10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana this weekend, January 8 – January 11

With the weather breaking just in time for the weekend, it’s time to get out to see everything Northern Indiana has in store. Ice skating, winter hikes, bonfires, concerts, and more give you an excuse to get out of the house with your friends, family, and neighbors.

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!

Catch some high school hoops at the Civic Center’s nationally televised La Porte Invitational

Come watch some of the best high school basketball teams across the nation compete at the historic Civic Auditorium, including La Porte’s very own La Lumiere! The nationally televised games take place from January 9  – January 11 and are sure to be matchups you don’t want to miss. Learn more here.

Join Belvedere Senior Housing in celebrating veterans at the Wall of Honor unveiling

This Thursday, Belvedere Senior Housing is inviting the community to help it say thanks to all of the veterans in the Region with the unveiling of the Wall of Honor. This permanent tribute celebrates and memorializes Belvedere’s veteran residents and their families. Learn more here.

Send 2025 out in a blaze with the City of Crown Point

This Sunday, the City of Crown Point is teaming up with Geisen Funeral Home for its annual Christmas Tree Bonfire at the Lake County Fairgrounds! This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the new year by burning away your old tree. Free hot chocolate and popcorn will be available for all attendees. Learn more here.

Spend an evening with the God MC at The Lerner Theatre

Get to know the man who invented flow in rapping at the Lerner Theatre this Saturday! With his laidback but complex delivery and lyrics, Rakim revolutionized the world of hip hop, and you can see how at An Evening with Rakim at the Lerner. Included with your ticket are performances by Do or Die, JT Money, Mr. Serv On, and Tela! Tickets available online. Learn more here.

Enjoy frozen fun at Deep River Waterpark

Just because the summer’s gone doesn’t mean you can’t have a splashtastic time at Deep River Waterpark! Head out to the park this weekend to enjoy ice skating in the plaza before the weather turns. Learn more here.

Walk through a winter wonderland at Gabis Arboretum

The Gabis Arboretum at Purdue University Northwest is hosting a winter walk through the arboretum this Saturday for guests to enjoy the chilly beauty and learn how the plants and animals of the area adapt to dropping temperatures. This event is free to attend, but non-members will still need to pay the arboretum admission fee. Learn more here.

Make your own Disney tale on ice at Ironworks Plaza

Skate into your own Disney fairytale this Thursday at Ironworks Plaza’s ice rink! Beginning at 5:30, you’ll be able to skate, sing, and dress up for a very special session before the ice rink season ends. Tickets are available online. Learn more here.

Thrash in the Back Room at Burn ‘Em Brewing’s Punk & Metal Night

Burn ‘Em Brewing has brought together the loudest of the loud local bands for a powerful evening of guitar solos, moshing, and getting to know your community. Punk & Metal Night will feature Voidclass, Black Sunrise, and Wrath Hammer and is sure to melt some faces. This show is all ages, tickets available online. Learn more here.

Get your kids interested in reading with the Crown Point Community Library

The Crown Point Community Library is hosting a fun, no-pressure book club for young children this Thursday as part of its Winter Reading Program. Children will do a guided reading of a book in the library followed by a themed activity that helps encourage reading comprehension and teaches children that reading can be fun. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Learn more here.

Rock out to the music of RUSH at the Hobart Art Theater

This Friday, head out to the Hobart Art to witness the RUSH Experience, the ultimate tribute to RUSH. Covering the rock band’s entire career, the RUSH Experience plays hits everyone knows and deep cuts for the true fans in equal parts, giving you a true trip through decades of music history. Tickets are available online and at the door. Learn more here.