Valpo's 1st Annual Beerfest - October 2

This Saturday, October 2nd, will be the first ever BrewFest. The beer-centered event will take place in Downtown Valparaiso, Ind. from 1-5p.m. Sample over 125 different styles of beers from America’s best craft brewers while listening to live music, eating great food, and enjoying home brewer demos.

Brewers included in the fest are: Crown Brewing Co., Figure 8 Brewing, Upland Brewing Co., Blue Moon, People's Brewing Co., Konig Ludwig Weiss, Leinenkugel's, Magic Hat, Lindemans, New Belgium Brewing, New Holland Brewing, North Coast Brewing Co., Samuel Adams, Sierra Nevada, Woodchuck Draft Cider, Goose Island & many more!

$55 VIP tickets have been sold out, but there are General Admission tickets still left to purchase online for $40. These tickets include a festival sampling glass and unlimited sampling of any and all festival beers. 

There will also be a chance to cast your vote for your favorite Indiana craft beer. BrewFest is awarding the coveted HOOSIER BREW award to the top vote. Each Hoosier brewery is able to enter 2 brews and every BrewFest attendee is able to vote for just one.

Live music will be provided by The Triple Dose Band. Check out the band's info here.
 

Valpo BrewFest says that this Saturday "is a celebration of the great craft beer and the cool people that enjoy it." So, if you're cool enough and you enjoy great craft beer enough, head over to Valparaiso, Ind. and enjoy the festivities a-brewin'! 

Going along with the BrewFest saying, Cheers to Ya!

Any and all questions should be emailed to info@valpobrewfest.com.

Check out the latest issue of TheBeachCoast.com and this month's feature of local Beach Coast breweries.


Written and researched by TheBeachCoast.com - visit our website for more family event information. 

Four Flags Area Apple Festival in Niles, MI Sept.30 - Oct.3

An aerial view of last year's carnival rides.

Family fun can come in big packages this weekend at the Four Flags Area Apple Festival in Niles, Mich.

All events will take place at the corner of Lake and 17th streets near the Niles Airport. This 4-day festival begins Thursday, September 30th and ends Sunday, October 3rd.

Not only is this a family event, there will be a bushel full of activities to make sure no one turns into a crab apple that weekend.

Pageant winners wave in the annual parade.

Events for the weekend include: Miss Apple Festival Pageants, Lip Sync Contest with a cash prize, Trike/Big Wheel Race, Beard & Mustache Contest, Grand Parade, Scarecrow Decorating Contest, Biggest Apple Contest, Log Cutting/Hand Sawing Contest, Seed Popping Contest, Arts & Crafts Fair, Horseshoe Tournament, Golf Tournament and others.

Log Cutting Competition

There will also be live music Friday and Saturday evening with Irv Cass & Friends (an Elvis Tribute Band) on Friday and Steve Azar (Country) on Saturday.

Carnival rides will also be set up for those adventurous enough in the crowd with unlimited ride bracelets costing $20 Thursday & Sunday and $25 Friday & Saturday.

Food and sponsor/vendor booths will be set up on the grounds all weekend to feed the masses.

For more information call 269.683.8870 or email info@fourflagsapplefestival.com.


Written and researched by TheBeachCoast.com - visit our website for more family event information.

Westville Pumpkin Festival

Fall has arrived and so have the harvest festivals on the Beach Coast. This weekend from Friday the 1st through Sunday the 3rd the annual Pumpkin Festival will take place in Westville, Ind.

This family-friendly event will take place at Prairie Meadows Park at the intersection of highways 6 & 421.

Events for the weekend include pumpkin pie eating contest, a pumpkin decorating contest, children rides, live entertainment, a parade, tractor pulls, food & craft booths, a Pumpkin Festival Queen and more.

Any questions can be called into 219.879.8280. Celebrate the harvest this weekend in Westville!



Written and researched by TheBeachCoast.com - visit our website for more family event information. 

