Festivals, concerts, farmers markets, and things to do across
Lake, Porter, and La Porte County
If you are searching for the best Northwest Indiana summer events, you are in the right place.
Summer in Northwest Indiana is more than just warm weather. It is a season filled with live music, lakefront views, local festivals, and community gatherings that bring people together every week.
Whether you are planning family outings, date nights, or simply looking for something new to do, this guide highlights the can’t miss events happening across Lake County, Porter County, and La Porte County.
Why Summer in Northwest Indiana Stands Out
During the summer months, communities across Northwest Indiana come alive with:
- Outdoor concerts and live entertainment
- Weekly farmers markets and local vendors
- Food festivals and cultural events
- Carnivals, fairs, and family activities
- Fireworks and holiday celebrations
From Hammond to Valparaiso to Michigan City, there is always something happening.
LakE CountY
Summer Events
Lake County offers a mix of vibrant festivals, weekly markets, and large-scale summer events.
Farmed & Forged (Downtown Hammond)
Address: 425 Sibley St, Hammond, IN 46320
Date & Time: May 28th – September 24th (Thursday Evenings) | 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Crown Point Corn Roast (Crown Point Courthouse)
Address: 1 Courthouse Square, Crown Point, IN, 46307
Date & Time: May 29th – May 30th | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Crown Point Car Cruise (Bulldog Park)
Address: 183 S West St, Crown Point, IN 46307
Date & Time: June 2nd – September 29th (Tuesday Evenings) | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Hobart Lakefront Fest (Festival Park)
Address: 111 E Old Ridge Rd, Hobart, IN 46342
Date & Time: June 4th – June 7th | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Broad Street Blues & BBQ Festival (Griffith Central Park)
Address: 600 N Broad St, Griffith, IN 46319
Date & Time: June 12th – June 14th | 5:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Cedar Lake Summerfest (Cedar Lake Town Grounds)
Address: 7408 Constitution Ave, Cedar Lake, IN 46303
Date & Time: July 2nd – July 5th | Times vary per day
🔗 More Info Here
St. John Freedom Fest (Heartland Park)
Address: 10600 White Oak Ave, St. John, IN, 46311
Date & Time: July 4th | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Festival of the Lakes (Wolf Lake Memorial Park)
Address: 2324 Calumet Ave, Hammond, Indiana 46320
Date & Time: July 15th – July 19th | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Taste of Crown Point (Bulldog Park)
Address: 2324 Calumet Ave, Hammond, Indiana 46320
Date & Time: July 18th – July 19th | 5 PM – 10 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Pierogi Fest (Downtown Whiting)
Address: 1417 119th St, Whiting, IN 46394
Date & Time: July 24th – July 26th | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Lake County Fair (Lake County Fairgrounds)
Address: 889 South Court Street, Crown Point, IN 46307
Date & Time: August 7th – August 16th | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Gary Air Show (Marquette Park)
Address: 1 North Grand Boulevard, Gary, IN 46403
Date & Time: August 22nd – August 23rd | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
PORTER CountY
Summer Events
Porter County is known for its walkable downtowns, weekly markets, and community-centered events.
Chocolate Walk (Downtown Valparaiso)
Address: 16 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Date & Time: May 2nd | 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Chesterton European Market (Downtown Chesterton)
Address: 220 Broadway Ave, Chesterton, IN 46304
Date & Time: May 2nd – October 24th | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Valparaiso Summer Outdoor Movies (Central Park Plaza)
Address: 68 Lafayette St, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Date & Time: June 2nd – July 14th (Tuesday Evenings) | 5:30 PM
🔗 More Info Here
SAND + STEEL Art Festival (Central Park Plaza)
Address: 68 Lafayette St, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Date & Time: June 26th – June 28th | Times vary per day
🔗 More Info Here
Valparaiso Summer Concert Series (Central Park Plaza)
Address: 68 Lafayette St, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Date & Time: July 9th – August 27th | 5:30 – 8:30 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Nativity Fest (Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church)
Address: 2949 Willowcreek Rd, Portage, IN 46368
Date & Time: July 9th – July 12th | 10:00 AM
🔗 More Info Here
Valparaiso Wine Festival (Central Park Plaza)
Address: 68 Lafayette St, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Date & Time: July 18th | 5:00 – 8:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Porter County Fair (Porter County Fairgrounds)
Address: 215 E Division Rd, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Date & Time: July 23rd – August 1st | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Turkeypalooza (Central Park Plaza)
Address: 68 Lafayette St, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Date & Time: July 31st | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Sidewalk Days (Downtown Valparaiso)
Address: Location Varies
Date & Time: July 31st – August 1st
🔗 More Info Here
Chesterton Art Fair (Dogwood Park)
Address: S 23rd St, Chesterton, IN 46304
Date & Time: August 1st – August 2nd | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Popcorn Festival (Downtown Valparaiso)
Address: 68 Lafayette St, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Date & Time: September 12th | 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
🔗 More Info Here
LA PORTE CountY
Summer Events
La Porte County brings together lakefront experiences, local traditions, and seasonal celebrations.
