forest as a window to the world to help children appreciate the world around them. Register online at www.taltree.org. |
 | Spring Night Hikes - 05/01/2014 - 05/31/2014 Night hikes are a great way to see the stars and learn how elusive nocturnal wildlife can be. Call for times and dates. |
 | Spring Wildflower Hike & Volunteer Activity at National Lakeshore - 04/19/2014 Join a ranger at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Heron Rookery for a volunteer activity in the morning or a wildflower hike in the afternoon. After a morning of work, take a leisurely hike with a ranger from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
 | Taltree Spring Open House - 05/10/2014 Celebrate spring with a variety of garden activities, a sidewalk sale, food and more. |
 | Wildflowers Interpretive Hike - 05/17/2014 - 05/18/2014 Led by an experienced naturalist through the prairie-scape to learn about wildflowers and how to identify them. |
Ethnic
 | Greek Fest - 10/03/2014 - 10/06/2014 Enjoy food, music, and drinks while sampling a wide array of delicacies. |
Exhibits
 | Brauer Museum of Art New Acquisitions - 05/16/2014 - 08/11/2014 An exhibition of new acquisitions in the Brauer Museum of Art's Permanent Collection. |
 | Celebrating the Shirley Heinze Land Trust - 07/04/2014 - 09/02/2014 Learn about the vital work of the Shirley Heinze Land trust in preserving our local environment. The Museum and Gallery are open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11 am to 3pm. |
 | Classical and Popular School Japanese Paintings - 04/16/2014 - 05/12/2014 An exhibition of Classical and Popular Japanese paintings from the Walter and Dorte Simmons Collection at the Brauer Museum of Art. |
 | Drawings by Fred Frey - 05/16/2014 - 08/11/2014 An exhibition at the Brauer Museum of Art of drawings by retired Valparaiso University Art Faculty Fred Frey. |
 | Gallery talk at the Brauer Museum of Art - 07/16/2014 - 07/17/2014 A Gallery Talk at the Brauer Museum of Art with artists Tom Brand and Carole Stodder who will talk about their current exhibitions. |
 | Gun & Knife Show - 09/27/2014 - 09/29/2014 The Indiana Gun & Knife Show is hosted by the Dunes Rifle and Pistol Club of Indiana. It is the largest show in Northern Indiana 350 plus eight foot table show. |
 | Jewelry, Gem & More Show - 04/26/2014 - 04/27/2014 Pamper yourself, jewelry, health and beauty products, candy, chair messages, makeovers and more. |
 | Opening Reception for Summer Exhibitions at the Brauer Museum of Art - 05/16/2014 - 05/17/2014 Opening Reception for three summer exhibitions at the Brauer Museum of Art. Parallel Pursuits by Tom Brand; Finding Form by Carole Stodder and Shaping Space. |
 | Parallel Pursuits: Tom Brand - Finding Form, Carole Stodder - Shaping Space - 05/16/2014 - 08/11/2014 An Exhibition featuring current work by Tom Brand and Carole Stodder at the Brauer Museum of Art. |
 | Porter County Antique Show - 11/01/2014 - 11/02/2014 Annual antique show with available appraisals. This expansive antique show features wares from a variety of vendors. |
 | Valparaiso University Art Faculty Exhibition - 04/16/2014 - 05/12/2014 Valparaiso University Art Faculty will display current work at the Brauer Museum of Art. |
 | Valparaiso University Art Faculty Opening Reception - 04/25/2014 - 04/26/2014 Opening Reception for the Valparaiso University Art Faculty Exhibition at the Brauer Museum of Art. |
 | Valparaiso University Art Student Exhibition - 04/16/2014 - 05/12/2014 Current Valparaiso University Art Students display works at the Brauer Museum of Art. |
 | Valparaiso University Art Student Exhibition Opening Reception and Award Ceremony - 04/16/2014 - 04/17/2014 Opening Reception and Award Ceremony for the Valparaiso University Art Students exhibition at the Brauer Museum of Art. |
