Work up some courage and get ready to scream at these horrifyingly haunted houses in Northwest Indiana! These frights will be sure to scare you to your core this Halloween season.

1) Criminally Insane

Old Sheriff’s House, 226 S. Main Street, Crown Point, IN

Fridays and Saturdays from October 15-30, 2021

7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Come and join Criminally Insane as you make your way from jail cell to jail cell in Northwest Indiana's infamously haunted jail. Try and escape from Inmate and Skytzo the clowns as well as the other spooky beings that lurk inside the jail! Purchase tickets online or find more information at thecriminallyinsane.com/tickets.

For the latest updates, check their facebook page.

2) Haunted Hills Hospital

7611 E. Lincoln Highway, Crown Point IN

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from October 1-November 6, 2021

6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

This haunted hospital holds the most psychotic patients who couldn’t be held in a normal hospital. Will you make it out or will you be the next patient? For younger ones that want to have fun, no worries! On the two Kids Days (October 23 and 30, 2021), they put the scaries away and allow the children to trick-or treat through Haunted Hills Hospital with games and mask making. Get your tickets and find more information at hauntedhillshospital.com or check them out on Facebook or Instagram.

3) The Haunted Forest

13039 Wicker Avenue, Cedar Lake, IN

Fridays and Saturdays from October 15-30, 2021

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The scariest haunted trail in the region falls right here in this haunted forest! Are you being followed? Only one way to find out. Make your way through this completely outdoor trail in the darkness. Get tickets and more information at hauntedforestnwi.com. Masks are required when purchasing tickets and waiting in line.

Reapers Realm is closed for this season and hopes to reopen 2022.

The post The Best Haunted Houses on the South Shore and Northern IN appeared first on Hampton in Highland Blog.

The Lowell Labor Day Festival has been a staple of the Labor Day weekend celebrations for almost 75 years. The Labor Day weekend in Lowell is a state institution since it includes the state's longest-running Labor Day Parade and the Festival, which opens off the weekend with entertainment. The Festival is a three-day event hosted by The American Legion Post 101. The grounds are on State Rd. 2 on the west edge of town.

This year's parade is traditionally hosted by the City of Lowell, along with other all-ages events in Liberty Park. The Labor Day Festival Committee previously held these activities.

This year, the activities have changed a little bit.

Saturday, September 3rd 2022

• Labor Day Weekend 5K- Hosted by: Tri-Creek Education Foundation

  • 8am start​

• KIDZ ZONE BOUNCE HOUSES 11am-11pm (Unlimited Wristbands $9)

• Craft & Direct Sale Vendors 11am-7pm

• Food Vendors 11am-11pm

• Animal Quest – Exotic Animals and Mini Petting Zoo

  • Shows @ 12pm, 1pm, 4:15pm and 5:15pm

  • Free Petting Zoo from 2pm to 4pm

• Mill Street Car Show- Hosted by: The Lowell Lions Club​

  • 5pm to 9pm​

Free Live Entertainment- VIP tickets/Tyler Braden Experience VIP

• Eliana Weston​​​

• Nate Venturelli

• Tyler Braden

Tyler Braden VIP Experience Tickets

VIP Section Tickets

Sunday, September 4TH

• Sunday Worship on the Lawn- Hosted by HOPE Church

  • From 10am to 11am​

  • Bring your chairs and blankets

• KIDZ ZONE BOUNCE HOUSES 11am-11pm (Unlimited Wristbands $9)

• Craft & Direct Sale Vendors 11am-7pm

• Food Vendors 11am-11pm

• Visit with BLUEY 12pm​​

• Corn Hole Tournament 12pm

  • 18 & older​

  • $40 per team

  • ​80% payout​

• FREE Mr. D's Magic Show

  • Shows at 3:30pm and 5pm​

• Fireworks @ dusk- hosted by: the Town of Lowell​

Entertainment

• Cody Daniels Band

• The Aftermath

• Dick Diamond and the Dusters

Monday, September 5th

• 103rd Lowell Labor Day Parade (hosted by: the Town of Lowell)- 10am

• KIDZ ZONE BOUNCE HOUSES 11am-5pm (Unlimited Wristbands $9)