Apple Cider Century Bike Tour - Three Oaks, MI

Sunday, September 26th is the day for the annual Apple Cider Century Bike Tour. This event is designed as a recreational and social tour of the orchards, forests and wine country around the Village of Three Oaks, Mich.

The bike tour is the Midwest's biggest one day century event with last year totaling 5,000 cyclists.

Since 1974, this bike tour has raised money for various organizations including ACC Tour, Backroads Bikeway trails, League of American Bicyclists, Rails to Trails and Three Oaks Historical Museum.


Although registration is closed for this year's event, keep this weekend in your planner to sign up next year and experience Harbor Country from two wheels.

For more ACC Bike Tour information, go to the organization's website and take a look around.

Pioneer Days - Michigan City, Ind. Sept. 25, 26

Learn how to churn butter like a pro.

On September 25 & 26 from 10-5 each day, LaPorte County Pioneer Days will take place at Creek Ridge County Park in Michigan City, Ind.

This weekend has events that will be fun for the whole family - from wagon rides, to historically clad vendors, to arts & crafts, take the whole family back a few hundred years to experience the life of pioneers.

Food items will include kettle corn, root beer, ham & beans and fry bread to get visitors in the spirit of the weekend.

There will also be special demonstrations about fur traders, apple butter churning, rag rug making, and quilting. Hands-on crafting activities include medallion making, ceramics, candle dipping, and tin-punch designing.

Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children (children under 4 get free admission) payable at the park entrance. For more information visit LaPorte County Parks website or call 219.325.8315.



Written and researched by TheBeachCoast.com - visit our website for more family event information.

Scarecrow Festival - Wanatah, Ind. Sept. 24-26

It's the time of year again for the annual Wanatah, Ind. Scarecrow Festival. This year's festivities will take place from 4p.m. Friday, September 24th through 4p.m. Sunday the 26th. Scarecrow Festival activities for the weekend include:

• arts & crafts
• children rides
• pork chop dinner
• fish fry
• pancake breakfast
• parade
• scarecrow sculpting
• 5K, 3K run/walk
• music/variety acts
• car show & toy show
• vintage baseball game
• Annual Softball Classic

The weekend is full of fun for the whole family, and like the festival's website touts, "whether you're 3 or 93, you're sure to find lots to enjoy at this year's Scarecrow Festival."

Look to the festival website for more information and schedule of weekend events.





Written and researched by TheBeachCoast.com - visit our website for more family event information.

Johnny Appleseed Performance at LaPorte Co. Library

The man, the myth, the legend.

Tomorrow, September 23rd, Johnny Appleseed will be visiting the LaPorte County Public Library. The appearance will be part of a performance from actor, performer, storyteller Scott Mertz's addition to the library's "Fact or Fiction" month.

Mertz is known for his Johnny Appleseed renditions from his portrayal during Fort Wayne, Ind.'s Johnny Appleseed Festival each year.

This storyteller will be performing stories of Appleseed's legend and lore at 6 p.m. at the library free of charge. For more information about this free event, please contact the library's Children's Department at 219.362.7128.




Written and researched by TheBeachCoast.com - visit our website for more family event information.

A Day Full of Pre-Wedding Bliss, Sept. 19th

On Sunday, September 19th, the Lakeshore Wedding Walk will take over the downtown area of St. Joseph, Michigan from 1 - 5p.m. (EST) Tickets are $6 before Sunday and $8 the day of the walk. Brides and grooms-to-be will be able to:

• view tablescapes
• meet with a destination wedding planner
• meet local businesses
• enjoy wine tastings
• attend a fashion show
• take a ballroom dance class
• enjoy live music

There will also be a Dream Wedding Giveaway for a special couple at the end of the day's events. Check out the event website for ticket information and the schedule of events.

