Good morning, Valparaiso.

A new 2.7-mile section of the Marquette Greenway trail opened Saturday, June 6 near Miller Beach, connecting paved, ADA-compliant paths for walking + biking with the Lake Street bike path and offering scenic views of Long Lake.

Firefighters jumped into a pond + rescued ducklings after a homeowner spotted the birds in distress near a local home, and they ensured all the ducklings were safe.

Chris Mahlmann interviewed Matt Evans (President of Korellis) on June 8 and Evans shared lessons on leadership, mentorship, and personal growth.

The discussion gives local business leaders useful insights as his company continues to evolve.

The Westchester museum rebranded as Duneland History Center will soon begin a $5M expansion that adds a new building, expanded archives & extra space for visitors and researchers.

Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana held its second Junior Leadership Journey Art Gala for 152 middle schoolers on May 15 in Hammond and May 27 at Queen of All Saints School; students showcased art and leadership to build self-confidence.

The gala underscored the program’s mission to empower local youth.

The Artists Guild of Valparaiso will conclude the Birds of the Heir exhibit on Saturday, June 20 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 255 Indiana Ave by hosting a book signing with local author Leena Byrd along with live music, artist meet and greet, and light eats.

Purdue Northwest’s Leadership Institute is accepting applications for the upcoming 2026-27 Leadership Northwest Indiana cohort, an eight-month in-person program that will train local leaders.

Powers Health is expanding its St. Mary Medical Center Outpatient Center off State Road 49 with new outpatient therapy, orthopedic, audiology, cardiology, and neurodiagnostics services in a two-phase project set to finish in two years — its third expansion in five years to improve care access.

SSCVA CEO Phil Taillon said two professional sports teams are exploring new stadium sites across Northwest Indiana+ spurred by interest from the Bears Hammond pursuit, with early talks that may soon boost local sports excitement.

Freaky Friday Musical

Various times — Memorial Opera House — Ticket prices apply — Experience the magic of body-swapping between a mother and daughter in this delightful musical adaptation.

Big Love: Fleetwood Mac Tribute

7-10 p.m. — Live at the Lakefront — General admission — Enjoy a night of classic Fleetwood Mac tunes by Big Love under the stars.

Father's Day Golf Tournament

6 AM - 1 PM — Forest Park Golf Course Welter Room — $25/team plus cart & green fees — Celebrate Father's Day with a fun 18-hole scramble for father/child duos.

K-POP Dance Camp

10 AM – 12 PM — Mirror Image Dance Academy of Valparaiso — RSVP required — Get ready to groove with K-POP dance lessons over three exciting days.

SAND + STEEL Art Fest 2026

7 p.m. - 4 p.m. — Ice Rink at Central Park Plaza — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant local art scene with a three-day festival showcasing creativity and talent.

Kyndred Live Vendor Market & Concert

1-6 p.m. — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — Free admission — Explore delightful local vendors before enjoying an evening concert.

Golden Hour Railway Garden

6-8 p.m. — Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest — $10 per carload — Experience locomotives and nature harmonizing as the golden hour paints the garden.

Valparaiso 4th of July Celebration

5 p.m. — Urschel Field — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show.