Fall is in the air! Our 10 Fun Things to Do this Weekend in Northwest Indiana welcomes October with welcome, sleeved arms as the air cools and leaves begin to fall. We highlight the region's top events below, but if you have an event to share, you can either do so by click here or send us an email to share@ideasinmotionmedia.com.
Friday events | Saturday events | Sunday events
Westville Pumpkin Festival
The 2015 Westville Pumpkin Fest is nearly here! Events are scheduled for Friday October 2 through Sunday October 4. There will be arts and craft vendors, food vendors, and a carnival all weekend long. On Friday, there will be the crowning of the Pumpkin Fest Royalty as well as a teen dance at 6 PM. Saturday begins with a 5K walk/Run at 8:00 AM followed by the Pumpkin Fest parade at 10:00. Contestants can sign up at the Westville School from 7:00-8:00 AM. The excitement continues on Saturday with a Classic Car and Motorcycle Show, and a Corn Hole Toss at 11:00 AMfollowed by the Lion’s Club Bingo at 12 noon. Also at 12:00 are our famous Pie Eating Contest and the Tae-Kwon-Do show. At 1:00 PM the Kids Fun Run will take place and the Pumpkin Decorating Contest commences shortly after at 1:30 PM. The rest of the afternoon consists of a Hula Hoop Contest at 2:00 PM, a Jump Rope Contest at 3:00 PM, both at the Tri Kappa Booth, and our ever popular delicious Pumpkin Bake-Off at 3:30 PM. All baked goods can be dropped off at the Tri Kappa Booth any time before 3:00 PM. Our day concludes Saturday evening with a Texas Hold’em Tournament at 5:00 PMat the American Legion as well as a pork chop dinner at the Westville volunteer fire department on Flynn Road. The evening concludes with the Coils Band in the entertainment tent. The final day of the Westville Pumpkin Fest begins with a Pancake Breakfast starting at 7:00 AM. At 8:00 AM there will be a 3-on-3 Basketball Tourney held at the Westville School. Registration begins at 7:15 AM. The antique Tractor Pull begins at 10:00 AM, followed by another Corn Hole Tournament at 11 AMand more Bingo fun at 1 PM. A Magic Show by Matt Kalita will be at 12 noon in the entertainment/food tent.
Elvis Fantasy Festival
January, 2015 marked the eightieth birthday of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll and despite his passing back in 1977 at the age of 42 his spirit lives on at annual celebrations of his life and music held around the world. Each year, Elvis fans young and old gather in Portage, Indiana for the Elvis Fantasy Festival, which is held as a fundraiser for the Porter County Special Olympics. Part of the highly successful ElvisFestival.com series of events, the three-day festival features two Las Vegas-style concerts and some of the world’s most seasoned Elvis Tribute Artists (ETA’s) vying for the title of champion which comes with prize money and the chance to represent the festival at the annual Elvis Week gathering in Memphis and take part in Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
First Friday in the Uptown Arts District
The Michigan City Mainstreet Association is pleased to present the First Friday Art Walk in the Uptown Arts District on October 2nd, 2015 from 5pm to 8pm. The Art Walk features local merchants hosting an array of artists and entertainment for free enjoyment for visitors, adults, and families alike. This First Friday will include participatory events. Bring a Ball Mason jar with an object that reminds you of the Indiana Dunes to Walnut Ink Projects at 607 Franklin Street to join in their Ball Mason Memory Jar project as a fundraiser for Save the Dunes. Walnut Ink Projects will also have an artist on hand to help you make your own screen print. Express yourself at Paris House of Bridal with their community art project at 728 Franklin Street.
St. Paul Oktoberfest
This year’s German-themed event (our 3rd annual!) will feature many of the great elements from last year: live music, hayrides, Ben’s Pretzels, a German dinner, craft brews from Shoreline Brewery, a pumpkin patch featuring 400 pumpkins, a bigger Gnome Zone, a 50/50 raffle, speed lane for mug refills, Valpo Velvet’s ‘Moobile’ ice cream truck and several arts and craft vendors.
Portage Fire Department Open House
Portage Fire Department’s 2015 Annual Fire Prevention Open House Saturday October 3, 2015 from 9a.m. - 12p.m. Station 1, 3401 Swanson Rd. Come and join in the fun! Learn about fire prevention and safety with fun activities, including: Tour the Fire Station, Dress up in fire fighter bunker gear, Sit in the fire engine and ambulance, Spray water on a fire and put the fire out with a fire hose, Meet Bosco the Arson Dog and watch a demonstration of him working, See divers swimming in a tank, Refreshments will be available.
Sapper Six Race and Concert
In 2012 the local Valparaiso based National Guard Unit, the 173rd Combat Engineer Company (Sappers), deployed to Afghanistan. During their tour six of their members out of the 93 that deployed were killed in two separate incidents with one severely wounded. The six families have supported themselves continuously. They now ask you the members of the community to come out and join us in the 2nd Annual Sapper 6 Memorial 5K Run & Fun Walk at Central Park Plaza to commemorate the lives of our brave soldiers. Music, food and drink will be part of the evening of respect, remembrance and celebration.
Community Canoe Day in Hammond
Learn about your local watershed from the seat of a 24-foot Voyageur canoe! This free event is a great opportunity to gather friends, family and colleagues for a unique tour around Hammond's Wolf Lake. Trips take approximately one hour. No experience necessary. Space is limited. Sign up at DunesCamp.org
Crown Point Oktoberfest
Mayor David Uran and Crown Brewing are once again proud to announce the eighth annual Oktoberfest on October 3rd from 3-11pm located on South Main St. There will be food, festivities and fun for all ages with a pie eating contest, chili cook-off, live music, bean bag tournament and much much more. To pre-register for these events contact our Parks Department at 661-2271.
Lake County Walk for Alzheimer's
All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer's further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Registration at 12:00pm l Ceremony at 1:30pm l Walk at 1:45pm
Purdue North Central Sinai Forum - David Marquet
The 62nd season of the Purdue University North Central Sinai Forum will continue on Oct. 4 at 4 p.m. (CT) at the Blue Chip Casino Stardust Event Center, 777 Blue Chip Drive, in Michigan City with David Marquet presenting, “Turn the Ship Around!” “Fortune” magazine called his award-winning book “Turn the Ship Around!” the “best how-to manual anywhere for managers on delegating, training and driving flawless execution.”