Of Notoriety: Pierogi Fest, Five for Fighting and Jeff Dunham entertain this weekend
Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, 63, returns to the Hammond Horseshoe Casino to play The Venue stage space with his trunk of talented friends. Dubbed his 'Artificial Intelligence' 2025 tour, Dunham and his puppet pals like grouchy Walter, excitable green creature Peanut and rural favorite Bubba J have one performance at 8 p.m. Friday, July 25 on The Venue stage at 777 Casino Center Drive in Hammond. Tickets are $49 and available by calling 866-711-7463 or go to caesars.com/horseshoe-hammond/shows.
It's the final weekend of the 2025 Porter County Fair with smash-up entertainment taking over the grandstand arena. At 7 p.m. Friday, July 25, it's 'The Night of Destruction Demo Derby.' Vehicles of all designs crash into one another to see which can outlast the other. Various categories include: Regular Demolition Derby (Cars), Trucks and Vans, Figure 8 specialty course and Kids Power Wheels. Noise and smoke add to the excitement. Check out 'Demolition Derby & Drag Racing' on the website to review the rules and get involved. At 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 'Sanberg's Towing School Bus and Farm Combine Derby' is in the spectator spotlight as retired buses are pitted against farm combines with daredevil twists on the mud track in a race to win. Tickets are the same for both nights, free parking but $10 fair gate admission plus $18 for adult grandstand arena tickets and $12 for children under age 12 FYI: www.portercountyfair.com or 219-462-0321.
The Gary Shakespeare Company is excited to announce their summer production of William Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure,' directed by Stephanie Naumoff, will have one indoor performance at Beatniks On Conkey from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, July 27. Performance space is at 420 Conkey St. in Hammond. More details are at https://www.beatniksonconkey.com/shakes25.html or call or text 219-852-0848 for reservations. Seating is limited. Reservations are strongly suggested. Gary Shakespeare Company was founded in 2013 by a group of Shakespeare enthusiasts who believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience a live performance of Shakespeare's works, with a mission 'to enrich the public spaces of Northwest Indiana with passionate, vivid performances that reflect and include our communities.'
Sons of Chicago bring their tribute to rock 'n' roll legends Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger to Theatre at the Center at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster. Playing deep cuts and top hits from both artists alike, songs like 'Born in the USA' and 'Old Time Rock 'n' Roll' will delight audiences. Tickets are $40, with doors opening at 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.theatreatthecenter.com or call the box office at 219-836-3255.
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