• Craft & Direct Sale Vendors 11am-3pm (limited booths)

• Food Vendors 11am-5pm

Free Live Entertainment

• ​Jason Drake (Acoustic set)

• FLOOD PLANE

• Listen Betty

Rock N Rail Music and Street Fest 

Every Labor Day weekend, Griffith hosts the Rock 'N' Rail Street Festival to commemorate its railroad heritage. The festival offers a wide selection of food and street vendors, arts and crafts, family entertainment, and nonstop live music on two entertainment stages inside the Family Beer Garden and the Live Band music Beer Garden.

KidZone 

Bounce houses, train barrel rides, princess and superhero days, face painting, and other activities are available. Many more surprises still!

Car Show

The first 100 participants to pay the $20 entrance fee for the car show will get a dash plaque. The Griffith Fire Fighters Assoc. will receive 100% of the revenue. Please call GFFA President Steve Cope at (219) 616-1986 if you have any questions.

5K – 1K Run:  

10:30 a.m. on Saturday. 

Benefiting the Griffith Family YMCA's scholarship program is the 5th Annual Rock 'N' Rail event. Did you know that the Y never turns anybody away due to financial hardship? The YMCA's scholarship program benefits from the funds generated by this event. Low-income individuals and families are provided those scholarships so they can take part in activities and membership. Stay for the festivities after the race! Following the race, Griffith's Rock 'N' Rail Street Festival will take place!

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY:

5:30 – Small Town – Tribute Band

7:30 – Fleetwood Mac Mania

9:30 – Marrakesh Express Tribute Band

FRIDAY:

4:00 – Little Giant – Doors tribute

6:00 – Infinity – Journey Tribute

8:00 – Kashmir – Led Zepplin Tribute

10:00 – Echoes of Pompeii – Pink Floyd Tribute

SATURDAY:

4:00 – Bonfire – AC/DC Tribute

6:00 – American English – Beatles Tribute

8:00 – Hollywood Nights – Bob Seger Tribute

10:00 – Elton Rohn – Tribute

SUNDAY:

4:00 – Gospel Hour

6:00 – Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute

8:00 – Midwest Big Band with Jim Bulanda

10:00 – Shawn Klush – Elvis Tribute

Come hang out at these two awesome Indiana Labor Day events!

The post Northern Indiana Celebrate Labor Day In 2022: Local 142 Labor Day Parade and More appeared first on Hampton in Highland Blog.

One of the best parts of summer is outdoor summer live music and Hampton in the Highland has you covered with the Wicker Park Summer Concerts!

Summer Concert Series June through August

The Summer Concert Series in North Township is one of the summer's highlights. Every Thursday through early August, North Township presents some of the area's top musicians in the Wicker Park Social Center Gazebo beginning in early June. The summer concerts draw large numbers from the municipality and nearby areas. The sounds of summer are always better at Wicker Park, from classic and modern rock to Latin soul.

***EXTRA PARKING & BUS SHUTTLE WILL BE PROVIDED FROM ULTRA FOODS PARKING LOT TO SOCIAL CENTER FOR THE RESIDING CONCERTS ***

Presented By:

North Township Trustees Office

When:

June 23, 2022 – August 25, 2022

Price:

$10 general admission

Time:

7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Recurrence:

Recurring weekly on Thursday

• Wicker Memorial Park

• 8554 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, IN 46322

• (219) 313-3934

Click for details

Map

The post Get Your Outdoor Music Fix with the Wicker Park Summer Concert Series appeared first on Hampton in Highland Blog.

Live music is finally back this summer, which is good news for everyone. Find out the full schedule for live music and outdoor performances in Hamilton County, Indiana.

Fishers

Keepin' It Live

Thursdays, June 16 – Sept. 99

6 – 8 p.m.

