5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Of Notoriety: Pierogi Fest, Five for Fighting and Jeff Dunham entertain this weekend
Whiting's Pierogi Fest, billed as one of the country's 'wackiest festivals,' returns to region spotlight this weekend in its 31st edition. All of the favorite attractions and characters transform 119th Street in downtown Whiting as crowds immerse in the highlights like Friday night's annual Polka Parade with eccentric perennial participants such as the Lawnmower Brigade as the finale unit as the marchers start at Forsythe Park, along the lure of assorted pierogi and other Eastern European food delights from vendors, live music, including the Saturday night free stage showcase band Five for Fighting. Not to be missed on Sunday are the Pierogi Eating Contest and a Pierogi Toss Challenge. Guests are greeted by characters such as the signature mascot Mr. Pierogi and delicious pals Halupki Guy, Miss Paczki, and the ever-entertaining Buscias holding court with silly fun for all. The 2025 edition of the fest marks the final year with Tom Dabertin as fest chair after 31 years watching the event grow from the start as one of its co-founders. For a full schedule of events, visit
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
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: 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 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 or call the box office at 219-836-3255.
