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🧭 On Today’s issue of NWI Explored🧭
Everything Happening in NWI in April
A Recap of Local and State News
Today’s Headlines
Weather Forecast for NWI
The Call to Explore:
Welcome back, everybody, to your Thursday edition of NWI Explored for 4/16/2026. I know how the saying goes but I have to admit: I’m a little over all of these April showers. I don’t necessarily want NWI summer to begin because I appreciate my low 60s weather a lot more than the humid heat of NWI July. Either way, we can’t let any of this crummy weather keep us down. There’s a whole bunch still left out there for us all to explore, so let’s get into your Thursday edition of NWIE.
If you all, the Explorers, don’t mind, send us your recommendations! Shoot us an email at [email protected] and let us know what your favorite local spot, restaurant, bar or third space is and we’re going to put together a list of the Explorers favorite spots around NWI. We want the community to share what matters to them and, in turn, help build the NWIE community even further. Let us know!
What is your favorite Breakfast spot in NWI?
📆📆This Week in NWI 📆📆
A brief rundown of some local government happenings we think you should know about
Below, find summaries of what the Northwest Indiana School corporations will be discussing and considering in this weeks school board meetings
School City of Hobart
Meeting on April 16th at Hobart High School (2211 E. 10th St) or on YouTube
Agenda has not been published at time of writing
Below, you can find a list of the town/city council meetings that will be happening this week as well as a list of local government public forums and the like
Sentinel Data Centers Open House will be taking place at Lowell High School on Thursday, April 16th at 6pm. This open house will be regarding a proposed data center construction project for Eagle Creek Township, just a few miles east of the high school. Lake County Plan Commission had noted this public forum would be the leading reason for deciding whether or not to rezone the land from agricultural land to light industrial. Make your voices known!
Dyer Town Council, Thursday, April 16, at 6 p.m.
Your Midweek Forecast for 4/16/26
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🏘The Lowdown 🏘
Every issue of NWI Explored comes with The Lowdown: a roundup of the most important news and happenings around the Region and Indiana writ large.
A procurement of land, along with fundraising structure, has been set up to erect a memorial to honor the 14 laborers who were killed during the construction of the Cline Avenue bridge in East Chicago - over 40 years ago.
During construction of the Cline Avenue bridge, on April 15th, 1982, a 100-foot section of the bridge collapsed - killing 12 workers immediately and injuring another 16, with two injured later passing away from injuries sustained in the tragic collapse. Now, 44 years later, Cline Avenue Bridge LLC has offered land for a memorial on a half-acre site on Riley Road near where the bridge currently stands. Plans are still in the works, but the thought now is that the memorial would have the names of all the workers killed in the collapse inscribed on the memorial. The CAF (Construction Advancement Foundation) has already agreed to handle fundraising and collection, but progress is just starting. The Cline Avenue Bridge Collapse is the deadliest industrial accident in Indiana history, so it’s nice to see a move for remembrance of local history.
Locals, rejoice! The Hulk Hogan statue that was erected at the entrance of Schoop’s in Highland went missing recently, but it has been found!
Originally installed at the location in a fundraising effort for Camp Millhouse, the Hulk Hogan and The Rock statues have long been a key piece of iconography at this Schoop’s. The news of the missing statue spread across social media like wildfire, even prompted an individual from Kansas with no relation to NWI to reach out to the restaurant to donate a new statue. Luckily for all concerned parties, the Highland Police Department reviewed security camera footage and managed to find the statue after about a week of it missing. Schoop’s has said that it will be back up in the restaurant this week, but this time in a plexiglass box in order to prevent any further thievery.
The aforementioned “stolen” Hulk Hogan statue, pilfered from Highland Schoop’s last week.
After two weeks of a workers lockout, NIPSCO and United Steelworkers Local 12775 and 13796 have returned to the bargaining table in order to finalize a labor contract.
NIPSCO and USW have been under negotiations since January, with the ongoing lockout taking place on April 2nd after USW workers voted to authorize a strike and hold out for their contract demands to be met. NIPSCO representatives have said that they are looking at adjustments that can be made to USW’s strongest objections: such as mandatory overtime, ongoing use of outside contractors used to do union work and uneven pay structures. The biggest concern for locked out union workers is maintaining a certain type of quality of life - making sure that they don’t lose out on family time and aren’t being constantly called out to take care of overtime calls. Even still, there have been over 200 different contract proposals so far between the company and its union workers and a compromise has yet to be made. The two groups returned to the bargaining table as of Tuesday and, at the time of writing, haven’t reached a conclusion yet.
