Events in Porter County today

Experience a talk and discussion focused on humor and how computers might (or might not) be able to recognize it. The presentation will cover human theories of humor and connect them to computer technology, exploring what it would take for a machine to “understand” jokes. The event is free and open to adults 21 and older.

Valpo Corn Roast Fest offers a family-friendly evening at Central Park Plaza with unlimited locally grown corn, a variety of food trucks, games and activities for kids, and live music from two tribute acts. Wanted brings the hits of Bon Jovi, and Rhiannon celebrates the music of Stevie Nicks. Organized and sponsored by the Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club, this fundraiser channels proceeds back into the community through donations and grants to groups such as Hilltop Neighborhood House, Opportunity Enterprises, CoAction, the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, the Caring Place, and others. Children of elementary school age and younger receive free admission. Tickets are available in advance or at the gate for $30. Outside food, beverages, and coolers are not permitted.

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.

Hyryder is back for the Acorn Concert Series, delivering two full sets of Grateful Dead-style music. Expect an immersive jam-band experience with songs that lean into the Dead’s improvisational spirit, all set in the arboretum’s natural outdoor setting. Hyryder takes the stage at 7:00 PM.

Duffy's Place presents a performance by The Lazy Lightning Band.

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.

Enjoy a relaxed Sunday market at The Edge of Liberty, set on a farm in Liberty Township where local makers, artists, growers, and small businesses share their creations. Browse unique handmade goods, sample fresh local food, and connect with friendly vendors in an easygoing setting. Admission is free, and parking is available on site. This market takes place on multiple Sundays throughout the 2026 season, with specific dates announced as they are added.

More than a typical market, this lively gathering blends shopping and community vibes. Explore handmade creations, unique finds, and arts and crafts, then enjoy sweet treats, specialty drinks, and fare from a food truck. Live music adds to the atmosphere. With rotating vendors and newcomers joining throughout the season, there is always something different to discover. Perks include loyalty punch cards, a weekly prize drawing, and a monthly gift basket giveaway.

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.

Enjoy an afternoon focused on healing and relaxation with a sound bath and tarot reading. The event begins with a 20-minute sound bath hosted by Ariana the Alchemist, followed by tarot card pulls for each attendee with Courtney from CocoColourz. You’ll also have the chance to relax further with a limited number of 10-minute massages from Kate with Finding Om. Between the activities, there will be space to journal and reflect, and refreshments will be provided.

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.

Bring a work in progress or a tricky stitch to a relaxed crochet session focused on collaborating with fellow crocheters and getting questions answered. All skill levels are welcome, and there is no fee. Please bring your own yarn and crochet hook, with stitch markers and scissors recommended. The session is led by teacher Thomas Zagal, also known as @crumble.crochet. To register, complete the provided registration form. For questions, contact Thomas at crumble.crochet46@gmail.com.

Bring food scraps to the Valparaiso Farmers Market at the William E. Urschel Pavilion in downtown Valparaiso for responsible composting. Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells are welcome. Volunteers will be on site to confirm what can be composted and to share guidance on composting practices. This service continues through the market season and supports a community effort to reduce waste and care for the environment. For questions, call 219-465-3694.

This public Low Vision Support Group offers monthly conversations for people with visual impairments and for the families and caregivers who support them. Participants can expect informative, encouraging dialogue on topics such as eye diseases, treatment options, current research, and practical low vision aids. The gathering fosters a welcoming space to share experiences, learn from one another, and build connections within the community.

Connect with fellow makers at a monthly craft meet up that blends creativity with a relaxed, social vibe. No previous crafting experience is required, simply bring your enthusiasm. All supplies are provided so participants can jump right into hands-on projects. Each month brings a new class to explore. Sessions are held at Pretty Little Parties. This is a ticketed event and tickets must be purchased in advance.

This American Heart Association Basic Life Support course equips participants to recognize critical emergencies, perform effective chest compressions for adults, children, and infants, give rescue breaths using a barrier device, and deploy an automated external defibrillator as early as possible. Training follows the latest AHA updates to CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care and covers the BLS portion of the Chain of Survival, with practice focused on working as an effective member of a multirescuer team and relieving choking in adults and infants. The course is designed for prehospital professionals such as EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters, as well as providers who work in hospitals or other care settings, and it is also appropriate for healthcare workers and first responders, including staff in dental offices, nursing homes, and childcare environments. Participants should confirm with their employer that this is the correct course. Upon successful completion, a digital completion card will be emailed, it is good for two years, and delivery may take two to three weeks.

"Highlander Howie" is a laid-back Cocktails & Canvas paint-and-sip night where you can relax, sip, and create your own colorful masterpiece. No painting experience is required, and step-by-step friendly instruction is provided along with premium art supplies. The evening includes a fun social vibe, plus the possibility of extra entertainment like trivia, bingo, or laughs, and you’ll take your finished canvas home. Food and drinks are available for purchase during the event.

Explore glass fusing in a 2-hour class that covers the properties of art glass and how to shape it with basic cutting, firing, and creativity. Receive step-by-step instruction and see examples as you create up to three small pieces, both decorative and functional. All supplies are provided, and finished work will be fired off site and available for pickup two weeks after the class. Open to any skill level for ages 14 and up. The fee is $60 and includes materials and the firing fee. Taught by Mindy Milan.

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.

Head Honcho Trio hosts a jam night at Duffy's Place. Musicians can bring their own instruments, and full bands are welcome to take part. House gear for guitar, bass, and drums is available.