Weekend Highlights: Pierogi Fest, Family Arts Fest, and Musical Productions

Whiting’s Pierogi Fest Returns

Whiting’s Pierogi Fest, known for its unique and lively atmosphere, makes a comeback this weekend for its 32nd edition. This event transforms 119th Street in downtown Whiting, offering a mix of entertainment and culinary delights.

The festival features the annual Polka Parade on Friday night. The parade includes eccentric participants like the Lawnmower Brigade. Marchers begin at Forsythe Park, surrounded by vendors offering a variety of pierogi and Eastern European dishes. Live music is part of the experience, highlighted by the Saturday night performance of Five for Fighting.

On Sunday, visitors can enjoy the Pierogi Eating Contest and the Pierogi Toss Challenge. Meet characters such as Mr. Pierogi, Halupki Guy, Miss Paczki, and the entertaining Buscias for some lighthearted fun.

For more details and the full schedule of events, visit www.pierogifest.net.

Family Arts Fest in Munster

South Shore Arts presents the Family Arts Fest this Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. The event promises arts and entertainment for guests of all ages.

Attendees can enjoy live performances in dance and music, balloon making, face painting, and the Rockopelli musical petting zoo. Food and drinks are available from vendors like Brew Box Coffee, Chi-Nuts, Island Ice Shaved Ice, and Tazones Food Truck. Outdoor activities include creating slap graffiti, paper journal making, and a creative play station.

The South Shore Arts Gift Shop and the “My America” gallery exhibition will also be open. Admission is $5 per person. For more information, visit www.southshoreartsonline.org or call 219-836-1839.

Musical Productions in Michigan City

The Dunes Arts Summer Theatre concludes its 75th season with the Tony Award-winning musical “Avenue Q.” The show begins with a preview on Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m. and runs weekends through August 9. Directed by Danny Kapinos with music direction by Aaron Kaplan, it features a mix of puppets and human actors.

This musical uses humor and an original score to navigate themes of adulthood and finding purpose. It follows the story of college graduate Princeton and introduces characters like Brian, Kate Monster, and Trekkie Monster. Performances are aimed at adults and are held at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets range from $15 to $35. Visit dunesARTS.org or call 219-879-7509 for tickets.

Meanwhile, Canterbury Summer Theatre offers “The Taffetas: A Musical Journey Through the Fabulous Fifties,” running through August 1. This nostalgic show features 40 hits from the 1950s, focusing on The Taffetas, a fictional girl group. Performances take place at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays at 807 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $11 for students and veterans. More information is available at www.canterburytheatre.org or by calling 219-874-4269.

Philip Potempa is a journalist, author, and radio host on WJOB 1230 AM. Contact him at [email protected].