A Lake County Auditor has been the subject of scrutiny after Lake County Council launched an investigation into her status after health troubles have sidelined her for years.
Lake County Auditor Peggy Holinga Katona has not regularly worked out of her office since 2023, when a fall in the Lake County Government Center broke bones in her legs and back and tore both rotator cuffs. Six surgeries later, she is still running for re-election as county auditor and conducting her duties largely on Zoom, from home. Council members voiced concerns over her physical condition, but also over her involvement in a botched transition to a countywide financial system that experienced input issues and cost millions of dollars to straighten out. The council has voted unanimously to reach out to the Board of Commissioners to investigate Katona under a 2021 state law that permits removal of a chronically absent government official. Chief among the concerns of council members is the duty of a county auditor, work that needs focus, consistent attendance and compliance with current and future state law decisions.
The State of Indiana will be moving forward with plans to utilize Indiana Toll Road funds to assist with infrastructure projects related to the potential Chicago Bears stadium.
State government is currently in talks with the Indiana Toll Road to raise tolls twice a year in exchange for lump-sum payments (~$700 million a year) that would then be used to fulfill the state’s responsibility for development projects - such as the new Chicago Bears stadium. Toll roads in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaGrange and Steuben counties would be those under affect of these new toll fee hikes - around 1.5% on Dec. 31st and June 30th every year.
U.S District Judge Richard Young has issued a preliminary injunction against enforcement of Senate Enrolled Act 10 (2025) - legislation that would bar use of student IDs from the list of acceptable voter ID in the State of Indiana.
This statute was enacted by Republicans in the Indiana General Assembly and Republican Gov. Mike Braun to apparently combat voter fraud, but Judge Young has said that the statute directly violates the 1st and 14th amendments to the U.S. constitution, unlawfully burdening young adults right to vote. Around 40,000 college students living in Indiana lack an Indiana driver’s license, state ID card or passport, so a large swath of young voters would be unable to vote under this law.
Gov. Mike Braun has issued a plan to add $200 million to the Child Care and Development Fund voucher program, expanding the availability of state-supported child care for over 14,000 Indiana children.
Last year, the State Budget Committee slashed subsidies that went to paying child care providers, but Gov. Braun has asked that augmentation to the funding go forward so that Indiana families can once again benefit from reliable, affordable child care.
Gov. Mike Braun also announced on Monday that the State of Indiana has allocated $15 million in state funds to foster a partnership with an Israeli technology initiative.
The Iron Nation-Indiana partnership would see the aforementioned funds going to strengthen Indiana’s relationship with Israel and growing the country’s prominence stateside in business avenues such as finance, health care, research and technology. On a similar note, Republican Indiana Treasurer Daniel Elliott also has allocated $100 million of state funds and invested them in Israel Bonds in order to support their joint war effort with the U.S. in the Middle East - namely the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Purdue Northwest professor of criminal justice Nicky Jackson will be launching a tour across the Midwest, featuring the subjects of some of the most high-profile criminal cases in popular history.
The Crime Unfiltered tour will be hosted by Jackson and feature contributions and the stories of such true-crime fascinations as John Ramsey (father of JonBenet Ramsey), Nichole Schmidt (mother of Gabby Petito), and Shawn Licari and Melissa Perry (subjects of documentary “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish). There will be four stops across the Midwest this summer, with Jackson conducting interviews with the subjects followed by a group Q&A session. Find the tour dates right below
June 6, The Vic Theatre, Chicago
June 7, The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
June 18, The Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre, Indianapolis
June 19, Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oaks
➡️What’s In, What’s Out? ➡️
A quick summary of the businesses around NWI that have come and those that have gone
Daily Grind Coffee and Ice Cream Shop has opened its doors in Dyer, offering a wide, ever-changing variety of ice cream flavors and staple coffee drinks. They are located at 10221 Calumet Ave, open from 12-8pm.
House of Garlic, the Mediterranean food truck that has long been servicing across all of NWI, has announced they have finalized a brick and mortar location in Merrillville. Their plan currently is to open sometime in May and they will be offering the same classic menu locals have come to know them for: shawarma, kebab, falafel and more.
OAX Haus coffee shop is opening up in downtown Schererville imminently. Bringing the flavors of Oaxaca to the Region, owners Cathy Ramirez and Christopher Serratos are planning to open in May with a slate of coffees, lattes, refreshers and sandwiches - with special drinks injecting that unique, Oaxacan flair. All of their coffee will be sourced from the Ixxa Roastery in Hammond (Robertsdale) with plans to eventually source from an actual Oaxacan roaster.
