10 Fun Things To Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana: Shakespeare in the Park, Relay for Life, Triathlon, and Nativity Fest

Each week we will be bringing you 10 fun things to do in Northwest Indiana over the weekend, so you are never without something to do!

Shakespeare in the Park
A year in the making, Chicago Street Theatre will present two free performances of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Porter Health Amphitheater at Central Park Plaza on Friday, July 13, and Saturday, July 14. Shakespeare in the Park will not only offer the free play, but a complete Shakespearian experience with a yard show and street festival beginning at 6 p.m. both nights. Valparaiso restaurants will offer food, beer, and wine under a large tent adjacent to the park.

Cancer Survivors Invited to Celebrations at Relay for Life
On July 14 and 15 from noon to 6 a.m., local cancer survivors will be honored during multiple activities at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Duneland. Survivor celebration activities offer both survivors and caregivers an opportunity to experience healing, receive support, and celebrate their collective victory over cancer. The Relay will be held at the track at Chesterton Middle School.

Football Tournament Will Support Schools Foundation
In support of the Valpo Schools Foundation, the Valparaiso High School Football team will host a Viking Challenge tournament on Saturday, July 14, 2012. This 7-on-7 exhibition will feature the team versus Wheeler, Munster, and Hammond Morton. Valpo Velvet will be on hand, serving up delicious ice cream. There will also be other food and beverages available for purchase. Come out for a fun family event that supports the schools!

The 10th Valpo Triathlon
The annual Valpo Triathlon will take place July 14 at Rogers-Lakewood Park. The region’s most popular triathlon, hosted by the Valparaiso Family YMCA and the Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation, consists of ¼ mile swimming, 12.4-mile biking and 3.2-mile running competitions.

Valpo ATA Black Belt Hosting Free Self-Defense and College Safety Class
Valpo ATA is offering a free Self-defense and College Safety class on Friday, July 13, 2012, 7:00 pm. In addition to common-sense safety practices and interactive self-defense instruction, this seminar will also emphasize safety for students in a college or university situation. Training will include breaking holds, striking pressure points, pain compliance, and gun defense. Various types of sexual harassment will be described, and harassment defenses such as hip check and joint manipulation will be taught.

Nativity Fest Back and Better Than Ever for its 47th Year
In the city of Portage, the annual staple that has become synonymous with summer in the city is the Nativity Festival hosted at Nativity of Our Savior Church in mid-July. This coming weekend marks the 47th annual summer festival as it runs Thursday, July 12 through Sunday, July 15. The 2012 version of the Nativity Fest will be stocked with all the annual favorites. Food, corn, carnival rides, root beer floats, nativity kid activities, book sales, bingo, pull tabs, adult table games, raffles and live entertainment are all components of the festival.

3rd Annual Hannah's Hope Charity Outing
Tee off with the 3rd Annual Hannah's Hope Charity Golf Outing on Saturday, July 14, 2012! The outing will begin with a shotgun start at noon and features an 18-hole scramble format. Cost is $75 per golfer or $300 per foursome. Fees include golf cart, access to driving range and putting green, lunch, dinner, contests, silent auction, awards ceremony, and a great time with friends and family.

Jewelry Making Classes at the Portage Library
Make a Full Persian Bracelet on July 13! This bracelet originates from an old chain maille weave and is the base for other chain maille techniques.

Run with the Big Dogs 5k and 1-Mile Dog Stroll
The 2012 Run with the Big Dogs 5-k and 1-Mile dog Stroll will take place in Chesterton, Indiana on July 14th at 9:00am. Run with the Big Dogs is part of the Bark in the Park event, happening from 9:00am to 3:00pm on July 14th. Come and run or walk with your dog through the street of Chesterton. You can enter the race and run or walk without a dog too.

Party at the Park 24 Hour Run
A truly unique event! Join Porter County Parks and Recreation for the 1st 24 hour run Party at the Park. The event features a 5K loop through Sunset Hill County Park, team rally areas for tents and supplies, and a post-race party on Sunday, July 15, with food vendors, a beer garden and live music.

More events can be found on our event calendar! Want to submit your own event? Click here to do so or send us an email at share@valpolife.com!