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🧭 On Today’s issue of NWI Explored🧭
Everything Happening in NWI in May
A Recap of Local and State News
Today’s Headlines
Weather Forecast for NWI
The Call to Explore:
Welcome, Explorers, to your Monday edition of NWI Explored. Thanks for all the continued input. We’ve been getting great feedback from everyone as we’ve been moving along and integrating new things into our regular rotation. The polls have been a huge hit and its great to hear from all of you about your favorite places across the Region. We will be using these responses for both newsletter content and for recaps over on our Instagram, so stay tuned for that. It’s a bit of light news day and there’s only so many events to give a spotlight right now, so enjoy a breezier and easier Monday edition of the NWI Explored newsletter.
We Want to Hear From You!
Every week, we will be cycling in a new poll for the Explorers to answer about NWI. Favorite spots, underrated meals, hidden gems and a whole bunch else will be covered. These polls will help us to build the definitive NWI Explored guide to the Northwest Indiana, completely based on input from all of you! So, make your voices heard and answer our weekly poll!
Polls will switch out on each week’s Thursday edition, so you’ve got a full week to respond!
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🏘The Lowdown 🏘
Every issue of NWI Explored comes with The Lowdown: a roundup of the most important news and headlines around the Region and Indiana writ large.
Franciscan Health has announced a partnership with US HealthVest, a move that will help manage behavioral health programs across all of Franciscan’s Lake County hospitals. US HealthVest operates psychiatric hospitals across the US and will be managing the adult and adolescent inpatient psychiatric units.
Republican Governor Mike Braun, one of President Trump’s most vocal advocates on the topic of midterm redistricting plans for Indiana, has said that it is now too late to do anything on the front of redistricting. The redistricting proposal which saw huge supporting from the President died in the House after a half-dozen Republican state senators voted against the proposal this past December. After a handful of states pushed for late-term redistricting after the Supreme Court’s reappraisal of the Voting Rights Act, some Republican voices believed Indiana should move forward with their redistricting plans once again. Braun’s comments have made it clear that those plans are not on the table at this time.
Executives from Elil Lilly and Gov. Mike Braun met this past week to announce that Eli Lilly will be investing another $4.5 billion into the Indiana manufacturing and research campuses around Lebanon - denoted as the LEAP District project. Currently, LEAP District will be home to the Lilly Lebanon API - a future active pharmaceutical ingredient plant - as well as a $10 billion data center campus from Meta. Eli Lilly also plans to build a dedicated genetic medicine manufacturing facility at the campus, with the first phase of the building opening this past week.
Below, you can find a rundown of the local city council meetings and public forums that will be held this week, as well as information about their meeting’s agendas if applicable.
Valparaiso City Council will be meeting today, May 11th at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Valpo City Council will be considering an ordinance aimed at the regulation of electric bikes and scooters around the city. The main aim of this ordinance would be to require riders be 16 years or older to operate these transportation modes on public roadways. The full agenda of their meeting can be found here.
Merrillville Town Council will be meeting on Wednesday, May 12th at 6:30 p.m. at Merrillville Municipal Complex.
Town Council will be voting to approve funds - totaling $252,555 - to make improvements to the municipal complex. Full agenda can be found right here.
Hammond Common Council, 6 p.m. Monday, May 11
East Chicago Common Council, 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
Highland Town Council, 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 11
St. John Town Council, 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
➡️What’s In, What’s Out? ➡️
A quick summary of the businesses around NWI that have come and those that have gone
La Perla Tapatia Artesanal Ice Cream & Mexican Snacks has opened up in Munster at 833 Main St.. Serving ice cream, popsicles, fresas con crema, crepes and other creamy treats, the parlor comes from Alex and Karla Flores who are using a lot of Guadalajaran family recipes in their new venture. They have a multitude of different ice cream and popsicle flavors, with classics like mango, limon strawberry, coconut and pistachio making appearances.