You're off to see the Wizard in Chesterton this weekend

This weekend marks another year of the Wizard of Oz Festival in Chesterton, Indiana. The festival runs from the 17th to the 19th downtown Chesterton on the streets of Broadway & Calumet. Get out your ruby slippers and head to Chesterton for 3 days of whimsical fun.





Some highlight events for the weekend include:

Friday:
Celebrity walk, autographs, Emerald City Party in the Park

Saturday:

5k Run to Oz, Look-A-Like Contest, Oz-Mopolitan Teen Dance, 49 Drive-In showing "Wizard of Oz", Dorothy Birthday Party

Sunday:
Brunch with the Munchkins, Oz Idol Finale, Festival Finale

For an entire event schedule, visit the Wizard of Oz Festival website.

12th Annual Sunflower Fair

This Saturday, September 18th, La Porte, Ind. will host another installment of the Sunflower Fair tradition in NW Indiana.

Sunflowers invade La Porte, Ind!

At this family fun fair attendees will be able to peruse through over 80 craft/collectible booths, participate in an art gallery walk, enjoy kiddie rides, attend an antique auto show, listen to live music, enter a pork/rib cook off and participate in the American Red Cross 5k Run/Walk.

BBQ, sunflowers and sunshine.

This Saturday will be fun for the whole family in downtown La Porte, Ind.

For more information, please visit the fair's website or call Phyllis Jones at 219.362.2084.

Apple Fest, Garwood Orchard, La Porte

Another addition to the very busy weekend head of us on the Beach Coast is the Apple Festival held at the Garwood Orchard & Farm in La Porte, Ind on Saturday, September 18th & 19th.

Admission to this family friendly event is free so bring the whole family to this day full of fall's favorite fruit. There will be arts, crafts, live music, U-Pick apples and pumpkins, wagon rides, and a full bakery.

Any information: call, 219.362.4385.

Bizarre Bazaar - Sept. 18, Hammond, Ind.

This Saturday, September 18th from 10a.m. - 5p.m., downtown Hammond, Ind. will host the 5th annual Bizarre Bazaar on Hohman Avenue. This full day of fun has free admission for the whole family. Activities offered at the festival will include:

An Elvis look-a-like contest, Bean Bag tournament, Children chess tournament, Guitar Hero contest, Jalapeno Eating contest
Live music, Vendors, Children Games, Art activities, Car show, and a Community-wide yard sale.

To get more information on this fun-for-the-whole-family event, visit the City of Hammond website.

21st Celebration of the Arts - Schoolhouse Shop

Tents set up at last year's Celebration of the Arts.

This weekend on September 18th & 19th from 10a.m - 5p.m., each day, The Schoolhouse Shop will be hosting its annual Celebration of the Arts in Furnessville, Ind. Furnessville is between Chesterton and Michigan City. This outdoor art fair will feature over 30 artists.

Contact James Ruge or Judi Ruge at schoolshop@comcast.net or by phone at 219.926.1551.

Blues, Brews and BBQ, Sept. 18 - St. Joseph, Michigan

Come help St. Joe say goodbye to summer!

On Saturday, September 18th, Beach Coasters will bid summer a farewell by rocking out to the blues and eating BBQ in Downtown St. Joe, Mich.

The events will be taking place at the John E. Howard Bandshell and on Port Street from 12-6p.m.

Along with the BBQ, Round Barn Winery, Brewery, Distillery will be providing the beer.



The live blues music lineup is:

• Oblates of Blues: 12:30 - 2p.m.
• Bryan Michael Fischer Band: 2:30 - 4:00p.m.
• Elwood Splinters Blues Band: 4:30 - 6:00p.m.

There will also be a Bean Bag Tournament in the streets of Downtown St. Joe. Show off your bags skills! Entry is $10/team with an entry deadline the 18th at 11:00a.m. Contact Brian Smith at 269.985.1111 for more information. Say goodbye to summer without tears this year!