A variety of musical artists play in the weekly outdoor concert series Keepin' It Live in The Yard at the Fishers District, weather permitting.

Kroger Symphony on the Prairie

Various Dates, June – Sept.

Gates open at 6 p.m.

This popular summer music series at the Conner Prairie Amphitheatre returns for 2022. Guests can pack a picnic and a blanket to enjoy music under the stars on summer evenings.

June 24-25: Classical Favorites

July 1-4: Star-Spangled Symphony

July 8: Home Again: A Tribute to Carole King

July 9: Never Die Young: A Tribute to James Taylor

July 15-16: Broadway Under the Stars

July 22-23: John Williams Blockbusters

July 29: Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience

July 30: Arrival from Sweden: The Music of Abba

Aug. 5: Melissa Etheridge: One Way Out Tour

Aug. 6: Face 2 Face: A Tribute to Billy Joel and Elton John

Aug. 12: The Spinners

Aug. 13: Three Dog Night

Aug. 19: One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen & the Works

Aug. 20: The Fab Four: The Ultimate Beatles Tribute

Aug. 26: The Phil Collins Experience

Aug. 27: Master Blaster: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder

Sept. 2: Super Diamond: The Neil Diamond Tribute

Sept. 3: The Springsteen Experience: A Tribute to the Boss

Sept. 4: Here Come the Mummies

NPD AMP Concerts

Concerts start at 8 p.m. See Blue Fest schedule for performance times.

Ticketed concerts at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. 

June 18: Houndmouth

July 16: Colony House with Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers

Aug. 5: Waxahatchee with Liam Kazar

Aug. 19: The Main Squeeze

Aug. 27: Lawrence

Sept. 2-3: 10th Annual Blues Fest

Tuesday Night Community Concerts

Tuesdays, June 7 – July 26

7 – 9 p.m.

Tuesday Night Community Concerts, presented by IU Health Saxony, features weekly shows from local and regional bands and performers at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater.

June 7: Cool City Band

June 14: Mike & Joe

June 21: White River Wind Symphony Orchestra

June 28: Dave & Rae

July 4: Fool House

July 12: The Big ’80s Tribute Band

July 19: My Yellow Rickshaw

July 26: Toy Factory

Wednesday Lunchtime Shows

Wednesdays, June 1 – July 27

12 – 1 p.m.

The sounds of summer return with free lunchtime concerts and shows on the Central Green in front of Fishers City Hall. Bring your lunch, and enjoy a break from the workday. Back by popular demand, there is music for all ages this year, rotating between local singers/songwriters and popular children’s performers.

June 1: Mr. Daniel*

June 8: Old Coyote Band

June 15: Jump & Hop*

June 22: Steve Fulton

June 29: Dorin*

July 6: Mr. Daniel*

July 13: Stevens Puppets*

July 20: Kyle Bledsoe

July 27: Stevens Puppets*

*Denotes children's entertainment.

Carmel

12th Annual Summer Concert Series

Thursdays, May 26 – July 21

6-9 p.m.

Held on The Lawn at Clay Terrace in Carmel.

May 26: My Yellow Rickshaw

June 2: Dave & Rae

June 9: Big Rosco & The Hammers

June 16: Jambox 

June 23: Country Summer

June 30: Dwight Lightning and the Conch City All-Stars

July 7: Endless Summer Band

July 14: Stella Luna & The Satellites

July 21: Toy Factory

Aug. 4: rain date

Midday at Midtown

Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 4 – Oct. 28

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Enjoy your lunch while listening to live music on the Main Stage in Midtown Plaza, or simply unwind on one of the communal chairs, benches, swings, or green spots. Free parking is offered in garages and on the street. To find out which musician will be the featured one, follow Midtown Plaza on social media.

Summer Concert Series at the Gazebo

Wednesdays, June 1 – Sept. 28

7 – 8:15 p.m.

Providing concerts that are appropriate for the whole group and include pop, rock, jazz, and country music. It's a Carmel summer tradition, so guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and a picnic dinner. Concerts will be postponed or canceled in the event of rain or bad weather.