Raising Cane’s will be opening up this summer in Schererville at 703 U.S. 41, at the site of the former TGI Friday’s location. They are currently hiring for this new location.
China Koon, after a month of closure, is back at its home location in Dyer (at the intersection of 45th and Broad). The previous owners had a falling out, with one owner buying out the other and reopening recently with the same menu and classic offerings.
Two Valpo favorites that recently closed are joining forces and coming back stronger than ever. Kin Khao Thai and Prime Smoked Meats closed in the last few months, with Kin Khao closing due to excessive damage sustained from a fire and Prime Smoked closing for undisclosed reasons. Now, the two will be reformed as Kin Khao Thai Up-n-Smoke, taking over the Prime Smoked location at 55 University Drive - offering both Thai classics and Texas-style barbeque in the same location.
Nostalgic Treasures is shuttering its doors in downtown Whiting after a three year run at 1238 119th St.. Coming from a reimagining of the J&L This N That Consignment Shop, Nostalgic Treasures offered new crafts, antiques and consignments of all sorts - with 22 vendors and a host of locally sourced goods. They will be having a liquidation sale now through their closing date of June 27th.
Panda Express will be coming to Dyer with a location opening soon at 919 Joliet St., next to Taco Bell and McDonald’s.
Chef Uli Gom is coming back to downtown Griffith where he made his name known with restaurants like Tapas Cafe and Flako’s Tacos. His new venture, Sangria Tapas Grill, opened up at 105 N. Broad St this past Friday. Sangria Tapas Grill will offer an enticing mix of Thai, Peruvian, Mexican, Spanish and various South American flavors.
Biggby Coffee is planning to open another location in Crown Point at 801 N. Main St.
Merrillville’s 7 Brew Coffee location opens today, at 71 W. Lincoln Hwy.
Flat Rock Grill in Chesterton opens up for service today, taking over the former Craft House space off of Indiana Boundary Road. Flat Rock Grill has been known for their Edwardsburg, MI location, but is bringing their upscale, contemporary American cuisine to Duneland.
The Sugar Bowl Restaurant in Michigan City has closed, but is looking for a new location. Their deal on the old location with a previous owner was voided by the new property owner, so they are without a home for the moment. They will be remaining in Michigan City should they find a new location to open up at.
Steel and Spice Caribbean Restaurant has opened up in downtown Gary at 752 Broadway. The upscale feeling spot has live music on the weekends and has already pulled in celebrity guests in Marlon Wayans and R&B group Mindless Behavior, while also boasting a menu of Caribbean classics and contemporary American classics.
🌽Farmer’s Market Rundown🌽
A look at the local farmer’s markets and the like that will be running imminently
Crown Point Farmer’s Market
183 S. West St. (Bulldog Park)
Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm, starting May 23rd
Cedar Lake Farmer’s Market
7408 Constitution Ave
Every Wednesday from 3-8pm starting May 13th, some Saturdays starting May 23rd
Miller Beach Farmers Market
667 S. Lake St
Every Sunday from 11am to 1pm, starting June 4th
The Sunday Vibe Market
4405 N Calumet Ave, Valpo
Every Sunday from 10am to 4pm, starting May 17th
Coffee Creek Farmers Market
2300 Village Point, Chesterton
Every Wednesday from 3-7pm, started on April 8th
Griffith Central Market
Central Park (Pine & Broad St.)
Every Friday from 4:30-10:30 p.m., starting on May 15th.
Farmed and Forged Market
435 Sibley St., Hammond
Every Thursday, from 3:30 - 7pm, starting May 28th
800 Washington St, Michigan City
Every Saturday, from 8am to 12pm, starting May 23rd
Corner of Monroe and Lincolnway, LaPorte
Every Sunday from 10am to 1pm, starting May 24th
The Edge of Liberty Craft Fair
606 N Calumet Ave, Valpo
Every other Sunday, starting Mother’s Day (May 10th)
Chesterton European Market
Downtown Chesterton
Every Saturday, from 8am to 2pm, starting May 2nd
Valparaiso Farmers Market
Downtown Valpo
Every Tuesday & Saturday, from 9am to 1pm, starting June 2nd
💲Local Garage Sale Rundown💲
An overview of NWI community garage sales, collected in one place for your convenience. Relevant links will be provided if possible.
