Things to Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana | August 14-16, 2026

This is the last big fair weekend of the summer across Northwest Indiana. The Lake County Fair wraps up its 10-day run at the Fairgrounds in Crown Point, the Lubeznik Arts Festival brings fine art and live music to the Lake Michigan shore in Michigan City, and Brewski Fest returns to Valparaiso for a day of craft beer and food. Whether you are a lifelong local or new to the area, there is plenty to see and do across Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties from August 14 through August 16.

Let me walk you through what is happening each day, where to go, and how to make the most of this mid-August weekend across Northwest Indiana.

Friday, August 14

Lake County Fair: Final Weekend

The Lake County Fair enters its final weekend at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point on Friday, August 14. The midway is open with carnival rides and games, food vendors are serving up every fair classic you can imagine, and the entertainment schedule continues on two stages. Friday is typically a quieter evening at the fair, making it a relaxed option if you want to beat the weekend crowds.

The fairgrounds feature farm animal exhibits, horse and pony shows, kids contests, and the petting zoo that families love. For the full daily schedule, visit the official Lake County Fair website.

When: Friday, August 14 · Fairgrounds open daily through Aug 16
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S. Court St, Crown Point, IN
Cost: Regular admission

Crown Point is the heart of Lake County and one of Northwest Indiana's fastest-growing communities. For more on what makes this town special, read our Crown Point neighborhood guide.

Deep River Waterpark: Beat the Heat

If you need to cool off after the work week, Deep River Waterpark in Merrillville is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Friday tends to be a quieter day at the park, making it an excellent option for families with younger children or anyone who wants a relaxed afternoon. The park features water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, a children's play area, and cabana rentals. It is located at 9001 East 109th Avenue in Merrillville. For more details, visit the official Deep River Waterpark website.

Indiana Dunes Sunset

Friday evening is a perfect time to catch a Lake Michigan sunset at Indiana Dunes National Park. The West Beach entrance stays open late, and the sunset views over the water are spectacular in mid-August. The park is a short drive from any community in Lake or Porter County. For more outdoor activities across the region, see our complete guide to Northwest Indiana activities.

Saturday, August 15

Crown Point Farmers Market

Start your Saturday morning at the Crown Point Farmers Market at Bulldog Park (183 S. West St). Over 70 vendors offer fresh summer produce, local meats, baked goods, artisan products, and prepared foods. The market runs every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM through September. There is live music, a splash pad for kids, and the historic downtown square is just steps away. This is peak produce season in Indiana, so expect sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, melons, and much more at their absolute best.

When: Saturday, August 15 · 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where: Bulldog Park, 183 S. West St, Crown Point, IN
Cost: Free

Lake County Fair: Monster Truck Show and Full Day

Saturday is the biggest day of the final weekend at the Lake County Fair. The grandstand features the All-Star Monster Truck Show, a crowd favorite. The midway is fully open, food vendors are serving, farm animal exhibits continue, and the energy peaks on Saturday. This is your best day if you want the full fair experience. Arrive early for parking and plan your food stops strategically.

Lubeznik Arts Festival: Michigan City

The Lubeznik Arts Festival runs Saturday and Sunday at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts (101 W. 2nd St) in Michigan City, right on the shores of Lake Michigan. This annual fine arts festival features over 80 juried artists from across the Midwest showcasing painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, photography, glass, and mixed media. There is live music all weekend, hands-on art activities for all ages, local food vendors, and stunning Lake Michigan views.

Admission is free, making it an affordable and cultural outing for the whole family. Michigan City is a short drive from any Northwest Indiana community. For more about the festival, check the Lubeznik Center for the Arts website.

When: Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16 · Hours vary
Where: Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. 2nd St, Michigan City, IN
Cost: Free

Brewski Fest: Valparaiso

The Brewski Fest takes place Saturday from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso. This annual craft beer festival features local and regional breweries, live music, and food trucks. Ticket prices include a sampling glass and unlimited beer samples. It is a popular event for the 21+ crowd who appreciate craft beer and a fun afternoon in Porter County.

When: Saturday, August 15 · 1:00 to 6:00 PM
Where: Porter County Expo Center, Valparaiso, IN
Cost: Ticketed event

Wicker Park Summer Concert Series: Highland

Saturday is also a great day to explore Wicker Memorial Park in Highland, which offers walking trails, a disc golf course, tennis courts, and beautiful green space. The park's summer concert series runs through August. While the Thursday night concerts (including Fleetwood Gold and upcoming shows) bring the crowds, the park itself is a peaceful destination any day of the weekend. For more on Highland, check out our Highland neighborhood guide.

Sunday, August 16

Lake County Fair: Final Day

Sunday, August 16 is the last day of the Lake County Fair. This is your final chance this summer to enjoy the carnival midway, eat fair food, visit the farm animals, and soak in the classic Indiana county fair atmosphere. The fair wraps up after a 10-day run that started August 7. Sunday typically has a more relaxed pace, making it a great day for families with younger children who might find Saturday's crowds overwhelming.

Lubeznik Arts Festival: Day Two

Sunday is the second day of the Lubeznik Arts Festival in Michigan City. If you did not make it on Saturday, Sunday offers the same great lineup of artists, live music, and hands-on activities. The Lake Michigan waterfront setting is beautiful, so consider bringing a picnic blanket and making a full afternoon of it.

St. John Community Market

The St. John Community Market features local farmers, artisans, and prepared food vendors. It is a great place to pick up fresh produce and support local vendors on a Sunday morning. Check the Town of St. John website or their social media pages for exact hours and vendor information.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Sunday is a perfect day to visit Indiana Dunes National Park for hiking, beach time, and ranger-led programs. The park is always open and free at most trailheads. The West Beach, Porter Beach, and Kemil Beach entrances all offer parking and beach access. Mid-August is the peak swimming season on Lake Michigan, with water temperatures typically in the low to mid 70s. For more information, visit the National Park Service Indiana Dunes page.

Local Dining and Relaxation

If you prefer a quieter weekend, Northwest Indiana's dining scene is always worth exploring. Crown Point's historic downtown square is lined with excellent restaurants and cafes. Schererville's Route 30 corridor, Highland's Ridge Road, and Valparaiso's Lincolnway all offer great dining options from casual pub fare to upscale cuisine. After a long day at the fair, arts festival, or beach, you will find plenty of great options within a short drive.

What is the weather forecast this weekend?

Mid-August in Northwest Indiana brings warm, humid conditions with highs in the mid to upper 80s. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, especially on Saturday. The Lake County Fair has shaded areas and indoor exhibit buildings, and the Lubeznik Arts Festival has indoor gallery space, but you will be spending time outdoors at all of these events, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.

How should you plan your weekend?

From the final weekend of the Lake County Fair to the Lubeznik Arts Festival on the shores of Lake Michigan, Brewski Fest in Valparaiso, farmers markets in Crown Point and St. John, Deep River Waterpark, and the Indiana Dunes, this weekend offers an incredible range of things to do across Northwest Indiana. Whether you are a lifelong resident or new to the area, there is always something to discover in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties.

If you are thinking about making Northwest Indiana your home, I would love to help you find the right fit. Whether you are relocating from Illinois, downsizing, or buying your first home, I bring 9 years of experience, 80+ homes sold, and a genuine love for this community to every conversation. Reach out anytime on my contact page or browse the relocation guide to learn more about what makes this area so special. For even more ideas, check out our complete guide to Northwest Indiana activities.