Plumb Full Bakes and Makes opened their doors in Michigan City this past Saturday at their 3513 Windsor Rd. spot. The new bake stand is offering a wide variety of baked goodies - including cinnamon rolls, blueberry muffins, bundt cakes, artisan bread and pie. Owner Angel Onax is serving up family recipes handed down from her grandmother and mom, making almost everything from scratch. Also on offer at Plumb Full is some handmade crocheted items, further emboldening the home-spun and family-made identity of the stand. Stay tuned on their Facebook for their weekly menus and how to pre-order.
Bed Bath & Beyond, which closed its last brick and mortar stores in the Region in 2023, is seemingly returning from the grave. The retail chain has plans to acquire the Container Store chain for $150 million and turn those locations into a Bed Bath/Container hybrid. So, while they aren’t fully returning to the Region, there will be brick and mortar Bed Bath & Beyond stores in Chicagoland once again - even if its in this odd, mish-mash version.
Chef Chris Pavlou, of Radius Restaurant in Valpo and Crown Point, is looking to expand Radius’ footprint in downtown Valpo. Initial plans had set the restaurant taking space in the old Chase bank building, but when renovations proved to be too expensive, Pavlou made a move to acquire the former Pikk’s Tavern location - hoping that spot would be closer to what he envisions to be an expansion of their flagship location. The shape and scope of this downtown Valpo expansion to Radius is unknown at this time, but more details should be available soon.
Yummy Bowl, the fast casual Mongolian stir-fry and sushi restaurant, will be coming to Valpo and to the Southlake Mall area. The chain will open its Valpo location at 2420 Laporte Ave soon, with them also taking over the former Tilted Kilt location at the Southlake Mall site. Yummy Bowl offers build-your-own-bowl options full of Mongolian favorites, while also having sushi, ramen and fried chicken available on their menu.
We, of course, have to report on some of the closures of businesses here in the Region. Find details of those closures below
China Koon has shuttered its doors in Griffith after over three decades of operation. A longtime landmark of the 45th Ave and Broad Street intersection, China Koon served up Mongolian and Cantonese classics like Kung Pao chicken and Mongolian beef to locals for a long time. I know a number of people that will sorely miss their Szechuan pork and teriyaki chicken.
Vita del Lago is closing down their operation in downtown Michigan City. Offering upscale cuisine from the Mediterranean and with favorites like their Bucatini alla Siciliana and Spanish Seafood Paella, they are sure to be missed as one of the few high-end options in the Uptown Arts district. The restaurant will be holding a liquidation sale for all of their kitchen equipment and restaurant supplies, which will be taking place from April 23rd through the 25th.
Another blow to downtown Michigan City comes in the form of Uptown Social, a wedding and special events venue set up in a historic 19th-century church, shuttering its doors as of recent. Opening in 2020 after the lot sat vacant for decades, it hosted weddings and special events for the past few years. New owners took over a couple of years ago and renovated, but they are now looking to sell or lease the property to interested parties
☑️Recurring Reminders for NWI Locals☑️
EARLY VOTING IS OPEN TO ALL INDIANA RESIDENTS AS OF TUESDAY, APRIL 7TH.
BELOW, YOU CAN FIND A LIST OF ALL THE EARLY VOTING SITES.
For the near future, I will be leaving this information about early voting sites in the newsletter each edition so that all Explorers know where they are able to vote early for Indiana’s primary coming up.
Lake County Early Voting Sites
All sites, other than Crown Point, will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays through May 1; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 25 and May 2; and 9 a.m. to noon May 4.
Lake County Government Center Admin Building, 2293 N. Main St, Crown Point
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays through May 1; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 25 and May 2; and 8:30 a.m. to noon May 4.
Carrie Gosch Early Learning Center, 4001 Indianapolis Blvd, East Chicago
Gary Public Library, 220 W. 5th Avenue
Hammond County Courthouse, 232 Russell St.
Wicker Park Breezeway, 8554 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland
Police Communications Center, 705 E. 4th St., Hobart
Lowell Town Hall, 501 E. Main St
Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Road
Schererville Town Hall, 10 E. Joliet St.
St. John Township Assessor, 9157 Wicker Ave.
Winfield Government Complex, 10645 Randolph St.
Porter County Early Voting Sites
All Porter County sites will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through May 1; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 25 and May 2; and 8:30 a.m. to noon May 4.
