Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Northwest Indiana is heating up to make sure your dates this weekend go great. From Valentine-themed food, Galentine shopping events, and even a trip beyond our atmosphere, lovebirds have a bevy of options for this weekend. If Valentine’s Day isn’t your thing, the Region still has you covered with art, photography, film, and plays happening to be enjoyed alone, with friends, or with family.
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northwest Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Break the ice with your date at the City of Crown Point’s Sweetheart Skate
The City of Crown Point is converting its NHL-sized ice rink into the hottest date night spot in town for its Sweetheart Skate event this Saturday! Bring your crush to this themed skate night and slide right into their heart in celebration of the 2022-23 skate season. Learn more here.
Find love in a cup with Blackbird Cafe’s Valentine’s Day specials
Blackbird Cafe is rolling the Strawberry Dream and the Raspberry Macchiato for Valentine’s Day. The first is a strawberry cremosa with white chocolate foam, the second a raspberry latte with white chocolate drizzle that can be made hot or iced. Learn more here.
Explore and discuss Black history with IU Northwest’s showing of “Shared Legacies”
Indiana University Northwest is showing “Shared Legacies” this Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. The film explores the African American and Jewish Civil Rights Alliance, highlighting the importance of Black-Jewish solidarity. A panel discussion immediately follows the film. Space is limited, so register quickly! Learn more here.
View the fruits of local photographers’ labor with Art Barn
Art Barn has curated a gallery of photos from the Duneland Photography Club, and now you can see it this weekend! The gallery features images inspired by the style of street photographer Vivian Maier, so expect strong emphasis on people and architecture. Learn more here.
Have an out-of-this-world date at the Challenger Learning Center
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to travel to our red neighbor Mars for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience. This Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., expect a night full of astral wonder, including a one hour mission to Mars, a guide to the night sky in the planetarium, and dinner and drinks provided by Byway Brewery. Learn more here.
Spend a night with Ulla Lundsgart’s art at Lubeznik’s Ul-la La! event
Wine, appetizers, and magnificent artwork await you at Lubeznik Center for the Arts this Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will offer art collectors the opportunity to purchase paintings from Lundsgart’s catalog as well as the chance to participate in a free raffle for a Lundsgart original and other door prizes. All proceeds go to supporting Lubeznik’s free programming. Learn more here.
Partake in a photo scavenger hunt with the rangers at Indiana Dunes
Are you ready to see the Dunes through a fresh perspective? This Saturday, the rangers will be holding a photo scavenger hunt, challenging participants to locate views through the park. The event is free to attend and open to all ages. Learn more here.
Get ready for the big game with Wise Guys’ Football Beer Cocktail
Wise Guys University is back in session, and they’re getting you ready for the Superbowl this month! The Football Beer Cocktail combines game day favorites like Corona and tequila into a drink that’s sure to be a touchdown. Learn more here.
Shop downtown Valpo with Valpo Events’ Galentine’s Shop Around
This Thursday, Valparaiso Events wants you to grab your gal pals and hit the shops in downtown Valpo. Many shops will offer discounts and goodies from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and shoppers who visit four or more stores and bring their receipts to the Valpo Events office can receive either a gift card or entrance into a raffle for a larger prize. Learn more here.
Figure out who committed the murder at Chicago Street Theatre
Chicago Street Theatre is producing the whodunit “The Play That Goes Wrong.” From actors who can’t remember their lines, a corpse that won’t sit still, and a leading lady slipping in and out of consciousness, the murder at the heart of this play seems like it’ll never be solved. The play opens this Friday at 8 p.m. and continues through the end of the month. Learn more here.
