10 Fun Things to do in Northwest Indiana this weekend, July 1-4
- By: Peyton Mahlmann
- Last Updated: June 30, 2021
After much anticipation due to last year’s cancellations, the Fourth of July festivities are back this year! This weekend’s 10 Fun Things guide features plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day along with activities to stay fit, appreciate the arts, and enjoy good company during it all.

The City of Hammond is bringing you full entertainment this Fourth of July with its city-wide firework display beginning at 9:30 p.m. on July 4. Find more information about how you can watch the show from home here.

Starting at Bicentennial Park on Burlington Beach Road on Thursday, July 1, this Red, White, and Blue Group Bike Ride with Valpo Parks will be an early celebration for the Fourth of July where you can wear your best Independence Day outfit while enjoying a ride around the city. Find more information here.

Happening on Friday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this blood drive hosted by Residences at Coffee Creek will be the perfect way to give back to those who need it most this summer. Find out if you are eligible to donate and register at the link here.

City of Portage’s parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 3 followed by celebrations kicking off at Founders Square Park at 5 p.m. the same day. Find more information about the Fourth of July happenings in Portage at the website here.

Happening from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 2, the Bramson/Indiana/Lake exhibition at Lubeznik Center will be live for your viewing! Find all the information here.

Shop around at Methodist Hospital’s market made up of local growers this Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! EBT & cash are both accepted. More information can be found here.

Any and all are welcome to participate in Crown Point’s Fourth of July parade and festivities. The parade begins on South Main Street at 11 a.m. on July 4 and the fireworks will start at dusk at the Lake County Fairgrounds the same day. To learn more, visit the event page here.

The 5K race will be happening from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and the 2K walk and run will start at 9:10 a.m. and run until 9:30 a.m., both in Downtown Valparaiso. Head back out in the evening to Urschel Field on the corner of Valparaiso Street and Vale Park Road for the celebrations that begin at 6:30 p.m. and the firework display that will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Find all the details on the Valpo Parks website here.

The parade begins at 12 p.m. on July 4 and will be an extra-special celebration as Hobart celebrates its 100th birthday this year! Find the details here of the parade route and festivities in Festival Park, including food vendors, music, and of course, fireworks.

You can celebrate the Fourth of July holiday a day early with the City of Lake Station as its Independence Day Parade takes place at 4 p.m. on July 3. Find all the information on the event’s Facebook page here.