Whiting’s Pierogi Fest Returns
Whiting’s Pierogi Fest is back this weekend for its 32nd year, celebrated as one of the nation’s quirkiest events. This beloved festival takes over 119th Street in downtown Whiting. Highlights include the annual Friday night Polka Parade, starring eccentric participants like the Lawnmower Brigade. The parade starts at Forsythe Park amid tempting pierogi and Eastern European food offerings. Attendees can also enjoy live music, with Saturday night featuring the band Five for Fighting.
On Sunday, don’t miss the Pierogi Eating Contest and the Pierogi Toss Challenge. Iconic characters such as Mr. Pierogi, Halupki Guy, Miss Paczki, and Buscias add a playful touch to the festivities. More details are available at pierogifest.net.
Family Arts Fest at Munster
The Family Arts Fest, hosted by South Shore Arts, welcomes families this Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. Visitors will find a range of activities, including live dance and music shows, balloon art, face painting, and the Rockopelli musical petting zoo. Refreshments are offered by vendors like Brew Box Coffee and Chi-Nuts.
This year, the festival introduces outdoor activities such as slap graffiti, journal making, and a creative play station. Guests can also explore the South Shore Arts Gift Shop and the “My America” exhibition. Entry is $5 per person. Full details are on southshoreartsonline.org or by calling 219-836-1839.
“Avenue Q” at Dunes Summer Theatre
The Dunes Arts Summer Theatre wraps up its 75th season with the Tony Award-winning musical “Avenue Q,” which opens this weekend. Previewing on Thursday, July 23, it runs through Aug. 9. This acclaimed musical, featuring both puppets and humans, humorously tackles themes of adulthood, careers, and finding purpose. Directed by Danny Kapinos, it is set in a New York City apartment on Avenue Q and follows the protagonist, Princeton, a recent college graduate. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets range from $15 to $35 at dunesarts.org or by calling 219-879-7509.
“The Taffetas” in Michigan City
Enjoy a 1950s musical flashback with “The Taffetas: A Musical Journey Through the Fabulous Fifties” at Canterbury Summer Theatre. Running through Aug. 1, it features 40 hits from the ’50s pop charts, highlighting a fictional girl group from Muncie, Indiana, preparing for “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Located at 807 Franklin St. in Michigan City, tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $11 for students and veterans. Shows are at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For tickets, call 219-874-4269 or visit canterburytheatre.org.