Things to Do in Northwest Indiana | Weekend Agenda
Things to do in Northwest Indiana
20 things worth doing this MONTH in NWI
All Month Long in Schererville, IN: Mystic Nights
When: Now through October 31, 2026; Sun-Wed 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM; Thu-Sat 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Where: Bullpen The Bar, 1013 W Lincoln Hwy, Schererville, IN 46375
Who: All ages welcome
What: Mystic Falls has officially come to Schererville and we are not okay about it in the best possible way… Bullpen is transforming into a full Vampire Diaries-inspired experience complete with specialty themed cocktails, themed food, and an atmosphere straight out of the show. Whether you’re Team Damon or Team Stefan, this is the pop-up event that every TVD fan in the Region has been waiting for. Grab your crew, pick your side, and come experience a little piece of Mystic Falls right here in NWI.
Details here.
Tuesday, Oct 20th in Valpo, IN: Game Night
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Where: The American Factory by Journeyman Distillery, 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso, IN 46385
Who: Adults 21+
What: Put down the phone and pick up the dice- Journeyman is hosting a full evening of board games, tabletop adventures, RPGs, card games, and more for players of all experience levels. Bring your favorite game, join an open table, learn something new from local gaming organizations, or find your next D&D group all in one welcoming space. Whether you’re a lifelong gamer or just curious about what all the tabletop hype is about, there’s genuinely a seat at the table for you. Food and drinks available all evening- just leave the outside snacks at home and come ready to play!
Details here.
Tuesday, Oct 20th in Hammond, IN: True Crime Trivia: Chicago
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Byway Brewing, 2825 Carlson Dr, Hammond, IN 46323
Who: Adults 21+
What: Think you know Chicago’s darkest stories and most infamous cases? Time to prove it- Byway Brewing is hosting a Chicago True Crime Trivia night on October 13th from 6 to 8 PM, hosted by the one and only Larry “The K” Keilman. Round up your most criminally-minded crew of up to six, grab a beer, and put your true crime knowledge to the ultimate test. It’s completely free to play, so all you need to bring is your team and your A-game. Don’t sleep on this one!
Details here.
Wednesday, Oct 21 in Hobart, IN: Ghost Hunting Tour at the Art Theater in Hobart
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: Hobart Art Theater, 230 Main St, Hobart, IN 46342
Who: Adults recommended
What: Last year they caught the previous owner saying his own name on EVP, heard footsteps cross an empty stage, and watched solid orbs drift across the room with the naked eye- and this year Chaos Haunted Tours is coming back with an even more powerful spirit box setup to see what else the Art Theater in Hobart is hiding. Small groups, full equipment included, and only $35 per person for an experience that is genuinely unlike anything else you’ll do this Halloween season. Dates are October 21st and 28th at 7 PM and spots are very limited- grab your tickets at ChaosTrips.com before they’re gone. Enter if you dare!
Details here.
Wednesday, Oct 21 in Highland, IN: Halloween Cupcake Decorating Class
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Where: Fuzzyline Brewing Co., 2712 Condit St, Highland, IN 46322
Who: Children 13+ with an adult
What: This is the most delicious way to spend a spooky October evening- join Fuzzyline for a Halloween-themed cupcake decorating class where you’ll learn piping techniques and frosting tips while decorating six festive cupcakes to take home. All supplies are included, craft beer and food are available for purchase, and the whole class runs about 1.5 hours of pure creative fun. Open to anyone 13 and up, so grab a friend, a parent, or your whole crew and make a night of it. Frosting will be consumed, chaos will ensue, and a great time is guaranteed!
Details here.
Friday, Oct 23 in Valpo, IN: Downtown Valpo Trick-or-Treat
When: Friday, October 23, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where: Downtown Valparaiso
Who: All ages welcome, family-friendly event
What: Downtown Valparaiso is pulling out all the stops for Halloween this year- put on your best costume and trick-or-treat from 100+ local businesses and organizations lining the streets of Downtown Valpo, rain or shine. And new this year, the fun doesn’t stop after trick-or-treating- head to Central Park Plaza with your candy haul, chairs, and blankets for a family-friendly Halloween movie starting at 7 PM. It’s the ultimate Halloween night for families and one of the best free fall traditions in the Region. Pack an umbrella just in case and come ready for a fang-tastic time!
Details here.