Westfield

Cool Creek Summer Concert Series 

Various Dates, June – August

Gates open at 6 p.m., shows start at 7 p.m.

Cost: $5 per person and kids 12 and under are free.

June 17: The Flying Toasters

June 24: Fleetwood Gold

July 1: Toy Factory

July 15: The Nauti Yachty's Feat. Josh Kaufman

July 22: Stella Luna and the Satellites

Aug. 5: 45 RPM

Market Concerts

Various Thursdays, June – September

6 – 8 p.m.

June 2 – Valerie Phelps

July 7 – Lovesick Moan / The Auburns

Aug. 4 – BC & The Classic Bus

Sept. 1 – Cool City Band

Noblesville

Concerts at the Commons Tour

Various Saturdays, June 11 – Sept. 24

7 p.m.

The First Merchants Pavilion will host Federal Hill Commons performances on Saturdays. All ages are welcome to attend, and chairs and blankets are encouraged. The opening act will begin playing at 7 o'clock, and concerts are free to attend. View a map of the trolley and parking.

June 11: Southern Accents (Tom Petty Tribute) / Opening Band: Groove Smash

June 25: REO Survivor (REO Speedwagon Tribute) / Opening Band: Aela

July 9: 16 Candles (80's Variety) / Opening Band: Roughouse

July 23: BritBeat (Beatles Tribute) / Opening Band: Rhino Down

Aug. 13: Motor City Revue (Motown Tribute) / Opening Band: BBI

Aug. 27: Nightrain (Guns N' Roses Tribute) / Opening Band: The Cosmic Situation 

Sept. 10: The Eagles Project (Eagles Tribute) / Opening Band: The Toons

Sept. 24: Trippin Billies (Dave Matthews Band Tribute) / Opening Band: Sam King

Music & All That Jazz

First Fridays, July – October

7-9 p.m.

Held on the Historic Noblesville Square.

July 1

Aug. 5

Sept. 2nd

Oct. 7

Noblesville Summer Concert Tour

Thursdays, June 9 – July 21

7 p.m.

The STAR Financial Bank presents the Noblesville Parks and Recreation Department's annual summer concert series in Dillon Park.

June 9: EndlessSummerBand

June 16: The Cosmic Situation

June 23: The Big 80’s Band

June 30: Jambox

July 7: Roughouse Indy

July 14: Toy Factory

July 21: Dave & Rae

Ruoff Music Center

Various Dates, May – Oct.

Ruoff Music Center, which Pollstar named the World's #1 Amphitheater in 2018, hosts notable performances every summer. Brad Paisley, Phish, Dave Matthews Band, and more are on the 2022 schedule.

Summer Concert Series

Saturdays, June 4 – July 23

12 – 2 p.m.

Enjoy music on the patio at Mercantile 37.

June 4 – Annabelle Wolfe

June 11 – Keith Rea

June 18 – Mike Snyder

June 25 – Booze Hounds

July 2 – Dale Bitner

July 9 – John Gilmore

July 16 – Andy Schomburg

July 23 – Malachi Jaggers

The post Summer Concerts: A Look at Live Music In Hamilton County, Indiana This Summer appeared first on Hampton in Highland Blog.

As blankets are stretched out on the grass and coolers brim with melon, salads, and sandwiches, a breeze blows in from Lake Michigan.
Beer streams from kegs, drinks are served ice-cold and crisp. Children play on playgrounds while vendors converse with park visitors. It's a beautiful day filled with laughter and joy. As the sun sets, all of a sudden –
The night is bathed in shades of red, blue, yellow, and green as the dark sky erupts over the trees and reflects off the lake.
Sparks fly, whistle, fizzle, and swirl, creating a spectacular display of bright light, and people look up in awe. The energy is great, and the eyes are drawn skyward to take in the splendor.
This is the setting for one of our favorite American traditions – the Fourth of July.

