10 Fun Things To Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana: Dog Days, Lakeside Ride, and Fairy Brunch


Each week we will be bringing you 10 fun things to do in Northwest Indiana over the weekend, so you are never without something to do! This weekend a canine celebration, a cultural festival, fundraising rides, a food drive, a concert, a singing competition, a benefit walk, a film showing, a theatrical production, and more are all on tap for a fun weekend in Northwest Indiana!

September’s 2nd Saturday Dog Days Downtown
Downtown La Porte will host the 1st Annual Dog Days Downtown for the 2nd Saturday in the month of September, September 14 from 3pm to 7pm. Pet owners and dog fans are welcome to come downtown from 3pm to 7pm with their dogs, stroll the downtown shops, dine al fresco and visit rescues and dog vendors on Rescue Avenue, taking place on Michigan Avenue that evening downtown. Other downtown businesses that are participating in 2nd Saturday will also have treats available for dogs.

5th Annual World Cultural Festival Bringing Culture to Central Park
Our World Cultural Festival is our annual celebration of various cultures from around the world. We offer a variety of performances, great foods, and awesome music. Bring your entire family and explore different cultures. The 5th Annual Celebration will take place September 14th, 2013, at Central Park Plaza from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. There will be food from local restaurants, such as Don Quijote, Meditrina Market Cafe, and more, along with an expanded entertainment lineup!

{valpo}More Than 500 Riders Expected for VNA’s Lorie’s Lakeside Century {/valpo}{portage}More Than 500 Riders Expected for VNA’s Lorie’s Lakeside Century {/portage}{laporte}More Than 500 Riders Expected for VNA’s Lorie’s Lakeside Century {/laporte}{nwindiana}More Than 500 Riders Expected for VNA’s Lorie’s Lakeside Century {/nwindiana}
The Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County is well on its way to a record year for the VNA’s annual bicycle ride, Lorie’s Lakeside Century, on September 14, 2013. More than 500 experienced and novice riders from all over the Midwest will explore the solitude of shaded country roads, spectacular views of Lake Michigan and prairies as they bike along the lake and through the Indiana Dunes and countryside.

{valpo}Come Join the Fun and “STUFF A BUS" {/valpo}{portage}Come Join the Fun and “STUFF A BUS" {/portage}{laporte}Come Join the Fun and “STUFF A BUS" {/laporte}{nwindiana}Come Join the Fun and “STUFF A BUS" {/nwindiana}
On Saturday, September 14th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., volunteers will be stuffing Michigan City School buses with bags of food donated by YOU. To celebrate the “Stuff A Bus” 10-year anniversary, Al’s Grocery Stores will be providing FREE hot dogs and soft drinks at both Michigan City store locations. To add to the fun, there will be on-site radio broadcasts from WE-FM 95.9 (Karwick), and WIMS-AM 1420 Radio (Franklin Street) from 9:00 a.m. to noon, reminding everyone to help make sure that NO ONE in our hometown goes hungry.

4th Annual Benefit Run for the Fire Department
The Valparaiso Firefighters Local #1124 is hosting our 4th Annual Benefit Run on Saturday, September 14th. The riders will leave from and return to the Valparaiso Harley-Davidson, located at 1151 US Hwy 30. First bike rolls out at 10:00 am, with the last bike in at 3:00 pm. There will be a beer garden, live entertainment, and raffles and prizes.

New Comma Baroque Concert "Locke and Loaded"
Valparaiso University will welcome members of several Baroque ensembles on Sunday, September 15, for a concert that explores English music from a turbulent time in English history. The program features English music of the seventeenth century, a time of political unrest in England. The pieces that will be played include Air With Divisions by John Jenkins and Sett No. 2 from The Broken Consort by Matthew Locke.

{valpo}Competition of a Lifetime {/valpo}{portage}Competition of a Lifetime {/portage}{laporte}Competition of a Lifetime {/laporte}{nwindiana}Competition of a Lifetime {/nwindiana}
12 finalists will compete in the performance of a life on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at 7:00 pm at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. The finalists will be transformed into STARS as they prepare to compete for cash prizes at a festive evening that is dedicated to supporting the work of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. Arrangements will be created from a song of their choice to be properly accompanied by the Hoosier STAR Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Philip Bauman.

Please Join Us for the Dream Big Walk
The 3rd Annual Dawn Brancheau Foundation Dream Big Walk at the Lake County Fairgrounds will be held Sunday, September 15. This scenic two mile walk in a lake/park setting is $25 for adults and $10 for youths. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Strollers and baby joggers are welcome! The Dawn Brancheau Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children and animals in need, inspiring others to follow their dreams, and promoting the importance of community service.

LP and MC Libraries Along with PNC Holding Film Series
La Porte County Public Library, Michigan City Public Library and Purdue University North Central are joining together to present a Major Motion Picture Film Screening to the public for the months of September through November. For the month of September, La Porte County Public Library will present a viewing of “The Place Beyond the Pines” starring Ryan Gossling, Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes. Michigan City Public Library will present “Mud”, starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon.

Chicago Street Theatre Presents The World’s Worst Fairy Godmother
The final performance takes place this weekend! Families are also invited to attend “The Fairy Brunch” to be held at 12 PM on Saturday, September 14 at Strongbow Inn prior to the last show. Reservations are required for this family event that will feature a delicious brunch from Strongbow, fairy and imp training for the little ones courtesy of “Miss Edna Primm’s School for Fairies”, a fairy costume parade, photo opportunities with the cast, and a few additional surprises.

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