10 Fun Things To Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana: Taste of Porter County, Tour de La Porte, and Dancing with the Stars


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!

{valpo}2012 Michigan City In-Water Boat Show {/valpo}{portage}2012 Michigan City In-Water Boat Show {/portage}{laporte}2012 Michigan City In-Water Boat Show {/laporte}
B & E Marine is asking you to join us for the 2012 Michigan City in-water Boat Show, taking place August 23 through August 26 at Washington Mark in Michigan City, Indiana. Also, making its Great Lakes debut, the new Brunswick Experience Truck will allow visitors to try their hands at joystick boat maneuvering from the safety of the shore.

2012 Taste of Porter County
Taste of Porter County is a family friendly festival-like event. Each restaurant featured will offer at least 3 "Taste" items, serving over 80 food items total. There will also be an expanded kids area, a free outdoor concert, and an arts & crafts show!

{valpo}Lakeshore PAWS Adoption Event Held During Harley Davidson Cruise-In Night {/valpo}{portage}Lakeshore PAWS Adoption Event Held During Harley Davidson Cruise-In Night {/portage}{laporte}Lakeshore PAWS Adoption Event Held During Harley Davidson Cruise-In Night {/laporte}
Find your new best (four-legged) friend at Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso on Friday, August 24. Lakeshore PAWS dogs and cats will be available for adoption during the shop’s Southpoint Cruise-In Night. The free cruise-in night is fun for the whole family and takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. The weekly cruise-in night features live music, bikes, hot rods, food by Suzie’s Café, and a beer garden by Leroy’s.

Tour de La Porte Bike, Run, Walk Event Benefits Local Cancer Patients
Each year, thousands of people both near and far gather to participate in Tour de La Porte—the bike, run and walk event hosted by the La Porte Hospital Foundation to benefit local cancer patients. Events include a half marathon, a 10K run, a 5K run, a 5K walk, a mini TDL fun run, and a cycling event.

{valpo}Art Comp Exhibit at the Chesterton Art Center {/valpo}{portage}Art Comp Exhibit at the Chesterton Art Center {/portage}{laporte}Art Comp Exhibit at the Chesterton Art Center {/laporte}
The Association of Artists & Craftsmen of Porter County is excited to announce the dates for the Art Comp exhibit August 24 - September 26 at the Chesterton Art Center. The opening reception is August 26 from 2-4 p.m. at the Chesterton Art Center. Art Comp is a show that includes all art mediums from artists residing in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. The purpose of the show is to strengthen the development of individual artists and to stimulate and expand the audience for the arts in the region.

Fitness Fridays in La Porte Encourages People to Get Out, Get Moving
Featuring a 5K run and walk that starts and ends at the La Porte County Family YMCA on Michigan Avenue, Fitness Fridays will take place each Friday at 4 p.m. through September. The scenic 5K route starts at the YMCA in downtown La Porte at the intersection of Maple and Michigan avenues, ventures by the historic homes and down the tree-lined streets of Michigan Avenue, and passes through Beechwood Golf Course. In addition to the 5K run and walk, Zumba fitness – a combination of dance and aerobics set to music – is offered in the rear parking lot of the YMCA prior to the run.

Valpo Night Ride
On Saturday, August 25th, the family-friendly event offers an opportunity to take a leisurely 15-mile bike ride through Valparaiso starting at Old Fairgrounds Park Pavilion and hitting city favorites such as Ogden Gardens, Central Park Plaza, and Valparaiso University. The event includes mid-ride stop and snack, as well as a post ride party with music, food and a chance to relax with other night riders and bicycle enthusiasts.

{valpo}Help the Homeless at Gabriel's Horn {/valpo}{portage}Help the Homeless at Gabriel's Horn {/portage}{laporte}Help the Homeless at Gabriel's Horn {/laporte}
Gabriel's Horn homeless shelter will be hosting a Poker Run fundraiser on August 26th at Leroy's Tavern in Porter, Indiana on Highway 20. Registration will begin at 11 am, with the first bike out at 11 am and the last bike in at 4 pm. There will also be a breakfast buffet, a 50/50 drawing, raffles, and live bands.

Dancing with the Y Stars
Local “celebrities” will take dance lessons and gather votes. The mirrored ball trophy will be awarded to one deserving couple based on a combination of the number of votes (money raised) and judges scores. While the dancing will provide the entertainment for the evening, the event will be much more. Great food catered by Bistro 157, drinks, and a silent auction will add to the fun.

{valpo}Come Downtown Whiting "For the Love of Art" {/valpo}{portage}Come Downtown Whiting "For the Love of Art" {/portage}{laporte}Come Downtown Whiting "For the Love of Art" {/laporte}
The 119th Street Artists presents "For the Love of Art" show on Saturday, August 25th from 10a.m. until 5p.m. This is the seventh annual artistic event and is the perfect place to enjoy viewing and buying one of a kind masterpieces. This year there will be a booth for free mural painting at which both adults and children can try their hand as well as the opportunity to "chalk one up" for sidewalk art making as well.

More events can be found on our {valpo}event calendar {/valpo}{portage}event calendar {/portage}{laporte}event calendar {/laporte}! Want to submit your own event? Click here to do so or send us an email at share@valpolife.com, share@portagelife.com or share@laportecountylife.com