With the new year in full swing, it’s important to take time to reflect on what makes the Region unique. From diverse flora and fauna, artists of traditional and nontraditional mediums, and a competitive spirit that pushes every resident to go past their limits, Northwest Indiana is a place that’s one of a kind! Take advantage of all the Region has to offer this weekend.
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northwest Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Support local artists by visiting Lubeznik’s Holiday Artisan Market
Lubeznik Center for the Arts’ Holiday Artisan Market is closing this weekend! The market features unique pieces created by local artists including jewelry, ceramics, wearable art, and more! It’s the perfect place to find a memorable, one-of-a-kind holiday gift. Learn more here.
Spend a night exploring the forest with Purdue University Northwest
On Saturday evening, Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites you to the Gabis Arboretum to explore the trails and discover how the wildlife handles the cold weather. The event is free for PNW students and faculty, and $10 per car for other guests. Make sure to dress warm! Learn more here.
Demonstrate your acting chops and audition for Memorial Opera House’s “Lucky Stiff”
Memorial Opera House is looking to fill roles for its production of “Lucky Stiff,” and it’s holding auditions this Sunday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The play, a murder-mystery comedy about a man trying to “Weekend at Bernie’s” his uncle, is in need of both male and female actors of all races and ethnicities to fill out its cast. The zany cast of characters is sure to charm any audience. Learn more here.
Enjoy the light show during Michigan City’s Festival of Lights
Michigan City has gathered artists from across the Region to create dazzling light sculptures in Washington Park. The sculptures are free to visit and are turned on at dusk everyday through the end of this weekend, so check it out before it’s gone! Learn more here.
Hit the ice rink in the City of Crown Point
The city of La Porte is opening the downtown ice rink every weekend and through Christmas break! Rental skates are available, and interested parties are highly encouraged to reserve their place at the rink beforehand. Learn more here.
Connect with the human condition at Lubeznik’s “We Are Us” display
Lubeznik Center for the Arts is helping visitors discover what it means to be with the “We Are Us: The Human Condition” gallery. The gallery explores how the arts, accessible through time and across language and cultural barriers, can reveal basic human components. Learn more here.
Root for your team at the NIBC La Porte Basketball Invitational
Featuring 30 of ESPN’s top-ranked NBA and NCAA recruits, this three-day tournament is sure to have everyone in the crowd on the edge of their seat. Beginning on Thursday at 2 p.m. with La Lumiere against Wasatch, every game is going to be one you don’t want to miss. Learn more here.
Breathe in the fresh air at Whiting Lakefront Park in the City of Whiting
With the winter storm behind us, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the unique ecosystems offered by the Region. Whiting Lakefront Park opens daily at 7 a.m. and offers trails right along Lake Michigan as well as a lookout point to view the Chicago skyline, a pier that takes you 300 feet out on the lake for water views, and the gorgeous garden that showcases the diversity of life in Whiting’s flora and fauna. Learn more here.
Learn something new with Wise Guys University’s January class
This month, Wise Guys University is teaching you how to make a Kansas City BBQ Sour. With few ingredients and plenty of taste, this drink is sure to impress friends and family alike at your next party. Learn more here.
Take a hike at Valpo Parks’ Creekside Trails
Located in the heart of Valparaiso, Creekside Park and that attached trails are the perfect day trip location this weekend. With over 13 miles of trails, snowshoe and bike rentals from the Outpost service shop, and dining offered at the Trailyard restaurant, you won’t need to go anywhere else to make your day complete. Learn more here.
