Things to Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana | August 28-30, 2026

The last weekend of August in Northwest Indiana is packed with music, family festivals, classic car shows, and late-summer celebrations. From the big stage at Hard Rock Live in Gary to family-friendly festivals in Valparaiso and Schererville, there is something for everyone across Lake and Porter counties.

Let me walk you through everything happening across Northwest Indiana from Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30.

Friday, August 28

Wiz Khalifa at Hard Rock Live: Gary

Wiz Khalifa brings his live show to Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana on Friday night at 7:00 PM. Located at 5400 W. 29th Avenue in Gary, Hard Rock Live is one of the premier entertainment venues in the region, hosting national touring acts across all genres. This show is for adults 21 and older. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. For more information about Gary and its revitalization, check out our Hammond neighborhood guide and learn about the broader Lake Michigan lakefront area.

When: Friday, August 28 · 7:00 PM
Where: Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana, 5400 W. 29th Ave, Gary, IN 46406
Cost: Ticketed · 21+

Journeyman Summer Music Live: Valparaiso

The Journeyman Summer Music Live series wraps up the season Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Journeyman The American Factory (258 S Campbell St) in Valparaiso. This free, all-ages concert features live music in a beautiful outdoor setting at one of Valparaiso's most iconic craft distilleries. Admission and parking are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the evening. For more about what makes Valparaiso special, explore our complete guide to Northwest Indiana activities.

When: Friday, August 28 · 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Where: Journeyman The American Factory, 258 S Campbell St, Valparaiso, IN
Cost: Free · All ages

Saturday, August 29

WonderFest / KIDCHELLA at Sunset Hill Farm County Park: Valparaiso

Saturday morning and early afternoon belong to the family-friendly WonderFest / KIDCHELLA at Sunset Hill Farm County Park in Valparaiso. Running from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this festival is designed for kids and families and features a silent disco, mocktail garden, tie-dye station, foam party, flower crown station, and a vendor village. Sunset Hill Farm County Park is a beautiful 325-acre working farm and park with walking trails, barns, and open space. This is the perfect activity for families with young children.

Boots & Brews: Schererville

Saturday evening, head to Redar Park in Schererville for Boots & Brews from 4:00 to 11:00 PM. This outdoor festival combines craft beer with country music and atmosphere for a fun late-summer evening. Schererville, known as the Crossroads of Northwest Indiana, is centrally located at the intersection of US 30 and US 41 and offers excellent shopping, dining, and a strong sense of community. For more on this community, see our Schererville neighborhood guide.

When: Saturday, August 29 · 4:00 to 11:00 PM
Where: Redar Park, Schererville, IN
Cost: Ticketed

Chesterton Downtown Cruise-In: Chesterton

The Chesterton Downtown Cruise-In takes place Saturday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Thomas Centennial Park in downtown Chesterton. Classic cars, vintage vehicles, and hot rods line the streets of historic downtown Chesterton for an evening of automotive nostalgia. This event is free and open to everyone. Chesterton is a charming small town near the Indiana Dunes with a walkable downtown and strong community spirit.

When: Saturday, August 29 · 4:00 to 8:00 PM
Where: Thomas Centennial Park / Downtown Chesterton, IN
Cost: Free

Caribbean Vibes at the Marina: Hammond

Enjoy Caribbean Vibes at the Marina in Hammond starting at noon on Saturday. The Hammond Marina along Lake Michigan offers a beautiful waterfront setting for late-summer celebrations. Hammond's lakefront has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, with the marina, Whihala Beach, and nearby restaurants making it a popular destination. Learn more about this community in our Hammond neighborhood guide.

When: Saturday, August 29 · 12:00 PM
Where: Hammond Marina, Hammond, IN
Cost: Free

Festival de la Monarca / Monarch Festival: East Chicago

Saturday also brings the Festival de la Monarca / Monarch Festival in East Chicago. This cultural festival celebrates the annual monarch butterfly migration and features music, food, arts and crafts, and community activities. It is a beautiful tribute to the monarchs that pass through Northwest Indiana each year on their journey to Mexico.

Sunday, August 30

Journeyman Jazz Sessions: Valparaiso

Wrap up your weekend with the Journeyman Jazz Sessions on Sunday at Journeyman The American Factory in Valparaiso. Live jazz music in the distillery's welcoming atmosphere is the perfect way to end a full weekend. Check the Valparaiso Events page for exact times and details.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Sunday is also a beautiful day for a visit to Indiana Dunes National Park. Late August offers warm weather for hiking the park's 50 miles of trails, swimming at Lake Michigan beaches, or attending ranger-led programs. West Beach, Porter Beach, and Kemil Beach offer parking and beach access. An entrance pass is required for most recreational visits. For current fees and conditions, visit the National Park Service Indiana Dunes page.

How should you plan your weekend?

Friday: Catch Wiz Khalifa at Hard Rock Live in Gary for a big concert night, or enjoy the free Journeyman Summer Music Live in Valparaiso for a more relaxed evening.

Saturday: Start the day with WonderFest / KIDCHELLA at Sunset Hill Farm County Park in Valparaiso if you have young children. Spend the afternoon at Caribbean Vibes at the Marina in Hammond or the Chesterton Downtown Cruise-In. End the evening at Boots & Brews in Schererville.

Sunday: Keep it relaxed with Journeyman Jazz Sessions in Valparaiso or a visit to Indiana Dunes National Park for a late-summer hike or beach day.

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 neighborhood guides to learn more about what makes this area so special. For even more ideas, check out our complete guide to Northwest Indiana activities and catch up on last weekend's guide for more ideas: Things to Do August 21-23.