Trusted by Thousands of NWI Natives
The Call to Explore:
Howdy, Explorers. This is your Thursday edition of NWI Explored, the local NWI newsletter trusted by thousands of NWI Locals. We are so glad to have you back here each and every Monday and Thursday. As the weather starts to shift and we move outside into the world more often, we hope you’ll continue to find us to be a valuable resource for finding all the ways to Explore NWI.
One note I would like to put front of mind for our readers: I’ve asked the Explorers in a few different issues now about making our events section a little bit cleaner - either through integrating a calendar of sorts or by limiting the actual number of events highlighted like we did at the very start of NWIE. After a fair amount of feedback from the Explorers (and consideration amongst ourselves), we’re going to work on a calendar that will serve as a one-stop shop for all the events we highlight. It will most likely take some time to integrate and we aren’t sure what it will look like, but rest assured that we hear your feedback.
From here, let’s get into the meat of the newsletter!
🧭 On Today’s issue of NWI Explored🧭
March’s Events and Can’t Miss Destinations
What’s Happening Today in NWI
The Lowdown on Recent NWI News
Today in NWI
A rundown of headlines, events happening today, and information we want front of mind for Explorers.
Residents of the Region heard all about the inclement, severe weather that we were going to be experiencing Tuesday evening, spreading caution about what was thought to be a particularly dangerous set of supercell storms. Now that it has passed, we can assess what all happened and the after effects of a truly powerful and terrifying storm.
For many to the north of US30, Tuesdays storms probably didn’t rear their ugly head until late in the evening - somewhere around 9:30-10pm. High wind gusts, some hail, and heavy rainfall were the characteristics of this storm, alongside some endless lightning that lit up the sky at a near constant pace.
For those to the south, the story of Tuesdays storm is a bit more destructive. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 3,000 residents in Jasper and Newton County were without power, with assessment of the damage still ongoing.
Furthermore, tornadoes formed. Tearing through Kankakee, Ill. and eventually working their way through NWI, these tornadoes leveled tens of buildings, threw debris all over the place and resulted in the deaths of a local couple.
Lake Village got hit by the blunt end of the tornado, with an elderly couple being killed in their home as a result of the tornado. People were trapped in their homes due to fallen debris and trees, over 70 utility poles were downed, and roads going in and out of the town were impassable. The local Family Dollar and a gas station in town were completely destroyed, as well. The Lake Township Volunteer Fire Department is reporting less than 10 injuries in the town of Lake Village, but search and rescue operations are still ongoing.
North Newton is another community that has been debilitated by Tuesdays storms and tornadoes. For both Lake Village and North Newton, classes are cancelled. Their schools have been converted to Red Cross temporary shelters for those who lost their homes - making food, clothing and shelter available to all affected.
For ALL Explorers who want to help your neighbors in this time of need: Lake Village volunteers and residents are asking for items such as garbage bags, toiletries, laundry detergent, non-perishables, etc,. Linked here you can find a video from the Sheriff’s Department detailing the full scope of how you can help!
Below, you can find some images of the aftermath from Tuesdays storms and the tornadoes that wrecked havoc on our neighbors to the south.
If you are able in any way, find a manner in which to help our neighbors who’ve been affected by these tornadoes.
And, unfortunately, that leads us into the section where I give you a weekend forecast of NWI weather. Luckily, for us all, there is no more severe weather on the docket for this weekend - but there is a chance of snow. You take what you can get I guess. This is your weekend forecast for the weekend of 3/12/26.
🏘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.
Lake County Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to reassess the county’s ordinance related to the process for decommissioning and removing data centers and battery energy storage systems deemed “inactive”
This ruling comes ahead of really any development of either such facility within the county, but will create even more restrictive regulations in relation to land use within Lake County when it comes to any of these technological developments. With the possibility of these provisions being needed within the next few years undoubtedly low, the purpose is to make it so that down the line, these policies are in place. As written, the policy requires the physical removal of all components, equipment, installations, structures and foundations; proper handling of specialized assets; and the restoration of the soil at the site - all of which must be submitted to the County Council alongside other necessary documentations and requests with updates every five years and the sufficient funds allocated for decommission
Maureen Braun, wife of Republican Gov. Mike Braun, announced that her fundraising efforts have nearly replaced the taxpayer dollars previously allocated to maintain the state’s participation in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library - a literacy initiative designed to build a lifelong love of learning and reading for children and young people.
