The Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana welcomes the community to 2026 Parade of Homes

From September 18-27, the community is invited out to the Stonebridge Subdivision, a growing neighborhood just outside of the heart of Valparaiso for an exciting Parade of Homes. Brought together by the Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana, partners, sponsors, and industry professionals, the Parade of Homes offers ten unforgettable days of touring seven different luxury homes, mingling with the craftsmen behind the builds and experiencing what local industry professionals in the area have to offer.

The Homebuilders Association of Northwest Indiana (HBANWI) is a nonprofit trade association that represents nearly 170 members, and they’re growing daily. Governed by an elected board of directors, the nonprofit is dedicated to a unified approach in development, serving as a powerful voice in shaping local housing policies and fostering strong networking opportunities throughout the region. These networking opportunities extend beyond industry professionals, and carry out into the community as HBANWI aims to support current and future residents.

“The Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana wants to make sure that we’re there to support everyone so they can embrace the great American dream of home ownership,” said Jennifer Young, executive officer for the Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana. “That comes in the form of supporting our professionals, supporting our community, and advocating for fair housing for all, regardless of financial status.”

The HBANWI aims to combat the housing crisis, and supporting the community through connecting residents with experts is an effective way to start. During the Parade of Homes, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to meet with builders, contractors, realtors and fellow hopeful homeowners while browsing seven unique homes.

The Parade of Homes is a walkable tour in the developing Stoneridge Subdivision of seven luxury homes from seven different custom builders, each using their own design style and cutting edge practices. Being able to thoroughly explore newly built homes is also a wonderful chance to gain new ideas, insights to the building process, and to take a look at current trends.

“The people that are coming are able to walk through these beautiful homes and get ideas, it’s really an experience,” Young said.

Tickets are available online and upon entry. Monday through Thursday, attendees will have the opportunity to take a walk through the parade at half price. As for seniors, veterans and other military personnel, HBANWI welcomes them in for free, unless they would like to make a donation, as all proceeds made during the Parade of Homes go toward good causes.

The HBANWI is dedicated to giving back in all ways — funds gathered from the parade will go to Habitat for Humanity Northwest Indiana, Habitat for Humanity Porter County, and towards derecho relief efforts, primarily for Porter County.

After a ticket is secured, attendees will have the chance to take a stroll through the new homes, exploring and mingling with one another, and even have a chat with the builders if they would like. The goal is not only to show off the talented industry members in the area, but to inspire and give tour-goers an idea of their own future.

“We hope that it shows truly that Northwest Indiana is the destination to be,” Young said. “Are you ready to make your home your dream home, or maybe you’re already in it, and there’s some ideas you want to tweak. Maybe you never understood what goes into building a home, or the whole process. We hope that it’s eye opening and something other folks can appreciate as much as they do.”

This year’s Parade of Homes is brought to the next level by new highlights added throughout the ten days. While some of the excitement is for the industry professionals, there is plenty to go around for the community to enjoy, and a chance for attendees to be part of the parade in more ways than attending, as, after touring a home, parade-goers can scan a QR code and place their vote for a home to be awarded the title of People’s Choice.

At the end of the parade, there will also be hanging signs to give information about each builder to allow attendees to take in the information at a slower pace.

“You’re like, ‘What was that? What were they thinking? I wonder what’s behind that company or their culture, their style,’” Young said. “Attendees can learn more about the builder right there. It’s like a little art gallery, a pop-up.”

Adding to the appreciation for members of the community who join the parade, starting on Friday and going into the weekend, there will be food trucks, live entertainment, and even a beer garden.

The Parade of Homes is for everyone. HBANWI is aware of the current housing crisis, and wants to be sensitive to the needs of the Hoosiers it serves.

“I think there’s a misconception when people are seeing beautiful, million-dollar homes, that it’s definitely not scalable for anything they can afford – which is beyond the truth,” Young said. “All of these custom builders are local residents. Their kids go to school with your kids. We all serve together at different organizations in the community. If you’re looking for customized homes to suit your situation, these builders are scalable.”

For an attendee taking a look through the Parade of Homes for the first time, Young recommends coming with an open mind.

“You might think, ‘There’s no way I could ever afford these. Why am I even looking at them? This isn’t in my price range right now,’” Young said. “That’s not it. This is about understanding different styles, trends, design, and seeing what makes a house a home.”

The HBANWI is excited to see the community come out to enjoy an expanding section of Valpo, and are looking forward to hearing feedback from everyone in attendance.

“We’re excited to get the feedback from others and truly see the beautiful craftsmanship that’s gone into bringing these homes to life. It’s not just one person. When we say it takes a village, that’s for every home,” Young said. “There are so many different facets that go into making a home come to life. So many different intricacies in real estate. We’re really excited to bring everybody together.”

Everyone deserves the perfect forever home, and the HBANWI team hopes that anyone dropping by will find theirs; whether that be through the parade giving future homeowners an idea, from Habitat for Humanity gaining more funds to further assist the Region, or purchasing a home shown in the parade, HBANWI is here to help.

To learn more about the Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana, visit its website at hbanwi.com.

For more information on the Parade of Homes, visit paradeofhomesnwi.com.