Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly, free one-day event held annually in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana, celebrating the city’s popcorn heritage linked to Orville Redenbacher. The 46th edition takes place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a lively Popcorn Parade starting at 10:00 a.m. and a wide range of activities throughout the day.

Festival Atmosphere and Location:
Set in the heart of downtown Valparaiso, the festival decorates the city streets with more than 350 vendors offering arts, crafts, and food. Central Park Plaza serves as the main hub with live music performances on the main stage, creating a fun and festive vibe for all ages. The event is accessible for handicapped visitors. The atmosphere is bustling with colorful floats in the parade, spirited music, and the aroma of popcorn and various food offerings.

Key Activities & Attractions:

• Popcorn Parade: The nation's second oldest popcorn-themed parade features creatively designed floats that integrate popcorn in their themes; it begins at 10:00 a.m. along Morgan Blvd., Lincolnway, and Campbell St. This year’s theme is “Camp Popcorn,” evoking nostalgic, fun summer camp vibes.
• Vendor Fair: Over 350 booths line the downtown streets selling food, crafts, and fine art from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Ultimate Poppin’ Play Zone: A special area dedicated to children’s rides and games, ensuring family fun.
• Popcorn Panic 5K Walk/Run: An energetic 5-mile/5-kilometer event for fitness enthusiasts, plus a kiddie run called the Lit'l Kernel Puff.
• Live Music: Two stages, including the Main Stage at Central Park Plaza’s Northwest Health Amphitheater, hosting a lineup of live band performances from noon until the festival closes at 6:30 p.m. Specific music acts are announced closer to the event.
• Beer Garden: A beer tent available catering to adult attendees.
• Popcorn Queen Crowning: Traditional ceremonial event recognising the festival’s youth ambassador.

Rough Schedule (September 6, 2025):

• 8:00 a.m.: Festival opens with vendors and play zone active.
• 10:00 a.m.: Popcorn Parade starts.
• 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Live musical performances on main stage.
• 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Food booths and craft vendors open all day.
• Throughout the day: Popcorn Panic 5K and kid runs occur (specific start times announced closer to event).

Event History and Origins:
The festival was founded in 1979 to honor Orville Redenbacher, a resident of Valparaiso and pioneer of the famous gourmet popcorn hybrid bearing his name. The inaugural event featured approximately 40,000 attendees, including a popcorn-themed parade, a hot-air balloon, and a “Popcorn Bowl” football game. Since then, it has grown into a major annual celebration keeping alive Redenbacher’s legacy. The festival was canceled only once in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[4]

Pre-Festival Activities:
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, the festival weekend kicks off with a concert from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Central Park Plaza featuring the band Small Town, setting a festive tone for the upcoming main events.[5]

This longstanding tradition offers a lively, community-centered experience that combines Valparaiso’s historic association with popcorn, family entertainment, arts, and local culture for a festive Midwest celebration.