Events in Porter County, IN

Pull on your boots for a line dancing night at Social Goat. A beginner-friendly lesson with Janet gets everyone moving, and no prior experience is required. After the lesson, the floor opens for plenty of dancing and practice. The lesson is $5 per person, and the open dance portion is free. All ages are welcome.

Build confidence to respond in an emergency with the American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course. Participants learn how to give first aid, perform adult CPR, and operate an AED safely and quickly, all aligned with the latest AHA guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Successful completion earns a course completion card that remains valid for two years. This training is designed for people with little or no medical background who need a completion card for work or regulatory needs such as OSHA, as well as anyone who wants to be ready to help in everyday situations. It is a practical option for good Samaritans, lifeguards, babysitters, and employees in workplaces or restaurants that maintain an on-site AED. The curriculum includes first aid fundamentals, recognizing and responding to medical, injury, and environmental emergencies, steps to help prevent illness and injury, adult CPR and AED use, and response to opioid-associated life-threatening emergencies. Optional modules are available for Child CPR AED and Infant CPR.

MAACtoberfest debuts as a community celebration that supports first responders and the lifesaving training they receive through the MAAC Foundation. Heroes Hangout and the nearby outdoor areas by the new HQ Building and Kathryn Hall will be reimagined as an Oktoberfest-inspired venue with food, music, games, and plenty of community spirit. Expect live German music and entertainment, outdoor activities and family friendly fun, German specialties alongside local favorites, and a selection of German and domestic beers, all in welcoming outdoor gathering spaces. Proceeds from this inaugural event directly support training and programs for first responders through the MAAC Foundation.

This free weekly Disney Lorcana open play offers a flexible format for Illuminers of all skill levels and deck-building styles. Choose your own opponents, try multiplayer, focus only on Core if you prefer, skip Infinity if you want, learn the game from others, or test a deck with a friend. There are no forced pairings, so you can match up at a comfortable power level and play your way. Attending comes with a promo and one entry into a weekly raffle for additional prizes. If you head out early, raffle prizes can be held for later pickup. Designed to bring the community together in a relaxed, welcoming environment, this event serves as an alternative to weekly tournaments.

Explore a lively marketplace in Valparaiso, IN with handmade goods, one-of-a-kind finds, arts and crafts, sweet treats, and specialty drinks. Enjoy a food truck and live music while browsing a mix of rotating vendors that keep each visit fresh as the season moves along. Shoppers can take part in a loyalty punch card program, a weekly prize drawing, and a monthly gift basket giveaway.

At The Edge of Liberty, a relaxed Sunday craft fair brings together local artists and makers, growers, and small businesses. Explore a farm setting in Liberty Township while browsing one-of-a-kind handmade items, enjoying fresh, local fare, and meeting friendly vendors. Parking is available on site, and admission is free. This fair is part of the 2026 Sunday season.

Celebrate seasonal eating with a focus on locally sourced foods. Explore what is available right now and enjoy ingredients at their peak.

A league for Yugioh takes place each week, and the entry fee is $5.

An evening dedicated to conversation about influence and focus in first responder families. The discussion centers on the factors that shape family life and on practical ways to stay grounded and purposeful together.

Close out the season with a spirited four-person scramble as the superintendent flips the script and sets the course to revenge mode. Look for challenging pin positions, unexpected obstacles, and reworked holes that add a twist to every decision. Prizes await the top teams.

This event features live music.

The Banta Center hosts a neighborhood chili cook-off that welcomes everyone to taste and compete, even if you do not live in the Banta area. This free gathering provides bowls, spoons, cups, napkins, and a selection of drinks for tasters. Those planning to submit a chili should sign up in advance, bring a standard-size crock pot filled with their recipe, and may include toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, oyster crackers, or saltines. Organizers will supply a sign for each entry along with ladles, spoon rests, table covers, and an extension cord. Please arrive at least 30 minutes early to drop off your chili. The winner is chosen by popular vote, earning a trophy and bragging rights. Staying for the entire event is optional.

Hosted by the Porter County, Lake County, LaPorte County, and Gary Health Departments, this free community baby shower celebrates growing families and offers support for parents across the region. It welcomes those who are expecting, new parents, and anyone supporting a growing family. NWI families can connect with local organizations and explore family support information, educational materials, and helpful items for babies and parents. Giveaways and other activities add a sense of fun and encouragement, underscoring that raising a child is a collective effort.

This 4-hour bus tour plunges into the darker chapters of Porter County, swapping cheerful history for eerie tales rooted in sites where tragedy, madness, and mystery left their trace. The route moves through Historic Valparaiso with visits to the Old Valparaiso Jail, the Porter County Courthouse, and the Historic Opera House, then continues to the Wolf Mansion, Sunset Hill Farm, the site connected to the Chauncey Page and Long-Page murders of 1867, the stretch known as Ghost Road, and a secluded cemetery. There is also a pause at Val's Pizza in Chesterton, associated with the spirited legacy of former owner Charles Dynamite Wallen. Guided by Chris, whose storytelling leans into vivid, unsettling detail, the experience unfolds to a live soundtrack from guitarist Chris McDowell, featuring sing-alongs and special compositions that heighten the atmosphere. Additional secret locations tied to chilling local history may be part of the journey. Participants are encouraged to bring cameras and audio recorders to try to capture the unexplainable. The meeting point is Market 102, and the experience lasts four hours.

