Memorial Day weekend is here, and at Olthof Homes, we feel it deeply. Since 1961, our family has been building homes and communities across Indiana, and we've always believed that a great home is nothing without a great community around it. This weekend, the communities where we build are doing what they do best: coming together to honor the men and women who gave everything so the rest of us could have everything we have.

Before the cookouts and the sunshine, we want to pause and say thank you, to every fallen service member, to every Gold Star family, and to every veteran whose sacrifice made this long weekend possible. We are honored to build homes in communities that take that gratitude seriously.

Now, let's talk about how to spend this weekend across the places we call home.

Northwest Indiana

Crown Point

The Square is calling. Crown Point holds its Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony on Monday morning, one of Lake County's most beloved traditions, organized by the American Legion Post 20, Mayor Peter Land, and the City Council. The procession is a genuine community moment, with all ages lining the streets to pay their respects. If you want a quieter tribute, Lake County Parks also hosts a service at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Stoney Run County Park (9230 E. 142nd Ave., Hebron) at 2:30 p.m.

After the ceremony, the Crown Point Square offers the perfect stroll — boutique shops, local dining, and the small-town energy that makes Lake County worth calling home. And if you're curious about our newest Crown Point community, Greenview thoughtfully designed on the grounds of a former golf course, this is a beautiful weekend to explore the neighborhood.

Valparaiso

Valpo does Memorial Day right. The city kicks off Monday with a Memorial Day Observance at Foundation Meadows (8:30 a.m.), with remarks from Mayor Jon Costas, a reading of names from the Duty and Sacrifice monument, and a posting of the colors. It's a moving ceremony that the whole family should experience at least once.

Later in the afternoon, head to the historic Memorial Opera House (104 Indiana Street) at 3:00 p.m. for the 19th Annual Valparaiso Memorial Day Concert by the Valparaiso Community Concert Band. Tickets are free — just reserve your spot in advance.

And all weekend long, Valparaiso delivers; catch a show at the iconic 49er Drive-In Theater, open seven nights a week starting Friday (cash only!), hike the trails at Rogers-Lakewood Park, or explore the boutique shops and dining around the downtown square. The weekend energy in Valpo is something special.

Portage

Portage holds a Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25, a dignified community ceremony to honor local veterans and fallen heroes. It's a reminder of what makes Porter County such a grounded, community-rooted place to live.

Portage is also the gateway to the Indiana Dunes National Park, which makes this the perfect weekend to lace up your hiking boots. The Dunes host a Memorial Day Movie at the National Park on Monday, May 25 at 1:00 p.m. a fun, family-friendly way to cap off the long weekend right on the lakeshore.

Schererville & St. John

Our communities in Schererville (Canyon Creek) and St. John sit in a beautiful pocket of Lake County — close to the Illinois border, close to Chicago, and surrounded by local flavor. This weekend, explore Lake County's outdoor spaces, visit a farmers market, or simply take a long walk through your neighborhood with a cup of coffee. Memorial Day is also unofficially the start of patio season — and these communities have the space for it.

Dyer

Dyer may be small but it's mighty on community spirit. Check out local restaurant patios this weekend, and keep an eye out Dyer Summerfest (one of the region's biggest events) is right around the corner June 11–14, with 12 stages, 800+ acts, fireworks on Sunday, and a bike parade to open the fun. Memorial Day weekend is the perfect warm-up.

Indianapolis Area

Westfield

The City of Westfield held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Fallen Hoosier Heroes Memorial (401 N. Union Street) on Wednesday, May 20, featuring Gold Star father and Indiana State Representative David Abbott as keynote speaker, remarks from Mayor Scott Willis (himself a proud U.S. Marine), and a performance by the Westfield Community Choir. If you missed it, take a moment this weekend to visit the memorial yourself, it's a profoundly moving landmark.

For family fun, Grand Park Sports Campus is always buzzing this time of year, and the area's restaurants and shops around State Road 32 make for a wonderful weekend afternoon. Our Lindley Run community is in the heart of all of it.

Brownsburg

Brownsburg is a great base for a long weekend. The town's Arbuckle Acres Park is the hub of outdoor activity — trails, open green space, and the kind of neighborhood park that makes you glad you moved to the suburbs. And as a heads-up: the Brownsburg Lions Club 4th of July Extravaganza is coming up fast (June 29–July 4), with fireworks, food, and live entertainment at Arbuckle Acres. Memorial Day weekend is a good excuse to scout it out.

The Indianapolis 500 — This Sunday!

If you live anywhere near the Indianapolis area this weekend, you already know: the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 takes over Indianapolis Motor Speedway this Sunday, May 24. The green flag drops at 12:45 p.m. ET on FOX. This is the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, and it is, genuinely, one of the most extraordinary sporting events in the world. Whether you're in the stands or watching from your backyard, it's the heartbeat of Memorial Day weekend in Indiana.

Today (Friday, May 22) is Carb Day with final practice, the Oscar Mayer Wienie 500, the Pit Stop Challenge, and a Counting Crows concert all happening at IMS. If you don't have race tickets, the surrounding neighborhoods come alive all weekend with energy.

Greenfield & Plainfield

Greenfield celebrated its Market on Main this week, and the town's charming Courthouse Plaza is worth a visit any time. Keep an eye on downtown Greenfield events through the weekend the community's Main Street energy is alive and well.

Plainfield residents, the Hendricks County area offers great outdoor spaces, the easy access to Indy, and the slower-paced weekend vibe that makes the suburbs feel like a reward. Our Plainfield community puts you right in the middle of it.

Cumberland

Our Cumberland community (Grant's Corner) sits on the east side of Indianapolis and offers quick access to everything the city has to offer this weekend, world-class museums, Broad Ripple, and more while still feeling like the quiet, established neighborhood it is.

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend. It's a moment to look around at the homes we live in, the neighbors we know, the streets we walk, and understand that these things exist because someone chose to protect them. At Olthof Homes, we don't take that lightly.

We are grateful to build in communities across Indiana that honor that sacrifice with ceremonies, concerts, parades, and quiet moments of reflection. Wherever your weekend takes you, we hope it includes a moment to say thank you.

From our family to yours, have a wonderful, safe, and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.