Things to Do in Northwest Indiana | Weekend Agenda
Things to do in Northwest Indiana
16 things worth doing this Weekend in NWI
Thursday in Valpo, IN: Halfway to St Patrick's Day Bash
When: Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: Journeyman - The American Factory, 258 S. Campbell, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Who: Adults 21+
What: Sláinte! Journeyman is trading tartans for shamrocks for one very special evening- the Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Celebration presented by Journeyman and Authentic Irish Tours is bringing the full Emerald Isle experience to Valparaiso. Irish dancers, a live bagpiping band, Guinness on draft, Irish food specials, and a closing performance by the CrawpU2ppies featuring the music of U2 make for a night that's equal parts festive and unforgettable. Martin Hughes from Authentic Irish Tours will also be on hand to share how you can experience the real Ireland firsthand. For one night, the cliffs of Ireland come to NWI- and we are absolutely here for it!
Details here.
Thursday in Michigan City, IN: Yoga in the Gardens
When: Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Where: Friendship Botanic Gardens, 2055 East US Highway 12, Michigan City, IN 46361
Who: All ages welcome
What: Soak up the last of the season's warmth with an outdoor yoga class surrounded by the stunning beauty of Friendship Botanic Gardens every Thursday morning at 9:30 AM through September. All levels are welcome and your $20 covers both the class and full garden entry for the day- a pretty incredible deal for a pretty incredible morning. Bring your mat, bring your water, and come breathe in the beauty before fall takes over. Weather dependent, so keep an eye on the forecast!
Details here.
Friday in St John, IN: Yin Yoga
When: Friday, September 18, 2026 from 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM
Where: Now Yoga Club, 8255 Wicker Avenue Saint John, IN, 46373
Who: All ages welcome
What: Yin Yoga uses long holds in a more passive practice to deeply stretch the body and to slow the mind. Spending several minutes in postures allows the body to soften and relax into a slow, deep stretch. It gives time for the practitioner to become acutely aware of the mind, breath, and physical sensations. Yin is ideal for anyone wishing to gain deeper flexibility, as well as for those yogis wanting to turn inwards and cultivate mindfulness. It is a great balance to active (“yang”) physical practices and to fast-paced, busy lives. Yin postures often involve the hips, legs, and back, so everyone from vinyasa yogis to runners to chronic desk sitters can appreciate this practice.
Details here.
Friday in Hammond, IN: Rico! at The PAV
When: Friday, September 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Where: The PAV (The Pavilion at Wolf Lake), 2324 Calumet Avenue, Hammond, IN 46320
Who: All ages welcome
What: Get ready for a musical experience unlike anything else this fall- Rico! returns to the Pavilion at Wolf Lake on September 18th for a completely free show that will move you body and soul. This incredibly talented band blends afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, funk, soul, reggae, and hip-hop into a rich, fiery sound powered by bass, congas, percussion, timbales, keyboards, guitar, and pure passion. It's the kind of performance that brings people together and reminds you why live music is so special. Free admission, waterfront setting, and Rico! on stage- do not miss this one!
Details here.
Friday & Saturday in Schererville, IN: Schererville Street Fest
When: Friday, September 18, 2026 & Saturday, September 19, 2026 (Check website for daily times)
Where: Town of Schererville, 10 E. Joliet St., Schererville, IN 46375
Who: All ages welcome
What: Downtown Schererville is taking over Joliet Street for a full weekend of live music, great food, cold beer, and community vibes that you won't want to miss. The music lineup is stacked across both days- Friday brings South of 30 and Recaptured, while Saturday features BLT, Don Baron & ALTRAWAVE, and The Breakfast Club closing out the night from 8:30 to 11:30 PM. Local business booths, food vendors, and an incredible street festival atmosphere round out the full experience. It's Schererville at its best- come out and make a whole weekend of it!
Details here.
Saturday in Valpo, IN: 10th Annual Art Blitz Festival
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Art Barn School of Art, 695 North 400 East, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Who: All ages welcome
What: Art Barn's biggest celebration of the year is back for its 10th anniversary and it is packed- hands-on art activities, artist demos, exhibits, hayrides, live music, great food, a sunflower cut, a scavenger hunt, and a brand new art supply sale all in one creative, inspired day. It's the kind of event that gets everyone's creative juices flowing, from the littlest artists to the most seasoned ones, and the community energy is unlike anything else. A decade of Art Blitz and it just keeps getting better- don't miss this one!
Details here.
Saturday in Merrillville, IN: Hispanic Heritage Craft and Vendor Market
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Where: Southlake Mall, 2109 Southlake Mall, Merrillville, IN 46410
Who: All ages welcome
What: Hometown Vendor Market hosts amazing indoor and outdoor vendor markets that bring together local, independent businesses and merchants that specialize in food, drinks, jewelry, handmade crafts, home decor, fashion, art, wellness, design, and so much more! Check out this Hometown Vendor Market the weekend of September 19 - 20, 2026!
Details here.
Saturday in Crown Point, IN: Craft & Farmers Market at Apple Blossom Trails
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Apple Blossom Trails, 5507 E. State Road 231, Crown Point, IN 46307
Who: All ages welcome
What: One of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning is right here- Apple Blossom Trails is hosting their Craft & Farmers Market on August 22nd from 9 AM to 2 PM with dozens of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, homemade crafts, and food truck favorites. Tractor rides and a petting zoo make it a perfect family outing that the kids will be talking about all week. Come early for the best picks from the vendors and stay to soak up all the farm fun. A perfect late summer Saturday!
