Good morning, Valparaiso.

Valparaiso will host a Neighborhood Workshop and Summer Social on Tuesday, August 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Forest Park Welter Room on Sheffield Drive—Mayor Jon Costas will welcome neighborhood leaders and residents who plan to discuss improvement grants, partnerships and leadership development.

Residents in Northern Indiana have many local events to choose from this weekend—starting with a cardboard boat race at LaSalle Bristol pond on Friday, an art festival at Lubeznik Center for the Arts on Saturday and Sunday, and a Running Wild 5k at St. Patrick’s County Park on Saturday. Other plans include island-themed fun at Journeyman Distillery, a Broadway-style concert at Lakefront Park, a rock show at Four Winds, a car cruise at Bulldog Park today, and local high school sports.

Two local companies were named among the fastest-growing private businesses on the Inc. 5000 list.

WeCreate Media from Valparaiso grew 245% over three years, while Erosion & Construction Solutions from Merrillville reported a 57% increase since 2021.

Horizon Bank announced a $5,000 grant to the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra for the 20th Annual Hoosier Star on September 13—past winners will be invited to compete as no auditions are held this year.

Indiana education officials reported the largest one-year increase in third grade reading scores when 87.3% of students passed the IREAD exam released Wednesday—this rate is nearly five points higher than last year and shows strong gains among Black, Hispanic, and special education students. State leaders highlighted that continued early literacy efforts are helping all student groups improve.

Paint Your Pet

6-8 p.m. — Four Corners Winery — No experience necessary — Create a unique masterpiece featuring your beloved pet while enjoying delicious wine.

Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics - District 1

6-10 p.m. & 8 a.m.-4 p.m. — MAAC Foundation - First Responder Training Campus — Course fee applies — Enhance your fire officer skills with strategic and tactical training sessions over several weeks.

Brewski Fest 2025

5-10 p.m. — Central Park Plaza — Join in for a day filled with great beer, good music, and awesome vibes.

Marrakesh Express - a CSNY Experience

8:00 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $40-$80 — Experience soaring harmonies and timeless classics in a tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Late Summer Car, Truck, & Bike Show and Swap Meet

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Porter County Expo Center — $5 entry — Enjoy a lively car and motorcycle show along with a vibrant swap meet the weekend before Labor Day.

Hayden Coffman Concert

5-11 p.m. — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — Entry Details Unavailable — Experience a night of fantastic music in the new amphitheater.

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival (46th Annual)

2-8 p.m. — Central Park Plaza — Free entry — Celebrate 46 years of popcorn fun with a parade, vendors, music, and family-friendly activities.

South Shore Roller Derby

5 p.m. — William E Urschel Pavilion — Exciting roller derby action — Experience the thrilling season opener of Northwest Indiana's premier roller derby league.