Good morning, Valparaiso.

At 245 N. Main — the Wanatah Scarecrow Festival will run from Friday, Sept 26 to Sunday, Sept 28 and feature a harvest contest, pork chop dinner, 5K run, parade and pancake breakfast.

Since 1994, the event has grown to draw thousands with handmade displays, local food vendors and family games.

On Tuesday, September 23, Shoremet inadvertently overfilled a storage tank with sodium hydroxide on the 3600 block of Enterprise Avenue in eastern Valparaiso, and police, fire, and PCEMA isolated the area (which includes office buildings and warehouses), took air and water samples, and issued a hazmat warning.

Network technician Zach Juhl celebrated his one-year anniversary at BucherTech and set up computer systems and ran ethernet lines for local organizations—he earned new certifications through Unify and is ready to take on more projects.

The Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso will present Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show from October 17–November 2, 2025, featuring evening and matinee performances with mature audience admission.

LCSO will hold a Phantom of the Opera concert on Saturday, October 11, where soprano Emily Yiannias, former director Tim King, and pianist Becky Osborn will perform songs from hit musicals by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Hosted by Leigh and Marcia Morris, the event charges $30 per ticket — all proceeds will support local orchestral music programs.

The SSCVA has unveiled a new poster titled 'Pride In Service' by acclaimed artist Michael Chelich that shows a family-owned service station and a row of homes in the Indiana Harbor community — a work that captures local spirit.

Michael Chelich will display his original painting at the Indiana Welcome Center on Saturday, September 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — the poster will be sold in two sizes at the gift shop.

City officials are preparing a new budget plan for lean 2026 and say it will help stabilize Valparaiso’s finances—more details will be shared in upcoming meetings.

They plan cost-saving measures and review spending to ensure fiscal health next year.

Kate Sorensen works as a Student Success Coordinator at Porter County Career Center and helps students make good choices.

Born in West Virginia, she moved to Valpo as a fifth grader and has nearly 20 years of experience—she wants local youth to build a strong future.

Gilberto Ruiz, an IU Northwest alumnus, became the Director of State Government Relations for HACU today—using the advocacy skills he learned in college to support students across the Midwest.

His journey includes a career in law and service with the Illinois Senate and Governor Pritzker’s team.

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.

The Haunted Pub Crawl of Valparaiso

7:30-10 p.m. — Franklin House — $27 — Embark on a spooky walking tour exploring Valparaiso's haunted history and ghostly establishments.

The Boo Pumpkin Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Smoketown Blues — Ticketed — Experience a spooktacular painting session with friends or solo while enjoying delicious food.