Friday, Oct 23 in St John, IN: Buti Mvmnt
When: Friday, October 23, 2026 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Now Yoga Club, 11107 Thiel Street, Saint John, IN, 46373
Who: Adults recommended
What: Buti Mvmnt is a dynamic, music-centered workout and somatic practice that blends dance, cardio, and yoga. This is so much more than a fitness class - it's a full mind-body release and a whole lot of fun. We'll tone our bodies, laugh together, and melt away tension and stress. Come out and join the Buti Movement! Regular class rates apply; FREE for members.
Details here.
Saturday, Oct 24 in Merrillville, IN: Malloween 2026
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Where: Southlake Mall, 2109 Southlake Mall, Merrillville, IN 46410
Who: All ages welcome, family-friendly event
What: Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon of Halloween fun at Malloween! Bring the whole family and join us for Trunk or Treat inside the mall, sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Corvette Club. Kids can come dressed in their favorite costumes, collect candy, and enjoy a safe and fun way to celebrate the season. There’s no cost to participate- just plenty of treats, smiles, and festive fall vibes! Make this Halloween one to remember- see you at Malloween!
Details here.
Saturday, Oct 24 in Merrillville, IN: Spooktacular Craft & Vendor Market
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Where: Southlake Mall, 2109 Southlake Mall, Merrillville, IN 46410
Who: All ages welcome, family-friendly event
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 October 24 - 25, 2026!
Details here.
Saturday, Oct 24 in Crown Point, IN: Crown Point Coffin Cup
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Where: City of Crown Point, W Clark St, Crown Point, IN 46307
Who: All ages welcome
What: Crown Point just added the most gloriously chaotic event to its fall lineup- the inaugural Coffin Cup brings teams racing homemade coffin racers down a 100-yard course on Main Street starting at 1 PM on October 24th, right after the Pumpkin Walk. The fastest team wins $2,500 for their chosen nonprofit, and another $500 goes to the charity behind the best themed racer and costumes- so there’s real incentive to go all out. It’s wild, it’s creative, it’s for a great cause, and it might just be the most uniquely NWI event of the entire fall season. Do not miss this one!
Details here.
Saturday, Oct 24 in Merrillville, IN: Fall Festival
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Haunted Hills Haunted Attractions, 7611 E 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410
Who: All ages welcome, family-friendly event
What: Round two of the best family Halloween event of the season is here- bring the little ones in their costumes for a spooky-free trick-or-treating experience at just $5 admission with all the scary characters put away for the night. Kids under 12 get trick-or-treating included, plus there’s live music, magic shows, face painting, a balloon artist, carnival games, family-friendly characters, food and art vendors, a tarot card reader, 5-minute escape rooms, and lights-on tours of Haunted Hills Hospital to keep everyone entertained all evening. Grab a group photo to remember the night and come make some Halloween memories the whole family will love!
Details here.
Saturday, Oct 24 in Hobart, IN: Run For Your Life at Robinson Lake
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Where: City of Hobart, Robinson Lake, Hobart, IN 46342
Who: All ages welcome
What: Lace up your spookiest running shoes and head to Robinson Lake for a Halloween 5K race or a haunted walk around the lake- costumes strongly encouraged and medals awarded to all runners. The costume contest is giving out awards for Most Creative and Spookiest, so go all out with the outfit. Register by September 19th for a chance to win $200 toward a new pair of running shoes from Fleet Feet Schererville- and honestly that’s all the motivation we need. A fun, festive fall race that’s perfect for the whole family!
Details here.
Oct 24, 25 + 31 in Hobart, IN: Pumpkin Festival Weekend at Johnson's
When: October 24, 25 + 31, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: Johnson's Farm Produce, Inc., 8960 E Ridge Rd, Hobart, IN 46342
Who: All ages welcome, family-friendly event
What: Last chance to get to Johnson’s before pumpkin season wraps up- head out this weekend for one final round of picking your own pumpkins straight from the patch in any size, shape, and color you can find. The Fun Farm is still going strong with the jump pillow, straw mountain, apple cannon, Strawberry Express, pedal karts, and the corn maze waiting for you and the whole family. If you haven’t made it out yet this fall, this is your sign- Johnson’s Pumpkin Festival is the kind of tradition that sticks around for years!
Details here.
