Good morning, Valparaiso.

Strack & Van Til donated over $10,000 to Opportunity Enterprises via a recent Checkout Challenge, boosting local job programs + community services.

Valparaiso Parks Dept. will host a July 4th Celebration at Urschel Field (5K and 2K Lit’l Firecracker Run/Walk and fireworks following) for a festive event for local residents.

REAL Services invites the community to its Diamond Gala & 30th Annual Age of Excellence Awards on Thursday, Aug.

6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Gillespie Conference & Special Events Center in South Bend — keynote Chris Singleton will honor REAL's 60 years as America turns 250.

Team Chevrolet Valparaiso added a medium-duty lift today to its service center (the lift handles vehicles up to 20,000 pounds) to better serve heavy trucks and vans that exceeded the capacity of standard 8,000‑pound equipment.

Garber Automotive Group acquired Greiger’s Motor Sales in Valparaiso, honoring its 60-year legacy by preserving longtime local relationships and expanding digital services.

The new dealership is now operating as Garber Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram under General Manager Brad Hallal (a move aimed at enhancing community and customer service).

Crusader Con will return to Valpo under Nomal Block Entertainment's direction, filling the gap left by NWI Comic-Con.

The event will bring together comic and pop culture fans for a local celebration.

Freestyle and house bands including TKA and C+C Music Factory will headline Festival of the Lakes tonight in Valparaiso.

The event will offer live music for local fans, drawing a festive crowd to enjoy local tunes.

IU Northwest's Kids College gives Region students a chance to explore career options and campus life, helping local learners plan for the future.

Applications are now open for the 2026 to 2027 Leadership Northwest Indiana program at Purdue Northwest’s Hammond campus, set to start in September and run through April.

The premium program offers monthly leadership sessions (8 meetings) with assessments and custom coaching for professionals building skills.

Veterinarians at McAfee Animal Hospital warn that ticks remain active all year, so pets with limited outdoor time still need regular checks.

They advise using year-round preventatives and routine screenings (including the Lyme vaccine when needed) to keep pets safe from tick-borne illnesses.

Porter County Health Department will host its Summer Kids Health Fair on June 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the county—offering free screenings, vaccinations, sports physicals, live games and food trucks while families donating three canned goods may win a new kids’ bike.

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.

Finding Nemo JR

Fri-Sun, Jul 10-12 — Memorial Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a delightful underwater adventure performed by talented young artists.