Fourth of July Fireworks

We want to make sure that our people in Highland, Indiana, enjoy a spectacular Independence Day by bringing them the best fireworks displays in the area. Check out these links for more details:

1.  Highland’s Own Fourth of July Festival

Here in Highland, you can enjoy your holiday! There will be arts and crafts stalls, food sellers, live music, and entertainment at the renowned July 4th Festival. At Main Square Park, there will be carnival rides and a parade (3001 Ridge Rd.). The Twilight Parade will take place at 6:30 pm on Sunday, July 3rd. On July 4th, at 9 pm, fireworks will be held in Homestead Park (7918 S Fifth St.). Get your wristband by clicking the link above!

2. Ross Township Independence Day Festival

On July 3rd, from 1 pm to 11 pm, Ross Township and Merrillville will have their Independence Day Festival at Hidden Lake Park, just down the road from us (6355 Broadway). Vendors and a beer garden will be on hand, as well as live music from Mud Shark. At 9 pm, the stunning fireworks show will begin. Vehicle fees are charged as usual.

3. Hobart Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks

On July 4th, the city of Hobart will hold its annual Independence Day Parade, concert, and fireworks east of Hampton at Highland. The parade begins at 12 pm. They'll start on 8th Street (at the Middle School) and finish on Cleveland. Festival Park (111 E Old Ridge Rd) will begin their festivities at 5 pm, with live music from Mud Sharks beginning at 6 pm At 9 pm, the fireworks begin.

If you have any queries or know of any other shows in the region, please leave a comment!

The post Fourth of July – Celebrate Summer and Independence with these Local Fireworks Shows near Highland, IN appeared first on Hampton in Highland Blog.

How are you celebrating Mother's Day this year?

2022 Brunches

Fair Oaks Farms

Brunch or Dinner

Make your reservation for a Mother’s Day getaway at Fair Oaks! Enjoy the day with or without the kiddos with a stay at the Fairfield by Marriott® and an amazing brunch or dinner at the Farmhouse Restaurant.

754 N 600 E, Fair Oaks

Call 219-394-3663

Center for Visual and Performing Arts

Champagne Brunch Buffet

There are two seatings for the Center for Visual and Performing Arts' annual brunch available. Bring the whole family to this family-friendly event complete with an amazing buffet.

1040 Ridge Road, Munster

219-836-1930

Speakeasy at The Spa

Brunch

Treat your mom to a wonderful Mother’s Day Brunch at The Spa Special Event Center.

333 N Mineral Springs Rd., Porter

(219) 934-7677

Signature Banquets

Champagne Brunch

Get your tickets before Signature Banquets' event sells out! You can enjoy an amazing brunch with both breakfast and lunch options, paired with champagne.

1908 E. Commercial Ave., Lowell

219-696-7696

Gamba Ristorante

Brunch Buffet

Celebrate and indulge with your mom at Gamba's brunch buffet. Don’t forget a reservation!

455 E 84th Dr., Merrillville

(219) 736-5000

2022 Mother's Day Events

Music in the Tea Room

Enjoy a proper Mother's Day tea at the Merrillville Florist & Tea Room with live piano music and amazing food. Call to reserve your table ahead of time.

Merrillville Florist and Tea Room

7005 Madison Ave., Merrillville

Bluebirds Jr. Canvas Paint

Children ages 5-10 can paint their very own piece of art for mothers at this painting event. This work of art will feature bluebirds.

Lincoln Center

2450 Lincoln St., Highland

Mother's Day Bonanza

Shop local vendors, enjoy live music and celebrate all the moms in your life! This event is completely free and will take place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Dean and Barbara White Community Center

6600 Broadway, Merrillville

Tea Party and Yoga

Treat your mom, step-mom or mother-figure to a much-needed evening of pampering and relaxation during a Salt Cave Yoga session followed by a reception with tea and finger foods!

The Salt Cave and Wellness Spa

8241 Wicker Ave., St. John

Mother's Day Gifts

At Albanese Candy locations you can find all kinds of treats for mom – from chocolates and nuts to factory-fresh gummis and retro candies.