Sunday, Oct 25 in Crown Point, IN: Scare on the Square: Crown Point Halloween Bar Crawl
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where: Tavern on Main, 136 S Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307
Who: Adults 21+
What: Gather your ghoulfriends because the Crown Point Halloween Bar Crawl is back and it’s going to be a hell of a good time- Sunday October 25th from noon to 6 PM with no tickets, no cover, just crawl at your own pace through Tavern on Main, One13North, Radius Crown Point, Ramen District, and Public Bar & Rec. The costume contest kicks off at One13North at 5:30 PM sharp with $500 in cold hard cash going to the most fa-boo-lous looks in the room, so come dressed to absolutely slay. No excuses, no lazy costumes- this is Crown Point’s biggest Halloween party of the year!
Details here.
Monday, Oct 26 in Hammond, IN: Trunk or Treat
When: Monday, October 26, 2026 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: Purdue University Northwest, 7300 Forestdale Ave, Hammond, IN 46323
Who: All ages welcome, family-friendly event
What: Head to the PNW FRC Parking Lot on 173rd St. for a free, family-friendly Halloween night packed with candy, fun games, face painting, and more- no tricks, just treats! It’s the perfect low-key Halloween outing for the little ones before the big night arrives. Come in costume, come hungry for candy, and come ready for a spooky good time!
Details here.
Tuesday, Oct 27 in Highland, IN: Haunted Highland Restaurant Crawl & Trunk-or-Treat
When: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Downtown Highland
Who: All ages welcome
What: Highland’s downtown restaurant scene is seriously underrated and this monthly crawl is the most fun way to discover it- every last Tuesday of the month, participating restaurants offer a special for just $7 while supplies last. It’s an easy, affordable way to explore the neighborhood and feed your inner foodie one stop at a time. See you at the table!
Details here.
Friday, Oct 30 in Michigan City, IN: Rocco’s Tavern Big Baller Dinner
When: Friday, October 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Where: Rocco’s Tavern, 827 Franklin St, Michigan City, IN 46360
Who: Adults 21+
What: Five courses. A pour for each. One night at Rocco’s. On October 30, Rocco’s Tavern is hosting the “Big Baller Dinner. This five-course dinner features Jordan Winery pours, Tito’s martinis, Journeyman Bourbon Old Fashioneds, and live music from Donnie Greco. After dinner, enjoy cordials and cocktails, because nobody’s rushing home. Seating is limited. $175 per guest, and RSVPs close 10/25. Email events@farinasupperclub.com to grab your seat.
Details here.
Wednesday, Oct 28 & Friday, Oct 30 in Schererville, IN: The Vampire Diaries Trivia Night
When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 & Friday, October 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Where: Bullpen the Bar, 1013 W Lincoln Hwy, Schererville, IN 46375
Who: Adults 21+
What: Calling all Vampire Diaries fans! Think you know Mystic Falls? It’s time to put your TVD knowledge to the test. Join us at Bullpen for The Vampire Diaries Trivia Night during our Mystic Nights pop-up! From the Salvatore brothers to the Originals, they’re putting your knowledge to the ultimate test. Grab your friends, pick your team, and get ready for an EPIC night!
Details here.
Friday, October 30 in Valpo, IN: Journeyman’s Halloween Party
When: Friday, October 30, 2026 from 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Where: The American Factory by Journeyman Distillery, 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso, IN 46385
Who: Adults 21+
What: Valparaiso’s favorite Halloween celebration is back and The American Factory is the place to be on October 31st- costumes, signature Halloween cocktails, and live entertainment from Jellyfish Productions all night long for a 21+ party that never disappoints. Come dressed to impress because mystery judges will be lurking in the shadows all evening hunting for winners in three costume categories: Best Overall ($250 Journeyman gift card), Best Couples/Group ($150), and Best Distillery-Inspired Costume ($100). Keep that costume on all night because you never know when the spotlight will find you. One of the best Halloween nights in the Region- don’t miss it!
Details here.
Friday, Oct 30 in Schererville, IN: Halloween Bash w/ Dj Sueño ($1000 in prizes!)
When: Friday, October 30, 2026 from 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Where: El Salto Mexican Restaurant, 1090 US-41, Schererville, IN 46375
Who: Adults 21+
What: El Salto is throwing a Halloween party and the prizes alone make this a must-attend- $1,000 up for grabs on October 30th from 9 PM to 2 AM with DJ Sueño on the ones and twos all night long. Come in your best costume, dance the night away, and take your shot at that prize money. Pre-Halloween parties always hit different and this one is going to be a vibe from start to finish!
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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