Learn all about carpenter bees, why they are important, and how to live with them. Make a bee house craft and enjoy a piece of blueberry buckle.
Sip, Savor, and Celebrate Summer at Barker Mansion's Jens Jensen Garden with a curated white wine tasting, elegant charcuterie, and a self-guided mansion tour. A perfect 21+ summer evening in one of Michigan City's most beautiful historic settings.
Northwest IN best loved dance band for over 49 years!
Pack up the stroller and bring your little one on an early learning adventure at the zoo! Visit animal exhibits, meet an animal ambassador, enjoy a story and craft. $25 includes one child and one caretaker.
Live music @ Shady Creek Winery!
Get ready for AXS TV’s “World’s Greatest” Pearl Jam Tribute band. The Ten Band is the longest touring PJ tribute in the U.S. – and without question, the most authentic!
P.T. and the Cruisers @ Zorn!
Every Saturday morning in the Uptown Arts District, the Farmed and Forged Market brings together local farmers, artisans, food vendors, and nonprofits for a free, family-friendly producers-only market celebrating the best of Northwest Indiana.
Help Guardian Riders raise funds to continue to help Local Veterans, Active Military and those less fortunate. 100% of proceeds go to the cause. 6 Bands! 12 Hours of Fun!!
Mr. Countryman @ The Backyard at Zorn
Every Sunday morning in the Uptown Arts District, the Farmed and Forged Market brings together local farmers, artisans, food vendors, and nonprofits for a free, family-friendly producers-only market celebrating the best of Northwest Indiana.
Barley Priest live @ Zorn!
Marvel Comics Illustrator Jerry DeCaire brings the page to life with a live drawing performance at Michigan City Public Library as part of the Writing Out Loud 2026 series. Attendees have a chance to take home one of his autographed demo drawings. Free admission.
Live music @ Shady Creek Winery!
Michigan City's most beloved annual tradition returns for Labor Day Weekend! Oktoberfest at Washington Park brings four days of live music, great food, and community celebration September 4-7.
The Macabre opens at The Rising Phoenix Gallery with a free Opening and Artist Reception on September 4. This group exhibition explores the eerie, the unsettling, and the hauntingly atmospheric through works by four compelling artists.
Lubeznik Center for the Arts' September First Friday features a one-of-a-kind musical performance by Joe Rauen, an artist who transforms watering cans, shovels, sports equipment, and household items into never-before-seen working instruments. Free admission.
Bart Piet Duo @ Zorn!
Every Saturday morning in the Uptown Arts District, the Farmed and Forged Market brings together local farmers, artisans, food vendors, and nonprofits for a free, family-friendly producers-only market celebrating the best of Northwest Indiana.
Downtown La Porte comes alive on the first Saturday of the month for Un-Official Cruise Nights 2026! Trucks, cars, semis, low riders, 4x4s, buggies, and bikes roll down Lincolnway from 6-9pm all summer long.
Twilight Tunes Dueling Pianos @ The Backyard at Zorn
Every Sunday morning in the Uptown Arts District, the Farmed and Forged Market brings together local farmers, artisans, food vendors, and nonprofits for a free, family-friendly producers-only market celebrating the best of Northwest Indiana.
Caught on Cline LIVE @ Shoreline Brewery!
Gone 2 Paradise Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band @ The Backyard at Zorn!
Come out to celebrate our 25th anniversary of the La Porte County Draft Horse Show! Draft Horse hitch and pony teams travel from across the country to compete.
Explore a different park with Ranger April and the LaPorte County Public Library each month! There will be a story, craft and a live animal to see!
110 Stories is a powerful docu-play presented by La Porte Little Theatre, weaving together firsthand accounts of September 11 from those who lived it - humanizing history through unflinching, personal storytelling.
Jack Whittle performs @ Zorn Brew Works
The 2026 Run for Hope in Trail Creek is more than a 5K -- it's a community stand against stigma, raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health support in La Porte County. Hosted by the Friends of Swanson Center.
One of Northwest Indiana's favorite community events, the Dunebrook Dragon Boat Family Festival returns September 12 with exciting dragon boat races, family-friendly activities, local vendors, and delicious food - all benefiting Dunebrook's mission to strengthen families and protect children.