May 14-17
Dunewood Trails Subdivision Sale (Chesterton/Porter)
May 16
May 17
May 29-30
🎟️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.
Marina Shores Yacht Club in Portage has Live Music Thursdays every 3rd Thursday of the Month! Find more info right here about lineups and performances.
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.
Starting on April 25th, and running every Saturday through August, Indiana Dunes National Park’s 1966 Hiking Challenge begins! 19 hikes that cover 66 miles of the Dunes Park trails, celebrating the foundation of the park in 1966. Every Saturday at 8:00 am, hokes will take place in different areas of the park ranging from 1-7 miles. Complete them all and you earn a free 1966 Hiking Challenge sticker to show off to the world. For more details and specifics, click here.
Whiting Cruise Night runs every month on the 3rd Wednesday, starting on May 20th and running through the summer. Find more information about the event right here.
Local Theatre
A Rundown of all the local theatre companies and their upcoming productions.
Chicago Street Theatre, Valparaiso - info here
Teenfest 2026 - May 22nd-24th
Memorial Opera House, Valparaiso - info here
A Little Night Music - Running from May 8th - May 24th
La Porte Little Theatre, LaPorte - Info Here
4th Street Theater, Chesterton - Info Here
Hamlet; running from June 5th to 21st
Beatniks on Conkey, Hammond - Info Here
Footlight Players, Inc, Michigan City - Info Here
Indiana Ballet Theatre Company - Info Here
Swan Lake - April 18th (two performances - 1pm and 7pm)
Marian Theatre Guild, Whiting - Info Here
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.
May’s Events Begin!
Free Events are highlighted in green
Valpo Parks’ Tour De Parks Bike Ride will be taking place on May 11th, starting at 5:30pm. This all ages bike ride will be starting at Glenrose South Park and is completely FREE! Find more info about the ride and all the Valpo Parks’ bike rides right here.
Shady Creek Winery will be holding a Charm Bracelet Workshop on May 11th, where attendees can choose charms for a customized gold or silver bracelet in a class led by instructor Rebecca Sircher. Perfect evening for a night out or for a late Mother’s Day gift. Find info and tickets at the link right here.
Scheeringa Farms and Greenhouses in Highland will be hosting a Sip and Succulent party on May 14th, a workshop event that will cover the basics of succulent care and ensure long-term success! The event is BYOB and costs $5 for entry, with a whole host of gear and materials available for purchase as well. Info for this event can be found right here.
The Fifth Annual Sugarbelt Mead Festival will be taking place on May 15th in Bulldog Park, Crown Point. Presented by Manic Meadery, this festival features meads from over 20 different meaderies from all across the country, alongside food trucks, live music and a complimentary swag bag with ticket purchase. Obviously, this event is 21+ and tickets can be found right here.
City of Hobart’s Roller Skate Night at the Hobart Police Court Complex Building will be taking place on May 15th, starting at 6pm. DJ Donnie will be keeping the party going on the decks and Kristy’s Krisp Fizzy’s will be providing drinks for this all-ages event. Find full info in the image below.
Tiny’s Coffee Bar is hosting a bird-themed art exhibit titled Birds of a Feather on May 15th, welcoming bird lovers and Audubon members to the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival (which we’ll highlight below). Gary area artists will have their art featured and hold talks about their art and process, there will be an art market, bird themed cocktails and app specials! Learn all about this event right here.
