Free 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.