Family events in Porter County, IN

Turkeypalooza 2026 is a free, family friendly concert presented by 500 Turkeys at Valparaiso’s Central Park Plaza. The lineup features live performances by The Shagadelica with a 70s flair, along with Ashlyn and Brandon Love. Guests are welcome to lean into the theme with 70s inspired outfits and may want to bring chairs or a blanket for comfortable seating. The amphitheater is sponsored by Gelsosomo’s Pizza of Crown Point. A wide range of food and treats will be available, including Orbar BBQ, Big D’s Eats, Curbside Dogs, Las Mamacitas, H Life Tea & Coffee, Kona Ice of the Dunes, Valpo Velvet Ice Cream, and Golden Dome Pizza Co. Each year a cause is highlighted, and this edition focuses on Domestic Abuse Awareness and Recovery. Representatives from local organizations will be on site to share information and support. 500 Turkeys’ mission is to Feed Families Food & Faith. With help from the community and God, the organization has provided full Thanksgiving meals to an estimated 75,500 people since 2009 and coordinates the Clothes N Prayer ministry, offering free donated clothing throughout the year. Proceeds from Turkeypalooza support efforts to feed families across Northwest Indiana.

Valparaiso’s community corn roast returns for its eleventh year with a family friendly festival presented by the Kiwanis Club of Valparaiso. This fundraiser benefits Valpo Noon Kiwanis, which directs proceeds to local nonprofits that support children and families in need, and also provides significant support to Riley Children’s Hospital of Indianapolis. The event features live tribute performances by Rhiannon, The Stevie Nicks Experience from Nashville, followed by an intermission and a set from Wanted, The Bon Jovi Tribute Band from Cleveland. In addition to the music, there is a kids area, an adult beverage tent, and a variety of food trucks. All you can eat corn is the star of the day, grown locally in Porter County, picked the day before, and roasted over an open rotisserie on site. Seating is on the lawn and chairs or blankets are welcome. Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Tickets are treated as a donation to Kiwanis, all sales are final, and the event takes place rain or shine.

Valparaiso’s 11th Annual Community Wide Corn Roast Fest is a family-friendly day of corn, live music, food trucks, and kid activities, all benefiting the Kiwanis Club of Valparaiso and its local charitable work. The corn is grown locally and roasted on an open rotisserie at the event. There will also be an adult beverage tent, plus performances featuring Rhiannon, The Stevie Nicks Experience, and Wanted, The Bon Jovi Tribute Band. Chairs or blankets are welcome for lawn seating, and outside food or drinks aren’t permitted.

Now in its fifth year, this event is being planned as the biggest edition so far. Anticipation is building, and further information will be shared soon.

An easygoing Sunday market held at The Edge of Liberty features makers, artists, growers, and small businesses. Attendees can wander at a leisurely pace, browse one-of-a-kind handmade items, and savor locally produced food while connecting with a welcoming community atmosphere. Parking is available on site, and admission is free. This market is part of a Sunday season series on a farm in Liberty Township.

Join Shenanigans Pub & Eatery for Shovelheads Open Mic, a casual afternoon of live music, great food, and good vibes. Full backline is provided, so you can come ready to play or sing by bringing your instrument or voice. All styles and skill levels are welcome, and there’s time to jam with other local musicians. Full afternoon entertainment runs 2:00 to 8:00 PM, and it’s free with no cover charge. All ages are welcome.

Enjoy a summer evening of music at Central Park Plaza, home to the 1st Source Bank Amphitheater. This stop in the Summer Concert Series showcases a wide range of performers from Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Bring blankets and lawn chairs, and pick up dinner from downtown restaurants for a relaxed night in the park. Support for the series includes Platinum sponsor Everwise Credit Union and Gold sponsor Avalon Springs Health Campus. Silver sponsors are Blockhead Beerworks, Currie Motors Ford, First Merchants Bank & Friends of Music, Havyn Homes & ALSAC/St. Jude, Indiana Army National Guard, Lori K Bath, Maar Financial Group of Thrivent, Surf Internet, and Stu & Megan Summers. Bronze sponsors are AM Stabilizers, Centier Bank, Diamond Peak Homes, Family Express, NIPSCO, Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union, RB SMITH, Silhavy Creek Family Dental, Smith Ready Mix, Team Chevrolet, The LINC, Universal Construction & Restorations LLC, and Valpo Velvet Ice Cream.