500 Turkeys Fundraising Auction at Pikk's Tavern

Tonight, Pikk's Tavern in Valparaiso is hosting a fund raising auction for the 500 Turkeys organization.

The auction will take place from 6-8p.m. CST and there will be hors d'oeuvres compliments of Pikk's and NWI Food Bank.

500 Turkeys is a donation organization that collects donations all year long to provide Thanksgiving dinners to 500 families.

There were twhispers on the 500 Turkeys Twitter page that there will be Bulls basketball tickets on the auction block, so bring your checkbooks, Bulls fans!

Pikk's Tavern
62 W. Lincolnway
Valparaiso, Ind.

 

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

What Happens in the Library When the Lights Go Out?

Tomorrow night (October 22) from 6:30-8:00p.m. CST the La Porte County Public Library will be hosting the annual "What Happens in the Library When the Lights Go Out" free family fun night.

Get a chance to see what happens when the library closes its doors for the evening and imaginations come alive. 

Volunteers will be dressed up as fun children's book characters performing skits and interacting with each other and the attendees.

There will also be life-size games for kids to play like I Spy and Jumaji. This fun, Halloween-time, nonscary event is fun for the whole family.

Take the kids and enjoy what happens in the library at night!

LaPorte County Public Library
904 Indiana Ave, La Porte
(219) 362.6156



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

"The Hilarious Hillbilly Massacre" in La Porte

There is murder on the menu at The La Porte Little Theatre dinner theatre production of "The Hilarious Hillbilly Massacre" for two weekends starting this Friday.

This dinner theatre filled evening will be catered by Northside BBQ and will start Friday and Saturday evening at 6:30p.m. CST and 1p.m. on Sunday. Doug Campell will be directing a cast full of hilarious hillbillies as they make their way through a murderous family reunion full of Tennessee natives and IRS agents.

Tickets are $15 for patrons and $25 regularly priced. Have a fun evening of laughter, BBQ and theatre at The La Porte Little Theatre at 218 A Street in downtown La Porte, Ind (219.862.3606).



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

Front Porch Music: Open Stage in Valpo

Each week on Thursdays at 7 p.m., Front Porch Music in Valparaiso opens its stage to brave musicians for an Open Stage night.

Each musician is allowed to play 2 or 3 songs each - showing off their skills to the 72-seated coffee house.

Entry is $3.50 for audience tickets and $2.50 for those performing. This is a venue for all ages, all instruments and all styles of music. To get the music flowing, every Thursday there is a featured performer that will start the night off and this week the performer is Mami Matsuda.

Front Porch Music sells acoustic guitars, banjos, electric guitars and many, many more instruments at the location in Valpo. There is also a huge selection of CDs from local and national acts for sale. For those musicians with instruments under-the-weather, there is a Front Porch Repair Shop on the top level of the location.

The retail section of the shop is open Monday - Friday from 10a.m. - 8p.m. and Saturdays 9a.m. - 4p.m.

Become a Beach Coast rock star tomorrow at Front Porch music at 505 E. Lincolnway in Valparaiso (219.464.4700).


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

Shipshewana Flea Market to soon close its doors

Don't miss one of the last chances to head over to Shipshewana Flea Market this fall.

The market closes its doors for the season on Wednesday, October 27th.

There are still 4 more days to make it to the Tuesday/Wednesday open market - so you better hurry!

With 900+ vendors selling all different kind of items you can get your holiday shopping done early this year because you won't find these prices anywhere else.

Also, if Shipshewana proves to be too far to be just a day trip, the Farmstead Inn is offering a "Buy 2 Get 1 Night Free" special until October 31st. Amish country awaits!



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

Fall Fest at Friendship Gardens

The International Friendship Gardens in Michigan City, Ind. will be having its annual Fall Fest this coming weekend on October 16 & 17 from 10a.m. - 4p.m.

In its fifth year, the Fall Fest will offer mini hay rides through the woods, guided tours of the expansive gardens, bake sale, plant sale, music, arts & crafts vendors, petting zoo and cider to celebrate season.

Crafters will be selling hand-made soaps, tie dyes, decorative wood items and artists displaying their artwork. Children's art projects will be available. Folk musicians will be on the grounds providing entertainment.

Adult entrance will cost $4 and children get into the festivities free.

Make it out to the 74-year-old gardens this weekend for this events great for the whole family (even the dog, if on a leash!).



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

The Murder Room - Foolight Theatre This Weekend

Red Rum... with a comedic twist.

Get a bit of culture this weekend and attend the Footlight Theatre's performance of "The Murder Room" on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights this week.

