Looking for something to do in September in Crown Point, the rest of Northwest Indiana, or the nearby Chicago south suburbs? This is the September 2026 archive from our local events hub — not a national listings dump. We pull dates from official city, park, chamber, festival, and venue pages so locals can plan a Saturday, and so people relocating from Illinois can see what life actually looks like here.
If you are comparing towns, start with our guides to Crown Point, Schererville, and Valparaiso, or the Illinois to Indiana relocation page. When you are ready to look at homes, talk to a local broker at Realest Realty in downtown Crown Point.
Dates on this page are for September 2026 and were checked against official sources on Friday, September 4, 2026. Always click through before you go — weather, tickets, and hours change. We skip anything we cannot verify.
Talk to a local broker
Realest Realty is at 112 S. Main St., Suite B, Crown Point, IN 46307. Call Sash at (219) 808-1520, use the Realest.com contact form, or browse listings on Realest.com. Licensed in Indiana and Illinois.
September 2026 events
Crown Point Farmers Market
Saturdays through September 26, 2026 · 8 a.m.–1 p.m. · Crown Point
Bulldog Park, 183 S. West St. Weekly market with 70-plus farmers and artisans, plus the splash pad. The city notes early noon closings on September 12 (September 19 may also close early).
Official: City of Crown Point
Crown Point Car Cruise
Tuesdays through September 29, 2026 · 4–8 p.m. · Crown Point
Weekly cruise-in at Bulldog Park. The last Tuesday of the season is September 29.
Official: Crown Point calendar
Rock ‘N’ Rail Music and Street Festival
Thursday, September 3 through Sunday, September 6, 2026 · Starts 5 p.m. Thursday · Griffith
Downtown Griffith / Broad Street (111 N. Broad St.). Town of Griffith’s 17th annual Labor Day weekend street festival: live music on multiple stages, food and craft vendors, kid zone, beer gardens, Saturday vintage car show, and a 5K/1K run benefiting the Griffith Family YMCA scholarship program. Free admission.
Official: Town of Griffith
Valparaiso Summer Concert Series — Whitehorse
Thursday, September 3, 2026 · 7–8:30 p.m. · Valparaiso
Central Park Plaza / 1st Source Bank Amphitheater. Free Chris Stapleton tribute by Whitehorse, rescheduled from August 13. Pre-show entertainment at 5:30 p.m. featuring Dylan Raymond. The band is based in Cedar Lake.
Official: Valparaiso Events Summer Concert Series
México en el Corazón
Friday, September 4, 2026 · 7–9:30 p.m. (gates 5:30 p.m.) · Lansing, IL
Fox Pointe, 18138 Henry St. Free village-venue concert of Mexican folklore: Ballet Folklórico Guadalajara, Mariachi México en el Corazón, and Pepe y sus Pepillos. Bring lawn chairs. Fourth year at Fox Pointe.
Official: Fox Pointe
Michigan City Oktoberfest
Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7, 2026 · Fri–Sun noon–10 p.m., Mon noon–6 p.m. · Michigan City
Washington Park. City of Michigan City Labor Day weekend festival: live music on multiple stages, food and beverage vendors, and arts and crafts. Lineup is posted on the official city page and is subject to change.
Official: City of Michigan City
Lowell Labor Day Festival
Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, 2026 · Lowell
American Legion grounds on State Road 2: food, beer garden, live music, vendors, and a kids zone. 72nd annual Kiddie Parade Sunday at 1 p.m.; 107th annual Labor Day Parade Monday at 10 a.m. Fireworks Sunday at dusk at Oakley Park / behind Oak Hill Elementary (parking off Oakley Ave.).
Official: Lowell Labor Day Festival · Town of Lowell parade
Popcorn Festival Kick-Off Concert
Thursday, September 10, 2026 · 7–8:30 p.m. · Valparaiso
Central Park Plaza / 1st Source Bank Amphitheater. Free pre-festival concert to open Popcorn Festival weekend. Bring chairs or blankets; food and drink for purchase.
Official: Valparaiso Events
Patriot’s Day
Friday, September 11, 2026 · Crown Point
City concert series: Joe Cantafio (oldies) 5:15–6:30 p.m., then Jimmy Holmes as Elvis 7–10 p.m.
Official: Summer Concert Series
Orland Park Patriot Day concert
Friday, September 11, 2026 · 5–8 p.m. · Orland Park, IL
Village America 250 / special-events listing: free Patriot Day concert with the Southwest Community Concert Band.
Official: Village of Orland Park events
Popcorn Pit Stop
Friday, September 11, 2026 · 4:30–9 p.m. · Valparaiso
Central Park Plaza. Food truck rally, Hot Wheels Race of Champions, and an automotive showcase the night before the Popcorn Festival.
