Weekend Events Roundup in the Region

The annual Whiting fright festival, now in its 11th year including a missed year due to COVID-19, kicks off for 2026. It runs for one weekend starting at 5 p.m. Friday and continues from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday. The festival features Whihala the Witch, fire-eaters, costume contests, games, and more. Saturday’s daytime hours are family-friendly, with scarier festivities as dusk falls. Bob Anderson, host of ‘Bob After Dark,’ will host a panel on local haunts at 6 p.m. Friday. Check out wickedlywhiting.com for the full schedule or call 219-659-0292 for more information.

DJ Pauly D from ‘Jersey Shore’ will perform at Bulldog Park in Crown Point Friday from 5-11 p.m. Ticket options range from $40 for general admission to $1,000 for a VIP cabana. For details, visit crownpoint.in.gov or call 219-661-2271.

Lowell’s Harvest Tyme Farm Park celebrates Oktoberfest with free admission on Friday 6:30-9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. It features a beer garden and German games. Visit harvesttymefun.com or call 219-440-2386 for information.

St. John brings its own Oktoberfest from Friday through Sunday with German music, food, and brews at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church. Events are free. For details, visit stjohnparish.org or call 219-365-5678.

The sixth annual Griffith Oktoberfest occurs the following weekend at Griffith Central Park, featuring German food, drinks, and local brews. Admission is free. For more information, contact 219-924-7500.

Cara Schmitt leads the 2026 Street Print Fest at the Chesterton Art Center on Saturday. The event offers free printmaking demonstrations and activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available at chestertonart.com or by calling 219-926-4711.

Stacye Clark’s new play ‘Back to Love’ premieres this weekend at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. The dramedy blends humor and heartfelt storytelling. Performances are Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at paulamariemedia.com/back-to-love.