Things to Do in Northwest Indiana | Weekend Agenda
Things to do in Northwest Indiana
11 things worth doing this Weekend in NWI
Thursday in Highland, IN: Fleetwood Gold | Fleetwood Mac Tribute
When: Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Where: Wicker Memorial Park, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 46322
Who: All ages, family-friendly event
What: The Wicker Memorial Park Summer Concert Series is back for another season and this week Fleetwood Gold is taking the stage for a night of incredible music under the stars. Grab your lawn chairs, round up your people, and come early to lock in a good spot at the Wicker Memorial Park Social Center. Good vibes, great music, and a perfect summer evening in Highland- it really doesn't get much better than this. See you there!
Details here.
All Week Long in Cedar Lake, IN: Make Chocolate Anytime at Morkes
When: Monday, July 2, 2026 through Monday, August 31, 2026 from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Daily, except Sundays)
Where: Morkes The Chocolate Shop, 13301 Lincoln Plaza Way, Cedar Lake, IN 46303
Who: All ages welcome
What: This one is as fun as it is delicious- get hands-on in the kitchen and craft your own chocolate suckers before dipping an assortment of tasty treats in milk or white chocolate. It's a sweet experience perfect for date nights, family outings, or a fun girls' day out. Available Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM, just make sure to book your reservation ahead of time. Fair warning, you will leave with chocolate on your hands and zero regrets!
Details here.
Thursday in Michigan City, IN: Yoga in the Gardens
When: Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Where: Friendship Botanic Gardens, 2055 East US Highway 12, Michigan City, IN 46361
Who: All ages welcome
What: There's truly no better way to start a Thursday morning than flowing through an outdoor yoga session surrounded by stunning gardens. Every Thursday from June through September, Friendship Botanic Gardens hosts an all-levels class at 9:30 AM for just $20- which covers both the class and full garden entry for the day. Bring your mat, bring your water, and come ready to slow down and soak it all in. Just keep an eye on the weather since sessions are weather dependent!
Details here.
Friday in Gary, IN: Elite Fight Night Punch-A-Palooza
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Where: Hard Rock Live, 5400 W. 29th Ave, Gary, IN 46406
Who: Adults 21+
What: Fight night is back and it's going to be an absolute banger- Elite Fight Night 30: Punch-A-Palooza brings top professional MMA prospects and rising amateur fighters together for a premier regional event you don't want to miss. Doors open at 6 PM and it's 21+ only, so leave the kids at home and come ready for a night of serious action. Grab your tickets now before they sell out- this one always draws a crowd!
Details here.
Friday in Michigan City, IN: Hyryder at Shoreline
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Where: Shoreline Brewery, 208 Wabash Street, Michigan City, IN 46360
Who: Adults 21+
What: Deadheads, this one's for you- HYRYDER is bringing the spirit of the Grateful Dead to life with their own Midwest energy, creativity, and improvisational jams that'll have you feeling like you're right there in the thick of it. This isn't just a tribute band going through the motions- HYRYDER puts their own electrifying spin on the music while honoring everything that made the Dead legendary. Come out, let loose, and let the music take you somewhere. See you there!
Details here.
Friday through Sunday in Crown Point, IN: Lake County Fair
When: Friday, August 7, 2026 through Sunday, August 16, 2026 (check website for daily times)
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S. Court St., Crown Point, IN 46307
Who: All ages welcome
What: The Lake County Fair is back and it's bringing everything you love about summer all under one roof- 30+ rides, horse shows, motorsports, contests, exhibits, and enough food to keep you snacking all day long. Two stages light up every night with free entertainment spanning gospel, rock, doo-wop oldies, and everything in between, so there's truly something for every member of the family. It's one of the Region's most beloved summer traditions and a must-do every single year. Check out the full schedule and pricing at lake-county-fair.com and plan your nights accordingly!
Details here.
Saturday in Hammond, IN: WHAM Midnight Bike Ride
When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Where: The PAV (The Pavilion at Wolf Lake), 2324 Calumet Avenue, Hammond, IN 46320
Who: All ages welcome
What: One of the Region's most unique summer traditions is back- the WHAM After Midnight Bike Ride rolls through Hammond, Whiting, Highland, and Munster on the night of August 8th into August 9th and it's an absolute blast. Choose between a scenic 10-mile route or go all in on the 30-mile long route that winds past Wolf Lake, Lake Michigan, George Lake, historic downtown Whiting and Hammond, Oil City Stadium, and Wicker Park. It all starts and ends at the iconic Wolf Lake Pavilion, and best of all- registration is completely free. Grab your two-wheeler, tricycle, or unicycle and come ride the night away!
Details here.
Sunday in Michigan City, IN: Wine & Jazz in the Gardens
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where: Friendship Botanic Gardens, 2055 East US Highway 12, Michigan City, IN 46361
Who: Adults 21+
What: This is the summer afternoon you didn't know you needed- curated wine selections, live jazz from Gerry Hundt and friends, local food trucks, and a gorgeous garden setting that makes everything feel a little more magical. Your $70 ticket includes wine and beer tastings, a personal charcuterie box, a souvenir tasting glass, and live music all afternoon long. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for optimal comfort, snap some pictures at the photo ops, and just soak it all in. It's 21+ and it's exactly the vibe- don't miss it!
Details here.
Sunday in Valpo, IN: Trading Card Show
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Porter County Fairgrounds, 215 E Division Rd, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Who: All ages welcome
What: Whether you're hunting for a rare Pokémon card, searching for that missing piece of your memorabilia collection, or just love browsing through 160 tables of cool stuff- this show has something for everyone. Sports cards, trading card games, collectibles, handmade items, and more all under one roof, completely free to attend with free parking to boot. Bring the whole family and come with your wish list ready. You never know what you'll find!
Details here.
Ongoing in NWI, IN: Farmers Markets
When: Select dates
Where: Throughout Northwest Indiana
Who: Everyone!
What: Looking for the best farmers markets in Northwest Indiana? From Crown Point and Valparaiso to Chesterton, Cedar Lake, Hobart, and Michigan City, these NWI farmers markets offer fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, flowers, local vendors, live music, and seasonal community events all summer and fall long.
Details here.
Ongoing in NWI, IN: Summer Festivals
When: Select dates
Where: Throughout Northwest Indiana
Who: Everyone!
What: Northwest Indiana knows how to do Summer. We're talking live music, local food, good people, and no shortage of reasons to get outside. This season, the whole region is showing up- from Cedar Lake, Crown Point, and Dyer to Valparaiso, Chesterton, Munster, and Michigan City. Here's every summer festival worth adding to your plans!
Details here.
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