Upcoming Events and Music Festivals in Northwest Indiana

Trippin’ Billies Concert at Gabis Arboretum

Since the mid-1990s, Trippin’ Billies has been a prominent Dave Matthews Band tribute, known for their extensive touring. They will perform at 6 p.m. on Friday as part of the Acorn Concert Series at Gabis Arboretum, located at 450 West 100 North in Valparaiso. This event is hosted by Purdue Northwest.

General admission tickets are priced starting at $23. For ticket purchases or further details, you can call 219-462-0025 or visit www.pnw.edu/gabis-arboretum. The concert series commenced on July 16 and continues regardless of weather. Children aged 12 and below enter for free with a paying adult. Parking is complimentary.

Rock ‘n’ Rail Festival in Griffith

The 17th Annual Rock ‘n’ Rail Festival in Griffith stretches over two city blocks, offering a family-friendly atmosphere. The event started on Thursday and runs through Sunday, featuring live music, vendor booths, food, and games along Broad Street from 2 p.m. to midnight daily.

Attendees can enjoy performances by Jim Bulanda, Rumours Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, and Kasmir, a Led Zeppelin tribute, among other acts. Over 40 vendors are present, providing a varied festival experience. For more details, visit www.griffith.in.gov or call 219-924-7500.

65th Annual Steam and Power Show in Hesston

The Hesston Steam Museum, situated at 1201 E. 1000 N. in LaPorte, hosts the annual Labor Day Weekend Steam and Power Show from Friday to Monday. The event celebrates antique farm machinery, offers train rides on vintage tracks, and features festival food and merchandise shopping.

Admission is $10, with additional fees for train rides. Entry is free for children under 13. Activities span from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visit www.hesston.org or call 219-778-2783 for further details.

Whiting Symphony Orchestra’s Lakefront Concert

Founded in 1994, the Whiting Symphony Orchestra concludes its Summer with the Symphony concert series with a free performance on Sunday. The concert occurs from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Lakefront Park in Whiting and ends with a fireworks display.

Parking is available for $10. The orchestra draws audiences from Northwest Indiana and Chicago, supported by local sponsors and donations. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs. More information is available at www.whitingparkfestivalorchestra.com.

For inquiries, journalist and author Philip Potempa can be contacted at [email protected].