Braun has stated that she raised 90% of the funding needed to continue the program within the state of Indiana through June 2027. The state became part of the Imagination Library program in 2023 under Gov. Holcomb, with $6 million allocated for it in the two-year spending plan at the time. Current Gov. Braun omitted funding for the program in the 2026-27 state budget, with the Republican-controlled General Assembly declining to insert money into the program late last year. Maureen Braun immediately issued pleas from the Indiana State Library Foundation to continue the program statewide, pointing to four consecutive years of literacy improvement across the state as reason for its continuation.
Beginning March 23rd, speed camera enforcement will be returning to Interstate 65.
House Enrolled Act 1015, which was approved back in 2023, details penalization for speeding in a worksite- with a first infraction resulting in a warning, and each subsequent violation coming with civil fines of $75-150. These speed camera enforced zones will be currently limited to the nine-mile worksite in Jasper County, near/south of Fair Oaks Farms, with infractions coming for those going 11mph over the reduced speed limit.
Butterfingers in Munster - the beloved Region bakery and deli - will be closing its doors after 33 years of operation.
The business posted the notice recently on social media, with no immediate response to comments. The Highland, Crown Point, and Lake County Government Center locations will remain open.
I wanted to give a special shout out to a new documentary that will be screening soon in the Region, highlighting the pioneering activist and suffragette Naomi Anderson - NWI native.
LaPorte County Historical Society Museum will be screening the film “Discovering Naomi Anderson” on April 4th at 2pm. Directed by Rana Segal, the film will detail Anderson’s story and activism, as well as her legacy as an icon of the Region and Michigan City - where she was born and lived for her first 20 years of life. To learn more about Naomi Anderson, click here, and to find full information about the film and its screening, click here.
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.
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.
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.
Local Theatre
A Rundown of all the local theatre companies and their upcoming productions.
Chicago Street Theatre, Valparaiso - info here
Jellofish; running from March 27th to April 12th
Memorial Opera House, Valparaiso - info here
Something Rotten! - running from February 27th to March 14th
La Porte Little Theatre, LaPorte - Info Here
Into The Woods; running from March 6th to 15th
Moon Over Buffalo; running from May 1st to 10th
4th Street Theater, Chesterton - Info Here
The Da Vinci Code; running from March 6th to 22nd
Hamlet; running from June 5th to 21st
Beatniks on Conkey, Hammond - Info Here
BoC Improv Show; Friday, March 20th
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
Marian Theatre Guild, Whiting - Info Here
Show runs from April 18th to 26th
Towle Theater, Hammond - Info Here
Marvelous Wonderettes; running from Feb 27th to March 15th
Doublewide Texas; running from May 1st to 17th
Valpo University Theatre- Info Here
Ticket information and the full schedule can be found right here.
March’s Event Schedule
*St. Patricks Day-centered Events will be highlighted in Green
Downtown Michigan City will be hopping with the spirit of the season on March 14th when the Paddywagon Bus Tour takes a trip around the town in celebration of St. Patricks Day. This event runs from 2-9pm with stops at a host of bars across the city. Find all the info in the below infographic.
Hobart Art Theater is hosting Classical Blast in Kilts on March 12th, featuring music from the best of Ireland and Scotland’s rock bands - plus, reinterpretations of traditional Celtic tunes, sea shanties, stories and more. Find tickets and more info at the link right here.
Asparagus in Merrillville is hosting a Spring Fling Martini Tasting on March 12th. Tickets to the event are available at the link right here. A ticket gets you three festive cocktails, accompanied by a paired appetizer of your choice.
Shady Creek Winery will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Irish Dinner on March 12th. Enjoy a 3-course dinner (with ticket) of traditional Irish grub, created and prepared by Executive Chef Brian Davis. Tickets and more info can be found right here.
