Valparaiso Events

06/17/2026

🎨 ONE WEEKEND. THREE DAYS. ENDLESS CREATIVITY. 🎨

SAND + STEEL Art Fest is taking over Central Park Plaza, home to the 1st Source Bank Amphitheater, 𝑵𝑬𝑿𝑻 𝑾𝑬𝑬𝑲𝑬𝑵𝑫 for 3 days filled with art, music, creativity, and experiences for all ages!

Here’s what’s in store:

🎼 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟔 | 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭
Kick off the weekend with America@250: A Musical Celebration featuring Maestro Troy Webdell and the South Shore Orchestra as we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday through music.

Enjoy an evening featuring traditional patriotic favorites, a world premiere performance by local composer Jared Coller, special guest pianist Patricia Lee, and The Adventures of Indiana Jones, a symphonic journey through the iconic movie scores of John Williams.

🎨 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟕
Spend the day exploring artist vendors, experiencing live art demonstrations, enjoying creative activities, and taking in performances on the Amphitheater stage!

🖌️ 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟖
Wrap up the weekend with another full day of artist vendors, interactive art experiences, live demonstrations, and performing arts.

‼️🎭 Stay tuned! Full schedules and additional details for live art demos, creative activities, and performances will be released next week!

Thank you to our incredible sponsors! 👏🎨

PLATINUM
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

GOLD
Avalon Springs Health Campus
Journeyman Distillery
Smith Ready Mix Inc
Shive-Hattery
Terry's Windows & More

BRONZE
Centier Bank
Larson-Danielson Construction
Northwest Indiana Tents & Events
RB Smith
Valpo Velvet Ice Cream

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
Indiana Dunes | Valpo Parks

06/17/2026

🌴🎬 What an adventure at Summer Outdoor Movies featuring Jumanji last night! Thank you to everyone who joined us in Central Park Plaza for an evening packed with adventure, family fun, and movie magic 🐒✨

From themed activities and photo ops to finding the perfect spot for the big screen, moviegoers were ready to enter the game and make another amazing summer night in downtown Valpo! 🍿🌿

🎬✨ Missed it? Don’t worry, the adventure continues! Join us every Tuesday through July 14 for more free, family-friendly favorites on the big screen.

🎥 Up next:

🌺 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟑: Lilo & Stitch

🇺🇸 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟑𝟎: National Treasure

🚗 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟕: Cars

🍄 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟏𝟒: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

From island adventures and treasure hunts to race cars and galaxy-hopping fun, there’s a movie night for everyone this summer. 🌌✨

🎉 Come early for themed activities, photo ops, face painting, balloon twisting, and more before each movie begins!

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, favorite downtown takeout, and your crew for the ultimate Valpo summer night. 🍕🍦🌭

📍 Central Park Plaza, Home to the 1st Source Bank Amphitheater
🎟️ FREE Admission
📅 Tuesdays through July 14
⏰ Pre-Movie Fun: 5:30 PM | Movie Start: 7:00 PM

🎬✨ Full schedule + details:
https://www.valparaisoevents.com/summer-outdoor-movies

A standing ovation to our incredible sponsors for helping us bring the magic of the movies to Central Park Plaza all summer long! 🍿🎬✨

PLATINUM
Glacial Sands Oral, Facial, Implant Surgery

GOLD
Associated Pediatricians
Valpo Athletics

SILVER
21 North Eyecare Kids
Havyn Homes & St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
HealthLinc
Lori K Bath
Restoration Dental Studio
Valparaiso University
Zao Island

BRONZE
Avalon Springs Health Campus
Diamond Peak Homes
HNTB
Indiana Army National Guard
NIPSCO
Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union
Silhavy Creek Family Dental
Smith Ready Mix
Team Chevy Valpo
The Linc
Tudor Cleaning & Restoration Services
Universal Construction & Restorations
Valpo Velvet Ice Cream

06/12/2026

🍷✨ Girls just wanna have wine… and Valparaiso Wine Festival belongs on your summer bucket list! ✨🍷

Grab your besties, pick your cutest outfit, and get ready to sip, snack, dance, and make memories under the summer sky ☀️🍇

Your group chat’s next plan = secured🍷💌
🎟️ Tickets are on sale NOW: https://www.valparaisoevents.com/event/valparaiso-wine-festival

06/12/2026

Summer has officially arrived at Lifestyles! 🍉☀️🌺

Stop by their storefront at 122 E. Lincolnway and discover their beautiful selection of garden supplies, bird houses and outdoor decor to help create your perfect backyard oasis!