Chesterton Town Hall, 790 Broadway
Hebron Community Center, 611 N. Main St.
Portage
NIRPC Building, 6100 Southport Rd.
North County Complex, 3560 Willowcreek Rd.
Valpo
Porter County Admin Building, 155 Indiana Ave.
Union Township Fire Station #2, 267 N. 600 W
Valparaiso Fire Training Center, 355 Evans Ave
LaPorte County Early Voting Sites
LaPorte County Complex, 809 State St, Meeting Room 2
April 7th -10th
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
Michigan City - 8th and Wabash, 302 W. 8th St.
April 7th to May 4th
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8am -4pm
Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
LaPorte County Fairgrounds, 2581 W. State Rd 2
April 13th - May 4th
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
Rolling Prairie - Wills Township Community Center, 6981 E. 350 N
April 21st - May 4th
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
Wanatah Town Hall
April 21 - May 4th
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
Starke County Early Voting Sites
Starke County Courthouse, 2nd Floor
April 7th -30th
Weekdays from 8am to 4pm
Saturday, April 25th from 8am to 3pm
Saturday, May 2nd from 8am to 3pm
Monday, May 4th from 8am to noon
North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department
April 23rd and 24th from 11am to 5pm
April 25th from 9am to 2pm
Koontz Lake Sewer District Building
April 30th and May 1st from 11am to 5pm
May 2nd from 9am to 2pm
Jasper County Early Voting Sites
Jasper County Courthouse
April 7th to May 1st - 8am to 4pm
April 25th and May 2nd (Saturdays)
8am to 4pm
American Reformed Church
April 7th to April 30th
9am to 6pm
April 25th and May 2nd (Saturdays)
9am to 4pm
Free tax sessions, focused on property taxes and how they are calculated, are available to NWI residents at the following locations, on the following dates
4:30-5:30 p.m., April 16, South Haven Library
5:30-6:30 p.m., April 20, Portage Library
6-7 p.m., April 21, Chesterton Library
6-7 p.m., April 28, Valparaiso Library
🎟️What’s Going On in NWI?🎟️
Every issue of NWI Explored, we give you the best events and spots to check out during the current month.
Recurrent Events:
Here we will try to aggregate all of the weekly specials available to Explorers around the Region. If you own a local business and want people to be aware of your weekly specials or events, let us know by sending an email to [email protected]!
Tuesday is Trivia day at White Rhino in Dyer. Find out more about this weekly event at the link here. Wednesday at White Rhino is Bingo night, starting at 6:30pm.
18th Street Brewery has its weekly Music Trivia and Karaoke night every Wednesday. Doors open at 4pm, with trivia starting at 6pm. Find out more here. On Thursday nights, they also host a weekly Line Dancing night with host Mizz Coco. Find out more here.
Shady Creek Winery hosts a weekly live music event each and every Sunday. Find a schedule of upcoming artists at the link here.
Anderson’s Winery in Valpo hosts weekly live music each and every weekend. Find a schedule of upcoming performances at the link right here.
Find out info about the classes and everything the Chesterton Art Center has going on here. The Center constantly has events for beginners, young artists, and apprentices alike, so anyone looking to build their skills and learn new ones should keep tabs on what the Chesterton Art Center has going on.
Off Square Brewing in Crown Point hosts a weekly Bingo Night on Thursdays, running from 7-9 pm each and every week. One lucky number can make you the big winner of the night! Find further info here. They also host a weekly Trivia Night on Wednesdays from 7pm.
Up Your Alley in Schererville has regular specials all week, perfect for families and groups of friends. Monday is a bowling special, Tuesday is Laser Tag, Wednesday is Dark Rides, and Thursday is the Arcade. Find more info and the specific deals available each week right here.
Every Monday, from 7-9 pm, Journeyman Distillery in Valpo hosts a Trivia Night. Three rounds of trivia keep the night alive, with teams of up to six people fight to win the grand prize every week. Find more info right here.
Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake has a weekly wine special running through dinner service. Happy hour specials and heavily discounted bottles every single Wednesday!
Every second Saturday each month, Beale Pottery in Westville hosts a “Make Cool Stuff Club”. This is a group that meets to, well, make cool stuff in the form of pottery! Find more info about the spot and their events right here.
On the last Tuesday of every month, Downtown Highland hosts a restaurant crawl. This community event always features a bunch of the local spots offering specials and deals, so its a great way to spend an evening hopping from meal to meal. Find more info right here.
