47th Annual Valparaiso
Popcorn Festival
Saturday, September 12, 2026
DOWNTOWN VALPARAISO
Festival Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Parade: 10:00 a.m.
You won’t want to miss this long-standing Valparaiso tradition, that all started with Orville Redenbacher in 1979, as it returns for its 47th year! After watching the Popcorn Parade, explore 300+ vendors lining Downtown Valpo’s streets, Main Stage Music performances in Central Park Plaza, the Ultimate Poppin’ Play Zone, Beer Garden, and so much more for fun no matter what age!
Pop onto our website and social media throughout the year for updates on the festival, including the 2026 Popcorn Festival theme announcement, vendor lists, maps, Main Stage music lineup, parade information, and more!
Main Stage Music Lineup
Stay tuned!
2025 Festival & Parade Theme
POPCORN POWER!
47 YEARS OF TRADITION
This long-standing community tradition will return in 2026 for its 47th year! The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival continues to offer family-fun activities for all ages. Over 280 arts & crafts booths, 50 food booths, the Ultimate Poppin’ Play Zone, Popcorn Panic races, live music, a beer tent, and the nation’s first Popcorn Parade are only the beginning of the excitement of this incredible festival.
2025 Parade Winners:
Grand Prize: Ivy Tech
2nd Place: South Shore Roller Derby
3rd Place: Aldi
Honorable Mention: Lock of Fun
Best Little Kernel: Girl Scouts
Best New Float: Valparaiso High School Orchestra
Special Recognition: Memorial Opera House Penguin Project
Festival Sponsors
Thank you to our generous festival sponsors for their support:
Platinum: Purdue University Northwest
Gold: US Federal Credit Union
Silver: Indiana Beverage
Bronze: Meijer
Friends of Popcorn Festival: RB SMITH | Valpo Velvet
1982 4th Annual Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
IN-KIND Festival Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring the Popcorn Festival or one of our other events? Contact us at info@valparaisoevents.com or 219-464-8332.