Now in its thirteenth year, the Haunted Science Lab returns in person with free admission and activities suited for all ages. Costumes are welcome. Explore interactive stations that give science a playful spooky twist, featuring oozy textures, glowing effects, unusual sounds, and a few surprises along the way. The aim is to delight and spark curiosity rather than scare, so any startled moments may come from something new you learn. For convenience, parking is recommended in Lots 1 and 2 near the southeast edge of campus.

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.

Set on a farm in Liberty Township, this relaxed market brings together local artisans, growers, and small businesses. Stroll and shop for handmade items and locally sourced foods while meeting the people behind them. Parking is available on site, and entry is free. This event is part of the 2026 Sunday season at The Edge of Liberty.

This screening at the Porter County Health Department provides a thorough heart health check for participants ages 10 to 25. For $30.00, the visit includes a brief health history questionnaire, measurements of height and weight, a blood pressure reading, an electrocardiogram, and a limited echocardiogram. Screenings are offered in partnership with the Zac Mago Foundation, and scheduling is available. Upon arrival, park in the parking garage off Napolean Street and enter through the second floor entrance.

Designed for men in the community, this uplifting gathering invites open conversation and fosters healing, growth, and genuine connection. It acknowledges the stress and struggles many carry in silence, then offers a supportive environment where strength and vulnerability can coexist and restoration can begin. Attendees can expect meaningful discussions, encouragement, and a sense of belonging that reinforces the message that no one is meant to face life alone. Free lunch is included. Registration is available.

Now in its sixth year, this holiday craft and vendor fair highlights shopping local and brings together offerings from crafters and vendors. The event is hosted by First Presbyterian Church. For more information, contact TLawson@fpcvalpo.org.

Teams gather for a fall themed trivia night filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition. Participants put their knowledge to the test and aim for the trivia title while supporting the mission of Healing with Human Connection. Held at the Life Change Center at Calvary Church, the evening centers on community connection and autumn spirit.

This free, all-ages event welcomes everyone. Guests younger than 21 must attend with someone who is 21 or older.

The 3 Little Birds Holiday Market brings a festive two day shopping experience to Porter County Expo Center, showcasing small, boutique, and other local businesses. Browse handmade items, unique pieces, and vintage goods while enjoying live music from local performers. Gourmet coffee and food trucks will be on site, adult drinks are available, and Santa stops by on Saturday. Advance tickets are available, and a portion of proceeds supports Abra Animal Rescue.

Celebrate the season at a festive market filled with holiday decor and gift finds. Enjoy food, drinks, and live music as you browse. Santa will be on site to add a little extra magic.

Explore a two day holiday market at Porter County Expo Center that celebrates local small and boutique businesses. Browse one of a kind, handmade, unique, and vintage goods while enjoying live performances by local musicians. Gourmet coffee and food trucks will be on site, and adult beverages will be available. Santa appears on Saturday. Part of the proceeds support Abra Animal Rescue.

This family-friendly karaoke night welcomes participants of every age. Anyone younger than 21 must attend with a companion who is 21 or older. Admission is free.

In beautiful Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, this craft and vendor show features more than 150 vendors spread across multiple buildings, including a new building added for 2026. Browse handmade pottery, woodworking, glass art, textiles, home decor, jewelry, and more from Nova Scotian artisans and makers. Enjoy food trucks on site both days, live music, and outdoor tents, along with local treats, beverages, and specialty products. Admission includes a weekend pass bracelet. Only service dogs are permitted inside buildings. Bringing cash is recommended. For more information: ccsteakscake1986@gmail.com.

A bustling marketplace with a wide range of vendors fills multiple buildings. Enjoy options from a variety of food trucks, and catch a cheerful visit with Santa. It is a convenient place to tackle holiday shopping and pick up decorations.

Mommas Home Goods hosts the third Holidaze Market at the Porter County Expo Center. Designed for holiday shopping or a simple day out, this market offers a friendly setting to browse and enjoy the seasonal spirit.

Who Dat Dere makes a return to Duffy’s Place for a party centered on dancing and fun. Attendees can come hungry and wear their dance shoes for a Who Dat Dere good time.

Explore a lively vendor market in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, featuring more than 150 vendors spread across multiple buildings, including a newly added building for 2026. Expect food trucks on site both days, live music, and outdoor tents that create plenty of space to browse. Shop handmade pottery, woodworking, glass art, textiles, home decor, jewelry, and more from Nova Scotian artisans and makers. Enjoy local flavors with baked goods, fudge, nuts, specialty foods, a range of beverages, and local wines. Admission includes a weekend pass bracelet. Only service dogs are permitted inside buildings. Cash is recommended for a smooth shopping experience. For more information, email Sabcreationkey50@gmail.com.

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.

Toyz turns up the volume for a high-energy rock set packed with nothing but hits, drawing from favorites by Motley Crue, Poison, S.T.P., AC/DC, Offspring, Twisted Sister, A.I. Chains, Aerosmith, R.H.C.P., White Zombie, Lit, and more.