The post Where to Eat and What to Do for Mother’s Day in Northern Indiana appeared first on Hampton in Highland Blog.

The holiday season is upon us! Whether you have years old traditions or want to add something new to your holiday happenings, here are some events and things to do this Thanksgiving Week along Lake Michigan's South Shore.

Outdoor Activities

When you’re preparing to eat your weight in food on Thanksgiving, sometimes you want to go on a little (or long) walk before! If you're looking for an easy walk to get out of the house for a while, check out these trails for the lazy hiker. Enjoy the autumn landscapes at Gabis Arboretum and the Indiana Dunes Great Marsh Trail or spend some time strolling the streets of Rensselaer to check out art by muralists from around the world.

This year, Friendship Botanic Gardens is hosting their Gobble Gobble Turkey Walk on Thanksgiving Day from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Kids will get to have fun walking the trails and embarking on a paper turkey scavenger hunt for a prize at the end!

Another location to hike mentioned in the blog is Kankakee Sands, where you'll also find a herd of roaming bison! The bison were introduced to the area in 2016. Recently, the herd gained 10 new members from Wind Cave National Park! A viewing area is set up just off US Highway 41. The staff suggest planning to stay for a few hours. Start at the viewing area and you might get a good sighting. If not, drive around the pasture. If you still aren’t able to see the bison, maybe take that hike along a trail for an hour or two, and then return to the viewing area to try again.

Speaking of wildlife viewing, the number of Sandhill Cranes migrating to Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area is almost at its annual peak. Last fall there were 30,000+ cranes counted at peak time! Grab your binoculars and head out to the elevated platform to watch the cranes enjoy spending the holiday week with each other.

Celebrate the Holidays

Take-in the Holiday Lights Trail at Fair Oaks Farms beginning November 19! Stroll through their nature path with all the trees and tractors lit up for the holidays. They have warming stations where you can enjoy bonfires, s'mores and hot chocolate. You can purchase your tickets at their Holiday Market where you can also pick up some fresh baked goods and festive décor. Admission to Holiday Lights is $10/person.

Plan a lunch or dinner with your household in their private, heated igloos right in The Farmhouse Restaurant's backyard. The igloos are all decorated with their own themes and are a great setting for small family get-togethers, date nights, or a fun night with friends!

Make a mini-vacation out of it with a stay at the on-site Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott.

Harvest Tyme Farm Park will also be bringing back their Christmas Tyme Lights display this year from November 26 to December 30, 2021! You can drive through the beautiful lights while you sip hot chocolate and even catch a glimpse of Santa Clause himself. Reservations will be available on their website here.

On Saturday after Thanksgiving, head to downtown Crown Point to see the Santa Parade beginning at 10:00 a.m. Santa will be arriving by helicopter and will be there to say hello to all the children and families before boarding Molley the Trolley to be escorted around the Square!

It’s a German Christmas at the LaPorte Christkindlmarket! Happening the weekend after Thanksgiving at the LaPark, the market will feature an ice-skating rink, curling, German food & pastries, art, Christmas trees and so much more. You can find the schedule of events here.

A tradition for many in the region, sign up for the annual Valparaiso Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning! The race will be held a little differently this year, but still a great way to burn some calories before getting extra full of turkey and mashed potatoes later in the day.

“A Christmas Story” Comes Home is back at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. You can stop in to see the seven animated window displays depicting scenes from the holiday movie from November 13, 2021 to January 2, 2022! Don’t forget to schedule a time to get your photo taken with Santa on most weekends starting right after Thanksgiving. You can also enjoy the holiday gift shop full of perfect gifts for everyone.

However you decide to fill your Thanksgiving Week along the south shore of Lake Michigan, stay safe and we hope you enjoy it! Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Hampton in Highland.

The post A Northern Indiana Thanksgiving Guide: Fun Things to Do appeared first on Hampton in Highland Blog.