Popcorn Fest is hitting the Region this weekend, and everyone is feeling the excitement. With races, live music, a parade, and tons of local vendors, the weekend is packed with fun events to help you enjoy the weekend!
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northwest Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Kick off Popcorn Festival with the Hot Wheels Race of Champions and Food Truck Rally
Get Popcorn Fest started early at Valparaiso Events’ Hot Wheels Race of Champions event! Bring your Hot Wheels ride to Urschel Pavilion this Thursday to register for this family event. While you’re there, enjoy the delicious food on offer from local vendors from around the Region. Learn more here.
Race into the weekend at Valpo Parks’ Popcorn races
Waiting for Popcorn Fest giving you too much energy? Hop into one of the Valparaiso Parks Department’s races this weekend! Kicking off on Friday evening with the Jr. Kernel run for 8-12 year olds, Valpo Parks has an array of races lined up for you. On Saturday, sign up for the 45th Popcorn Panic run to take part in a longstanding Valpo tradition. Learn more here.
March down Licolnway at the Popcorn Parade
The Popcorn Fest wouldn’t be complete without the annual Popcorn Parade! Beginning at 10 a.m., watch floats put together by local organizations make their way down Lincolnway. Come out early to make sure you get a premium spot! Learn more here.
Celebrate the City of Valpo at Valpo Events’ Popcorn Fest
We’ve talked about the races, the food, and the parade, but Popcorn Fest has so much more to offer the Region this Saturday. With over 200 local vendors, a kid zone, and live music at Central Park Plaza, there’s something for everyone at Popcorn Fest! Learn more here.
Show your colors at Purdue Northwest’s Pride Stride
The Pride Stride 5k color fun run/walk returns to Purdue University Northwest this weekend! Come out to the Westville campus this Thursday for live music, food, giveaways and more in this family friendly annual event. Learn more here.
Get ready for the butterfly migration at Munster’s Monarch Festival
The Town of Munster and Munster’s Parks and Recreation Department are getting ready for the monarch butterflies this Sunday at 12 p.m. Learn about nature and history at Heritage Park while preparing butterflies to make their winter migration south. Learn more here.
Hear world-class music at the Poor Handmaids’ organ recital
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ are welcoming world-renowned musician Nicole Keller to Ancilla Domini Chapel this Sunday at 3 p.m., and they’re inviting the Region to attend for free! Hear a harmonious selection of music sure to move you. Learn more here.
Meet your new car dealer at Patriot Infiniti of Merrillville’s grand opening
Looking for a car that lets you ride in style? Patriot Infiniti of Merrillville’s luxury vehicles are coming to the Region, and you’re invited to the grand opening party this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring live entertainment from DJ Nurotic, free food off the barbeque, face painting, and a variety of fun activities, this is the best way to get to know your new luxury dealer. Learn more here.
Get to know Vivian Maier at Lubeznik’s gallery
Lubeznik Center for the Arts is showing “Vivian Maier: In Color” this weekend. See Maier’s work in over 50 color prints from 1950 - 1970 in this generously donated collection and appreciate Maier’s journey to photographic refinery. Learn more here.
Check out Felix Maldonado’s award-winning art at IU Northwest
Indiana University Northwest is presenting Felix Maldonado’s “Graffiti aHead” gallery this weekend at the Arts & Sciences building. Maldonado’s work blends graffiti with impressionistic techniques to create a style uniquely his own. Learn more here.
