Events in Gary today

Set aside time for independent writing, whether you are working on a book, blog post, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem, or other work tasks. This weekly gathering at Tiny's provides a space to write without sharing pages or receiving unsolicited feedback. Bring headphones if you prefer. Tiny's serves a weekend brunch menu, espresso drinks, and cocktails, and provides table service. Participants may drop in or sign up ahead of time.

Open to beginners and experienced players, this ukulele ensemble offers a welcoming setting to play with others and grow from simple strums to Ukulegend status.

American Legion Post 260 hosts the Annual Steamed Corn Picnic, a family friendly celebration with food, music, raffles, games, and community activities. Guests can enjoy steamed corn on the cob along with burgers, brats, hot dogs, and more. Live music is provided by Rocky Road. Kids can have fun with a bouncy castle, face painting, and a piñata. Additional highlights include an auxiliary baked goods sale, a silent auction, a cash raffle, and raffles for a grill, a lawn mower, and a campfire. Food tickets are sold at the door, with options for all you can eat meals, an all you can eat package that includes the beer garden, and a kids price. This event is open to the public and welcomes all ages, and free parking is available. Proceeds support Post 260 programs, community donations, scholarships, and the maintenance and improvement of the Post and its grounds.

Learn about the Douglas Center's animal ambassadors and what makes them unique. Discover their diets, habitats, and the care they receive from park staff. Get answers to these and other questions.

Dragon’s Lair hosts an open play Disney Lorcana night that welcomes Illuminers of every skill level, format, and deck-building style. This is casual play with flexible matchmaking, so you choose your opponents and how you want to play. Set up multiplayer games, stick to Core only, focus on Infinity, learn the basics, or test a deck with a friend. There are no forced pairings and less risk of mismatched power levels, simply find your crowd and enjoy the games. Participation is free, and prizing is still part of the fun. Showing up earns a promo and one entry into a weekly raffle for additional prizes. If you need to head out early, any raffle prize you win will be saved for you to pick up. The aim is a relaxed, welcoming space for the community and an easygoing alternative to structured tournaments.

A reunion and celebration honors the legendary coach, Rodney Fisher, bringing together former players, team parents, friends, and family in the Banquette Hall at Marquette Park Pavillion. Guests may RSVP through Eventbrite or by contacting committee members Bernettra Grayer, Amanda Robinson, Ralynn Crockett, Tamara Somerville, Tai Adkins, Tarnisha Thompson, or Thomas Neal.

Venetian Night at Marina Shores arrives as the year’s biggest bash, bringing a high-energy celebration and plenty of festive spirit.

The Spazmatics are back on the Cafe Stage with a free show at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

A food drive takes place at Prayer Tower. If you have already pre-registered, please bring your ID.

Sensory Friendly Day at the ballpark offers a calmer game experience with reduced public address and music volumes, no flashing messages on the video board, and a quiet train horn. Players will wear special jerseys created for Sensory Day, and those jerseys will be available to purchase through a jersey auction held during the game. This day is sponsored by Sandra Lee's In-Home Care.

This nature-focused program welcomes children ages 3 to 6 with a caregiver to Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, encouraging curiosity by heading outside to see what is happening in the natural world. Every session features story time, a creative craft, a snack, and plenty of outdoor exploration. The cost is $5 per child. Pre-registration is required by calling 219-844-3188 or by using the ticket link.

A free, upbeat dance and movement hour invites people of all ages and abilities to get moving and have fun. No dance background or coordination is required, and the session focuses on simple, feel-good movement. For more information, contact Anna Mamala at mamalaa@gohammond.com or (219) 853-7705.

Bingocize blends classic bingo with gentle, low impact movements designed to build strength and support better balance. It suits anyone concerned about falls or looking for a safer way to stay active, and there are opportunities to win prizes along the way. This is a 10-week course that meets twice each week. Registration paperwork is completed during an introductory session or at the first session you attend. The program takes place in the Community Room. For more information, contact Karissa Davison at davisonk@hammondlibrary.org or (219) 931-5100 ext. 355.

