This weekend, Hard Rock Cafe in Gary kicks off its annual World Burger Tour competition in celebration of Hard Rock’s international birthday. Hard Rock Cafe chefs from around the globe are competing in a challenge to showcase their unique burger creations highlighted for a limited time on menus, presenting ingredient elements from their regional cultures and personal tastes and themes. The innovative recipes are now available through Aug. 4 for guests to try, compare and vote, including the Gary location’s own “Crossroads Burger” at Hard Rock Cafe Northern Indiana developed by Chef Ivan. The burger boasts two “smashed and stacked” burgers, crispy pork shoulder, pepper jack cheese, house-fried pickles, charred onions and garlic ranch aioli. Chef Ivan’s dream burger, priced at $19.95, is competing against the offering from Hard Rock Cafe Rome which touts a “Lasagna Burger with Ragu Bolognese and bechamel,” as contrasted with the Atlantic City Hard Rock property’s “Jersey Shore Burger” that has a house-made blueberry maple aioli and provolone cheese. This year’s competition marks the first time the Gary location is included in the finals. Based on an equation of judges’ scoring and sales performance, the top five burger recipes will be selected and announced later this summer. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is at 5400 West 29th Ave. in Gary with more information at https://casino.hardrock.com/northern-indiana.

An unlikely Irish romance

An unneighborly grudge between families can take a long time to “mend fences.” It’s a deliciously dark and moving storyline, seasoned with humor, opening this weekend at Dunes Summer Theatre. “Outside Mullingar,” opening June 27 and playing until July 13, is a dark comedy by Irish playwright John Patrick Shanley, playwright for “Doubt.” Set in rural Ireland, Shanley’s clever yarn focuses on the unlikely romance between Anthony and Rosemary, longtime neighbors who explore the fine line between love and hate. It’s being directed by Michael Lasswell and stars Peter Gertas, Morgan McCabe, Robert Reidy and Danielle Bilderback on the Dunes Summer Theatre historic stage, 288 Shady Oak Drive in Michigan City, continuing the venue’s 74th anniversary season. Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $30 to $35 for all general seating and available at www.dunesarts.org or call 219-879-7509.

Iconic Patsy Cline

Direct from Las Vegas, Amberley Beatty becomes the legendary first lady of country and western crossover into pop music, stepping into the boots and identity of Patsy Cline for her first time on the Theatre at the Center stage, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster, for a 3 p.m. Sunday, June 29 tribute concert. Whether dressed in classic Western attire or elegant evening gowns, Amberley captures the sultry and timeless sound of the legendary singer as audiences join a mesmerizing journey through Patsy Cline’s greatest hits, including “I Fall to Pieces,” “She’s Got You,” “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Sweet Dreams” and the hauntingly beautiful “Faded Love.” Tickets are $40 at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com or 219-836-3255, and there is the option of a four-course pre-concert dinner in the ballroom with a Patsy Cline-themed menu for an additional $30, with reservations required at 219-836-1930 Ext. 2.

A Grateful concert

Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. and the Hammond Port Authority are hosting the return of Hyryder to The Pavilion at Wolf Lake 7 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Hyryder ranks as one of the Midwest’s premier Grateful Dead tribute bands and has been captivating audiences with their riveting live performances since 2008, with a quest to keep the Dead’s music alive, and they carry this torch with distinction. It’s billed as an immersive live performance to transport audiences to enjoy the legendary songs and showmanship established by the late Jerry Garcia. Hyryder is a free show as part of The Pavilion at Wolf Lake’s Summer Concert Series with details at www.wolflakepavilion.com.

Street food fest

It’s a mouthwatering celebration of flavors, aromas and culinary creativity in Munster this weekend for the Region Eats Food Festival from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Centennial Park, 1005 S. Centennial Drive in Munster. In addition to food trucks and vendors, guests enjoy live music by the Nick Danger Band, and there is also a beer garden. More than 15 food trucks will be on site side-by-side with traditional tent vendors. No tickets to purchase for admission. All food and beverages are sold directly from the vendors. Centennial Park is a pay-to-park facility priced at $2 an hour or $5 a day. There are three kiosks at the park to pay for parking near the shelters, stage and clubhouse.

Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and weekly radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.