Fairs
 | Portage Township Summerfest - 06/13/2014 - 06/16/2014 Annual Portage Township Summerfest. A family fun festival with entertainment, carnival, food booths and beer garden. |
 | Valparaiso Popcorn Festival - 09/06/2014 - 09/07/2014 Celebrating its 36th year and named the "Best Festival of the Region" by The Times readers, the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival continues to offer family-fun activities for all ages. Over 200 arts & crafts booths. |
Farmers Markets
 | Portage Farmer's Market - 06/01/2014 - 09/29/2014 Locally grown produce, flowers, popcorn, honey, bread, BBQ, handmade crafts. |
Food / Beverage
 | Family 4th Fest - 07/04/2014 - 07/05/2014 4th of July festival fun for the whole family! Parade, pancake breakfast, turtle derby, kids games, kiddie rides, bounce houses, food booths, beer garden, live music, fireworks. FREE to ENTER. |
 | Porkfest - 08/23/2014 - 08/24/2014 Arts and crafts 8-5, parade, walk/run, great food, entertainment for adults and children. |
 | Porter County Brew Fest - 06/14/2014 The Brew Fest is adjacent to the Taste of Porter County's Beer Garden. Although the Brew Fest ends at 7:00 PM, Live music, entertainment and beer garden will continue until 10:00 PM. |
 | Taste of Duneland - 08/30/2014 - 08/31/2014 Taste food from local eateries and non-profit groups in the Duneland area. Live music, beer & wine garden. Bounce houses for the kids. |
 | Taste of Porter County - 06/14/2014 Delight your taste buds with creations from Porter County's favorite food establishments and more. |
 | Taste of Valpo - 05/22/2014 - 05/23/2014 Valparaiso's Tri Kappa will sponsor the annual Taste of Valparaiso. More than 40 area restaurants will offer samples of their signature dishes. Silent auction items, entertainment by local musicians, a 50/50 raffle and flower sales will be included. |
Historical
 | Aukiki River Festival - 08/23/2014 - 08/25/2014 Aukiki River festival over 350 years of history of the Kankakee River at Baum's Bridge in south Porter County. Historical music, period themed food and more. |
 | Century of Progress Homes Tours - 10/18/2014 - 10/19/2014 Join National Park Service rangers at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore for a tour of five historic homes from the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. |
 | Fall Harvest Festival & Antique Equipment Show - 09/26/2014 - 09/29/2014 Farming demonstrations, corn shelling, wheat threshing, sorghum cooking, shingle making and rock crushing. |
 | Then and Now:The Story of the 1933-34 Century of Progress Homes - 09/05/2014 - 11/03/2014 Everything you always want to know about the amazing Century of Progress homes. See them in their original state and learn how they look and function today. The museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 3pm. |
 | Valparaiso Central Neighborhood Historic Home Tour - 05/03/2014 - 05/04/2014 A tour of seven historic homes in Valparaiso's Central Neighborhood presented by the Porter County Museum of History. |
Hobby Show
 | Valpo Dolls - 09/07/2014 - 09/08/2014 Show dealers will be selling antique, vintage, modern and collectible dolls and teddy bears. |
Holiday
 | "Howl"oween in the Dunes! - 10/25/2014 - 10/27/2014 Come get spooked and thrilled this Halloween at the Indiana Dunes State Park, as “Howl”oween returns to haunt the dunes. The activities will take place throughout the weekend. |
 | Fireworks on the Lakefront - 07/02/2014 - 07/03/2014 Join us for a 4th of July Celebration you won't ever forget! |
 | Haunted Hayride - 10/23/2014 - 10/26/2014 Halloween event, great for all ages. |