This will be the final weekend of he show's running so get to the theatre early to be sure to get tickets. Curtains will rise at 8:00p.m. with the doors opening at 7:15p.m. to buy tickets. Tickets will be $12 per attendee with group rates  available.

This play was written by Jack Sharkely and is being directed by Dee Pitrowski. On the Footlight website, the play is described as "Agatha Christie meets Monty Python meets Abbott and Costello" so if you're in the mood for a bit of mystery and some laughs - head over to Footlight Theatre in Michigan City!



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

Oktoberfest at Pikk's Tavern in Valpo - October 9th

From the Pikk's Tavern Facebook page:

Join the South Shore Orchestra for bratwurst, beer and German band music. This is Oktoberfest like it was meant to be! Taste beer from our best local breweries! Eat sausages! Hear the music! Dance in your Lederhosen!

There will also being an ongoing silent auction to benefit the South Shore Orchestra.

Time: 2 pm to 9 pm
Kids' activities: 2 pm to 4 pm.

Tickets: $25 per adult advance purchase / $30 at the door day of the event, includes entrance and food. Cash bar. Kids 12 and under are FREE when accompanied by their parent or guardian with a paid ticket. 

Proceeds benefit the South Shore Orchestra, a 501c3 not for profit. Your donation makes it possible for the SSO to perform in the community. It also supports educational programs like South Shore Youth Orchestra and the South Shore Orchestra scholarship fund, and the fight against child abuse. Thanks for your support!

Sponsored by Pikk's Tavern, Adobo Grill, Vinci, American Mass Media and the South Shore Orchestra. 

If you'd like to join as an event sponsor, call Michael Webdell at 312-371-4239. Cash and in-kind donations and auction item donations are welcome. Sponsorship packages available.

Watch the event video!

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.

TBC.com Blog Reaches 1,000 page views!

What a momentous occasion, TheBeachCoast.com Event Blog has reached over 1,000 page views!

We here at TheBeachCoast.com would like to give a big Beach Coast thanks to everyone that has taken the time in the last 5 months to read our posts and look at the material we've researched and written.

Keep reading because we'll definitely keep blogging!




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

A Terrifying Time at the Niles Haunted House & Scream Park

Ready to scream your pants off? And not just "wow, that was sort of scary" but really, scream-your-pants-off scary?

If that sounds like a nice fall evening to you, then head over to the Niles Haunted House & Scream Park in Niles, Mich.

One haunted building at the Scream Park.

This haunted fall staple has been open since late September and there is a whole lot more of fright to be had until Halloween.

In addition to the Haunted House ($10 admission) there is also the Zach's Zombie Motel ($6), The Legend of Pirates Cove ($6), Dark Terror-tory Haunted Hayride ($6), Field of Screams with Maniac Maze ($7), Gore Store, food concessions and psychic readings all waiting for thrill-seeking visitors. If you want your night to be extra scary but economical, there are also combination packages available.

The 1,200,000th visitor!

Niles Haunted House's mission is to "scare the yell out of you" and they plan to do just that with 100+ routes through the house and the most horrifying decorations and volunteers in the Midwest. 

The special events planned for this haunted weekend are radio appearances by U93 and WSMK with a Jack Sparrow attraction, Steel Drum music and a Michigan Ghostbusters visit.

The haunted house's website lists the kinds of things not permitted for tours while also noting this isn't a suitable evening for children.

In the words of the disclaimer on its website, "Warning: Not responsible for those who wet their pants!" have a terrifying time!


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

Weko Beach Brewers Festival Oct. 2

From event PDF:
Weko Beach Brewers Festival is toasting to the coast this weekend! Michigan is home to great breweries and picturesque beaches.  Combining the best of both, the Bridgman Area Economic Growth Alliance invites you to a relaxing fall day on the beach to savor award-winning Michigan craft beers that are as spectacular as the sunsets. 

Live music will enhance the scene as you raise your beer mug and ‘toast the coast’ on Saturday, October 2nd from 3 pm to 9 pm EST, under a Big-Top Tent overlooking Weko Beach. The musical lineup includes Duke Tumatoe, Top Secret Band and Katzcratch.(Located at Exit 16 off I-94, then north on Red Arrow Highway.  Look for parking signage along Red Arrow in Bridgman).

The Weko Beach Brewers Festival is a showcase event to sample (tastes or by the mug) the locally-produced craft beers from Michigan. Wrap this into a day filled with sun and sand, cuisine from local restaurants, some live music, and you have one fantastic fall festival!