Schererville Parks will be bringing back their Lucky Leprechaun Glow Hunt on March 13th, at 7pm in the Schererville Community Center. This family event features pizza, dessert, drinks, St. Pat’s crafts, and prizes ahead of the actual hunt. Register for the event at schererville.org.
Hard Rock Casino has a whole weekend slate of St. Patrick’s Day events and festivities, kicking off of March 13th with a free show from The Tossers - one of the most enduring bands of the Celtic Punk underground. All weekend long, there will be a St. Pat’s themed special menu item - an Irish Smash Burger - , exclusive cocktails and specialty drinks, and special events, games and prizes available for all patrons of the floor. Find out more about their special St. Patrick’s Day events and plans at the link right here.
Lake County Fairgrounds is hosting a Hometown Shamrock Indoor Market on March 13th and 14th. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and an early Spring with artisan vendors, handcrafted goods, food, live music, specialty drinks, kids activities and much more. Information about the event and tickets can be found right here.
The Dave Matthews Tribute Band will be performing at Hobart Art Theater on March 13th. Find tickets right here.
R&B Star Leela James will be taking the Horseshoe Casino stage on March 14th at 8pm. James is known for her dreamy sound and powerhouse voice, so this is sure to be show worth coming out for. Tickets and all the info can be found at the link right here.
Hobart Art Theater will be hosting MOCK STAR (with special guest Skyline Station) on March 14th, at 8pm. Tickets and more info can be found here.
Off Square Brewing in Crown Point will be hosting a St Paddy’s Day Celebration on March 14th, featuring a performance by Working Class Zero. Find more info right here.
Byway Brewing in Hammond will be holding a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with food and drink specials. Find more info at this link.
Indiana Dunes State Park is hosting a Runnin with the Irish 5k Race for the holiday on March 14th. This is the 26th Annual running of the event through the scenic State Park. Find more information at the link right here.
Michigan City will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14th, starting at 1pm, north on Franklin St. Information can be found here.
Hessville’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on March 14th, starting at 1pm. Find more information here.
Griffith High School is holding a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on March 14th from 10am to Noon. Enjoy a family visit with the Easter Bunny at the link right here.
The 10th Annual Corkscrew and Brew will be taking place in Thomas Centennial Park on March 14th in Chesterton. This tasting event will feature wineries, breweries, live music, food, games and (most importantly) unlimited samples. Celebrate craft beverages and the reason for the season with the link right here.
Country Star Josh Turner will be headlining a show at La Porte Civic Auditorium on March 14th, at 6pm. Expect a run of timeless hits and all the charisma that made Turner a Nashville favorite. Find tickets and more information at the link right here.
Villa Cesare is hosting a St. Patrick's Day Party on March 14th, starting at 6:30pm. Tickets grant you an open bar, DJ, raffles and a full menu of St. Patrick’s Day favorites. Further info can be found at the link right here.
Calling all Bar Crawlers: the Crown Point Square Bar Crawl for St. Patrick’s Day is returning once again. Sunday, March 15th, starting at noon, with Ramen District, One13North, Tavern on Main, Zombie Club, and Public Bar & Rec participating. Full info can be found on Tavern on Main’s Instagram page.
White Rhino in Dyer is hosting a St. Patty’s Pub Crawl on March 15th, starting at 2pm. Transportation is provided to all of the local participating pubs, with drink specials at each stop. More info can be found right here.
Hobart Art Theater will be hosting the Ultimate Doors: A Tribute to the Music of the Doors on March 15th, at 6:30pm. Tickets and more info can be found here. They will also be hosting Down Rodeo - A Tribute to Rage Against the Machine on March 20th, at 7pm. Tickets for that can be found at this link. And, In The Flesh - Echoes of Pink Floyd will be taking place on March 21st at 7pm. Tickets for that show can be found here.
