It’s one day only and now a popular ‘pop’ culture sensation fest celebrating year 46 this weekend. The 2025 Popcorn Festival in Valparaiso, launched in 1979 when led by the annual arrival of the late Orville Redenbacher, once again features a variety of fun activities and entertainment options appealing to all ages. After watching the Popcorn Parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, guests can explore more than 300 vendors lining the streets of downtown Valparaiso along with a Main Stage Music venue packed with performances, as well as a full music schedule at Central Park Plaza near “the Ultimate Poppin’ Play Zone” for young revelers and the always prime destination beer garden for older revelers. Visit www.valparaisoevents.com or call 219-464-8332 for updates on the festival, including fun facts about the 2025 Popcorn Festival theme “Popcorn Power” as well as vendor lists, maps, the Main Stage music lineup, parade information and more.
To chew on
Late August marked the 50th anniversary of the film premiere of “Jaws” released in 1975. A half-century celebration was held on Martha’s Vineyard, the filming location for the movie, last month, showcasing the premiere of a new documentary, screenings with live orchestras and reunions with islanders who participated in the film. “The Orca,” the famous boat from the movie, was even reconstructed and featured in the celebration. Locally, this weekend through Sept. 11 for the 50th anniversary special, there are screenings at most AMC Theatres, including Schererville, Emagine Theatre in Portage and other cinemas around Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. Go to www.fandango.com/jaws-50th-anniversary-2025-241002/movie-overview for times and locations.
She’s back
It was three years ago when funny Wanda Sykes sold out her performance at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, the same year she co-hosted the Oscars. She’s back this weekend on stage at the Hard Rock Live venue Saturday, Sept. 6, with doors open at 7 p.m. An Emmy-winning stand-up comic, writer, actor and producer, she received Emmy nominations for both her role as real-life comic “Moms Mabley” in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and for her voice work as “Gladys Murphy” in “Crank Yankers.”
She is now seen in season 4 of the Netflix comedy “The Upshaws,” which she is writing and starring in.
Tickets start at $52.50. This show is all reserved seating and only for ages 21 and up. Visit Ticketmaster at https://www.ticketmaster.com/wanda-sykes-please-thank-you-tour-gary-indiana-09-06-2025/event/05006265C8443702
Chairman Sinatra salute
Mayor Thomas M. McDermott and the Hammond Port Authority welcome the return of Sinatra Forever: A Salute to Frank Sinatra to The Pavilion at Wolf Lake at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Performing hits from Sinatra’s extensive repertoire and other standards from the Great American Songbook, singer Rick Michel and his 24-piece orchestra will transport audiences to a musical era of yesteryear. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and lawn chairs to set up in front of the Pavilion alongside Wolf Lake to enjoy this tribute to the big band and swing icon. Sinatra Forever: A Salute to Frank Sinatra is a free show as part of The Pavilion at Wolf Lake’s Summer Concert Series, with details found at www.wolflakepavilion.com.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and weekly radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.