Details here.
Saturday in Highland, IN: Mrs. Roper’s Romp Thrift Crawl
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: America's Antique Mall, 8311 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 46322
Who: All ages welcome
What: This is not your average thrift sale- Helen's Birthday Romp is the most groovy, over-the-top, ridiculously fun shopping event of the year and you need to be there. Pull out your boldest prints, biggest earrings, and best Roper attitude because costumes mean extra raffle entries and the staff will be snapping photos at checkout when the wigs come out. Hunt for your best Helen finds, play 3's Company Walking Bingo for bonus raffle entries, and bring your two favorite Helens because three's always company. Stickers, swag, and pure chaotic thrift energy await- come knock on the door!
Details here.
Saturday in Chesterton, IN: Oktoberfest at Running Vines
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Where: Running Vines Winery, 101 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304
Who: Adults 21+
What: Prost! Running Vines is going full Oktoberfest on September 19th and it sounds like an absolute blast- German beer specials, authentic German food, live music from Deutsch Meisters from 12 to 3 PM, and Stein Hoisting Competitions at 1, 3, 5, and 7 PM for those brave enough to compete. Pull out your lederhosen, round up your crew, and come celebrate the best of fall in the most fun way possible. Whether you're gunning for the stein-hoisting title or just there for the vibes, this is the perfect September Saturday. Raise a glass and we'll see you there!
Details here.
Saturday in Munster, IN: Paws in the Park
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Community Park, 8601 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN 46321
Who: All ages welcome
What: Grab your leash and bring your best furry friend because Paws in the Park is back for a day of dogs, good vibes, and giving back to animals in need across NWI. The annual festival features a dog-friendly 1-mile walk, the "WestMunster" Doggy Fashion Show where your pup can compete for prizes, a vendor market, food trucks, a 3 Floyds beer garden, live music, raffle prizes, and family fun for all ages. Every dollar raised goes directly toward Humane Indiana's shelter, pet food pantry, veterinary care, and foster care programs. Dress your dog up, show up, and help make a difference for shelter pets in Northwest Indiana!
Details here.
Saturday & Sunday in Hobart, IN: Johnson's Sunflower Festival
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026 & Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: Johnson's Farm Produce, Inc., 8960 E. Ridge Rd., Hobart, IN 46342
Who: All ages welcome
What: Fall is here and Johnson's sunflower patch is absolutely delivering the wow factor this season- think endless rows of gorgeous blooms just waiting to be picked and photographed. Wander through the zinnia field too for even more color and photo ops, then stick around for seasonal treats and Fun Farm activities that make it a full family day out. Check Johnson's social media before you head out to find out when the patches are at their peak. Warning- you will take approximately one thousand pictures and we fully support that!
Details here.
Sunday in Valpo, IN: Four Corners Winery 5th Annual Food Truck Festival
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Four Corners Winery and Wedding Venue, 294 East 600 North, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Who: All ages welcome
What: Five years in and this one just keeps getting better- Four Corners Winery's Annual Food Truck Festival is back on September 20th from 11 AM to 5 PM and it's completely free to attend. The food truck lineup is stacked with The Dogghouse, Ely's Pierogies, Sizzlebox, Tocayos, and Crumbles A Bake Shop, with live music from Jason Murphy and David Hagenow keeping the energy going all day long. Sip your favorite Four Corners wines and wine slushies, browse the artisan vendor market, and soak up one of the best Sunday afternoons of the fall season. Free admission, amazing food, great wine, and live music- this one is a no-brainer!
Details here.
Sunday in Valpo, IN: World Cultural Festival
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Where: Central Park Plaza, 68 Lafayette St, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Who: All ages welcome
What: One of the most meaningful events of the fall season is back- the Valparaiso International Center's World Cultural Festival brings the beauty of global cultures to Central Park Plaza for a day of live performances, international cuisine, kids' activities, and community connection. The Parade of Nations is always a highlight, with attendees decked out in traditional attire and carrying flags representing their heritage from all corners of the world. It's a family-friendly, inclusive celebration that reminds us just how rich and diverse our NWI community truly is. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to experience the world right here in Valpo!
Details here.
Sunday in Crown Point, IN: NWI Women’s Festival
When: Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: Bulldog Park, 183 S West St, Crown Point, IN 46307
Who: Adults recommended
What: Get ready for 4 hours of movement, connection, and community at Bulldog Park- a crisp afternoon to move your body, breathe deep, and celebrate two years of community together. We're flowing through yoga, pilates, dance, and a women's circle, then closing it out with a Sound Bath, emceed by Buffy Adams, YOUR Official Hope Dealer. Plus brand activations, giveaways, and treats- because you deserve to be celebrated too.
Details here.
All Month Long in NWI, IN: Fall Festivals
When: All season long throughout Northwest Indiana
Where: NWI
Who: Everyone!
What: Northwest Indiana knows how to do Fall. We're talking crisp air, warm cider, harvest flavors, and every reason to get outside before the season slips away. This fall, the whole region is showing out- from Valparaiso, Chesterton, and Portage to Crown Point, Munster, and Michigan City. Here's every fall festival worth adding to your plans!
Details here.
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