Good morning, Valparaiso.

Kevin Zwiers, business development director at Midwest Center for Youth and Families, supports community members facing mental health challenges and connects them with needed resources in La Porte County.

He recently built a unique home golf simulator that has sparked local interest in winter recreation.

Northwest Indiana farmers markets have evolved into upscale events offering live music, craft beer, and artisanal goods.

In Valparaiso, the Central Park Plaza Market (68 Lafayette St.) will run from June 2 until Oct. 10 on Saturdays and Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tony's Italian Deli in Dyer is expanding by adding a full liquor bar that will offer a wider selection of drinks for customers.

Rappers Moneybagg Yo and Kevin Gates will co-headline Saturday night at Festival of the Lakes in Valparaiso, promising a vibrant show for local music fans.

Improv veteran Nelson Velazquez will host a drop-in class + jam on May 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub NWI, offering beginners and seasoned performers a pay-what-you-want chance to stretch their creativity and share laughs.

Purdue University Northwest announced finalists for the 2026 PNW Big Sell pitch competition and local entrepreneurs will pitch innovative ideas on May 2.

The event begins at 1 p.m. at the Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center in Hammond — finalists will compete for seed funding prizes.

S*NG! is a summer singing workshop led by opera professionals at IU Northwest.

The eleven-session course runs from May 18 through June 24 in the Black Box Performance Studio at 3415 Broadway and costs $50 with fee waivers for the first seven enrollees and reduced educator fees.

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest will host its annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, Apr.

24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring tree education, a planting ceremony, a scavenger hunt and a reptile show. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children (free for members).

Jackie Bryce, in her ninth season coaching softball at Calumet College of St. Joseph, draws on years as a player in high school and at the University of Saint Francis.

She supports local events in Crown Point with North Newton Softball Camp and parades while working remotely for Powers Health.

The American Revolution

Showing of clips of Ken Burns' The American Revolution with a panel of distinguished facilitators guiding discussion. This will be held at the VU Harre Union, Ballrooms A-C from 3-5p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited - reserve to [email protected].

2026 Valparaiso University Jazz Fest

The Valparaiso University Department of Music presents the 2026 Valparaiso University Jazz Festival, with four days of events that take place Wednesday, April 22, to Saturday, April 25, in the University Theatre, located in the Center For The Arts, 1709 Chapel Drive. Each day will include workshop presentations by professional jazz artists, performances by area high school jazz ensembles, and nightly featured concerts.

Valparaiso Community Conference

10 AM – 3 PM — Harre Union — Free entry — Enhance local knowledge and explore opportunities to engage with the Valparaiso community.

Divine Vines Comedy Night

7-9 p.m. — Anderson's Winery and Vineyard — $10 Presale, $15 Day of Show — Enjoy a night of laughter with top-tier comedy in a scenic winery setting.

Harlem Wizards Game

Evening — Valparaiso High School — Family-friendly fun — Enjoy a night filled with tricks and hoops from the World-Famous Harlem Wizards.

Glass Flower Cocktails & Canvas

12-2 p.m. — Four Corners Winery — Priced per participant — Unleash your creativity while sipping cocktails and painting a vibrant 'Glass Flower'.

A Little Night Music

8-11 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $60 • Loge, $30 • Adults, $27 • Senior/Student/Military — Experience a romantic musical journey through love, longing, and regret with Sondheim's enchanting score.

Early Summer Car, Truck & Bike Show

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — $5 vehicle registration, $5 general admission — Celebrate local automotive culture with displays and swap meet opportunities.

Sewing Class: Make a Tote Bag

5-7 p.m. — Valpo Creates Center — $40 — Create a spacious tote bag while learning the basics of sewing and quilting.

A Little Night Music

8-11 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $60 Loge, $30 Adults, $27 Seniors/Students/Military — Experience the enchanting musical journey of love and regret with Sondheim's iconic score.