14th Annual Fall Fest - Back Road Brewery, La Porte

The Back Road Brewery in La Porte, Ind. will be hosting its 14th Annual Fall Fest - the brewery's biggest event of the year - this weekend. The Fall Fest will last from 1-5p.m. (CST) on Saturday, September 18th at the brewery grounds in La Porte. 

There will be live music from Ein Prosit, a traditional 35-piece German umpa band that will play both waltzes and marches all day. Back Road will use this festival to introduce its Autumn Ale.

Admission is $20 and will also allow attendees to sample 6 NW Indiana brewery beers in the festival's beer tent. Colima Mexican Restaurant will be selling food. Designated drivers get into the event for free and will also receive free chips and soft drinks. All over 21 are invited and all IDs will be checked at the festival's entrance. 

The event coordinators are asking for no children; not even in strollers.

Family Friendly Events

Check out TheBeachCoast.com's Family section for more events for this weekend. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and soon-to-be changing leaves!

Dyer Hometown Celebration, Sept. 11

This Saturday, September 11th, from 11a.m. - 11p.m. Dyer, Ind. is hosting its Hometown Celebration. The events will be held at the intersection of Calumet Avenue and Rt. 30.

Events for celebration are:

• food & vendor booths
• VFW Beer Garden
• DJ Rock It Mobile
• car show
• bean bag tournament with a cash prize
• live music
• Master of the Grill contest
• and dance performances throughout the day

For more information, visit the Town of Dyer website to see a flyer of the day's events.

Midwest Zest Fest, Sept. 10-12th, Highland, Ind.

The Midwest Zest Fest starts today and goes through the weekend in Highland, Ind. for 3 days of fun on over 5 acres at Main Square Park. This lemon-themed festival, has many activities for the whole family. The weekend's activities include:

• carnival with carnival rides
• festival food
• arts & craft booths
• live music every day
• contests
• 5K race, 2.5K walk
• King & Queen crowning!

Don't miss the Sour Note Karaoke Bar in the beer tent to show off your singing skills (or lack thereof)! 

Admission and parking are FREE, so bring the whole clan down to celebrate all that is lemon in Highland, Indiana starting today at 4p.m.!

32nd Annual Popcorn Festival Sat, Sept. 11th - Valpo

Having been named the Best of the Region by The Times readers for the past 14 years, the Valparaiso Annual Popcorn Festival has become a September staple for Beach Coast inhabitants. This year's fest is Saturday, September 11th held in the heart of downtown Valparaiso incorporating a theme of "Popcorn in Paradise."

This is Valparaiso's 32nd year hosting the ode to Orville Redenbacher's popcorn legacy which attracts around 50,000 attendees every year making Valparaiso the place to be this weekend.

Look to the skies to see this attraction.

The downtown event will host over 200 arts & crafts booths along with more than 30 food vendors. Events that happen outside the downtown area are the Cutest Baby Contest, Rotary Popcorn Open, and the 20th Annual Kiwanis Hot Air Balloon Show (September 10th and 11th).

There will also be live music on two different stages Saturday along with a kids play place. It'll be fun for the whole family! Go to www.valparaisoevents.com for more information for this weekend's festivities.

TBC.com Pet Photo Contest - Voting Ends Sept. 24th!

The deadline to vote for TheBeachCoast.com Pet Photo Contest is coming near so visit TheBeachCoast.com to cast your vote today! The deadline for all votes is Friday, September 24th at 3:00pm CST. The winning photo will be announced in the October issue next month.

Visit here to vote!

Outsiders Outside Art Fair Sept. 3-5 Harbert, MI

September 3-5th is a packed weekend with summer coming to a close on Labor Day, but squeeze the last bit of the season out with an outdoor art fair in Harbert, Mich - The Ousiders Outside Art Fair.

The weekend starts off with a Preview Party from 6-9p.m. (EST) on Friday and then the outdoor fair Saturday and Sunday 10-5p.m. (EST). Tickets for all three days are $20, $10 for Saturday and Sunday and half-price for 12 and under.

Go to the fair's website for more information.

