Happy almost weekend, Explorers! We’ve nearly made through an entire week of an NWI summer without having a terrible, destructive storm come through one of our areas, so I consider this week a huge success. The weekend looks to be one of the first truly, all-around “sunny and bright” weekends we’ve had thus far, which I am incredibly excited about. With all of the events happening this weekend and the sheer amount of festivals occupying each weekend in July, good weather is really the most we can hope for at this point.

In today’s edition, we have the normal slate of NWI news, this weekend’s smattering of events (there’s some big ones in there!) and what you can look forward to coming in the later part of July. Also, if you don’t already, make sure to follow us on instagram (@nwiexplored) to keep up with our content we’ve been posting over there! We’ve been hard at work to expand the scope of this whole operation and we’re finally getting to a point where we can share some of it with you all, so go check it out.

Enjoy the rest of your weeks, your weekends, and we will see you back here on Monday! Happy exploring all!

-Luke

Uesco Industries, an Illinois-based crane company, is moving its headquarters to Northwest Indiana. They will be investing $25 million into their new headquarters - the long-dormat building at 5009 Calumet Ave. in Hammond - as well as to build a new overhead crane factory along the Grand Calumet River. 100 workers are expected to be hired for these future sites.

Pretzel and snack food manufacturer Snyder-Lance is laying off 100 or more workers in Indiana, with the layoffs not affecting any workers at the warehouse in AmeriPlex at the Crossroads in Merrillville. A WARN notice was filed alongside announcement that their manufacturing plant in Jeffersonville, in operation since it was built in 1947, would close this summer and into the fall. Workers will be laid off in phases until the plant fully closes early next year.

During the Innovate Northwest Indiana luncheon yesterday - held at Valparaiso University - Republican Gov. Mike Braun and Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. delivered a shared message of success surrounding the acquisition of the future site of the Chicago Bears. McDermott referred to the plan to build the new Bears stadium as “in the red zone”, with due diligence on the part of the city and state being completed on time and with ease. Braun also insisted that the strength of the state and the city of Hammond’s pitch was the reason plans have moved forward, touting their familiarity and appreciation for the Region as a core reason their sales pitch worked. While the team’s commitment to building in Indiana isn’t set in stone, Braun and McDermott believe wholeheartedly that they are not being used as a bargaining chip or a patsy to get a better deal for the Bears in Illinois. There’s still a lot to be done and many big updates still coming in the pipeline, but they remain steadfast that their pitch was a huge success and indicative of how open they are to businesses and organizations who want to work and build in Indiana.

The American Water Charitable Foundation, the charitable part American Water company, has given a $25,000 grant to the American Red Cross and a $5,000 grant to the Food Bank of NWI. These grants will go to giving shelter, food, relief aid and more to those affected by last month’s tornadoes that tore through communities like Merrillville and displaced many. So far, the Red Cross has supplied hundreds of hotel stays to people displaced and thousands of meals to the more than 800 affected households.

After severe storms postponed the initial date, Merrillville’s educational data center informational meeting has been rescheduled for July 16th at 5:30 pm at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center. This meeting isn’t for consideration surrounding data center projects, as the Merrillville Town Council placed a one-year moratorium on data centers in late May. This session is set to feature a panel discussion from NIPSCO representatives, a Merrillville Data Center Citizen Advisory Committee member, a member of the South Bend Regional Chamber and a representative from Kimley-Horn - an engineering firm.

Michigan City Area Schools has introduced a “Gold Card” that will grant those aged 60 and up free admission to athletic events, performances and more. The program is on offer to those living within the school district. Applicants will fill out a form with proof of residence and photo ID. This program is a way of thanking those who have supported Michigan City Schools for decades by allowing them to attend all school events without any impedance.

Lowell Animal Hospital was closed on Wednesday morning following the serving of a federal search warrant by the Drug Enforcement Administration Merrillville District Office. The search warrant was in connection to an ongoing investigation related to canine cough medication and the diversion of controlled substances. Individuals who work at Lowell Animal Hospital are connected to the investigation as well.

A public forum held by Citizens Action Coalition, aiming to educated residents of Gary about NIPSCO price rates and data centers, will be held on Wednesday, July 15th at the Gary Public Safety Community Room. This meeting will be led by Kerwin Olson, executive director of CAC, with Gary Common Council Vice President Darren Washington and 6th District Councilor Dwight Williams co-hosting.

Every issue of NWI Explored, we give you the best events and spots to check out during the current month.

Running Vines Winery is hosting a Toy Story Trivia Night, tonight(!).

A new art installation has opened at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City. Kindred Spirits: Margaret Wharton and Betsy Odom is now on display, available for viewing everyday until October.

Whoazone, Whiting’s Floating Waterpark, is open daily for business throughout this summer until mid-August.

The Indiana Dunes 28th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest returns this weekend! July 11th, you can see sand come alive as the State Park celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Vote for your favorite sculptures and take in the beautiful lakeshore all in the same excursion. FREE TO ATTEND

Indiana’s oldest county fair returns once again this weekend, with the 180th Annual LaPorte County Fair! The festivities begin this Saturday, July 11th and run through the 18th. A day-to-day itinerary can be found right here, but the highlights include: Pro Rodeos, Demolition Derbys, Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, Live Performance from Dylan Scott, and so much more!

Johnson’s Farms Blueberry Fest Weekends @ Johnson’s Farm Produce (Hobart) (July 11th and 12th). $15 a person for Gen. Admit.

