10 Fun Things To Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana: Pumpkin Fest, Harvest Festival, Chili Challenge, and Wine Tasting

Each week we will be bringing you 10 fun things to do in Northwest Indiana over the weekend, so you are never without something to do!

Come to the Big WiseWay Old Orchard Fall Harvest Big Pumpkin Fest!
Stop by any WiseWay location this Saturday in costume for face painting, pumpkin decorating, food and fun for all! Food demonstrations will be held throughout the stores and a chance to guess the weight of the special big pumpkin to win a WiseWay gift certificate!

Portage Community Theatre Presents A Little Night Music
Based on the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, it tells the story of a lawyer, Fredrik Egerman, who is married to a very young wife, Anne, who, despite the fact that they have been married almost a year, is still a virgin. He sees an old flame, Desiree Armfeldt, who is appearing in a popular play, and his romantic interest in her is rekindled. However, she is having an affair with a jealous, and married, military man, Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm. Complicating matters is Egerman's son, Henrik, a divinity student who is in love with his stepmother. The play culminates in a weekend at the country estate of Desiree's mother, Madame Leonora Armfeldt, who is looking after Desiree's daughter, Fredrika, while Desiree is on tour.

 

Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce to Host Chamber Chili Challenge
Held in conjunction with Chesterton’s European Market, businesses and restaurants will compete in each of their categories for People’s Choice and Most Unique chili. Public tasting/judging will be available from 11 am to 1 pm. Attendees may receive half off admission by bringing a non-perishable food item to be used locally to stamp out hunger.

First Annual Harvest Festival
Several local Portage residents are among the 20 artists chosen for the 1st Annual Harvest Festival at Woodland Park. Portage will be well represented at the juried art show. Other states being represented in the art show are: Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. In addition to the juried art show, there will also be a wine & cheese tasting and live music.

Valpo vs. Portage Varsity Football
Held at Portage High School, don't miss the showdown between the rival schools.

Taste the Experience of West Coast Wines at Strongbow
Strongbow is hosting a wine and food pairing dinner on Friday, October 7, 2011 from 7 to 10 pm. 4 stations of food, from Cedar Planked Salmon to Braised Beef Short Rib, Soy Glazed Cod Loin, finishing with a Molten Chocolate Cake, and more! Call Strongbow Inn at 219.462.5121 for reservations.

Eagle Scout Project - Benefit Jazz Concert
Daniel Karr is hosting a Benefit Jazz Concert for his Eagle Scout Project to help out Valparaiso charities. The big band will consist mostly of high school jazz band members and City of Valparaiso music teachers. In addition, the Valparaiso University Community Trombone Choir and a Valparaiso High School Saxophone Trio will play a few tunes. Audience members are asked to bring non-perishable food items, toilet paper, and/or laundry detergent to donate to Christian Food Pantry and Housing Opportunities.

Chicago Street Theatre Brings Marina V Concert to Valparaiso
The One-Night Jam is making its return to Chicago Street Theatre. Russian-born vocalist/pianist Marina V will fill the theatre with her unique sound at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9. “She’s a classically trained pianist with a good, solid pop sensibility,” explained Paul Braun, the event’s organizer. “Her music is soothing but emotionally charged. Marina’s voice can range from an intimate whisper to a soaring full-song within the same piece.”

Free Winter Car Check
The Auto Technologies class at the Porter County Career and Technical Center are hosting a free winter car check on October 8 from 10 am to 2 pm. No appointment is necessary! For more information call 219.531.3170 and ask for Karl or Tony.

Calumet Region Striders Forming New Beginner Running Program for Porter County
The Calumet Region Striders of Northwest Indiana running group has started a new running and walking program aimed at beginners in Porter County. This program is structured to help you cross your first 4 mile race on November 24, 2011 which is the Turkey Trot in Portage, Indiana. First meeting is October 8, 8 am at the Portage YMCA.

More events can be found on our event calendar! Want to submit your own event? Click here to do so or send us an email at contribute@valpolife.com!