10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana this weekend, January 29 – February 1
- By: Damon Modglin
- Last Updated: January 28, 2026
In the blink of an eye, we’re already through the first month of 2026! Despite some cold days and plenty of snow, the fun is just heating up in Northern Indiana as we head into February.
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana to kick off the new year and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Learn everything you need to know about Hammond at the annual State of the City

Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. and the City of Hammond team are talking about everything the city has accomplished over the past year and what’s still to come for Hammond at the city’s annual State of the City address. The address is the best way to learn about the important topics, decisions, and conversation affecting Hammond today! Learn more here.
Welcome the newest class of inductees to the IU Northwest Athletics Hall of Fame – POSTPONED

Indiana University Northwest will be inducting a new class of athletes to its Athletics Hall of Fame this Saturday! The event will begin with a brunch recognizing the newest class of inductees before the men and women’s basketball teams take the court. This year’s honorees include former RedHawk Morgan Holland and IU Northwest Director of Athletics Ryan Shelton. Learn more here.
Dance the night away at the 3rd annual Groundhog Day Gala

Join the City of Whiting at the Whiting Knights of Columbus this Saturday for the annual Groundhog Day Gala. The gala benefits the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society and its new History Center, so you can have a good time while supporting a good cause when you purchase a ticket. Tickets are available online. Learn more here.
Rock out with Hairball at Four Winds New Buffalo

Hairball is bringing the glory of the ‘80s to Four Winds Casinos’ New Buffalo location this Saturday for a walk through the greatest hits of arena rock! From KISS and Queen to Motley Crue and Twisted Sister, Hairball is the best way to experience the feeling of the ‘80s rock scene in the modern day. Tickets are available online. Learn more here.
Get seated for an epic concert at Valparaiso University – CANCELED

This Saturday, the Valparaiso University and Valparaiso High School music departments are coming together for a concert of epic proportions. Take a Flight of Fancy through a collection of movie music that’ll make you feel like you’re on the big screen. Songs from movies like “Schindler’s List,” “Planes,” and “The Aviator” will be performed for your entertainment. Learn more here.
Prepare for Groundhog Day with Humane Indiana and the Southshore Sally

The second annual Groundhog Day Shadow Showdown with Southshore Sally is heading to the Indiana Welcome Center this Saturday! After a very successful event last year, the Shadow Showdown is better than ever with food trucks, vendors, and the opportunity to meet Bluey as well as a variety of animal ambassadors. Learn more here.
Compete for the biggest fish with Valpo Parks

The Valpo Parks Ice Fishing Derby is returning to Rogers Lakewood Park this Saturday with plenty of prizes just waiting to be caught! Carve your hole in the ice and fish for the longest bass, walleye, perch and more alongside your friends. Make sure you bundle up before hitting the ice! Learn more here.
Bust out your boots for Country Skate Night at Ironworks Plaza

The Ironworks Ice Rink is moseying on over to the rodeo this Thursday for the Mishawaka Parks Country Skate Night! With the latest and greatest country tunes floating through the rink, you’re in for a fun night of skating. Learn more here.
Go crazy for ThunderBeard at the La Porte Civic Auditorium

ZZ Top tribute ThunderBeard is taking the stage at the La Porte Civic Auditorium this Friday for a trip through some of the rock band’s greatest hits! ThunderBeard does more than capture the sound of ZZ Top – they’re just as sharply dressed too! Tickets are available online. Learn more here.
Redo WinterFest with the City of La Porte

The cold can’t keep fun away from La Porte! While several WinterFest events needed to be rescheduled, they’re coming back better than ever this weekend! Enjoy the ice rink, pond hockey, softball, and free horse-drawn carriage rides in downtown La Porte. Learn more here.