Events in Gary, IN

Get moving with a free dance and movement class that boosts energy and gets muscles working. All ages and abilities are welcome, and no dance experience or coordination is required. The focus is on simple, feel-good movement and having fun. Sessions are offered weekly on Wednesdays, with additional Monday classes being added.

A celebration of Hispanic Heritage with a family-friendly atmosphere at Hammond Public Library. The program includes food, games, and trivia, along with prizes and live music from Latin Satin Soul.

Bingocize blends the classic game with gentle, low impact exercises that support strength and balance. It is suitable for anyone concerned about stability or the risk of falls, and it also offers chances to win prizes. This program runs for 10 weeks and meets twice each week. Registration packets are completed at Session 0 or at the first session attended. New participants are not admitted after the stated cutoff date. The program takes place in the Community Room. For details, contact Karissa Davison at davisonk@hammondlibrary.org or (219) 931-5100 ext. 355.

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana hosts a networking mixer at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana focused on the Attainable Housing Tax Credit. Attendees can connect with community leaders, housing advocates, and prospective investors while exploring how this credit can expand affordable homeownership across Northwest Indiana. Registration is available, and all who register are entered for a chance to win a Caraway cookware set valued at $775 provided by the ReStore, and the winner must be present. The gathering emphasizes learning, relationship building, and channeling investment so tax credits become homes for local families.

This recurring Heroscape league brings local fans together for head to head battles. Participation is free. Players face off and put their skills to the test on the battlefield alongside fellow enthusiasts.

A weekly league for Gundum features a $5 entry fee, with promos included.

Move, stretch, and dance in a free class designed to get the blood flowing and muscles activated. No prior dance background is needed, and coordination is not required. All ages and abilities are welcome, and the focus is simply on having fun while getting active. Sessions take place weekly on Wednesdays, with additional Monday classes being added. For details, contact Anna Mamala at mamalaa@gohammond.com or 219-853-7705.

Each month, Portage Chamber members come together for a relaxed MidWeek Mingle held on the fourth Wednesday. Attendance is complimentary for members, and registration is required. Hosting is reserved for Chamber members, with only ten opportunities available each year on a first come, first served basis. Information on upcoming dates and host registration appears on the Chamber Events Calendar.

A weekly locals gathering centered on One Piece, with a $5 entry fee.

Designed for adults, this nature-focused book club blends conversation with seasonal activities that may take place indoors or outside. The group will read Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac throughout 2026, complemented by monthly supplemental readings to enrich each discussion. It offers a welcoming setting for exploring nature literature and learning together. Advance registration is required by calling 219-844-3188, and further details are provided after registering.

Farmed & Forged Hammond Market is a producers-first gathering in Downtown Hammond that celebrates local farms, fresh foods, and the small businesses that strengthen the community. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Each week features farmers, producers, makers, and foragers alongside artisan vendors offering locally made food and drinks. Live music and rotating entertainment set the scene, family-friendly activities add to the fun, and every market supports a local nonprofit. SNAP shoppers can triple their benefits, with a $20 EBT purchase providing $60 in vouchers for eligible items.

Presented by the City of Portage, Food Truck Friday’s 2026 brings together a lineup of featured vendors to explore.

Enjoy an inviting evening of line dancing at Social Goat. Begin with an introductory lesson taught by Janet, and no experience is required. After the lesson, the floor opens for free dancing so you can practice and keep moving. The lesson is $5 per person, and the open dance time is free. All ages are welcome, whether you are new to line dancing or already comfortable on the floor.

Hyde Park’s monthly pancake breakfast invites the community to enjoy a complimentary morning meal and conversation. Freshly made pancakes are served in unlimited portions, along with sausage, orange juice, and milk. The gathering takes place at the church and offers a friendly setting to meet neighbors and connect with others. For more details, please contact the organizers.

A garden work day takes place at Stewart House Urban Farm and Garden. Board members will be on site to start the water system, provide access to tools, and share practical gardening tips with volunteers and gardeners.

Celebrate the season at the Harvest Festival at Portage Founders Square. Enjoy live music from Hicks Duo and High Street alongside a wide variety of food trucks. A beer garden will offer assorted beverages, and family-friendly games will be available. Browse booths featuring local artisans, bakers, and crafters for unique finds. Children can have fun with a bounce house, face painting, and time at Hannah’s Hope Playground. Admission is free, and parking is plentiful.

Dragon’s Lair hosts a free weekly Disney Lorcana open play night centered on player choice and a welcoming atmosphere. Illuminers of any experience level, format preference, or deck-building style are invited to hang out and play the way they like. Choose your opponents, set up multiplayer games, stick to Core only if you want to skip Infinity, learn the basics with help, or test a new list with a friend. There are no forced pairings or mismatched power levels, just find a group that fits and enjoy the games. Participation includes a promo and an entry in a weekly raffle for additional prizes, and if you need to leave early, raffle winnings can be picked up later. Framed as a relaxed alternative to weekly tournaments, this gathering emphasizes community, flexibility, and fun.