This free to play weekly Heroscape league brings together local enthusiasts to put their battlefield tactics to the test.

This weekly Gundum league features a $5 entry fee and includes promos.

Enjoy a free class focused on dance and movement that helps boost circulation and wake up your muscles. All ages and abilities are welcome, and no dance background or coordination is required. Expect a relaxed, upbeat session centered on moving your body and having fun. For more information, contact Anna Mamala at mamalaa@gohammond.com or 219-853-7705.

Participants come together each week for a local One Piece gathering. The entry fee is $5.

At Nature's Door introduces the first class in its How To series with a beginner-friendly workshop on brewing kombucha at home. Participants will explore potential health benefits, learn the step-by-step process to make their own, ask questions, and sample kombucha. Everyone leaves with a starter kit to begin brewing independently. The session is led by Karen, a Portage resident with 12 years of experience. The cost is $20 per person and includes the starter kit. Space is limited, and payment is required to reserve a spot. Payment can be made via Venmo (@atnaturesdoor) or in person at the shop.

A weekly, family-friendly open mic welcomes all ages. From first-timers to seasoned pros, participants can share their talents.

DJ Dark Nite brings an after work vibe to Dialogue Cocktail Bar with a soundtrack steeped in Neo Soul, R&B, blue eyed soul, and touches of jazz, funk, and house. Expect deep cuts and hidden gems you will not find on mainstream radio. Settle into an easygoing atmosphere inside an upgraded venue, enjoy one of a kind cocktails, and grab bites from food vendors on site. No cover.

The Social Goat hosts an open mic comedy night that welcomes both seasoned stand-ups and first-time performers. Attendees can watch local comedians try new material in a friendly setting, or sign up for stage time themselves. Food and drinks are available from the venue, creating a relaxed atmosphere for an evening of laughs and surprises.

Perk-up Portage gathers social early risers for coffee, a light breakfast, and easygoing networking at Cappo's. There is no cost for Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce members and their employees, and guests may bring a friend to learn more. Attendees can share what their business or organization has planned for the month. This gathering is sponsored by Humane Indiana Wildlife. Registration is required. Participants are invited to bring new kids socks or underwear to support Dressed For School, and those who contribute will be entered into a drawing for two Hops for Hospice tickets thanks to Bob Franko from VNA NWI. Interested in sponsoring a future event? Cappo's provides the space, coffee, and breakfast, and the sponsor covers $7 per person in attendance. Sponsors may take up to ten minutes on the floor if they choose. For sponsorship details, email info@portageinchamber.com.

At the Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education, participants can play in the Nature Play Zone, admire more than 20 works of art created in the dunes, and make a craft in the craft room. Set out on the interactive Pollinator Trail for a hike, try a frog themed scavenger hunt, and borrow a Naturalist Backpack for added discovery. Complete the Junior Ranger book or the activity sheet on the last page of the Singing Sands newspaper to earn a badge or sticker. These activities are available during regular Douglas Center hours.

Each Thursday in Downtown Hammond, a market that puts producers first brings together local farmers, makers, foragers, and other producers. Admission is free and open to all ages, with artisan vendors offering high quality goods and plenty of locally made food and drinks. The experience features live music and a changing lineup of entertainment, along with activities for families. Each market also supports a local nonprofit. SNAP shoppers can triple their benefits. Spend $20 with EBT and receive $60 in vouchers for eligible items.

Ukulegends Ukulele Ensemble welcomes ukulele players at every stage, from brand new beginners to experienced strummers. It brings musicians together to play and grow with the instrument, encouraging everyone to take their skills beyond the basics. Take the next step with your uke and become a Ukulegend.

Trivia Nights with Benny is an in-person gathering filled with clever questions, lighthearted laughs, and friendly competition. Participants of all experience levels can look forward to a mix of challenging and entertaining questions led by Benny. Table service is available throughout, with options to order food, cocktails, beer, wine, or espresso drinks while playing.

Experience an evening by the fire at Portage Lakefront Park & Riverwalk as a ranger leads a casual program focused on the park, with sunset views adding to the atmosphere. A National Park pass is required for this program.