Local Cultural Events and Performances

Four Old Broads Return

Comedy playwright Leslie Kimbell brings her character back for a beauty pageant. Footlight Players presents The Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant at 1705 Franklin St., Michigan City. Performances run 7 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday, June 11-13, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, June 14. Directed by Leslie Evans, the play features Martha Parcell’s ambition to win, despite competition from Beatrice, Eaddy, Imogene, and Maude. Expect humor with a tambourine-playing squirrel, a Christmas-obsessed octogenarian, dueling Elvises, and a mishap with spray-tan. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for ages 12 and younger. Contact 219-874-4035 or visit footlightplayers.org to purchase.

Live in the Ville Festival

The historic Hessville area in Hammond hosts the 2026 Live in the Ville festival at Hessville Park, open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 12-13. Musical entertainment includes Dick Diamond and the Dusters at 7 p.m. on Friday, while Chronic Flannel performs at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free. Other attractions feature magic shows, face painting, food trucks, wrestling, sword swallowing, dancing, and a parade at 7:30 p.m. Call 219-803-0730 or visit the festival Facebook page for more information.

Art and Literature in Valparaiso

The Artists Guild of Valparaiso hosts The Birds of the Heir exhibition. The event features Valparaiso author Leena J. Byrd’s work and complements her book, The Beauty of Flight, which launched in March. The closing reception and book signing take place from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at 255 Indiana Avenue. Visitors can explore bird-themed artwork created by 17 artists, each inspired by Byrd’s emotional narrative. For details, call 312-585-6745.

Buddy Holly Tribute

Zachary Stevenson performs a tribute concert at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. He channels Buddy Holly’s hits like “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” and more. Known for his engaging performance, Stevenson charms audiences with Holly’s signature style. The concert includes his well-known hiccup and dance moves. Tickets cost $40. Patrons may also enjoy a $35 Sunday Champagne Brunch by 10Forty Banquets & Catering Inc., with seating at 11 a.m., noon, or 1 p.m. Visit theatreatthecenter.com for more information.

For inquiries, contact Philip Potempa, a journalist, author, and radio show host, at [email protected].