Summer arts + music weekend in downtown Valparaiso!
Valparaiso Creative Council and Valparaiso Events are combining forces to produce this new FREE community arts event in Valparaiso, IN:
SAND + STEEL Art Fest 2026
Friday, June 26
through Sunday, June 28
Starting at Central Plaza – 68 Lafayette Street
Stretching to Valpo Creates Center – 256 Indiana Avenue
Named as a nod to the geography and industry of our county and region, SAND + STEEL Art Fest is a free, three-day celebration of local artistic creativity and talent.
SAND + STEEL Art Fest kicks off with a community concert featuring the South Shore Orchestra on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7pm at Central Park Plaza. The celebration continues with two days filled with art in all its forms, inviting visitors to explore the Valparaiso Creative District and experience work from more than fifty local artists across a wide range of fine art disciplines on on Saturday, June 27 from 9am-5pm and Sunday, June 28 from 10am-4pm. The seasonal Valparaiso Market, hosted by Valpo Parks, will be integrated into the event, adding even more local vendors to peruse. Throughout the weekend, attendees can also take part in interactive experiences including live music, theater, dance, performances, and hands-on create-and-take activities for all ages.
SAND + STEEL Art Fest will be steeped in the history and dynamic theme of our county’s natural sand dunes and steel industry, promising a unique experience of themed fusion between the two. This refined exhibit of local and regional artists will showcase an arrangement of talent for attendees to enjoy. It promises to layer immersive experiences, provide plenty of artwork to purchase, celebrate a wave of art activation, and engage attendees in fun SAND + STEEL Art Fest activities for families and audiences of all ages and abilities.
Valparaiso Creative Council is a non-profit organization of community leaders entrusted with developing the Creative District for Valparaiso, while Valparaiso Events is an established community engagement organization who consistently provides incredible festivals and events for our region. The partnership between both entities will extend a refreshing synergy and creative celebration of summer in downtown Valparaiso.
Interested in exhibiting?
Applications are open for art vendors to apply. Artwork must be original and made by the artist.
Interested in sponsoring?
We’re accepting sponsors for this highly-visible summer 2026 event. Please contact Jessica Corral at Valparaiso Creative Council or Tom Clifford at Valparaiso Events for availability.
PLATINUM $5,000
- Reserved Front Row Seating at South Shore Orchestra Concert (Friday, June 26)
- Opportunity to MC Main Stage
- Ad Space in Event Brochure
- Complimentary use of Valparaiso Creative Council Space (based on availability, some restrictions apply)
- Company Logo on: Event Signage, Marketing Materials & Website
- 10×20 Booth Set Up at Entire Event Series
GOLD $2,500 (6)
- Company Logo on: Event Signage, Marketing Materials & Website
- 10×10 Booth Set Up at Event on Saturday & Sunday
- Choice of Area Sponsorship:
- Live Artist (2)
- Youth Creative Corner (1)
- Create IT + Take IT Activity (1)
- Stage Performances (2)
SILVER $1,500 (4)
- Company Logo on: Event Signs, Event Signage, Marketing Materials & Website
- Choice of Area Sponsorship:
- Photobooth/Photo OP (2)
- Pop-Up Art Activation (2)
BRONZE $500
- Company Logo on: Event Signage, Marketing Materials & Website
Download the 2026 SAND + STEEL Art Fest Sponsorship Sheet