Tiny’s hosts Marco Villareal for an evening of jazz fusion that blends familiar pop favorites with classic jazz selections. The performance is shaped for a calm, easygoing evening, well suited to dinner and cocktails.

This monthly, award-winning spoken word showcase features hosts Red Rah and Big Sexii, a spotlighted poet, and live music. Enjoy the Dialogue Effect with unique handcrafted drinks, and expect CeeQ’s to satisfy taste buds before the night shifts into a dance party. Open mic sets are available, limited to 10 minutes per performance. Cover is $10 and attendees must be 21.

Open to ages 10 and up, this nature journaling session encourages participants to strengthen memory, find a sense of calm, and add a useful creative skill to everyday life. No prior experience is required. The plan is to be outside if the weather cooperates, with an indoor option available if needed. Bring a notebook or loose paper, a pen and a pencil, and a lawn chair. Pre-registration is recommended.

This beginner-friendly, one-hour class offers a welcoming introduction to herbalism, covering core topics such as commonly used medicinal plants, simple preparation methods, safe usage guidelines, and practical ways to bring herbs into everyday wellness. At Nature’s Door, Dr. Laura Zaranski, L.Ac, M.S.O.M., of East Wind Acupuncture, will lead the session with an emphasis on herbs available at the shop, aiming to kick off an ongoing series. The class fee is $20 per person and includes herbal tea refreshments. Registration is required due to limited capacity, and payment is needed to reserve a spot. Payment can be made via Venmo (@atnaturesdoor) or in person at the shop.

Bishop Noll’s annual Tailgate Party takes place in the Fieldhouse after halftime, following the Homecoming football game on the new athletic field. Attendance is limited to ages 21 and older. Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Juli Sandoval at jsandoval@bisho​pnoll.org.

On-water boat training at Hammond Marina, about 10 miles from Chicago, delivers the full National Safe Boating Council curriculum in one comprehensive package. Designed for up to four students, the course adjusts total training time based on group size. The morning focuses on an introduction to powerboating along with docking and close quarters maneuvering. The afternoon moves into open water skills and then more advanced techniques on open water. Students who successfully complete all four modules may request a completion certificate from the National Safe Boating Council.

Enjoy a relaxed morning of birdwatching at the Paul H. Douglas Center during Breakfast with the Birds. An outreach ambassador will be available to help visitors spot and identify the species visiting the center’s feeder-viewing window, and loaner binoculars make it easy to get a closer look. Complimentary coffee, beverages, and treats from Tiny’s Coffee Bar will be provided. Admission is free and open to everyone, and a National Park parking pass is not required.

Hosted annually by the GreatNews.Life team, this celebration spotlights six remarkable people whose positivity, compassion, and dedication help make Northern Indiana better for everyone. The honorees include neighbors, leaders, and unsung champions who lift others, inspire change, and lead with kindness. The program offers heartfelt stories, good food, and the shared energy of a community focused on doing good. Attending or sponsoring helps elevate these voices and supports a year-round mission to share positive stories. Sponsors receive visibility before the event, recognition across event materials, and the chance to align with one of Indiana’s leading celebrations of positive media. For sponsorship or ticket information, contact Kami Tupiak at Kami@GreatNews.Life or (219) 707-5023.

Perk-up Portage gathers early risers at Cappo's for a friendly morning meetup centered on conversation and community. Enjoy coffee and a light breakfast while sharing what your business or organization has planned for the month ahead. There is no charge for Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce members and their employees, and friends are welcome. Registration is required. This event is sponsored by Safe Haven Early Learning Academy. Those interested in sponsoring a future event can cover $7 per person in attendance while Cappo’s provides the space, coffee, and breakfast. Sponsors may also take up to ten minutes to address the group if they wish. For details, email info@portageinchamber.com.

The 34th annual Indiana Elvis FANtasy Fest celebrates the music, legacy, and charitable spirit of Elvis Presley with a full weekend of entertainment at Woodland Park Community Center. Launched in 1993, this officially licensed event brings fans together while directing all net proceeds to Porter County Special Olympics in support of its athletes. The weekend opens with doors and kitchen service followed by a welcome headliner show and an after party. The second day includes welcome remarks, two sessions of the Elvis Tribute Artist contest, a Great Elvis auction, a headliner performance, and another after party. The finale day begins with Sunday brunch and a gospel show, then continues with the contest finals featuring a Top 10 and a Top 5, a finale that includes a march of Porter County Special Olympics athletes, and an awards ceremony. Entertainment features leading Elvis tribute performers including Jimmy Holmes, Ted Torres Martin, Robert Washington, Logan Ramey, and Quentin Flagg. The Change of Habit band provides backing, Irv Cass serves as MC, and Bryson Vines hosts the after party.

