10 Fun Things to Do This Weekend in Northwest Indiana: Popcorn Festival, Dragonboat Races, and Plenty More

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Each weekend we bring you 10 Fun Things to Do in Northwest Indiana so you are never without something to do! This weekend is full of fall fun for the region - from Hobart's Boat Races to Valpo's Popcorn Fest to Michigan City's First Friday event, there's something for everyone!

First Friday in the Uptown Arts District 
The Michigan City Mainstreet Association presents the First Friday Art Walk in the Uptown Arts District on Friday, September 5, 2014 from 5pm to 8pm. The Art Walk features many businesses hosting an array of artists and entertainment for free enjoyment for visitors.

Final "Movies in the Park" at Marquette Park 
The City of Gary will host its final Drive-In Movie by the Lake of the season Friday, Sept. 5 at Marquette Park Beach parking lot. The cost is only $10 per car and $15 for Vans and SUVs, moviegoers will enjoy the film “X-Men”. Gates at Marquette Park Beach open at 6:30p.m. with the film starting at dusk.

6th Annual Hobart Clocktower Model Boat Race Set for September 4-7 
The City of Hobart welcomes the Indy Masters Clocktower Model Boat Race to Lake George on Thursday, September 4 through Sunday, September 7. The races begin at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the day until 5 p.m. Spectators can view the races from the 3rd Street Bridge or on bleachers along the lakefront.

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival 
The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival has been a regional favorite for 36 years! Held in the heart of the downtown Valparaiso, the festival features over 250 arts and crafts booths, more than 30 food vendors, kids inflatable area and two concert stages. A 5k run kicks off the morning followed by the Lil Kernel Puff race for the kids! Families will not want to miss the first ever Popcorn Parade!

Woodland Park Will Host Yard Sale for Children's Items 
Portage Parks Department will host a yard sale in front of Woodland Park Preschool for CHILDREN'S ITEMS ONLY, on Saturday, September 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Booths are available for $25 on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in renting a booth to sell your items, please contact us at 762-1675. Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Road, Portage, IN 46368.

Free Fall Movies at Portage 16 IMAX 
Free Fall Movies begin on September 6! Every Saturday and Sunday at 9am and 10am, come and see select movies for free. Take a look below to see what movies will be playing for free at the Portage 16 IMAX!

Dunebrook's Dragon Boat Races set for September 6 
The most fun, unique cultural event featuring adrenaline-pumping action, dragon boat racing grows in popularity each year as the 8th fastest growing sport in the world! Teams rave about the excitement, friendly competition and community spirit surrounding the event. Teams decorate their area, wear themed apparel and cheer throughout the day. We encourage teams to enjoy the day to the fullest extent!

Blue Oyster Cult Performs at Blue Chip Sept. 6 
Rock band Blue Oyster Cult, with hits from the 70s and 80s including "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," "Godzilla" and "Burnin' for You," takes the stage on Saturday, September 6 at 8 pm CT in the Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, Michigan City, Indiana.

Local Heroes for Little Heroes Walk Benefitting Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation 
Please join us on Sunday, September 7 at Lemon Lake Park in Crown Point for the Local Heroes for Little Heroes Walk Benefitting the Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation. Fun event for all ages!

Jenn Lim to Open 2014 Season of the Purdue North Central Sinai Forum 
The Purdue North Central Sinai Forum opens the 61st season on Sunday, Sept. 7 with Jenn Lim, CEO and chief happiness officer at Delivering Happiness. Lim was instrumental in creating the culture described in the best-selling book, “Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh of Zappos Shoes. The book has sold over 550,000 copies and been translated into 20 languages.