And don't miss their new summer kitchen gadgets, hydrating lotions, and refreshing iced teas! Everything you need to beat the heat this season!

06/10/2026

🐠🌊 What a FIN-tastic night at Summer Outdoor Movies featuring Finding Nemo! Thank you to everyone who joined us in Central Park Plaza last night for family fun and movie magic 🎬✨

Despite the heat, shifting skies, and last-minute weather adjustments, our moviegoers showed a true "Just Keep Swimming" attitude and helped make it a night to remember! ☀️☔🐟

From themed activities and photo ops to finding the perfect spot under the Pavilion, it was another great summer night in downtown Valpo!🍿☀️

🎬✨ Missed it? Don't worry, we're still swimming through a sea of summer movie fun! Join us every Tuesday through July 14 for more free, family-friendly favorites on the big screen.

🎥 Up next:

🌴 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟏𝟔: Jumanji

🌺 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟑: Lilo & Stitch

🇺🇸 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟑𝟎: National Treasure

🚗 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟕: Cars

🍄 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟏𝟒: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

From jungle adventures and island fun to treasure hunts, race cars, and galaxy-hopping excitement, there's a movie night for everyone this summer. 🎬🌟

🎉 Come early for themed activities, photo ops, face painting, balloon twisting, and more before each movie begins!

📍 Central Park Plaza, Home to the 1st Source Bank Amphitheater
🎟️ FREE Admission
📅 Tuesdays through July 14
⏰ Pre-Movie Fun: 5:30 PM | Movie Start: 7:00 PM

🎬✨ Full schedule + details:
https://www.valparaisoevents.com/summer-outdoor-movies

A standing ovation to our incredible sponsors for helping us bring the magic of the movies to Central Park Plaza all summer long! 🍿🎬✨

PLATINUM
Glacial Sands Oral, Facial, Implant Surgery

GOLD
Associated Pediatricians
Valpo Athletics

SILVER
21 North Eyecare Kids
Havyn Homes & St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
HealthLinc
Lori K Bath
Restoration Dental Studio
Valparaiso University
Zao Island

BRONZE
Avalon Springs Health Campus
Diamond Peak Homes
HNTB
Indiana Army National Guard
NIPSCO
Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union
Silhavy Creek Family Dental
Smith Ready Mix
Team Chevy Valpo
The Linc
Tudor Cleaning & Restoration Services
Universal Construction & Restorations
Valpo Velvet Ice Cream

06/09/2026

🐟🌊 Don’t let a little rain make you swim away! Tonight's Summer Outdoor Movie night featuring Finding Nemo is still a go! 🌊🐟

Due to the forecasted rain showers this evening, Summer Outdoor Movies will take place under the William E. Urschel Pavilion in Central Park Plaza to keep everyone dry while we dive into an ocean-sized adventure!

Grab your blankets, chairs, and your best "just keep swimming" attitude for pre-movie fun at 5:30 before Finding Nemo splashes onto the big screen at 7:00 sharp!

Sea you under the Pavilion! 🎬🍿🐠

06/05/2026

Stomp into a prehistoric adventure with Porter County Public Library System this summer! 🦕📚☀️

Join the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth A Story and unleash your inner dinosaur. Roar into creativity and earn tickets for dino-mite grand prizes like a VR Headset, Tablet, Family Field Museum Membership & more!

Visit daily to enter exciting weekly drawings for more thunderous prizes. Whether you're a book-asaurus or seeking summer excitement, there's something for everyone.

🦖‼️Register today to start your Jurassic journey! Learn more and sign up at: bit.ly/pcpls-SR26

Valparaiso Events is a nonprofit bringing Valpo together through can’t-miss events all year long. Your fun fix in 2026! 🎉

06/05/2026

Say Hello to our newest Executive & Business Members of 2026! 👋

💚 Stu & Megan Summers

Thank you for your membership & support in 2026! We couldn't do all that we do without you! 🩷🥳

The continual support from these local leaders and community members allows us to keep growing - and we are so thankful! 👏 🎉



Interested in becoming a member? Check out our website or the link in our bio!

