Discover the vibrant scenery of the Indiana Dunes Region through our diverse festivals! Experience maple sugar activities, bird watching, celebratory fireworks, music, food, and more!
Maple Sugar Time Festival
Do you relish the taste of maple syrup on your pancakes? Are you curious about how syrup is made? If so, join us for the March annual Maple Sugar Time Festival at Chellberg Farm! The weekend promises plenty of delightful maple syrup-related activities. At the Maple Fun Zone, children can cool down with a maple syrup snow cone, interact with farm animals, play games, and learn about the process of making maple syrup. The festival boasts maple-themed tours and activities, ensuring a fun-filled (and possibly sticky) weekend!
Indiana Dunes Birding Festival
Spring migration is on the horizon, and the birds are well aware! We invite all bird enthusiasts and ornithologists to the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, hosted by the Indiana Audubon Society. This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore the dunes, renowned for their rich biodiversity and wildlife, and you can expect expect more than 200 bird species.
Attendees will enjoy numerous guided field trips, educational programs, and birding workshops throughout the festival. Each day features unique excursions, enlightening presentations, and afternoon field adventures, all with enjoyable social gatherings.
Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
If you love popcorn, join us at the 45th Valparaiso Popcorn Festival! This annual festival has honored our favorite buttery treat for nearly half a century, and it’s held in the heart of Orville Redenbacher’s hometown!
On September 7, Valparaiso will transform into a bustling popcorn party, attracting over 50,000 visitors. Immerse yourself in the festival's lively atmosphere, featuring over 200 vendors showcasing all things popcorn and the nation’s first Popcorn Parade. Central Park Plaza in Downtown Valpo is the hub for the day’s festivities, where you can expect a beer garden, food, games, and live performances throughout the day.
Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival
If you're an outdoor adventure enthusiast, the 2024 Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival, hosted by Indiana Dunes National Park, is a must-attend event. This 10-day Extravaganza is packed with activities from September 8 to September 17.
The festival boasts many hiking, biking, geocaching, photography, and bird-watching opportunities. It caters to participants of all ages and abilities, ensuring fun for the whole family. Head over to Chellberg Farm to savor the offerings of food vendors, enjoy live music and entertainment, and witness demonstrations showcasing early 1900s farming techniques.
The Indiana Dunes region is renowned for its family-friendly festivals, which offer live music, friendly parades, and nature celebrations throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you!