Official: Valparaiso Events calendar
Crown Point Wine Fest
Saturday, September 12, 2026 · 5–9 p.m. (VIP 5 p.m., general admission 6 p.m.) · Crown Point
Bulldog Park. Ticketed 21-and-older tasting of wines from Northwest Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and Chicagoland, with small bites and live music. General admission $59; VIP $99; designated driver $10 with a ticketholder.
Official: City of Crown Point Wine Fest
47th Annual Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
Saturday, September 12, 2026 · 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. · Parade at 10 a.m. · Valparaiso
Downtown Valparaiso. The Orville Redenbacher-era tradition: Popcorn Parade, 300-plus vendors, kids’ play zone, beer garden, and main-stage music. 2026 theme: Poppin’ Through the Decades.
Official: Valparaiso Events
5th Annual Empanada Fest
Saturday, September 12, 2026 · 11 a.m.–10 p.m. · Whiting
Whiting Lakefront Park, 1500 Park Rd. Whiting Hispanic Heritage Organization’s Hispanic Heritage Month festival: empanada and food vendors, live music, beer garden, and a kids’ zone. Family-friendly.
Official: Whiting Empanada Fest
Hub City Races: Half, 10K & 5K
Sunday, September 13, 2026 · Half 7:30 a.m., 10K 7:45 a.m., 5K 8 a.m. · Crown Point
Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S. Court St. Hometown Happenings chip-timed out-and-back races through historic Crown Point (USATF-certified half). Sign-in from 6:30 a.m.; awards after the 5K and 10K. Ticketed registration.
Official: Hometown Happenings Hub City Races
Schererville Street Fest
Friday, September 18, 2026 · 5–11:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 19, 2026 · 2–11:30 p.m. · Schererville
Downtown Schererville on Joliet Street. Town / Parks two-day street festival with live music, food trucks, beer gardens, and craft vendors.
Official: Town of Schererville calendar
Paws in the Park
Saturday, September 19, 2026 · 9 a.m.–3 p.m. · Munster
Community Park, 8679 Calumet Ave. Humane Indiana fundraiser: one-mile dog walk, “WestMunster” fashion show, vendors, food trucks, 3 Floyds beer garden, and live music. Leashed, vaccinated dogs welcome.
Official: Humane Indiana
First Responder Appreciation and Demonstration Day
Saturday, September 19, 2026 · 9 a.m.–1 p.m. · Valparaiso
4203 Montdale Drive. Free family event from the MAAC Foundation honoring local first-responder departments, with demonstrations. Listed on the Valparaiso Events community calendar; not hosted by Valparaiso Events.
Official: Valparaiso Events calendar
Homewood Community Shred Day
Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Homewood, IL
Village Hall parking lot, 2020 Chestnut Rd. Paper-only community shred (limit two boxes) with the Homewood Public Library. No business shredding. No electronics or prescriptions.
Official: Village of Homewood
Historic Ford Hangar Expo & Aviation Showcase
Saturday, September 19, 2026 · 11 a.m.–4 p.m. · Lansing, IL
Historic Ford Hangar, 3239 Glenwood-Lansing Rd. Free Village of Lansing centennial expo: Ford Tri-Motor and vintage aircraft, 1920s–1940s Fords, parachute demos, Legends of Aviation portrayals, kids’ activities, architect-led hangar tours, and food trucks. Flight experiences available that weekend (reserve separately).
Official: Ford Hangar 100 Expo
27th Annual Sunflower Fair
Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Downtown La Porte
Michigan Avenue area. Explore La Porte Events festival with 100-plus artisan and nonprofit vendors, a kids’ fun zone, rib cook-off, car show, and the downtown farmers market. Third Saturday in September tradition.
Official: Sunflower Fair
NWI Food Council Tomato Fest
Sunday, September 20, 2026 · 12–4 p.m. · Hobart area
Organizer-listed picnic festival with tomato tastings, local farms, vendors, music, and kids’ activities. Confirm the exact venue on the official page before you go.
Official: NWI Food Council
World Cultural Festival
Sunday, September 20, 2026 · 12–5 p.m. · Valparaiso
Central Park Plaza. Valparaiso International Center’s family event: live cultural performances, international food, kids’ activities, and a Parade of Nations. Wear traditional attire if you have it.
Official: Valparaiso Events
Community Bonfire (Heritage Park)
Wednesday, September 24, 2026 · 6–8 p.m. · Flossmoor / Homewood area
Heritage Park. Free Homewood-Flossmoor Park District neighborhood bonfire with s’mores materials provided; bring extras if you like. All ages.
Official: Homewood-Flossmoor Park District
Wing & Roll
Friday, September 25, 2026 · Crown Point
Bulldog Park. Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana fundraiser: chef chicken-wing cookoff and live rock ’n’ roll. Tickets through MHANWI; proceeds support programs in Lake and Porter Counties.
