Good morning, Valparaiso.

Valpo Parks said that beginning Monday, September 15 at 9:00 a.m. community members can reserve a handprint tile (costing $50) for children 12 and under on the restored ValPlayso playground wall, linking the park’s past with its future.

Proceeds will go toward installing shade umbrellas at the playground.

The Alley Kat Flea Market will be held on September 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Alley Kat's parking lot in Valpo—featuring over 30 vendors selling vintage items, home decor, furniture, collectibles, and more—while applications for vendor spots remain open.

A local artisan market will take place on Sept 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a peaceful five acre farmstead on the edge of Liberty Township—just one mile north of Valparaiso—where vendors will offer handmade goods and fresh produce.

UChicago Medicine and Valpo Athletics announced they will hold a ribbon cutting on Sept.

23 at Will Park from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.—local representatives and community partners will attend and the Valpo Velvet Ice Cream Truck will serve treats—to mark the completion of the community court rehabilitation project.

The 10th annual Good Life Awards will be held on November 19 at Uptown Social in Michigan City and will honor six new leaders alongside 54 past honorees who have made a positive impact in northern Indiana—inviting locals to celebrate those driving community connection.

Matthew Wells, president and CEO of One Region and chief engagement officer at Purdue Northwest, leads a civic coalition that supports local growth and quality education through Big Shoulders Fund—the organization helps underserved students build brighter futures.

He also directed community efforts during COVID and serves on several boards to guide the region’s transformation.

A project in Northwest Indiana seeks to uncover Underground Railroad history by studying records of up to 1,500 freedom seekers who fled slavery for Canada.

Researchers say little is known about these journeys and hope that detailed research will reveal more about these lives.

CoAction will host the 2025 Reimagine Conference at Valparaiso University on Friday, October 11—bringing together education, first response, social services, and community development professionals—to learn strategies for building trauma-informed communities and hear Dr. Angela Pharris's keynote on hope.

Valparaiso is inviting neighborhoods to apply for 2026 Neighborhood Improvement Grants that offer up to $20,000—funding projects such as tree planting, signage, and bus stop improvements.

Applications are due by March 1, 2026 with recipients to be announced on March 15, 2026.

Dr. Abby Hammond joined McAfee Animal Hospital to care for local pets after earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from LMU and working as an emergency veterinarian in Kentucky — she was recruited when a community connection led her name to be shared following a wake.

The hospital now looks forward to her extensive experience helping improve pet care in the Region.

Valparaiso University announced on Monday that its Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County received two grants totaling $324,000.

Bonfire: Tribute to AC/DC

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $25-$50 — Get ready to rock with BONFIRE, the Midwest’s premier AC/DC tribute band delivering an electrifying show.

Valpo Brewfest

1-4 p.m. — Central Park Plaza — Food and beverage available for purchase — Celebrate craft beer with German style brews, tasty bites, and live music.

Field Station Frenzy Trail Run & Walk 5K

8:15-11:00 a.m. — Indiana Dunes National Park Chellberg Farm — Cost info not listed — Enjoy a fun and scenic trail run or walk through the beautiful Indiana Dunes.

The Haunted Pub Crawl of Valparaiso

7:30-10 p.m. — Franklin House — $27 — Explore Valparaiso's haunted history on a spook-tacular walking tour with eerie tales and spirits.

Writing in the Woods Poetry Workshop

3:30-5:30 p.m. — Meadowbrook Nature Preserve — Free entry — Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with a creative poetry workshop led by local experts.

The Oogie Boogie Man Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Four Corners Winery — Tickets required — Unleash your creativity with a glow-in-the-dark Halloween painting experience.