The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival is one of the city’s longest-running signature events and reflects northwest Indiana’s connection to popcorn entrepreneur Orville Redenbacher. Downtown streets fill with hundreds of vendors while the Popcorn Parade brings themed floats, community groups and crowds through the center of the city.
Festival attractions also include live music in Central Park Plaza, children’s activities, food, shopping and related events around downtown. The 47th annual festival was held September 12, 2026. General admission was free. A 2027 date had not yet been announced.