Official: City of Crown Point (The Hub) · MHANWI special events
Downtown Biergarten (Brewfest kick-off)
Friday, September 25, 2026 · 4:30–9:30 p.m. · Valparaiso
Central Park Plaza. Free, family-friendly German-style biergarten the night before Valpo Brewfest: craft beer, food vendors, and live music. Must be 21 with ID to drink.
Official: Valparaiso Events
L.A.C.E. Autumn Fest
Friday, September 25, 2026 · 4–10:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 26, 2026 · noon–10:30 p.m. · Lansing, IL
Fox Pointe, 18138 Henry St. Free two-day fall festival from the Lansing Association for Community Events — food, live music, and family activities at the village venue on the state line. Direct questions to L.A.C.E.; the village does not run this event.
Official: Fox Pointe
Wanatah Scarecrow Festival
Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026 · Wanatah
32nd annual festival at Scarecrow Square / 245 N. Main St.: scarecrow displays, food, live entertainment, and family games. Confirm the weekend schedule on the official festival site before you go.
Official: Wanatah Scarecrow Festival
Valpo Brewfest (16th and final year)
Saturday, September 26, 2026 · 1–4:30 p.m. · Valparaiso
Central Park Plaza. 21-and-older craft beer festival hosted by Valparaiso Events — more than 200 beers, ciders, seltzers, and meads, with live music from 28 DAYS. Ticketed.
Official: Valpo Brewfest
Portage Harvest Festival
Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Starts 11 a.m. · Portage
Founders Square, 6300 S. Founders Square. Portage Parks community harvest festival. Hours and lineup can change — use the official parks page before you go.
Official: Portage Parks Harvest Festival
Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Lake County, IN
Sunday, September 27, 2026 · Begins 12:30 p.m.; ceremony 1:15 p.m. · Crown Point
Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S. Court St. Alzheimer’s Association community walk.
Official: Alzheimer’s Association
Johnson’s Farm Pumpkin Festival (opens)
Weekends September 26–27 through October 31, 2026 · Festival hours 10 a.m.–6 p.m. · Hobart
8960 E. Ridge Rd. U-pick pumpkins, corn maze, and Fun Farm weekends. Weather-dependent; last admission 5 p.m.
Official: Johnson’s Farm Produce
More Northwest Indiana events
This is one month from the local hub. See the Northwest Indiana events month index, then August 2026, September 2026, or October 2026.
September 2026 frequently asked questions
What Northwest Indiana events are listed for September 2026?
This archive covers the September 2026 dates we could verify as of September 4, 2026. Labor Day weekend is Griffith’s Rock ’N’ Rail (September 3–6), Michigan City Oktoberfest (September 4–7), and Lowell’s Labor Day Festival (September 5–7). Mid-month is Valparaiso Popcorn Festival weekend (September 10–12), Crown Point Wine Fest and Whiting Empanada Fest (September 12), and the Hub City Races (September 13). Later: Schererville Street Fest, the Ford Hangar Expo in Lansing, Paws in the Park, Sunflower Fair, Wanatah Scarecrow Festival, Portage Harvest Festival, Valpo Brewfest, the Alzheimer’s walk, and Johnson’s Farm pumpkin weekends. Weekly Crown Point Farmers Market and Car Cruise continue through late September. We do not invent events. If a date is not here, we could not confirm it.
Do I need tickets for September 2026 events?
Some yes, some no. Rock ’N’ Rail, Michigan City Oktoberfest, Lowell Labor Day Festival, Patriot’s Day, Popcorn Festival, Schererville Street Fest, Sunflower Fair, México en el Corazón, and the Downtown Biergarten kick-off are listed as free or community admission on the official pages. Crown Point Wine Fest is ticketed (general admission $59, VIP $99). Valpo Brewfest is ticketed and 21 and older. Wing & Roll sells tickets through MHANWI. Confirm the official page for each event before you go.
Where is the official source for these September dates?
Each listing ends with an Official link to the city, town, festival, or venue page. Those pages control hours, tickets, and rain plans. This hub is a local index, not a box office. Send a missed, verifiable event to saso@realest.com with the official URL.
Submit an event
Know a real Crown Point, Lake County, Porter County, or south-suburb event we missed? Email saso@realest.com or use the Real Estate USA contact form. Include the official source link. We will not post dates we cannot verify.
Thinking about a move to NWI?
Festivals are a good way to walk a downtown before you buy. If you are relocating from the Chicago suburbs, start with Illinois to Indiana relocation, then talk to Realest.
Realest Realty
112 S. Main St., Suite B, Crown Point, IN 46307
Call Sash at (219) 808-1520 · saso@realest.com
Browse listings on Realest.com · Contact Realest.com