Tiny’s Coffee Bar in Miller Beach has recurrent events every single week. Check out their page to find the full slate of events.
Sip Coffee House in Highland has a Wednesday Game Night every single week from 6-9pm. In partnership with the Northwest Indiana Board Game Association.
Valparaiso Pathways Committee holds Free community rides once a month during the warmer months. Click here to look at their schedule of group rides across the city.
Conway Observatory in Lowell hosts open houses once a month for all ages to come in and take a look into the deep stretches of space. Totally free and with different focuses at each open house, you can learn about a host of cool space topics across the year. Find their schedule at the link right here.
Getting into photography or a seasoned vet looking to get out there and shoot more? Lake County Parks Photo Club has regular meetings every 2nd Wednesday at Turkey Creek Golf Course, with regular field trips out in the NWI expanse. Find more info and the full schedule at the link right here.
Gibson Woods Nature Preserve in Hammond holds a weekly Hike through nature every Wednesday. Find their full schedule right here. Pre-registration is required.
Miller Beach Arts and Creative District holds a free community yoga session every Sunday, beginning at 10am at the District building. Find info and other event listings here.
For all the fellow writers out there, Tiny’s Coffee Bar in Miller Beach holds a weekly writing group each and every Saturday, starting at 10:15am. Sometimes all it takes to spark inspiration is being around fellow creatives. Find more info about the group right here
Coffee Creek Farmers Market will be running every single Wednesday from April 8th to October 28th, 3-7pm at the Coffee Creek Pavilion Parking Lot. Find full info about the market right here.
The Dig the Dunes Beer Run & Wine Walk will be starting up on April 23rd, running once a month through the summer and early fall. A new spot in the Dunes area will be selected each month, with a 2-3 mile walk/run taking place before the group kicks back to enjoy a drink along the lakeshore. Find full information at the link right here and find the schedule right below.
In partnership with the NWI Ultimate League, we want to issue a special announcement about their spring leagues!
NWI Ultimate, with partnership of the Portage Parks Department, is the preeminent local ultimate frisbee league for NWI. Featuring COED divisions for all ages, these leagues are open to new players and seasoned experts. Find all the information at the link right here or in the infographic below.
Local Theatre
A Rundown of all the local theatre companies and their upcoming productions.
Chicago Street Theatre, Valparaiso - info here
Well-Suited Theatre - April 17th
Teenfest 2026 - May 22nd-24th
Memorial Opera House, Valparaiso - info here
La Porte Little Theatre, LaPorte - Info Here
Moon Over Buffalo; running from May 1st to 10th
4th Street Theater, Chesterton - Info Here
Hamlet; running from June 5th to 21st
Beatniks on Conkey, Hammond - Info Here
The Nerd; running April 10th to 19th
Footlight Players, Inc, Michigan City - Info Here
The Legend of Georgia McBride; running from April 9th to 19th
Indiana Ballet Theatre Company - Info Here
Swan Lake - April 18th (two performances - 1pm and 7pm)
Marian Theatre Guild, Whiting - Info Here
Show runs from April 18th to 26th
Towle Theater, Hammond - Info Here
Doublewide Texas; running from May 1st to 17th
Valpo University Theatre- Info Here
Ticket information and the full schedule can be found right here.
What to Expect in April
Running Vines Winery in Chesterton has a slate of events, specials and programming for the whole month of April - including singo events, trivia nights, live music and brunch specials. Find their full schedule below.
Tulip Tyme at Harvest Tyme Farm is now open to the public. Wander through the fields of over 300,000 tulips and take in the beauty and serenity of NWI spring. Concessions will be available, but the amusement rides will not be in operation. Learn more at Harvest Tyme’s website right here.
Valpo Parks Department will be hosting a Spring Kids Closet Sale on April 18th at Butterfield Family Pavilion (Old Fairgrounds). 20 booths will be open full of gently used kids’ clothing, toys, furniture and more. Vendor spots are open for all and admission to the sale is only $3.
Stoney Run County Park, courtesy of Lake County Parks, is holding a S’mores Stroll on April 17th, starting at 7pm. Take a stroll around the park and then enjoy a cozy campfire evening underneath the stars, roasting marshmallows and taking in the night air.
NWI’s 2026 Earth Day Celebration will be taking place on April 18th, starting at 9am and running until 1pm at the Porter County Expo Center in Valpo. Admission and parking is completely free. Celebrate our beautiful planet with local wildlife exhibits, magic shows, over 60 vendors, giveaways, a rain barrel design contest and so much more. Learn all about it right here.
