It’s Popcorn weekend! Get out to downtown Valparaiso for a weekend full of family-friendly fun: races, vendors, a parade, concerts, and so much more! With the summer heat sticking around a bit longer, this weekend’s also the perfect time to hit the lake for hikes, boat races, and plenty of active opportunities.
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Pop into the 45th annual Popcorn Festival
Valparaiso Events’ Popcorn Festival is back for its 45th year, and there’s a whole lineup of family fun ready for you! The fun begins on Thursday with a kickoff concert in Central Park by the 1985, followed on Friday by the Hot Wheels Race of Champions in Urschel Pavilion. Saturday starts the festival proper, with craft, food, and fine arts booths opening in Downtown Valpo at 8 a.m. Make sure to stay for the parade and catch the Flanagin Fairies! Learn more here.
Race to be the best at the Popcorn Panic
Popcorn Fest wouldn’t be complete without Valpo Parks’ Popcorn Panic races! Thousands of runners are ready to line up for the three road races beginning with Friday’s Jr. Kernel Puff Race. On Saturday morning, the main event will start promptly at 7:20 a.m. Make sure to register online before then, as there will be no on-site registration. Learn more here.
Dive into Stone Lake at Dunebrook’s Dragon Boat Family Festival
Combining competition, family, and teamwork, the Dunebrook’s annual Dragon Boat Festival pits teams from across La Porte County against each other in a friendly race in Stone Lake. Head out to the beach this Saturday to take part or to enjoy the Food Truck Bazaar featuring tons of local vendors. Learn more here.
Show your PNW Pride at the Homecoming Sports Festival
Purdue University Northwest is inviting students, faculty, staff, and every PNW sports fan to Dowling Park and the Kube this Saturday for athletic competitions, live music, and family-friendly activities! Beginning at 11 a.m. with soccer and tennis matches, you’ll find plenty to do no matter which PNW team you follow. Learn more here.
Leverage the power of AI at Urban League’s latest entrepreneurship class
Urban League of Northwest Indiana is inviting small business owners and entrepreneurs to a free class this Friday focusing on the best strategies for making AI work for you! Join Urban League at 12 p.m. at the Unity Foundation to get all the knowledge you need to succeed. Learn more here.
Ride through La Porte by moonlight with La Porte Parks and Rec
The City of La Porte’s Parks and Recreation Department is taking attendees on a leisurely 13-mile bike ride once the sun sets on La Porte this Friday! Beginning at Fox Park, this ride loops through starlit trails, showing you a new side of La Porte not seen by day. Registration can be completed online or on-site. Learn more here.
Dance into the weekend at Journeyman’s POP! Dance Party
Start Popcorn weekend off right with a 21+ dance party at Journeyman Distillery’s Valparaiso location this Friday! Featuring two DJs and popcorn snacks, this party will take you straight into Popcorn Fest. Plus, enjoy a welcome cocktail with your ticket! Learn more here.
Discover a new creative process at IU South Bend’s Point to Point
“Point to Point: How Graphic Designers and Illustrators Creatively Connect Ideas” is the latest gallery from Indiana University South Bend’s Raclin School of the Arts. This weekend, dive into the creative processes of several artists as you learn how they take an idea and build it into a finished piece of art. Exhibition is free. Learn more here.
Explore the Mishawaka Market and its 70+ vendors
The City of Mishawaka’s market is inviting you to the park this Sunday, and with over 70 vendors, you’ll be able to find anything you need! Whether you’re looking for early Christmas gifts, food from local vendors, or just a fun afternoon in the community, the Mishawaka Market is the place to be. Learn more here.
Experience the Dunes like never before at the Outdoor Adventure Festival
The Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival kicks off this Friday with self-led hikes, the Chellberg Farm open house, and a hike up Mount Baldy! These activities are just the start of a week-long adventure connecting attendees to the Dunes like never before. Day passes and week passes are available online. Learn more here.
