Good morning, Valparaiso.

Local organizers announced the 2025 Festival of the Lakes is planned for later this year and will feature community events along nearby lakes — details on dates and activities will be released soon.

The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival runs today through July 20 at Washington Park and features an expanded line-up of master sculptors, including returning artists and newcomers like Albert Lucio and Joon Park.

The festival offers sculpting contests, live shows, food and craft vendors, live music and a kids zone—Friday entry is free while Saturday and Sunday tickets cost $5 each.

The late region historian Archibald McKinlay’s extensive work documenting Northwest Indiana has been donated to the Calumet Regional Archives at Indiana University Northwest in Gary so that researchers and local students can access more than 30 years of columns, audio interviews, and unpublished manuscripts. His collected works reveal how the Calumet Region grew as a melting pot that shaped a unique chapter of America’s story—preserving a legacy of diverse communities, industry, and heritage.

Ivy Tech Community College Valparaiso Campus received the inaugural Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana designation — awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs — for its strong support of military-affiliated students.

The Tier 2 honor is valid for three years and highlights the school's commitment to veterans and active-duty members.

A third candidate joined next year's Porter County prosecutor race and said he is ready to work hard every day to make Porter County a better place to live, work and raise a family—adding more competition to the race.

The National Softball Association partnered with South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority to hold their 37th Fastpitch World Series Opening Ceremony at Bulldog Park on July 17—featuring a parade, scholarship and competition awards, and vendor activities.

The tournament will run until July 20—bringing about 150 teams to Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, and La Porte while boosting local businesses.

Valparaiso Wine Festival

5-10 p.m. — Central Park Plaza — 21+ event — Enjoy an evening of wine tasting with over 100 varietals from 20+ vendors alongside live entertainment.

Open House at 149 Westchester Lane

3-5 p.m. — 149 Westchester Lane — $559,900 — Explore a stunning 6-bedroom home with exceptional amenities in a desirable lake community.

Zach Top Live Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Experience Zach Top's authentic country sound at this local favorite event.

ASHLYN Concert at Porter County Fair

12:45-6:45 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Tickets available at the door — Enjoy an afternoon of live music from local vocalist Ashlyn amidst the fair festivities.

ASHLYN at Porter County Fair

2-8 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Experience live music from vocalist Ashlyn, a rising talent from Northwest Indiana.

July Bike Night

6-9 p.m. — Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso — Free event — Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with live music, food, drinks, and diverse motorcycles.

Sandbergs Towing School Bus & Combine Derby

5-9 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — VIP tickets available — Experience thrilling school bus and combine derbies in an exciting local event.

Daisy Adventurer Day Camp

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Camp Butternut Springs | Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana — Registration required — Dive into nature and craft activities with new friends at this fun-filled junior camp.

Valpo Corn Roast Festival

5-10 p.m. — Central Park Plaza — Ticket required — Enjoy endless locally-grown corn while supporting community charities with live music and food trucks.

Hometown Jams: Priscilla Block

4-6 p.m. — Northwest Health Amphitheater — Ticketed event — Enjoy live music from Priscilla Block at a vibrant local venue.