2026’s Run the State 5K/Hike will be taking place on April 18th, starting at 7:15am. In partnership with Anthem and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, this race is put on by Invest In Your Health Indiana. Register at the link above or right here.
In celebration and solidarity with Autism Awareness Month, the Dean and Barbara White Community Center is hosting an all abilities, ages 6-18 Silent Disco Party. The event will be taking place on April 18th, starting at 2pm, running until 7pm. DJ Pablo and DJ Louie Diaz will be keeping the party going in this family friendly, sensory-friendly event. Find full information at the link right here.
Head out to the J. Timothy Ritchie Trail in Chesterton on April 22nd for an Earth Day Forest Therapy Hike. In partnership with Dig the Dunes and led by Lorraine Fitzgerald, this mid-week forest hike is meant to celebrate the abundance of the natural world and appreciate all of the beauty that we have before us here in NWI. Find tickets and more info right here.
Hammond Civic Center brings you a South Shore Roller Derby Double Header on April 18th. 10 Things I Hit About You will be taking place at 5pm, find full info right here.
Chellberg Farm in Porter will be holding an Open House on consecutive Saturdays starting on April 18th. See the historic farm and visit with the animals in this outing that will definitely be a fun trip with the family. Full info can be found right here.
Shoreline Brewery in Michigan City will have a Jazz Night on April 20th, from 7-10pm. Featuring performances from Bill Romer & Friends, this is sure to be a lovely time. Find more information right here.
A free screening and afterward discussion of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution (courtesy of Lakeshore Public Media) will be taking place at Valparaiso University’s Harre Union on April 22nd, at 3pm. The program will feature clips from the 12-part series and discussion with historians. Find more info right here.
On April 23rd, 7pm, Go down to The Hangar Grill Pub in La Crosse for a bout of Chicago Trivia! Paired with the night of trivia are some Windy City classics - Italian beefs, Chicago dogs, Maxwell Street Polish, and (of course) some Chicago Handshakes to wash it all down.
Avenue 912 will be hosting a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on April 24th. Obviously, if you know you know. This is an all-ages event, but there will be a full bar available for the 21+ folks.
Coming to the Hammond Civic Center on April 25th, an unforgettable night of action will ensue when Armored Medieval Martial Arts comes crashing through town. Top fighters from all over the world will be duking it out in full armor, bashing each other with swords, maces and shields across 10 epic bouts. Find tickets and full details right here.
Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City will be hosting a Commune + Market event from April 25th to the 26th. Tens of artists and local creatives will be in attendance, offering an enticing mix of fine arts and crafts.
Cedar Lake Farmers Market at Harvest Tyme will be taking place on April 25th + 26th, from 10am to 6pm. Shop incredible local vendors and stroll through the hundreds of tulip blooms on the Harvest Tyme farm. Support local and find unique handmade goods, all in the beautiful Springtime of NWI. Full info can be found right here.
Water Fest will be taking place on April 25th, courtesy of the City of Hobart. Take in a day at Robinson Lake, meeting with the community and learning more about the natural resources that make our surroundings so unique. Family-friendly event with so much to do. All the info can be found right here.
Purdue Northwest’s Food and Beverage Festival will be taking place on April 29th, starting at 5pm until 7pm. Sample a variety of culinary offerings and beverage options, all prepared by the HTM students. Tickets and full info can be found here.
Live Music For the Month of April
Hobart Art Theater
Dixon’s Violin @ Sixty Three Social (April 16th)
Vinegar Tom at Valparaiso University (April 16th to 19th)
The 77 Experience at Hard Rock Cafe (April 17th)
The Isley Brothers @ Horseshoe Casino Hammond (April 17th)
The Elephant March @ Joy Bomb Social Center (April 17th)
Echoes of Pompeii @ Memorial Opera House (April 18th)
The Steepwater Band and Parker Barrow @ Memorial Opera House (April 24th)
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band @ Hard Rock Casino (April 24th)
Wayne Baker Brooks @ Hard Rock Cafe (April 25th)
Abacab - The Music of Genesis @ Theatre at the Center (April 25th)
The Indigos @ Hard Rock Cafe (April 25th)
More Events to Come…
That’ll do it for this Monday Edition of NWI Explored.
Happy Exploring,
Eric & Luke, The NWI Explored Team
“My hometown... was always there, at all times, unchanging. What I think... is not that we go back to our hometowns, but that someday our hometowns come back into each of our hearts.”