Come one, come all and celebrate the most important day in NWI craft brews, as Three Floyds’ Dark Lord Day returns once again on May 16th. This is the only day of the year that the public can by Three Floyds’ legendary Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout, as well as celebrate and sample everything the iconic brewery has to offer. Tickets and more information for this event can be found at their website.
Comedian Josh Wolf will be performing two shows on May 16th at the Hobart Art Theater - an early and a late show. Wolf has been a touring comedian for over three decades, appearing on The Late Late Show and Lights Out with David Spade and hosting his own podcast with his son, Jacob. Tickets and more information can be found right here.
From May 14th through the 17th, The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival will be taking place! Hosted by the Indiana Audubon Society, this event is in celebration of the biodiversity and abundance of migratory birds that the Indiana Dunes brings to our area. If you or someone in your life is into birding, this one is not to be missed. Find all the details at the link right here.
Live the life of a trader on the waterways of the Midwest over a quarter century ago with the 40th and Final Voyager Rendezvous, a Lake County Parks event. This is a family-friendly event all about the history of the trading routes of settlers and natives along these lands, with a canoe ride serving as the centerpiece. Participants can also look forward to a trading session with Native Americans, Tomahawk throwing, hot food, cold sarsaparilla, and a whole bunch of storytelling! Learn all about the event at the link right here.
Join Dig the Dunes and botanist Nathanael Pilla on a Wild for Wildflowers Spring Hike, on May 16th. The hike starts in Marquette Park, down the Chanute Trail and onto the beach. Attendees receive a Dig the Dunes drawstring bag full of goodies. Find tickets and information right here.
The Griffith Historical Park and Railroad Museum will be holding a Butterfly Day at the Depot on May 17th. Watch the whole area come alive with the return of the monarch butterflies. Learn more about this FREE Event at the link right here.
Get a taste of vintage baseball entertainment when the Home Opener of the Deep River Grinders (against the Blue Island Brewmasters) comes around on May 17th, at 2 p.m.. This FREE event will be a nostalgic trip back to simpler times - when baseball was just getting started and everyone was sitting in the stands sipping on sarsaparilla. Find more information at the link right here.
Celebrate the Home Opener of the Gary Railcats on May 22nd and check out their various May promos in the image below!
Hesston Steam Museum in LaPorte will be holding their opening weekend festivities for the season soon, beginning on May 23rd and running through that weekend. Find more information about the museum and what they’ll be doing to celebrate this summer season at the link right here.
Live Music in May!
Death Angel @ Hobart Art Theater (May 12th)
CKY @ Hobart Art Theater (May 13th)
Lorna Shore @ Hard Rock Live (May 14th)
Stephanie Mills with Mills Shalamar @ Hard Rock Live (May 15th)
Viva La Musica (Daniel Pantoja, Mariachi Estrellas De Chicago, Mariachi Perla De Mexico and Ariana Pantoja) @ Hobart Art Theater (May 15th)
Gucci Mane: The Masterclass Tour @ Hard Rock Live (May 16th)
Rhythm of the Rocket Man: An Elton John Tribute @ Theatre at the Center (May 16th)
Roscoe Dash @ Hobart Art Theater (May 21st)
70’s Soul Jam (The Stylistics, The Legendary Blue Notes, Delfonics, Manhattans) @ Horseshoe Casino Hammond (May 22nd)
Anthem @ Hard Rock Cafe (May 22nd)
NWI Symphony Presents: The Music of Tina Turner @ Hard Rock Casino (May 22nd)
Too Fighters (Foo Fighters Tribute) @ Hobart Art Theater (May 22nd)
Crazy Hearse (Neil Young Tribute) @ Hard Rock Cafe (May 23rd)
Foghat & Nazareth @ Hard Rock Casino (May 23rd)
Second Hand News @ Hard Rock Cafe (May 23rd)
May Events will continue popping up in the newsletter on each upcoming edition of NWI Explored.
That’ll do it for this Thursday 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.”
