10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana this weekend, November 5-8 

As the holiday season approaches, kick off November with activities for the whole family. Honor our nation’s veterans with Veterans Day ceremonies, attend a light parade in Goshen, or smash pumpkins at Fair Oaks Farm. 

Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northern Indiana this weekend and be sure to add some to your calendar!

Honor veterans at the 2026 Lake County Parks Veterans Day 

Join the Lake County Parks Department in honoring U.S. veterans on Saturday, November 7, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Hebron. All ages are welcome, and limited seating will be available. Guests are invited to stand for the service or bring lawn chairs. Learn more here. 

Celebrate the Indiana Dunes National Park’s 60th Anniversary 

Celebrate Indiana Dunes National Park’s 60th birthday on Thursday, November 5! From 2-3 p.m., watch “Shifting Sands: On the Path to Sustainability” with your friends and family at the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education to celebrate. Learn more here. 

Join the City of Hammond at the 2026 Veterans Day Ceremonies 

Join together with Mayor Thomas McDermott, the City of Hammond, and the community for the 13th Annual Veterans Appreciation Day Parade on Saturday, November 7. The parade will include local American Legion and VFW posts, high school bands, musical entertainment, and special guests. After the parade, there will be a short ceremonial program to honor veterans at the Hessville Park Veterans Memorial. Learn more here. 

Shop and explore at Dig the Dunes Artisan Market

Discover various vendors and enjoy food and drinks at the fourth annual artisan market with Dig the Dunes and Treasures. On Saturday, November 7, visit the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City for a day of shopping and activities. Admission is free, and guests can also enjoy on site refreshments and food. Learn more here. 

Smash pumpkins with friends at the Pumpkin Smash Bash 

Celebrate the end of harvest season at the Pumpkin Smash Bash, presented by Fair Oaks Farm Adventure Center on Saturday, November 7. Guests of all ages are invited for a fun afternoon of smashing and stomping pumpkins. Learn more here. 

Yell “Bingo!” at Bingo Night at Off Square 

Get your friends together for a night of competitive fun at Square’s Bingo night! Mark your calendars for every Thursday from 7-9 p.m., and join the community in yelling, “Bingo!” Learn more here. 

Explore downtown South Bend at First Fridays: Arts After Dark

On Friday, November 6, Downtown South Bend’s Art District is coming alive for First Fridays: Arts After Dark. Explore local art, handmade gifts, food, entertainment, and open studios, all on one block. Bring your friends and family and kick off the holiday season! Learn more here. 

Put your chef hat on for the Elkhart Cooking Club 

Gather your pots and pans, put your chef hat on, and learn how to make tuna onigiri, a Japanese snack! For children ages 8 to 12, this hands-on cooking program will teach recipe reading, chopping, cutting, and skillet skills. Learn more here. 

Honor our nation’s veterans at the 2026 Valpo Parks Veterans Day Ceremony 

From 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, November 6, join the Valparaiso Parks Department in honoring our nation’s military veterans. This ceremony will include a special message from U.S. Air Force Veteran Nicolette Huber, Valpo Police and Fire Honor Guards, and a performance by South Shore Brass Band. There will also be a ceremonial laying of the wreaths. Learn more here. 

Enjoy exciting lights and entertainment at Goshen Light Parade, November First Fridays

Get your family and friends together for an evening filled with illuminating light spectacles, fun entertainment and activities, and food vendors. Join the Goshen community for the Goshen Light Parade on Friday, November 6, from 5-9 p.m. as part of their November First Fridays. Learn more here.