Taste of Duneland, Sept. 4 - Chesterton, Ind.

From 11a.m. to 11p.m. Thomas Centennial Park in Chesterton, Ind. will be overrun with hungry food enthusiasts for the Taste of Duneland.

This event has free admission and will include (other than the food vendors) a beer & wine garden, live music and give-a-ways from Z107's Don & Veronica live radio broadcast.

Visit the event's website at Taste of Duneland.

Evening Under the Stars - Schererville, Ind.

On Friday, September 3rd, Schererville, Ind.'s Redar Park will explode with big band music!

The Jay Mau Orchestra will perform all the big hits under the stars from 7-930p.m. Seating is limited so bring folding chairs or blankets (maybe even for a picnic!) to sit back and relax.

This event is free. Get there early and don't forget your dancing shoes!

Marshall County Blueberry Festival Sept. 3-6

Pageant contestants in Blueberry parade.

The year's biggest event for Plymouth, Ind is the Blueberry Festival and it will take place this coming Labor Day Weekend. The free festivities start on Friday at:

• Friday: 5-9p.m.
• Saturday: 9-9p.m.
• Sunday: 9-9p.m.
• Monday: 9-6p.m.

Little cowboy presents his horse during show.

Events include free live music, food, arts & crafts, a parade, marathons, auto shows, sports, a carnival,  pageants, firework show, hot air balloon events, tractor pulls, horse shows and more.

All events will take place in Plymouth, Ind. at Centennial Park. For more information, visit the Marshall County Blueberry Festival website.

Eat Up, Wine Down - Valpo, Ind

The first Thursday of each month (which means tonight!), Valparaiso's downtown Lincolnway Avenue restaurant district hosts the "Eat Up, Wine Down" walking cuisine tour from 4p.m. - 10p.m.

For just $5 per entree or drink, participants can sample food from five downtown restaurants - Bistro 157, Bon Femme Café, Don Quijote, Paparazzi, and Pikk’s Tavern - to explore the tastes from France to China. This monthly evening event is perfect for the fickle palate and adventurous tummy.

For more information and a map of the participating restaurants, visit the ValpoEvents website.

Chicago Jazz Festival Sept. 2-5

Today is the start of the 32nd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival which will take place all Labor Day weekend. The concerts will be held in 3 venues around sweet home Chicago in Millennium Park, Chicago Cultural Center and Grant Park. The festival times for the 4 days are:

• Thursday: 12p.m.-4p.m.
• Friday: 12p.m.-9:30p.m.
• Saturday: 11a.m.-9:30p.m.
• Sunday: 11a.m.-9:30p.m.

All concerts, all 4 days are FREE making this one of the most premiere events for the holiday weekend. The Jazz Festival is Chicago's longest running lakefront music festival which has drawn musical artists Ramsey Lewis, Nicole Mitchell, Kurt Elling, Rene Marie along with many other acts for this year's lineup. For more information, please visit the Chicago Jazz Festival website for venue, music and parking information. 

Valpo's Popcorn Fest Sept. 11th

Having been named the Best of the Region by The Times readers for the past 14 years, the Valparaiso Annual Popcorn Festival has become a September staple for Beach Coast inhabitants. This year's fest is Saturday, September 11th held in the heart of downtown Valparaiso incorporating a theme of "Popcorn in Paradise."

This is Valparaiso's 32nd year hosting the ode to Orville Redenbacher's popcorn legacy which attracts around 50,000 attendees every year making Valparaiso the place to be next weekend.

The downtown event will host over 200 arts and crafts booths and more than 30 food vendors. Events that happen outside of the downtown area are the Cutest Baby Contest, Rotary Popcorn Open, and the 20th Annual Kiwanis Hot Air Balloon Show (September 10th and 11th). There will also be live music on two different stages on Saturday along with a kids play place. Fun for the whole family! Go to www.valparaisoevents.com for more information for next weekend's festivities.