Things to do in Northwest Indiana
11 things worth doing this Weekend in NWI
Thursday in Cedar Lake, IN: The Woodford Reserve Derby Dinner
When: Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Lighthouse Restaurant, 7501 Constitution Ave., Cedar Lake, IN 46303
Who: Adults 21+
What: If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up and do something different, this Derby Dinner at Lighthouse is it. Expect a five-course, chef-curated meal paired with Woodford Reserve bourbons, all set against a lakeside backdrop with serious Kentucky Derby vibes. Come dressed in your best trackside look: think bold hats, spring dresses, and sharp suits- for a chance to win Best Dressed. It’s a one-night-only experience built around great food, good bourbon, and a little friendly competition.
Details here.
Friday in Hammond, IN: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
When: Friday, May 1, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Avenue, Hammond, IN 46320
Who: All ages welcome, family-friendly event
What: Head to the Hammond Civic Center for the 21st Annual Cinco De Mayo Fiesta and kick off the celebration with food, music, and culture. Enjoy a meal from El Gran Taco Mexican Grill while taking in a live performance by Ballet Folklórico Yolotzin. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for kids under 12, with food included and a cash-only bar available. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the holiday together. For more information or to buy tickets, please contact Special Events at: 219-853-6378.
Details here.
Saturday in Munster, IN: 28th Annual Munster Car Show
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Community Park, 8601 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321
Who: All ages welcome
What: If you love cars, this is the kind of day you don’t want to miss. The 28th Annual Car Show brings a full lineup of classic cars, trucks, and standout builds to Community Park, with awards for top entries and crowd favorites. Whether you’re entering your own vehicle or just coming to walk the show, there’s plenty to check out with vendors, crafts, and food throughout the day. Entry pre-registration $20. Entry on-site $25 (if space is available). Entry grass area $10 (will not be judged).
Details here.
Saturday in Valpo, IN: Railway Garden Opening
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, 450 West 100 North, Valparaiso, IN 46385
Who: All ages welcome
What: This is such a fun way to kick off the season. Head to Gabis for the Railway Garden Opening Event and explore a two-acre display of G-gauge miniature trains bringing railroad history to life. You can catch the trains running throughout the day, hop on a guided tour, and take part in a scavenger hunt around the property. There’s also plenty to do for all ages, from live animal encounters and crafts to browsing local art and stopping by the gift shop.
Details here.
Saturday in Valpo, IN: Chocolate Walk
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Where: City of Valparaiso, 166 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Who: All ages welcome, family-friendly event
What: If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this one’s calling your name. The Chocolate Walk in Downtown Valpo is the perfect excuse to stroll, snack, and sample decadent treats from local spots all along the way. Grab your friends and make a day of it- whether you’re celebrating early for Mother’s Day or just looking for something fun to do. Tickets are only required if you want to receive treats at official stops, so sharing with your group is totally fair game.
Details here.
Saturday in Chesterton, IN: Chesterton European Market
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Thomas Centennial Park, 220 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304
Who: All ages, family-friendly event
What: If you’re looking for a go-to weekend plan, the Chesterton European Market is it. Every Saturday from May through October, downtown Chesterton fills up with local vendors, fresh food, handmade goods, and live music. You can wander through stands of baked goods, produce, art, and more while enjoying the atmosphere right by Thomas Centennial Park. It’s an easy, laid-back way to spend your morning and support local at the same time.
Details here.
Saturday in Porter, IN: 1966 Hiking Challenge at the Dunes
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Where: Locations Vary, Porter, IN 46304
Who: All ages welcome, family-friendly
What: If you’ve been wanting to explore more of the Indiana Dunes, this is your sign. The 1966 Hiking Challenge takes you across 19 trails and 66 miles, with weekly ranger-led hikes every Saturday at 8 AM from May through September. Each hike highlights a different part of the park, with distances ranging from easy to more challenging. Complete the full series and you’ll earn a commemorative sticker- but you can also go at your own pace and check them off whenever you’re ready. For questions, call the Visitor Center at 219-395-1882.
Details here.
Saturday in Merrillville, IN: Cinco de Mayo Celebration
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Where: 2109 Southlake Mall, Merrillville, IN 46410
Who: All ages
What: Join us on May 2nd for a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and creativity! Enjoy a lively performance by the Hammond School Mariachi Choir Los Panteras, along with a beautiful Folklórico dance performance by Yolotzin that brings tradition to life. Families can also join in the fun at our children’s craft station, featuring sun mask decorating, tissue paper flower making, and wooden alebrije painting. Bring your friends and family and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with color, culture, and community at Southlake Mall!
Details here.
Saturday & Sunday in Crown Point, IN: Shipshewana on the Road
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM & Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 857 Lake St, Crown Point, IN 46307
Who: All ages welcome, family-friendly event
What: If you love finding unique pieces, this is the kind of event you can easily spend hours at. Shipshewana On The Road brings together a huge variety of vendors with everything from handmade goods and gifts to specialty foods and one-of-a-kind finds. For just $5, you can browse, shop, and discover items you won’t see anywhere else. It’s a fun, easy way to spend the day and come home with something different. Free admission to kids 12 & under.
Details here.
Sunday in Michigan City, IN: History Hour: Lassen’s Resort & The Golden Age of Cedar Lake
When: Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Where: The Barker Mansion, 631 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN 46360
Who: Adults recommended
What: If you love local history, this is a really interesting one to check out. Head to The Barker Mansion for History Hour and take a closer look at Cedar Lake’s resort era and how it became a go-to summer destination. With guest speaker Julie Zasada, you’ll hear stories about the Monon Railroad, Lassen’s Resort, and the impact this lakeside community had on the region. It’s a relaxed, informative way to step back in time for the evening.
Details here.
Ongoing in NWI, IN: Discover219
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 through Thursday, April 30, 2026 all day, everyday
Where: Participating local businesses throughout NWI
Who: Everyone!
What: Meet Discover219, a month-long campaign taking place this April to celebrate local businesses throughout Northwest Indiana & give back to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana! Participating businesses will offer exclusive $21.99 specials all month long. What better excuse to get out there and try those places you’ve been meaning to try “one day…” & discover new favorites! Excited to celebrate the Region with you.
Details here.
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