Looking for local things to do in Northwest Indiana? Check out these fun, fall activities nearby our new home community locations with your family!

Cedar Lake, IN - Birchwood Farms, Centennial Estates

Cedar Lake Farmers Market - Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, May thru October, 3:00 PM -7:00 PM

Live music at every turn, bounce houses, pony rides and amazing shopping from local artisans and organic farmers!

Race for Space 5K + 10K - Sunday, October 16, 2022, 9:00AM 

Your participation in our 5K run, 10K run, or 1 mile walk will help support CLCF’s mission to protect the natural environment of the Cedar Lakes region. The beautiful rolling trails will wind through deciduous forest, restored prairieland, and glacial moraine at CLCF’s Fox Hill Nature Preserve; you may even see a sandhill crane or a bald eagle flying overhead! All proceeds benefit the Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) land trust. We hope to see you on the trails!

Trunk-or-Treat - Saturday, October 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM 

Bring your buckets and wear your costumes! Lots of giveaways!

Chesterton - Springdale

Chesterton Car Show - Saturday, September 24, 2022, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM 

This event is open to everyone and is free of charge. Bring and display your car, bike, truck, or other. If you can cruise it bring it down! There will be door prizes, giveaways, raffles, music, food, and activities for the kids. Cars of all kinds – vintage, sport, and foreign. A night of family fun. Held on the last Saturday of the month, May to Sept. 

Chesterton European Market - Every Saturday through October 29, 2022, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM 

Our European Market provides a strong tradition of quality shopping, live entertainment and a festive community experience. Our artists, chefs, merchants and farmers travel to our Market from across Indiana, Michigan and Illinois to offer visitors an extraordinary collection of products and services.

Duneland Half Marathon & 5K - Sunday, October 30, 2022, 8:00 AM 

Looking to get involved in the local running community? This will be Race #10 in the Race the Region series . The race will start and end at Dogwood Park and will be primarily on the Duneland bike trail. 

Dancing like the Stars - Saturday, November 5, 2022, 6:00 PM 

The Duneland Family YMCA will host its annual Dancing Like the Stars Event and you’re invited! Following a year of a record-breaking event, we invite you to help top it again this year. The event will take place at the spacious and elegant Blue Chip Casino Stardust Event Center.

Hometown Holiday Celebration - Saturday, November 26, 2022 

Get into the holiday spirit and become a part of a unique Chesterton tradition. Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Duneland with an all-day hometown celebration. Eat and shop at the outdoor holiday market. Take a carriage ride through the historic downtown area and don’t forget the tree lighting ceremony, and the Twilight Christmas parade! 

Crown Point - Walkerton Park

Farmers Market - Every Saturday through September 24, 2022, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

Join us at Bulldog Park for our weekly Farmers Market. Our weekly market features more than 70 artisans, farmers, and more. With various vendors, a splash pad and live music, you are sure to find something the whole family will enjoy!

Car Cruise - Every Thursday through September 29, 2022, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 

A summertime staple in Crown Point! The West Street municipal lot and the Bulldog Park parking lot will be open for car cruise attendees. Parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis along West Street, the municipal lot across the street from Bulldog Park and the Wheeler Middle School parking lot.

Oktoberfest - Saturday, October 1, 2022, 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM 

The City of Crown Point Oktoberfest is a fun, family friendly festival offering a variety of local and traditional German meals.  Don't forget the great local bands and the ever-flowing beer garden!

Touch a Truck - Sunday, October 16, 2022, 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM 

Bring the family out to see the dump trucks, fire engines, ambulances, police cars, much more! Climb in and see the vehicles that make the city work.

Pumpkin Walk - Saturday, October 23, 2022, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

It's The Great Pumpkin Walk, Crown Point! Join the city of Crown Point, the Crown Point Community Library and the Crown Point Chamber of Commerce for the 2021 Pumpkin Walk. Wear your best costume and Trick or Treat around the square during this free event.

Portage, IN - Dunewood Trails

Mermaid Beach Cleanup - Saturday, September 24, 2022, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM 

Bags and Protective Gloves will be provided. Volunteers will also be treated to FREE iced coffee, cupcakes/cookies, and water refills provided by our awesome cleanup partners, Fluid Coffeebar, Designer Desserts, & Coastal Valley Water Co. BONUS! All volunteers will receive a FREE Mermaid Straw! Individuals, groups, and organizations of all ages welcome!

Dig The Dunes Fall Hike - Saturday, October 9, 2022, 11:15 AM - 2:00 PM 

In part of the Dig the Dunes 10 year celebration, we will meet at Burn 'Em Brewing and to join the Beer Run - or - take a walk through the Pine Tree Trail at Ambler Flatwoods. This is an awesome spot and great for photo taking. Afterwards, those who want can head back to Burn Em for a beer.

