The holidays may be over, but there’s still plenty of fun happening in Northwest Indiana this weekend! From open mic nights to sports competitions to school events, there’s sure to be something for everyone in store these next few days. It’s time to bundle up and brace the cold, because this weekend is sure to be a fun one for the books to kick off the new year.
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northwest Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Catch some high school hoops at the Civic Center’s nationally televised La Porte Invitational
Come watch some of the best high school basketball teams across the nation compete at the historic Civic Auditorium, including La Porte’s very own La Lumiere! The nationally televised games take place from Thursday January 4 - Saturday January 6, and are sure to be matchups you don’t want to miss. Learn more here.
Jam out to some live music at Lubeznik’s First Friday Open Mic Night
Local performers will be taking the stage at Lubeznik Center for the Arts on Friday, January 5 for its First Friday Open Mic Night. Check out the works of NWI musicians, poets, stand-up comics, and more from 5-8 p.m., along with light refreshments and a cash bar. Visitors can also take a look at some of the center’s many works of art, such as the current exhibition "Abstraction + Love.” Learn more here.
Check out Taft Middle School’s Robotics Tournament
Support the minds of young inventors and engineers as students from Crown Point and surrounding districts compete in Taft’s Rockin New Year Vex IQ Blended Tournament. Held at the newly built Taft Middle School, the excitement is set to take place on Saturday, January 6 with matches lasting from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Sing your heart out at Montego Bay Grille’s acoustic open mic night
Montego Bay Grille, a staple restaurant in the Hobart community, is hosting an acoustic open mic night on Thursday, January 4. Come showcase your musical talent for all to hear, and enjoy a delicious meal while you’re there, too! Learn more here.
Have an out of this world time with Skate the Soundtrack at Deep River Waterpark
Grab your ice skates and head over to Deep River Waterpark on Friday, January 5 for a stellar time at this week's Skate the Soundtrack! From 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., you can glide along the rink as you skate to this week’s theme of “Star Wars & Other Interstellar Sounds.” Learn more here.
Rock out to Lateralus at the Hobart Art Theatre
If rock music is your jam, downtown Hobart is your place to be Saturday night! Lateralus, a Tool cover band, is making its way to the Hobart Art Theatre on January 6. Doors open at 7 p.m., and admission to the show is $20. Learn more here.
Listen to a telling tale at Storytime in the Park
The Portage Department of Parks and Recreation is teaming up with the Porter County Public Library to tell some enchanting tales in 2024! Head on over to Woodland Park for Storytime in the Park on Friday, January 5 from 10-11 a.m. for this fun event made for everyone of all ages! If you’re not able to make it this week, don’t fret, either - Storytime in the Park will be held the first Friday of every month throughout 2024. Learn more here.
Vibe to some tunes by Tony Orlando at Four Winds New Buffalo
Beloved performer Tony Orlando is making his way to Four Winds New Buffalo this weekend on Saturday, January 6, and it’s sure to be a show you don’t want to miss. With over six decades in the music business, Orlando certainly knows how to bring a great show to the stage, and this night will be no exception. The show starts at 9 p.m. EST, and tickets are $50 each. Learn more here.
Get your golf game on at Cosmic Glow Golf
The Whiting Public Library’s Teen Advisory Board is putting on a cosmic glow golf course on Saturday January 6. Take on eight holes of black light mini golf on the library’s lower level, and vote on your favorite hole when the game’s complete. Dress to the theme in your best 80’s neon attire to add to the fun as well! Admission is free, though donations are welcome. Learn more here.
Keep up your New Year’s resolutions at the La Porte County Family YMCA
Don’t let your resolutions slip away the first week of the year! Head over to the La Porte County Family YMCA to continue to stay in shape. With the air getting colder by the day, it’s also the perfect time to find a new fitness class or way to stay healthy while keeping warm indoors. Learn more here.
