It may be cold, but fun things are heating up in Northern Indiana! From festivals and concerts to seed swaps and learning opportunities, events throughout the area are bringing you plenty of chances to get out with your friends, family, and neighbors for some weekend entertainment.
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Discuss the future of journalism at the Legacy Foundation’s January luncheon
The Legacy Foundation is hosting its January Lake County Advancement Conversation at Innsbrook this Thursday, welcoming Times of Northwest Indiana Executive Director Kathy Chaney to discuss the future of local journalism. Chaney will pull insights from her historic career as she lays out her vision for keeping your local paper alive! Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Learn more here.
Step into a weekend of winter whimsy at La Porte’s Winterfest
The City of La Porte’s annual Winterfest is sweeping into the Region this Friday! With three days of winter whimsy – from ice sculptures to ice fishing to a frozen bike ride – there’s plenty of ways to chill this weekend while visiting La Porte. Check out a full schedule of events and learn more here.
Flash back to the ‘90s at Grungefest
The Hobart Art Theater is bringing you two tributes from some of the biggest bands of the grunge era: Stone Temple Pilots and Alice in Chains! Playing both the hits and the deep cuts, head to the theater this Friday to rock out with veteran musicians bringing you the authentic sound of the ‘90s. Tickets available online and at the door. Learn more here.
Take a tour of the American Factory
Ever wondered where all the magic happens at Journeyman Distillery? Take a tour of Valparaiso’s American Factory for a history lesson on the distillery as well as a look at the process of making your favorite drinks come to life. Tours are happening Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Learn more here.
Race into the new year with Porter County Parks
Are you looking to prepare for your next 5k? Porter County Parks is hosting training sessions for March’s Foot Pursuit 5K beginning this Saturday at Sunset Hills. Train with a team of other runners under experienced coaches dedicated to bringing you up to speed on the world of race training. Families can even run together thanks to the Youth program available for kids aged 5-17. Learn more here.
Take a bite of South Bend favorites during Winter Restaurant Weeks
This Friday marks the beginning of South Bend’s Winter Restaurant Weeks! Take the family out to dinner at any participating restaurant to enjoy special treats, drinks, and prices. Nothing keeps you warm during winter like the company of those you love! Full menus for participating restaurants available online. Learn more here.
Gather for your garden at Mishawaka Parks’ first ever Seed Swap
Are you looking to get your garden started? Want to give your green thumb a go at something new? Come out to Mishawaka Parks’ first ever Seed Swap this Saturday to get your plants for the season! Join your friends at Ironworks Event Center alongside Unity Gardens and the Botany Shop to get all of your gardening needs. Learn more here.
Join the St. Joseph Public Library for An Evening with Jason Reynolds
New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds is heading to the St. Joseph County Public Library this Friday at 6 p.m. EST. Reynolds will sit down with the community to discuss how stories can change the world around us. Registration required. Tickets available online. Book signing will follow the event. Learn more here.
Further your education with free adult classes at IU Northwest
Get a crash course on social security at Indiana University Northwest this Thursday during a free, virtual session with Social Security Administration’s Daniel Summer. Learn about retirement, Medicare, how to defend against scams, and more! Registration is required. Learn more here.
Hit the ice at Bulldog Park
It’s open skate season at Bulldog Park! Grab your friends and take to the ice rink this weekend for tons of fun. Bulldog Park has an NHL-sized ice rink just waiting for you. Join the fun this weekend beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday. Skating availability is weather dependent. Learn more here.