 | Haunted Railroad & Fall Festival - 10/01/2014 - 11/01/2014 Held the entire month of October, The Haunted Railroad & Fall Festival is sure to be a spooky good time. This family friendly event kicks off with a haunted railway garden of skeletons, ghosts, spiders, and haunted houses. |
 | Holly Days - 12/05/2014 - 12/06/2014 Central Park Plaza comes alive with holiday musical performances on the Porter Health Amphitheater Stage. Michiana Ice Carvers prepare a Giant Ice Sculpture. The Holiday Village Market features special holiday vendors. |
 | Kouts Christmas Open House - 12/06/2014 - 12/08/2014 Home, churches and businesses open their doors to sell handcrafted unique gifts. |
 | New Years Eve Party - 12/31/2014 - 01/01/2015 Celebrate the New year! |
 | Santa's Holiday Forest - 11/28/2014 - 12/25/2014 A real Christmas tree - a perfect gift for the whole family! |
Performing Arts
 | Annie - 12/05/2014 - 12/22/2014 Annie - Based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and the Book by Thomas Meehan. Features songs “It's a Hard Knock Life”, “Tomorrow”, and “Little Girls”. |
 | Company - 04/25/2014 - 05/12/2014 Company — Music & Lyrics By Stephen Sondheim based on a book by George Furth. Features songs “Company”, “Another Hundred People”, “Getting Married Today”, “The Ladies Who Lunch” and “Being Alive”. |
 | Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - 07/25/2014 - 08/11/2014 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek and Book by Jeffrey Lane. Based on the 1988 movie of the same name. Features songs “Give Them What They Want”, “All About Ruprecht”, “Great Big Stuff” and “Like Zis/Like Zat”. |
 | Prisoner of 2nd Avenue - 09/12/2014 - 09/29/2014 The Prisoner of 2nd Avenue - A play by Neil Simon. |
 | The Elvis FANtasy Fest - 10/10/2014 - 10/13/2014 The Elvis Fantasy Fest at Woodland Park Community Building in Portage, Indiana continues to honor Elvis Presley's legacy of giving. The event raises funds for the Porter County Special Olympics. |
 | The Glass Menagerie - 06/13/2014 - 06/30/2014 The Glass Menagerie - A play by Tennessee Williams. |
 | The Mystery of Edwin Drood - 10/31/2014 - 11/17/2014 The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Music and Book by Rupert Holmes. Based on the unfinished Charles Dickens novel “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”. Features songs “Moonfall”, “The Wages of Sin”, and “No Good Can Come From Bad”. |
Sporting Events Participant
 | 2014 Mudathlon - Northwest Indiana - 07/19/2014 Mudathlon offers an adventurous off-road run that is uniquely challenging and focused on fun from start to finish. Mudathletes will navigate a three-mile course with 40 obstacles. Follow that up with a Post-Race party! |
 | Lit'l Kernel Puff - 09/06/2014 - 09/07/2014 Kids ages 2-9 can be a part of the Popcorn Festival by participating in this fun kids run! |
 | Lorie's Lakeside Century - 09/13/2014 - 09/14/2014 Bike through the Indiana Dunes & along Lake Michigan. 25, 38, 63, 80 or 100 mile century routes. Great food before, during & after the ride. Awesome biking apparel available. |
 | Popcorn Panic Race - 09/06/2014 - 09/07/2014 35th Annual Popcorn Panic 5K Walk and 5-Mile Run. |
 | Valpo Night Ride - 08/23/2014 - 08/24/2014 Experience the thrill of bicycling by starlight in this 15-mile organized bicycle ride in and around Valparaiso. Mid-ride stop/snack and after ride party included. |
Sporting Events Spectator
 | 68th All-American Soapbox Derby - 06/22/2014 - 06/23/2014 Get those racing wheels on and head over to the 68th All-American Soap Box Derby. |
 | Hoosier Fight Club - 11/08/2014 - 11/09/2014 Hoosier Fight Club has been successfully putting on solid shows since 2009, featuring a combination of greater Chicagoland talent and former UFC stars looking to get back to the big show. |
