46th Annual Valparaiso
Popcorn Festival
Saturday, September 6, 2025
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 46th 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 2025 Popcorn Festival theme announcement, vendor lists, maps, Main Stage music lineup, parade information, and more!
Main Stage Music Lineup
Thomas Nicholas Band
Actor & musician Thomas Ian Nicholas (Rookie of the Year & American Pie) leads the Thomas Nicholas Band & delivers nostalgic pop‑punk anthems and high‑energy originals that get the whole crowd singing along. TNB has rocked 1,300+ shows in 13 countries with their infectious pop‑punk energy. Known for the hit “My Generation” from the American Reunion soundtrack and collaborations with Bowling For Soup and Less Than Jake, TNB brings a set packed with nostalgic anthems and fresh new music you’ll have no choice but to sing along and dance to!
A NWI native : The Lauren Dukes Band features soulful vocals, funky grooves, and powerhouse energy—Lauren Dukes brings her signature blend of R&B, jazz, and blues that will have you dancing from the first note.
As 28 Days continues to evolve and expand their reach, their reputation as “The Premier Midwest Cover Band” remains unshakable. Their journey is marked by milestones of musical achievement, a growing fanbase, and a legacy of unforgettable performances. For anyone seeking a fun and exhilarating musical experience, 28 Days stands as a testament to the power of live music and the enduring spirit of a band that knows how to make every moment count and every fan the “Rockstar”.
2025 Festival & Parade Theme
POPCORN POWER!
46 YEARS OF TRADITION
This long-standing community tradition will return in 2025 for its 46th 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.
2024 PARADE WINNERS:
Grand Prize: Purdue University Northwest
Second Place: Coldwell Banker
Third Place: Ivy Tech
Special Recognition: Terry's Discount Windows are More
Best New Float: Rock Island
Parade Sponsors
Platinum: Purdue University Northwest
Festival Sponsors
Thank you to our generous festival sponsors for their support:
Platinum: Purdue University Northwest
Gold: Journeyman Distillery | Indiana Army National Guard
Silver: Chick-fil-A | Ignite Medical Resorts | Indiana Beverage | IVY Tech Community College | Lerner & Rowe | Strack & Van Til | Team Chevy Valpo
Bronze: Ameristar Casino & Hotel | Horizon Bank | Indiana University Northwest | Leaf Guard | Level 10 Coatings | Lori K Bath | Meijer | Nilea | Valparaiso University Athletics
Friends of Popcorn Festival: ALDI | Central Midwest Carpenters Union | CertaPro Painters of NWI | Ozinga | Urschel Laboratories
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.