Chronic Flannel pairs with gambling, a match likened to chips with salsa. The phrasing sets an upbeat tone and hints at a lively theme built around that playful comparison.

A free educational seminar focuses on practical strategies for blood pressure self management, and registered participants receive a heart healthy meal prepared by the Nutrition Kitchen at no cost. As part of an ongoing series, sessions explore the DASH way of eating, which can help prevent and reduce high blood pressure by emphasizing lower sodium intake. Another topic highlights cutting back on salt, with guidance to keep daily sodium under 2,300 milligrams for most people and to aim for 1,500 milligrams for adults 51 and older, African Americans of any age, and those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. Additional seminars cover shopping, meal preparation, and cooking approaches that support healthier blood pressure, from understanding nutrition basics and reading food labels to choosing blood pressure friendly foods and using salt, herbs, and spices wisely. This seminar provides a broad, lifelong approach to eating for heart health. It underscores balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and sustainable lifestyle changes that support cardiovascular wellness, and it addresses common myths and misconceptions about heart healthy diets.

Live music fills Tiny’s as Hutch Acoustics performs a variety of familiar songs from different eras. The show blends guitar, harmonica, and now and then a kazoo, with lighthearted banter, interactive moments with the audience, and even the chance for a trivia question or two. Dinner, appetizers, and craft cocktails are available to enjoy alongside the music, creating a laid-back setting for sing-alongs, toe-tapping, or relaxing with friends.

Settle in for a night of stand-up at The Social Goat, where the mic is open to first-timers and seasoned comedians alike. Expect plenty of laughs, a few surprises, and an easygoing atmosphere as local talent steps into the spotlight. Food and drinks are available to enjoy while you watch. Performer sign-ups are offered before the show begins, so bring fresh material or come ready to support the comics from the crowd.

The annual haunted hayride at Woodland Park offers a community night of spooky fun. Food trucks and concessions will be on site, and tickets will be available. Each night wraps up once capacity is reached, and it tends to sell out quickly. There are also opportunities to get involved behind the scenes with the chance to earn up to $1,150.

Get moving with a free dance and movement class that boosts circulation and loosens muscles through easy-to-follow activities. No prior dance experience is required, and participants of all ages and ability levels are welcome. Sessions take place weekly on Wednesdays, with additional Monday options being added. Expect an upbeat, accessible workout focused on simple moves and a fun atmosphere. For details, contact Anna Mamala at mamalaa@gohammond.com or 219-853-7705.

Matt Mathews performs live at the Sportsbook inside The Venue at Horseshoe Casino complex in Hammond, Indiana. This in-person show takes place within the casino’s event space.

This event centers on a lively, fun atmosphere, with food and spirits available.

Everyone is invited to a family friendly trunk or treat at Eggers Grove Forest Preserve. Admission is free for candy and giveaways from decorated trunks. A $5 wristband provides access to special activities including pony rides, a petting zoo, bouncy houses, pumpkin painting, and other surprises. Children can move from trunk to trunk in a supervised, traffic free area that offers a safer and more convenient alternative to late night trick or treating. The celebration includes lots of themed trunks, the South Shore Ghostbusters, food vendors, music, and plenty of spooky fun. Costumes are encouraged. Vehicle, vendor, and volunteer registrations are accepted.

A waterfront Halloween celebration at Marina Shores Yacht Club features live music, dancing, and creative costumes in a festive, spooky atmosphere by the marina. Guests are encouraged to come with friends and show off their best Halloween look for a lively night beside the water.

The Spazmatics return to the Cafe Stage at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana with a free performance. It is another appearance by the band on this stage.

Nate Venturelli performs on the Hardrock Cafe Stage at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. Admission is free.

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana presents live music.

The annual Christmas market takes place at Woodland Park in Portage, Indiana. Browse more than 70 vendors offering holiday favorites and a wide range of gift ideas, with plenty of chances to pick up a little something for yourself. Vendor information is handled exclusively by the Portage Parks Department, and any other claims of available vendor spots are not legitimate.

Celebrate the season at a festive market featuring more than 70 local vendors and crafters, along with specialty drinks and plenty of gift-ready finds. Admission is free, basket raffles are complimentary, and parking is plentiful. A Christmas parade and tree lighting presented by PEP Events are part of the festivities, and Santa makes a special appearance during the weekend. Vendor applications are being accepted, and all official communication goes through the Portage Parks Department.

Thrown Together brings a live, full band performance of favorite songs to the Council Oak Stage at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

A heartfelt set filled with rich harmonies, familiar hits, and vibrant country pop spirit. Every song builds a bond with the audience through feeling, storytelling, and skilled musicianship. It is a memorable celebration of great music, genuine passion, and timeless favorites.