Community Events and Theater Productions in Whiting and Michigan City

Whiting’s Pierogi Fest Returns

The 32nd edition of Whiting’s Pierogi Fest marks its return this weekend. Known for its unique offerings, the festival turns 119th Street in downtown Whiting into an attraction hub. Highlights include the Friday night Polka Parade, starting at Forsythe Park, featuring local favorites like the Lawnmower Brigade. The event also offers various types of pierogi, Eastern European cuisine, and musical performances. Saturday night will feature a free performance by the band Five for Fighting.

Sunday’s activities include the Pierogi Eating Contest and a Pierogi Toss Challenge. Visitors can meet Mr. Pierogi, Halupki Guy, Miss Paczki, and lively Buscias. For event details, visit www.pierogifest.net.

Family Arts Fest Hosted by South Shore Arts

This Sunday, the Family Arts Fest takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. South Shore Arts presents this event. Activities include live performances, balloon art, face painting, and a musical petting zoo. Food and drink options are available from Brew Box Coffee, Chi-Nuts, Island Ice Shaved Ice, and Tazones Food Truck.

New outdoor activities include slap graffiti, paper journal creation, and a creative play station. Admission is $5 per person. Visit southshoreartsonline.org or call 219-836-1839 for more information.

Avenue Q at Dunes Summer Theatre

The Dunes Arts Summer Theatre concludes its 75th season with “Avenue Q,” starting this weekend. The musical won the 2004 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical. Set in a rundown New York City apartment, the play mixes puppets and human actors to tackle adulthood and relationships with humor.

Directed by Danny Kapinos, the show runs through August 9 with performances at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets range from $15 to $35 and are available at dunesARTS.org or by calling 219-879-7509.

The Taffetas at Canterbury Summer Theatre

Canterbury Summer Theatre’s new show “The Taffetas: A Musical Journey Through the Fabulous Fifties” is ongoing through August 1. This production features 40 songs from the 1950s. The musical follows The Taffetas, a fictional girl group from Muncie, Indiana, as they prepare for “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $11 for students and veterans.

Performances occur at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For tickets and details, visit canterburytheatre.org or call 219-874-4269.