THINGS TO DO

…and festivals, events, and venues in Valparaiso’s award-winning historic downtown

Valpo’s Historic Downtown District

Set in historic downtown Valparaiso… over 15 innovative restaurants joined together as friends to bring you an experience worthy of being called a Chicago foodie destination. Committed to fresh and authentic cuisine, these restaurants are passionate about their food and wine. Everyone always seems to be smiling when your dining in downtown Valpo…none more than the chefs!

With events and festivals throughout the year, Valpo has become a destination for foodies. Each of these restaurants features outdoor spaces that are perfect for soaking in warm weather in the Vale of Paradise. Indoor and outdoor spaces are as fresh and authentic as the cuisine itself. -Bon Appetite!

Summer Outdoor Movie Nights, Valpo

Spending time with your loved ones,and catching some of your favorite films in the park at Summer Outdoor Movies. Watch some of the biggest hits from the past and present underneath the moon and the stars at The Porter Health Amphitheater in Central Park Plaza. From a recent Hollywood hit to one of the biggest films of yesteryear, each week we’ll be bringing you movies that the whole family can enjoy!

Holly Days, Valparaiso

Valpo’s Holly Days is a family event that reminds you of a great Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel. When it comes to having family fun and Christmas, you just don’t get any better than Downtown Valparaiso’s Holly Day’s. On this night, Valpo’s quaint downtown is adorned with decorated window displays, illuminated trees line the streets and a 40 foot Christmas Tree becomes the centerpiece to ice-skating in Central Park… and kids from one to ninety-nine serenade you to wonderful Christmas Carols.

Popcorn Festival, Valpo

The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival continues to offer family-fun activities for all ages. Over 250 arts & crafts booths, 35 food booths, kids’ games, a five-mile Popcorn Panic, two live music stages, and the nation’s first Popcorn Parade are only the beginning of the excitement of this incredible festival.

Valpo’s Central Park Ice Skating

In the heart of Downtown Valpo in Central Park, this state-of-the-art ice skating rink looks like a scene from a Hallmark Movie. After an evening of ice skating, the restaurants within walking distance can create an amazing night of fun.

Valpo Brewfest

Held in Downtown Valparaiso, you can sample from more than 200 different styles of beers from America’s best craft brewers and vote for your favorite Indiana craft beer as we award the coveted HOOSIER BREW award to the top vote recipient. Your Valpo Brewfest tickets not only get you to access to great craft beer, but you can raise your glass to support an organization.

Valpo University Basketball at the ARC

The Region’s Division I team is big-time entertainment! This is one of the best-hidden secrets for an amazing evening of fun. Start your evening with dining in Valpo’s historic downtown dining district. The Arc is minutes away. If you can get lucky enough to score the comfortable chairback seats…do it. Most of these seats are sold out to local residents. I’m always impressed by the vast amount of community leaders that never miss a game. The local fellowship is impressive at these games, but the level of competition will remind you this is big-time basketball. This is clearly one of my personal favorites for my top things to do in Northwest Indiana.

Valpo University, Brauer Museum of Art

Brauer Museum, located at Valparaiso University’s Center for the Arts, brings world-class art and culture to Northwest Indiana. The Brauer Museum of Art is home to a nationally recognized collection of 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century American art. Along with displaying selections from its permanent collection, the Brauer Museum hosts a full schedule of special exhibitions and events. The sophisticated museum is housed in the equally impressive Center for the Arts 1709 Chapel Drive.

Poco Muse, Porter County Museum

The Museum is located in the old Jail House located on the southeast corner of the square in downtown Valparaiso. It was originally served at an old Jail Sheriff’s residence, with the county jail positioned behind it. If you haven’t met Kevin Pazour, or been by the Porter County Museum, I would encourage you to do so. Kevin is a Valpo guy and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. His knowledge of the region is endless!