A Night of Country Music, Community & Connection
August 30, 2026 | Central Park Plaza | Valparaiso, Indiana
What started as another summer night of live country music in Northwest Indiana turned into something a little more special on August 30.
Hometown Jams brought Scotty McCreery to Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso for a night packed with country music, familiar favorites, new songs, big energy—and, perhaps most importantly, a reminder of what live music can do for a community.
From the opening notes to the final song, the crowd kept getting louder, the energy kept climbing, and Central Park Plaza felt like exactly where everyone wanted to be.
Kicking Off the Night with Local Talent
Before Scotty took the stage, the crowd got to experience two talented artists who helped set the tone for the evening.
First up was Ashlyn Ellis, an exciting local up-and-coming talent. Showcasing local artists is an important part of what makes Hometown Jams unique, and Ashlyn gave Northwest Indiana concertgoers a chance to discover an artist they may not have heard before.
Next was Trey Pendley, who brought his own sound to the stage following the recent release of his album, Signs of Life.
By the time the openers wrapped up, the crowd was ready.
And then it was time for Scotty.
Scotty McCreery Takes the Stage
Scotty McCreery opened his set with “I Need a Little You Time,” immediately kicking the night into gear.
From there, he delivered a setlist that gave fans a little bit of everything.
There were the songs longtime fans have loved for years, newer music, and plenty of throwbacks that had the crowd singing along. Scotty also performed his newer song “Bottle Rockets,” giving fans a taste of where his music is headed while still delivering the classic Scotty moments everyone came to hear.
And if there was one thing that was impossible to miss throughout the night, it was the energy.
The crowd was into it from the beginning—but as the night went on, that energy only continued to build.
By the later part of the show, Central Park Plaza was full of people singing, dancing, and soaking up every minute.
More Than a Concert: Giving Back to Northwest Indiana
For Hometown Jams, bringing great artists to Northwest Indiana is only part of the mission.
The organization also wants to be part of the communities where its shows take place.
After the devastating storms that recently impacted Northwest Indiana, many local families were left dealing with power outages, property damage, and the disruption that comes with a major storm.
So for the Scotty McCreery show, Hometown Jams made sure some of those community members had something to look forward to.
Hometown Jams donated 276 tickets to people who had been directly affected by the storms, giving local families the opportunity to step away from the stress for a night and enjoy live music together.
One of the most memorable moments came when Hometown Jams brought a family from all the way in the back of the lawn to the front VIP section.
That is the kind of moment that sticks with you.
Because concerts aren’t just about who is on stage. They’re about the people standing next to you, the memories you make with your family and friends, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.
A Night Worth Remembering
Scotty McCreery’s Valparaiso show was a perfect example of why live music matters.
It brought people together.
It gave fans a night to remember.
It gave local artists a platform.
And it gave Hometown Jams another opportunity to give back to the community that continues to show up for its concerts.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to Central Park Plaza and helped make the night what it was.
Whether you were singing every word, discovering a new favorite artist, dancing with your friends, or simply enjoying a summer night of live country music—we’re glad you were there.
And if you missed it?
Don’t worry. We’ve got more coming.
Don’t Miss the Next Hometown Jams Shows
The summer may be winding down, but Hometown Jams isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
🌙 Niko Moon — September 19
We’re heading to Bulldog Park in Crown Point on September 19 for a night with Niko Moon.
If you’re looking for a show that’s going to bring the party, this is one you don’t want to miss.
Ticket Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070064A53EFBBB91
🎸 Mitchell Tenpenny — September 27
Then on September 27, we’re back at Bulldog Park in Crown Point with Mitchell Tenpenny.
Two shows. Two incredible artists. Two more chances to make some memories.
Ticket Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070064D7E489786A
Tickets are on sale now, and you don’t want to be the person hearing about the show afterward wishing you’d gone.
Happy Labor Day Weekend from Hometown Jams
As we head into Labor Day weekend, we’re also taking a moment to recognize the people who keep our communities moving.
To everyone working hard this weekend—and to all the workers, families, small businesses, first responders, event crews, vendors, artists, and behind-the-scenes teams who make our communities and events possible: thank you.
We hope you get a chance to slow down, spend time with the people you love, and enjoy a little live music along the way.
From Valparaiso to Crown Point and beyond, we’re proud to bring live music to Northwest Indiana—and we’re just getting started.
We’ll see you at the next show.
Grab your tickets for Niko Moon on September 19 and Mitchell Tenpenny on September 27, both at Bulldog Park in Crown Point, and come make some memories with us.