NWI Explored’s “Event of the Week”
The Museum at Lassen’s Resort on Cedar Lake is hosting a Speaker Series with author Joey Lax-Salinas all about his forthcoming book, Fading Ads of Indiana. The event will be on March 15th at 2pm, and feature a chronicle of his year’s of documenting Indiana's disappearing "Ghost signs" and all the forgotten areas of the state we all call home. Find more information about Joey’s book, the event, and how to participate at the link right here.
March 17th will see Crown Point host it's Nighttime St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 7pm. Local food and retail vendors will set up on Joliet Street starting at 3pm, so go and enjoy the festivities: with Pipes and Drums players, Shamrock Lane, and a ton of great local food. Information can be found right here.
Horseshoe Casino will be hosting Los Tigres Del Norte on March 20th and 21st. Find tickets for either show at the link right here.
On March 20th and 21st, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, Lake County Vintage and Antique Market will be taking place. Shop vendors from all over with goods of all kinds, all inside the historic Industrial building. The show runs from 4-9pm on Friday, and 9am-4pm on Saturday. Find more information at the link right here.
Hoosier Theater in Whiting will be hosting a Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks tribute show on March 21st at 7pm. Find tickets and information at the link right here.
Humane Indiana’s Annual Gala will be taking place on March 21st at the Hard Rock Casino in Gary, starting at 5pm. The event is a high-energy celebration of everything that the Humane organization does: with complimentary dinner and drinks, adoptable pets on site, silent auctions, and a program of presentations celebrating the hope and life-saving work the organization does. Find info at the link right here.
On March 21st and 22nd, Shipshewana on the Road will be taking over the Porter County Expo Center. Tickets are $5, and gets you in to browse the wide variety of gifts, crafts, food and fun on site. Find all the information at the link right here.
Byway Brewing in Hammond will be hosting another entry in their Byway Comedy Series on March 26th - with headliner Sonal Aggarwal, plus Matt Torres, Lyssa Laird, Alan Ford and Sharup Karim. Tickets are $10 and can be found at the link here.
Journeyman Distillery in Valpo’s Comedy on the Rocks series is continuing on March 27th, with headliner Katie Meiner, opener Stone Norment, and host Jeff Webb. Doors are at 7pm and tickets are $22, which can be bought at the link right here.
Hobart Art Theater will be hosting JUMP - the Ultimate Van Halen Experience on March 27th. Tickets and more info can be found right here.'
Four Corners Winery in Valpo welcomes all to their Adult Easter Egg Hunt on March 28th. Grab some friends and sip some wine while hunting for eggs, backdropped by live music and all the fun. Prizes are to be won as well. More info can be found right here.
Theatre at the Center in Munster will be hosting two shows of a Ben-Hur Live Radio Play on March 28th. Tickets for both the early and late show, as well as all the info you need, can be found on their site right here.
Comedy legend Chris Tucker will be taking the stage at the Hard Rock Casino in Gary on March 28th. Tickets and more information can be found at the link right here.
The Hoosier Home and Hobby Show will be coming to Villa Cesare in Schererville on March 28th, starting at 9am. This is an event for hobbyists and homeowners, featuring local businesses, memorabilia collectors and athlete guest signers. Food trucks will be on site as well. Find more info at the link right here.
On March 29th, Head by the Theatre at the Center to take in NWI Symphony’s Presentation of Requiem for the Living, with the Symphony Chorus. The Symphony Chorus will be performing composer Dan Forrest’s modern Requiem mass, with the performance beginning at 2:30pm. Find tickets and further information at the link right here.
Veteran Stand-up comedian Susan Rice is performing two shows at Hobart Art Theater on March 29th. Susan is known for her observational humor, especially about aging. Tickets for the early and late show can be found right here.
Fans of trading card games and collectors abound will have a field day on March 29th when The Porter County Card Show comes to the Porter County Fairgrounds once again. The show will have hundreds of tables of sports, Pokemon, Memorabilia, Collectibles and more! Free to attend, the show starts at 9am and runs to 3pm. Find more information right here.
Known for their over-the-top antics and comedic sensibilities, Steel Panther is taking to the Hobart Art Theater stage on March 30th. The show starts at 7pm and tickets can be found here.
More Events to Come…
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.”