Every Saturday morning in the Uptown Arts District, the Farmed and Forged Market brings together local farmers, artisans, food vendors, and nonprofits for a free, family-friendly producers-only market celebrating the best of Northwest Indiana.
Come for the fun, food, cars, and crafts! Take a horse and wagon tour or a living cemetery tour with live actors! Pancake and more breakfast. $1 kids train rides, $3 a car to park!
Create your own stone-like planter. This hands-on workshop teaches the basics of hypertufa, a lightweight, durable material perfect for outdoor containers. Participants will create a custom planter to take home.
The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra’s trademarked vocal competition and fundraiser, now in its 21st and final year!
5 Youth and 5 Adult finalists will compete for cash prizes and the title of “Hoosier Star” in this high-energy event! Make sure to get your tickets so your votes counts!
110 Stories is a powerful docu-play presented by La Porte Little Theatre, weaving together firsthand accounts of September 11 from those who lived it - humanizing history through unflinching, personal storytelling.
Looking for ways to spend the day in LaPorte?
From time on the water to trails through the woods, local dining, and seasonal markets, there’s plenty here to explore. This section highlights some of the best activities and spots around town to help you plan your next outing.
The LaPorte area offers some great spots to swim and enjoy time by the water. With calm lake settings, nearby parks, and sandy beaches, it's easy to find a place to cool off or spend a fun-filled, relaxing afternoon. Many areas include amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and parking, making them easy destinations for a day trip with family and friends. Grab a towel and take a break by the lake!
Launch into lake life with a day on Pine Lake! Cruise the open water on a pontoon, kick up some spray while waterskiing, or grab your crew and a towable tube for some serious summer fun. With calm waters, scenic shoreline views, and plenty of room to ride, Pine Lake is the go-to spot for all things boating in La Porte.
Pine Lake and Stone Lake offer the perfect setting for a relaxing paddle or an energizing kayaking adventure. Both lakes welcome visitors to explore their calm waters, scenic shorelines, and beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful sunrise paddle or a fun afternoon on the water with friends, kayaking here is a must-do experience in La Porte.
Stretch your legs and soak up some fresh air! From peaceful lakeside strolls and shady woodland loops to elevated views and winding park paths, the LaPorte area is packed with scenic routes waiting to be explored. Lace up, bring your furry friends (on leash!), and explore the natural beauty of the Laporte area.
Grab your clubs and get ready for a great day out on the course. From laid-back rounds with friends to testing your skills on championship fairways, LaPorte’s golf courses have something for every golfer.
Ready to cast a line and enjoy a peaceful day on the water? La Porte has plenty of great fishing spots for anglers of all ages.
From flowy woodland loops to challenging technical lines, the La Porte area is home to some of the region’s most engaging mountain-bike trails. Riders can wind through forests, roll along ridgelines and tackle a variety of features designed for all levels of experience.
Discover the best birding spots in La Porte County, from the drive-through marshes of Kingsbury Fish & Wildlife Area to easy walking trails at Luhr County Park, Clear Lake, and Soldiers Memorial Park. With wooded preserves, open lakeshores, and even a stop on the Indiana Birding Trail, the region offers year-round opportunities to spot everything from Sandhill Cranes to colorful warblers.
La Porte has no shortage of green space to enjoy. From lakeside parks with trails and beaches to little neighborhood playgrounds tucked around town, each one gives you a reason to get outside and spend some time in the fresh air.
La Porte is full of great spots to grab a cup of coffee, enjoy a fresh pastry, or meet up with friends for breakfast or lunch. From bright cafés that are perfect for working or studying to cozy diners serving classic comfort food with your morning brew, there’s something for every taste.
The LaPorte area hosts several farms, orchards, and markets that showcase the best of the region’s local flavors and traditions. Visitors can stroll through flower patches, pick apples straight from the tree, or explore markets filled with handcrafts and fresh produce. Some farms even offer hands-on experiences, such as tours or seasonal festivals.
Whether you’re looking for a casual afternoon tasting with friends, live music on the patio, or a bottle to take home for dinner, these wineries offer the perfect blend of charm and flavor to make your day extra special.
La Porte has no shortage of places to grab a drink, share a meal, or kick back with friends. From neighborhood taverns and sports bars with hearty pub fare to lakeside lounges serving craft cocktails, you’ll find plenty of spots to match the mood of your night out.