Paint the Town: LaPorte’s 2026 Mural Festival in Downtown LaPorte (July 8th-12th). Murals will be painted over the course of five days by artists from all over the country, breathing new life into downtown LaPorte in real time. Repeated tours of the downtown to show off progress on the murals are running during the duration of the festival. Food trucks and vendors will be on site as well!

St. John Festival @ Corner of 41 and 93rd (St. John) (July 9th-12th)

Downtown Valpo’s Summer Concert Series Begins on July 9th, running every Thursday through August 27th

Journeyman Distillery’s Americon takes place on July 11th at the Valparaiso location. A one-day, free to attend for all-ages festival celebrating U.S. culture and the Midwest roots we all share. Vendors, live music, food stands and all-ages activities will make this one heck of a way to cap off your weekend. Itinerary can be found below:

America 250 Release – Tastings Available & Enter the 250 Giveaway

Treehouse Custom Tattoo’s Tat-Mobile offering Americana & Journeyman-inspired Flash – SIGN UP

AMERICON Vendor Market (until 7pm)

Kids Activities & Games

Apple Pie Baking Contest Submissions Accepted – REGISTER HERE

Custom Balloon Designs and Face Painting from Balloontacular

WHOLE HOG ROAST (Use Code: 250 and save $10 before 7/4)

LIVE MUSIC with Steve Ball

CORNHOLE TOURNMENT

Kids-Only POTATO SACK RACE

CHERRY PIT-SPITTING COMPETITION (Ages 12+)

Winner of Best Dressed & Whiskey Release Giveaway Announced

Theme for Best Dressed is AMERICON – Rosie the Riveter, Stars & Stripes, Uncle Sam, Reds, Whites, & Blues, George Washington, and everything in between!

LIVE CONCERT with Small Town—A John Mellencamp Experience

Finding Nemo Jr. @ Memorial Opera House (Valpo) - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Ride the Cyclone the Musical @ Chicago Street Theatre (Valpo) - Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Carpenter Creek Cellars’ Creek Fest takes place on July 11th as well. Live music from Hunter Wainscott and Mike & The Stillmasters, food trucks, and a welcoming vibe that welcomes even your furry friends. Completely free to attend!

Decades Music Fest in Centennial Park (Munster) is on July 11th. Vendors, arts and crafts, food trucks, alcohol for our 21+ folks and fun for the whole family. See the schedule for the festival below. FREE to attend

Red, White and Brews courtesy of Shoreline Brewery (Michigan City) is kicking off on July 11th

Valpo Food Truck Fest will be taking place in Sunset Hill Farm County Park on July 11th.

Off-Square Brewing in Crown Point is hosting a Pups+ Pints Brunch on Sunday! Bring your furry friend for a swag bag and enjoy a special brunch menu on the patio. Good beer and furry friends = the best way to spend a Sunday morning!

Four Corners Winery in Valpo is hosting a Summer Car Show on Sunday, starting at noon. Come out, bring your classic car, hot rod or unique ride to spend the afternoon with some wine and live music! Music will be provided by David Hagenow and Listen, Betty.

Here is the schedule for the Lake County Corn Dogs Baseball team below! The Lake County Corn Dogs are a pre-professional, independent baseball team based out of Crown Point in the Northern League.

Find the week-to-week schedule for the South Shore Adult Baseball League right here!

The historical local baseball team, the Deep River Grinders, have their summer schedule listed right here as well.

Journeyman Distillery’s third annual Summer Music Series - a twice-a-week live music experience out on the lawn in front of the distillery. Grab a cocktail or a handcrafted meal and lay out under the string lights for a great night of courtyard music and vibes. Find the June schedule below.

The always-popular Festival of the Lakes returns to Wolf Lake on July 15th-19th. This years lineup is as follows: The Ultimate Freestyle Experience; Jelly Roll; The Offspring; Moneybagg Yo & Kevin Gates; Banda El Recodo

The Northwest Indiana Symphony will once again be doing their South Shore Summer Music Festival this year - a traveling swath of performances across NWI throughout the month of July. They begin in Lansing, IL on July 17th, then go to: Valpo - July 22nd; Gary - July 24th; Crown Point - July 25th; Munster - July 28th; Griffith - August 1st.

Taste of Crown Point returns to Bulldog Park once again. (Crown Point) (July 17th & 18th). Live music and a host of local vendors will make this a weekend event you won’t want to miss! See the live music schedule and a list of vendors attending below!

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟳

5-5:45 p.m.: The Hicks Duo (acoustic rock/pop duo)

6:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m.: Mr. Funnyman (party rock)

8-10 p.m.: Echoes of Pompeii (Pink Floyd tribute)

𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟴

2-4:15 p.m.: Thrown Together (classic pop/rock)

5-7 p.m.: Soundz of Santana (Santana tribute)

7:45-10 p.m.: Mellencougar (John Mellencamp tribute)

2026 Taste of Crown Point Vendor List:

Region staple Festa Italiana returns once again @ Villa Cesare Banquets and Events (Schererville) (July 17th-19th). Classic events like a bocce tournament, spaghetti eating contest, grape stomping contest, and tons of live music - all free to attend and take part in! See the schedule for the festival below!

An acrobatic show walking the line between the extreme and the other-side, Paranormal Cirque Inferno comes to NWI this July! Fun, fear and a visual feast of paranormal proportions will make this an experience you won’t soon forget. @ Southlake Mall (Merrillville) (July 17th-20th)