July 7, 2026
VALPARAISO, Ind. — Relax under the open sky at Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, where five outdoor concerts will light up the 2026 Acorn Concert Series between July 17 and Sept. 25.
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, located just outside Valparaiso, Indiana, is gearing up for another lively summer as its family-friendly concert series returns with a lineup of rock and pop tribute favorites. The 2026 season features acclaimed bands celebrating the music of Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews, and Zach Bryan & Noah Kahan.
The series kicks off on the evening of July 17 with Second Hand News, an electrifying Fleetwood Mac tribute band known for capturing the energy and spirit of the original group. Four more concerts follow, filling the warm summer nights with music in the beautiful outdoor setting of the arboretum.
For more information on tickets, performers and the concert venue, visit pnw.edu/gabis-concerts.
The full 2026 Acorn Concert Series schedule includes:
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest’s Acorn Concert Series brings music, nature and community together in the arboretum’s picturesque natural setting. Every ticket supports the maintenance of over 300 acres of natural woodlands, wetlands and prairies, plus hands‑on education programs for all ages.
All concert start times are Central Daylight Time (CDT). Gates open one hour before showtime. Concerts will be held rain or shine. Individual tickets are $23 in advance, increasing to $28 the week of the concert for non-members. Children age 12 and under can attend for free but must attend with a paying adult. Event parking is free but limited. Special member and season ticket pricing is available, including VIP season tickets that are on sale through July 17.
Local food vendors will be on-site selling alcoholic beverages and food. No outside alcohol is permitted (coolers and personal items are subject to search). Friendly dogs on leash are permitted. Concert attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
Visit pnw.edu/gabis-concerts for more information.
About Purdue University Northwest
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW is recognized as a FirstGen Forward Network Champion and an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development. For more information, visit pnw.edu.