06/04/2026

🎬🍿 What a PAW-some first Summer Outdoor Movies night in Central Park Plaza! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Summer Outdoor Movies kickoff featuring Zootopia 2 this Tuesday! 🦊🐰🚓

From pre-movie fun to blankets under the stars, it was the perfect way to kick off another summer of movie magic in downtown Valpo! ✨🍿

🎬✨ Missed it? Don't worry, we're just getting started! Join us every Tuesday through July 14 for more free, family-friendly favorites on the big screen.

🎥 Up next:

🐠 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟗: Finding Nemo

🌴 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟏𝟔: Jumanji

🌺 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟑: Lilo & Stitch

🇺🇸 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟑𝟎: National Treasure

🚗 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟕: Cars

🍄 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟏𝟒: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

From ocean adventures and jungle chaos to treasure hunts, race cars, and galaxy-hopping fun, there’s a movie night for everyone this summer. 🌌✨

🎉 Come early for pre-movie fun incliuding themed activities, photo ops, face painting, balloon twisting, and more before each movie begins!

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, favorite downtown takeout, and your crew for the ultimate Valpo summer night. 🍕🍦🌭

📍 Central Park Plaza, Home to the 1st Source Bank Amphitheater
🎟️ FREE Admission
📅 Tuesdays, June 2 - July 14
⏰ Pre-Movie Fun: 5:30 PM | Movie Start: 7:00 PM

🎬✨ Full schedule + details:
https://www.valparaisoevents.com/summer-outdoor-movies

A standing ovation to our incredible sponsors for helping us bring the magic of the movies to Central Park Plaza all summer long! 🍿🎬✨

PLATINUM
Glacial Sands Oral, Facial, Implant Surgery

GOLD
Associated Pediatricians
Valpo Athletics

SILVER
21 North Eyecare Kids
Havyn Homes & St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
HealthLinc
Lori K Bath
Restoration Dental Studio
Valparaiso University
Zao Island

BRONZE
Avalon Springs Health Campus
Diamond Peak Homes
HNTB
Indiana Army National Guard
NIPSCO
Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union
Silhavy Creek Family Dental
Smith Ready Mix
Team Chevy Valpo
The Linc
Tudor Cleaning & Restoration Services
Universal Construction & Restorations
Valpo Velvet Ice Cream

06/02/2026

🎨✨ 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗘𝗔𝗞 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞 ✨🎨

We’re excited to showcase the final round of artists that will be featured at the 2026 SAND + STEEL Art Fest!

FEATURED ARTISTS:

𝙏𝙃𝙊𝙈𝘼𝙎 𝘽𝙍𝙄𝘾𝙆𝙇𝙀𝙍
• t. w. brickler
• Painting

𝙍𝙊𝘿 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙍
• Freer Woodcrafts
• Wood
•

𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘼𝙍𝙏𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙎𝙈𝙄𝙏𝙃 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙔 𝙈𝙄𝙓
• Nina Smith
• Sugarball Bakery
• Cookie Art

• Tyler Frye
• Photography

• Brandon Rosenbaum
• Sculpture

• Braelyn Ensign
• Painting

Smith Ready Mix Inc

𝘾𝘼𝙍𝙈𝙀𝙉 𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙀𝙕
• Triple J Custom Laser
• Laser Engraved Wood Art
•

Each artist brings a unique style and perspective, adding to a diverse and thoughtfully curated weekend of art.

Take a moment to explore their work and get ready for SAND + STEEL Art Fest from June 26–28 for a celebration of local artistic talent and creativity inspired by the landscape and industry that shapes our region.

A huge thank you to our 2026 SAND + STEEL Art Fest sponsors! 👏🎨

PLATINUM
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

GOLD
Avalon Springs Health Campus
Journeyman Distillery
Smith Ready Mix Inc
Shive-Hattery
Terry's Discount Windows & More, LLC

BRONZE
Centier Bank
Larson-Danielson Construction
Northwest Indiana Tents & Events
RB Smith
Valpo Velvet Ice Cream

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
Indiana Dunes | Valpo Parks