Farmed & Forged (Downtown Michigan City)
Address: 800 Washington St, Michigan City, 46360
Date & Time: May 23rd – September 26th (Saturday Mornings) | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Farmed & Forged (Downtown La Porte)
Address: 618 Lincolnway, La Porte, IN 46350
Date & Time: May 24th – September 27th (Sunday Mornings) 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Friday Night Live: Country & ‘Que (Downtown La Porte)
Address: 1700 Lincolnway #4, La Porte, IN 46350
Date & Time: May 29th | 6:00 PM -10:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Friday Night Live: Taco Fest (Downtown La Porte)
Address: 1700 Lincolnway #4, La Porte, IN 46350
Date & Time: June 19th | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
La Porte County Fair (La Porte County Fairgrounds)
Address: 2581 W. State Rd, 2 La Porte, IN 46350
Date & Time: July 11th – July 18th | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Singing Sands Sculpting Festival (Singing Sands Sculpting Festival)
Address: 6 On the Lake, Michigan City, IN 46360
Date & Time: July 17th – July 19th | 8:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
La Porte Lakefest (Pine Lake, Stone Lake, Clear Lake)
Address: 908 Pine Lake Ave, La Porte, IN 46350
Date & Time: July 24th – July 26th | Times vary per day
🔗 More Info Here
Xinsurance Great Lakes Grand Prix (Washington Park)
Address: 6 On the Lake, Michigan City, IN 46360
Date & Time: July 27th – August 2nd | Times vary per day
🔗 More Info Here
Friday Night Live: Cheeseburger in Paradise (Downtown La Porte)
Address: 1700 Lincolnway #4, La Porte, IN 46350
Date & Time: August 7th | 6:00 PM -10:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Sunflower Fair (Downtown La Porte)
Address: 1700 Lincolnway #4, La Porte, IN 46350
Date & Time: September 19th
🔗 More Info Here
Nearby Regional
Summer Events
While most of Northwest Indiana’s biggest summer events are in Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties, there are also a few popular regional festivals just outside the area that are worth checking out.
New Carlisle Hometown Days (Memorial Park)
Address: 485 Lincoln Hwy, New Carlisle, IN 46552
Date & Time: July 24th – July 26th | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Marshall County Blueberry Festival (Centennial Park)
Address: 1660 N. Michigan St, Plymouth, IN 46563
Date & Time: September 4th – September 7th | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🔗 More Info Here
Make the Most of Summer in Northwest Indiana
Summer goes by fast, but in Northwest Indiana there is no shortage of ways to make it count.
From weekend farmers markets and live music to festivals, food, and lakefront views, these events are what bring people together and make each community feel like home. Whether you are planning family outings, date nights, or just looking for something new to do, there is always something happening just around the corner.
If you are local, this is your reminder to explore more of what is right in your backyard. And if you are newer to the area, this is one of the best ways to get a feel for each town and what makes it unique.
💡 Local Tip
A lot of these events get busy, especially festivals and weekend markets.
If you are looking for a more relaxed experience, try going earlier in the day or attending weekday events.
For bigger festivals, plan ahead for parking and consider arriving before peak hours.
A Quick Note From Our Team
One thing we hear often, especially during the summer, is how much people fall in love with the lifestyle here.
It is not just the homes. It is the sense of community, the walkable downtowns, the local events, and the simple feeling of having something to look forward to every weekend.
If you ever find yourself thinking, “I could really see myself living here,” you are not alone.
And if that thought turns into curiosity, we are always here as a resource. No pressure, just local insight.
Explore More in Northwest Indiana
If you are curious what it would look like to call this area home, you can start by exploring available homes, neighborhoods, and local insights across Northwest Indiana.
Or, if you prefer to talk it through, feel free to give us a call at 219-786-7000. We are always happy to help.