10 Fun Things To Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana: Thanksgiving Feasts and Shop Local

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! This week's is a day early, as we didn't want to miss out on Thanksgiving events!

Burn Calories Before You Feast at a Turkey Trot
The Valparaiso Turkey Trot, hosted by Porter Starke Services, will kick off at 8 am with a 10K competitive run and a 5K run/walk. The Portage YMCA's Turkey Trot will feature a 4 mile run/5K non-competitive walk and a 1K kids fun run, beginning at 7:30 am. Proceeds from this Turkey Trot will go towards the YMCA's Youth Scholarship Fund.

T.J. Maloney's to Host Thanksgiving Brunch
Start this year’s “Turkey Day” festivities with Thanksgiving Day Brunch at T.J. Maloney’s Authentic Irish Pub. Operating under the standard that “Everyone is family in the House of Maloney,” there is no better place to gather with family and loved ones to give thanks and celebrate the special holiday. T.J. Maloney’s will feature an extensive menu of traditional items, along with a hearty serving of Slainte!

Local Churches and Community Organizations Provide Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Local churches and organizations have collaborated to welcome the community, including travelers staying here from out of town, the elderly, anyone in need and anyone who may desire camaraderie on Thanksgiving. Dinner with all the trimmings and festivities will take place at Willowcreek Middle School, 5962 Central Ave., Portage, IN from 2 pm - 6 pm.

Cafe Manna Hosting Annual Thanksgiving Day Meal
A Thanksgiving Day dinner will be served at Café Manna in Valparaiso on Thursday, November 24th from 12:00-1:30 pm. Café Manna is the soup kitchen, located in Avila Hall at St. Teresa of Avila, 1604 Lincolnway in Valparaiso.

Free Thanksgiving Day Lunch for Area Needy at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Please join us for our 2nd Thanksgiving Dinner Outreach. We will be serving a FREE traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. We invite you to come from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. Feel free to worship with us prior to the meal at 10:00 am!

Shop Local This Weekend
There's a nation-wide movement to shop local on November 26th and it couldn't be a better time to do so. With holiday specials galore, local businesses are sure to have what you need to start or complete your Christmas shopping! Browse sports memorabilia from The eState for the sports fan in your life, stock up on holiday decor and gifts at Schultz Floral, find a unique treasure at Lifestyles, or purchase jewelry at Engstrom Jewelers and if it snows 4 or more inches on January 1st, your jewelry is free! Learn more about some of the great local businesses here!

Thanksgiving Break Golf at Creekside
The Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation has junior golf instructional opportunities over the Thanksgiving Break! Classes are instructed by Nancy Bender, LPGA teaching professional. All classes are held at Creekside Golf Course. Join us on Friday, November 25, for skill review and contests!

Christmas Craft Show
Make this a must for your Christmas shopping needs! Come out to Woodland Park on November 26 and browse over 75 vendors, who will surely have what you want. Admission is free; please bring a canned good donation for the Portage Food Pantry.

For the Love of LASERS
Learn all about the amazing properties of LASERS! Explore the visible spectrum of light, how holograms are made, and why there's no such thing as white light. Play a friendly game of LASER Reflection Tag. Get your own Action Science diffraction specs!

A Family Movie Break
Join Munster Library as they celebrate the release of the new Muppets movie with a viewing of the feature film in which the Muppets made their debut. Follow Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear as they set out for Hollywood to seek stardom.

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 contribute@valpolife.com!