30th Annual Elvis Fest - Friday, October 14 - Sunday, October 16, 2022 

Since 1993, Elvis FANtasy Fest (EFF) has been a celebration of Elvis's music legacy and remembrance of his humanitarian ways by supporting a local charity. Join friends, old and new, for an amazing weekend of Elvis music while supporting our Special Olympic athletes. All net proceeds will be donated to Porter County Special Olympics. Thanks in advance for your support.

Veteran's Appreciation Celebration - Saturday, November 5, 2022, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM 

The event includes dinner, music, and guest speakers. All Veterans will receive a special gift.

Schererville, IN - Canyon Creek

Schererville Market - Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, May through October, 2022, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM 

Farmers, Crafters & Vendors! Food Trucks! Live Music (2 acts every night), Unique Entertainment at each Market! Bounce Houses and More!

Fire Department Open House - Saturday, October 1, 2022, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 

Schererville FD will have an open house at Station #2 in Plum Creek.

Halloween Stories & Campfire - Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 

Holiday Craft Show - Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6, 2022, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 

Schererville's Ice of the Ages - Saturday, November 27, 2022, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM 

St. John, IN - Mill Creek, Summerlin Estates

Farmers Market - Every Sunday, May through October, 2022, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

The Town of St. John Parks & Recreation Department welcomes vendors and shoppers to our Farmers Market!

Fishing Derby - Saturday, September 24, 2022, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM 

Sign up now for the 16th Annual Fishing Derby at Prairie West Park! Bring your poles, hooks, spinners, bobbers, and worms! Prizes will be given for longest fish caught, shortest fish caught, and more! The event is free of charge and open for ages 3-15. No fishing license is required for the event since September 24 is one of the DNR’s Free Fishing Days. This event is catch and release only.

Fire Dept. Open House - Saturday, October 8, 2022, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 

Fire Truck Rides, Crime Prevention, Photo ID's made for your children, Handouts, Coloring Contest - Win a ride to school on a fire truck!, Hats for the kids, Food Trucks and More!

Boo Bash -  Saturday, October 22, 2022, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

Join us for a morning full of fall themed family fun at the Boo Bash! The event will feature a Trunk or Treat, games, train rides, pumpkin decorating, and more! Costumes are encouraged! Pumpkins and goodie bags will be available while supplies last.

Valparaiso, IN - Hawthorne East, Magnolia Meadows, Westwind

Trail Fest - Friday, September 23 at 6:00 PM through Sunday, September 25, 2022 

Trails Fest is a Celebration of Trails hosted at Creekside Trails on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Friday evening is a family fun trail ride followed by a bonfire and s'mores for the kids. On Saturday will be the Creekside MTB Championships which includes a 20k XC & E-Bike, 5k Kids Race and a 10k Fat Tire race*. On Sunday will be an 8k trail run to cap off the weekend festival. Food, drinks and music will be featured all weekend long. 

Fall Classic Fishing Derby - Saturday, September 24, 2022, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

Join Friends of Fishing & Valpo Parks for a day of fishin', fellowship, food and fun. Biggest fish payouts in the following categories: Bass, Bluegill/Redear/Warmouth, Crappie, Perch. Fish can be measured at the clubhouse anytime during the day and then released. Fishing from park property only, or fishing from your own boat or kayak you can launch onsite. All Indiana state fishing regulations apply. Kids fish for prizes only. Besides fishing contests, there is a 50/50 raffle. 

Brewfest Kick-Off - Saturday, September 24, 2022, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM 

Held in Downtown Valparaiso, sample more than 200 different styles of beers from America’s best craft brewers. Join us for the annual Valpo Brewfest!  This event is a celebration of great craft beer and the cool people that enjoy it. Your Valpo Brewfest tickets not only get you access to great craft beer, but you can raise your glass to support an organization, Valparaiso Events, that works year-round to create a vibrant, thriving community! Cheers to Ya!

Fall Harvest Festival - Saturday, October 15, 2022, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 

The Valparaiso Fall Harvest Festival is a celebration that will take place at Central Park Plaza in conjunction with the end of the Valparaiso Farmers Market. There will be fall themed interactive events such as a Pumpkin Bounce House, pumpkin painting, caramel apple dipping and more! 

Halloween Howl Fest & Run - Saturday, October 22, 2022, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

What has traditionally been just a 2K/5K run will now be a day full of Halloween-themed, family fun at a new location - Rogers Lakewood Park.  After the run families can enjoy hayrides, s'mores by the fire, music, food, crafts, and more!

Winfield, IN - Clover Grove

Winfield Harvest Fest - Saturday, September 17, 2022, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM 

Live Music, Beer Garden, Kids Activities, Food Trucks and Vendors, Kick-off Fall with us!

Truck or Treat - Saturday, October 22, 2022, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

Wear your best costume and join us at Randolph Street Park for some awesome trucks and treats!

We hope you found an event that interests you, your family, and friends. Have a wonderful autumn and check back soon for more community events nearby our new home communities next season!