Meraki Hospitality Group x Indiana Grown Presents Whole Hog Invitational
About this Event
Whole Hog Invitational | The Inaugural Table
Presented by Meraki Hospitality Group and Indiana Grown
Friday, October 9, 2026
5pm–10pm
Bulldog Park | Crown Point, Indiana
Crafted by Chefs. Rooted in the Land.
Join us for the inaugural Whole Hog Invitational, an open-air culinary competition celebrating Indiana agriculture, regional chefs, and the relationships that connect our farms, restaurants, and communities.
Five regional chef teams will compete by creating an original dish featuring heritage pork from Howe Farms alongside ingredients grown and produced throughout Indiana. Guests will sample every competition dish before casting their vote to crown the inaugural Whole Hog Champion.
Rooted in local terroir and the principles of whole-animal utilization, Whole Hog honors the people who grow our food, the chefs who transform it, and the shared table that connects them all.
A portion of event proceeds will benefit NWI No Child Hungry, helping provide sustainable solutions for children facing food insecurity throughout Northwest Indiana.
COMPETING CHEFS
Nick Idarraga
Ramen District | Crown Point, Indiana
Matt Stewart
Tavern on Main | Crown Point, Indiana
Blake Murray
Burn ’Em Brewing | Michigan City, Indiana
Jay Ruff
Lincoln & Wicker | Schererville, Indiana
Caesar Cicala
Bon Vie | Hobart, Indiana
WHAT YOUR TICKET INCLUDES
Come hungry. Stay for the whole night.
Your Whole Hog Invitational ticket is your pass to an entire evening of food, drinks, live entertainment and family fun at Bulldog Park.
FIVE CHEF COMPETITION TASTINGS
Taste dishes from five competing chef teams, each working with heritage pork from Howe Farms and ingredients grown and produced throughout Indiana. Sample every chef’s creation, then cast your vote to help crown the inaugural Whole Hog Champion.
FOOD TRUCKS — INCLUDED ALL NIGHT
And the food doesn’t stop with the competition.
Every ticket includes food from our participating food trucks throughout the evening:
Meraki Mobile
RedBarn SmokeHouse
Battista’s Artisan Pizza
Snowie NWI
No additional food purchase required—just bring your appetite.
TWO DRINK TICKETS
Every admission includes two drink tickets, redeemable for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
Additional beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event.
LIVE ON CENTER STAGE
DJ Arrested Sounds and Muncie’s Free Joel take center stage for an evening of live entertainment at Bulldog Park.
INDIANA GROWN FARMERS’ MARKET
Meet and shop directly from Indiana farmers, growers, producers, artisans and makers while discovering more of what’s grown, raised, harvested and made throughout our state.
FAMILY FUN
Bring your little piglets for plenty of kids' activities! Whole Hog includes two bounce houses and an inflatable carnival game, plus experiences from the City of Crown Point including its Mobile Sensory Hub, a police car, fire truck and more.
EAT LOCAL. GIVE LOCAL.
A portion of event proceeds will benefit NWI No Child Hungry.
Guests can also support the organization through a 50/50 raffle, and VIP ticket holders will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets for a special raffle featuring authentic items and experiences contributed by participating organizations.
ALL OF THIS. ONE TICKET.
General Admission starts at just $49.
Five chef competition tastings. Food trucks all night. Two drinks. Live entertainment. Indiana farmers and producers. Family activities. And one big night celebrating Indiana food, agriculture and community.
TICKET OPTIONS
GENERAL ADMISSION — $49
Available through October 5.
Includes:
• Event admission
• Five chef competition tastings
• Guest voting to crown the inaugural Whole Hog Champion
• Food from participating food trucks throughout the evening
• Two drink tickets redeemable for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages
• Indiana Grown Farmers’ Market
• DJ + live music from Indiana’s Free Joel
• Family activities
• Official Whole Hog Invitational swag bag
KIDS AGES 4–12 — $25
Available through October 5.
Includes:
• Event admission
• Five chef competition tastings
• Guest voting
• Food from participating food trucks throughout the evening
• Indiana Grown Farmers’ Market
• Live entertainment
• Family activities
KIDS AGES 3 & UNDER — FREE
A complimentary ticket is required for each child age 3 and under.
VIP WHOLE HOG EXPERIENCE — $99
Presented by Centier Bank
Limited Ticket Availability | 21+
Includes everything in General Admission, plus:
• Early event entry at 4 pm
• Priority tasting experience with a special luge shot, speciality dishes, and more
• Exclusive Whole Hog Experience with Steve Howe of Howe Farms and Chef Michael Lanzerotte
• Commemorative VIP gift
• Premium hospitality experience
• Exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets for our VIP raffle benefiting NWI No Child Hungry
LATE ADMISSION — $69
Available at the gate on October 9 while tickets remain.
Includes:
• Event admission
• Five chef competition tastings
• Guest voting
• Food from participating food trucks throughout the evening
• Two drink tickets redeemable for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages
• Indiana Grown Farmers’ Market
• DJ + live music from Indiana’s Free Joel
• Family activities
Event Partners
Presented by Indiana Grown
Indiana Grown, an initiative of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, serves as Presenting Partner for the Whole Hog Invitational, helping connect guests with the farmers, producers, artisans, and businesses that grow, raise, harvest, and make products across Indiana.
The Farm Behind the Table
Howe Farms is the farm behind this year's competition, providing the heritage pork that serves as the foundation of the culinary competition while helping connect guests with the people and practices behind Indiana agriculture. Together with Steve Howe, we're celebrating the relationships between farmers, chefs, and the communities they nourish.
Building Community Through Hospitality
Centier Bank joins Whole Hog Invitational as Stewardship Partner, supporting the event's commitment to hospitality, community engagement, and the shared experiences that bring people together around the table.
Founding Creative Partner
Katiko Creative serves as the Founding Creative Partner of Whole Hog Invitational, developing the visual identity that brings the inaugural event to life. Their creative partnership has established a brand designed to grow alongside the event and help build its recognition for years to come.
Feeding the Community
Level 10 Coatings and Diamond Peak Homes join the Whole Hog Invitational as Community Food Sponsors, helping make food from our participating food trucks available to guests throughout the evening as part of their admission. Their support adds even more to the experience while helping us bring our community together around great food and one shared table.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 107.32
