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! 

Children drill into tree stumps to learn how to tap for sugar

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.

Bird at Miller Woods

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.

Valpo Popcorn Fest

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.

A man in a blue shirt and light cap hikes on a sandy trail with hiking poles. Lake Michigan can be seen in the background.

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!