Admission to the festival is $25 at the door and includes a souvenir beer mug and 12 tasting tickets.  Beer Tickets are $1 per ticket--1 ticket for a taste, $2 for a half-pour, $4 for a full-pour--Cash Sales Only.

Parking and shuttle buses will be available at designated lots in Bridgman.  No coolers allowed.  Rain or shine event.

*Ages 13-20 get in for $10 (no drink tickets included) while kids ages 12 and under are FREE.

For information on participating breweries, check the website http://wekobeachbrewersfest.com or call 269.925.6301.

Media:  Call Colleen Ryan at the number above for photos, interviews and media passes.

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

31st Annual Chapel Hill Arts & Crafts Show

On Saturday, October 2 from 8a.m.-4p.m. EST, the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church is hosting its annual arts & crafts show.

The day-long show will take place in Berrien Springs, Mich. and will have an entry fee of $1. This juried show will have around 280 exhibitors to browse in 4 commercial buildings along with outdoor vendors at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds.

Along with the arts & crafts, there will be food vendors, homemade baked goods, "pie by the slice," and a vintage tractor display. All profits will go to benefit local and abroad mission projects through the church.

For more information click through to the event's website. There you can find an entire vendor list and examples of what you may find at the show.


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

Harvest Moon Gathering

Today is opening day for South Haven, Michigan's Harvest Moon Festival.

Now through October 10th there will be a Ghost Tour walk down town, times to take the Kal-Haven Trail on the Boo on your Bike tour, and nights for the South Haven Haunted House to get in the spooky mood.

You can also enjoy the South Haven Farmer's Market where vendors will sell fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and special treats for this time of year.



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

Guse Corn Maze

The 2010 corn maze.

Want to get lost in a field full of corn? Then, visit the Guse Corn Maze at Guse Christmas Trees in Wanatah, Ind.! The farm is hosting a 6-acre maze from now until the 30.

Cliff Guse, corn maze mastermind, designed this year's maze in the elaborate shape of a train so try out your directional skills to see if you can get through this maze in one piece!

Saturdays the maze is open from 10a.m.-8p.m. and on Sundays open from 10a.m.-6p.m CST.

On October 23 & 30, the corn maze will be turned into a Haunted Maze from 7-10p.m. CST for those who enjoy getting lost in the dark while getting frightened at every turn. It's not Halloween without racing hearts and nightmares.  

A group of brave maze wanderers.

Guse welcomes groups big and small, young and old offering activities for all ages. There is a game area, train & hay rides, pumpkin patch, bonfires and much more.

The farm also offers classroom field trip packages to surrounding schools full of learning and fun.

If you have any questions concerning times, location or information, call: 219.733.9346 or e-mail Guse farm at info@gusechristmastrees.com.


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

2nd Annual Fall Harvest Weekend - Michigan City, IN

On both Saturday and Sunday this weekend, Michigan City's Riverside Marketplace will have its annual Fall Harvest Weekend. Entry is free for all who attend.

From 9a.m. - 2p.m. on Saturday and 10a.m. - 2p.m. on Sunday, Riverside Marketplace will have ALL LOCAL produce, meats, baked goods, honey, soap, candles, coffee, flowers, decorations, jewelry, antiques and more for sale by vendors. Shop and relax on a beautiful autumn weekend right along the lake shore. All who attend also get free apple cider to celebrate the harvest and fall!

Enjoy the last few weekends of the Riverside Marketplace because it will only stay open until October 30.

Any questions or comments should be directed to Sandy Radtke at 219.508.5650. Click here for event flyer.

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

Live Music & Restaurant Discounts on the Square - Valpo

Saturday, October 2nd, Valparaiso, Ind. is getting some live entertainment and dining discounts all thanks to Jano Bicycles. The bicycle shop will be hosting free live music from 5p.m. - 7p.m. CST at which a special password will be mentioned to then be used to get up to 20% off discounts at 8 downtown restaurants only good on that Saturday night. 

Courthouse and Square.

The restaurants included in these secretive savings are Paparazzi's, Don Quijote, Pikk's, South Bend Chocolate Company, Bon Femme, Bistro 157, Blackbird Cafe, and Valpo Velvet. The retail shops also participating are Life Styles and Air One. 

“It's a great opportunity to enjoy our friendly downtown atomosphere, socialize, listen to live music and enjoy great food and beverages,” said Jim Jano, owner of Jano Bicycles.

Head on over to Valpo tomorrow evening to enjoy some great live music and secret savings across from the Courthouse at Jano Bicycles.

 

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