From Broadway-caliber theatre in Munster to intimate music venues in Hobart, galleries in Whiting, and summer concerts on every town square — the 219 has a thriving cultural scene that deserves a standing ovation.
If someone tells you there is nothing to do in Northwest Indiana for arts and entertainment, they have not been paying attention. Between the Broadway-quality productions at the Theatre at the Center in Munster, the intimate live music scene at venues like the Hobart Art Theatre, the galleries and exhibitions at South Shore Arts, and the free summer concert series that pop up in nearly every town square, the 219 punches well above its weight culturally. After 30+ years living here, I can tell you the arts scene is one of the things that makes this region special — and it keeps getting better.
Northwest Indiana's live music scene is more diverse than most people expect. From the 400-seat intimacy of the restored Hobart Art Theatre to the big-name acts at Hard Rock Casino's entertainment venue in Gary, there is a venue for every taste and every night of the week. Here is where I go when I need a live music fix.
A beautifully restored 400-seat venue originally built in 1940. The Hobart Art Theatre has been reborn as Brick Art Live, hosting live music, comedy shows, and special events in an intimate setting with a full bar and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. It is the kind of venue where every seat feels close to the stage — perfect for catching national touring acts up close.
Visit WebsiteNorthwest Indiana's only professional Broadway theatre. The Theatre at the Center produces five main-stage shows annually, featuring top talent from the Chicago area. The venue is housed in the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, making it the anchor of the 219's performing arts scene. Past productions have ranged from classic musicals to contemporary dramas — always polished and worth the ticket.
Visit WebsiteThe largest concert venue in the region for national touring acts. Hard Rock Casino's entertainment lineup reads like a who's who of music, comedy, and touring shows. The venue combines a casino-resort experience with a top-tier concert calendar that draws acts who would otherwise skip Northwest Indiana for Chicago.
Visit WebsiteAn outdoor amphitheater in Porter County hosting summer concerts and community events. The open-air setting makes it a go-to for warm-weather shows, with a calendar that ranges from tribute bands to national acts. Bring a blanket and enjoy live music under the stars.
Billed as the largest 21+ music venue in Porter County, Decibel's Concert Hall brings live music and events to Portage. It is the kind of place where local bands share stages with regional touring acts, and the energy is always high.
Crown Point's downtown gathering space doubles as a concert venue. Bulldog Park hosts the Crown Point Corn Roast, summer concert series, and other events on its main stage. It is the heart of downtown Crown Point's entertainment scene — and the splash pad keeps kids happy while parents enjoy the music.
Northwest Indiana's theatre scene is one of the region's best-kept secrets. The Theatre at the Center in Munster produces Broadway-quality shows with professional casts. Community theatres like the Towle Theater in Hammond and LaPorte Little Theatre Club have been putting on productions for generations. And the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra brings world-class orchestral music to the CVPA. Here is where to find a seat.
An intimate community theater in downtown Hammond with a passionate following. Towle produces a diverse season of plays and musicals each year, bringing together local talent and professional direction. It is a testament to Hammond's cultural revival and well worth a visit.
Visit WebsiteOne of the oldest community theatres in Northwest Indiana, founded in 1924. Over a century of performances, and still going strong. The LaPorte Little Theatre Club produces a full season of shows in an intimate venue that embodies community theatre at its best.
The region's professional orchestra, performing classical concerts, pops shows, and educational programs throughout the year. Based at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, the NWISO brings world-class orchestral music to the 219. Their holiday concert is a beloved annual tradition.
Visit WebsiteIndiana University Northwest's theatre program produces several shows each year, offering professional-quality productions at accessible prices. A great option for catching fresh interpretations of classic and contemporary works.
Visit WebsiteThe visual arts scene in Northwest Indiana centers around the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, home to South Shore Arts — the largest visual arts organization in the region. But there are also galleries, exhibitions, and art events popping up across Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties. Here is what to watch for.
The largest visual arts organization in Northwest Indiana, serving as the Indiana Arts Commission's Regional Arts Partner for Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties. South Shore Arts manages gallery spaces at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, offers classes and workshops, and curates the annual Salon Show — a juried exhibition showcasing regional talent. It is the cultural backbone of the 219 art scene.
VisitA restored historic theater in downtown Whiting that shows classic films, hosts live events, and features art exhibitions. The Hoosier Theatre is part of Whiting's charming lakefront downtown and represents the kind of community-driven cultural preservation that makes the 219 special.
VisitThe cultural campus that anchors it all. The CVPA houses the Theatre at the Center, South Shore Arts galleries, and the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra under one roof. A single destination for theatre, visual art, and orchestral music — there is nothing else like it in the region.
VisitMunster's signature summer music festival at the Centennial Park Amphitheater, featuring music from different eras. The Decades Music Festival is one of the highlights of the Lake County summer event calendar — a weekend of live music that brings the community together.
The 219 cultural calendar is busier than most people realize. From First Fridays in Crown Point to the Munster Tuesday Rock Concert Series, here are the recurring events that keep our arts scene vibrant year after year.
Downtown Crown Point comes alive with gallery openings, live music at local venues, late-night shopping, and a community energy that makes the historic square feel like a block party.
Free outdoor concerts at Centennial Park in Munster. Bring a lawn chair, grab dinner from a food truck, and enjoy live music as the sun sets over the lake. One of the best summer traditions in the 219.
The premier juried art exhibition in Northwest Indiana, showcasing the best work from regional artists. A must-see for anyone who appreciates visual art.
Live music, a beer garden, corn eating contests, and thousands of people packed into Bulldog Park. It is equal parts music festival and community block party.
A historic venue in LaPorte hosting live entertainment, community events, and performances. Part of the broader cultural fabric that makes Northwest Indiana's arts scene worth exploring.
Love the arts scene in the 219? These venues and events are just the beginning. When you live here, every weekend offers a chance to experience live music, theatre, or art — often just minutes from home. Let's talk about finding you a home in the middle of it all.
Common questions about the arts and culture scene in Northwest Indiana.
The Hobart Art Theatre (now Brick Art Live) is a standout for intimate live music, comedy, and events in a beautifully restored 1940s theater. For bigger shows, the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary brings national touring acts. The Porter Health Amphitheater in Valparaiso is excellent for outdoor summer concerts. Each offers something different depending on the vibe you are after.
The Theatre at the Center in Munster is Northwest Indiana's only professional Broadway theater, presenting five main-stage productions each year featuring top Chicago-area actors. It is housed in the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, which also hosts the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. The Towle Theater in Hammond offers an intimate community theater experience with a loyal following.
South Shore Arts in Munster is the largest visual arts organization in the region, with rotating gallery exhibits, classes, and the annual Salon Show. The Center for Visual and Performing Arts campus in Munster is essentially the cultural anchor of the 219, with multiple galleries under one roof. The Hoosier Theatre in Whiting has art exhibitions alongside its film programming.
Yes — Munster's Tuesday Rock concert series at Centennial Park is a beloved summer tradition. Crown Point's Bulldog Park hosts concerts throughout the summer. Hobart's Festival Park on Lake George features free shows in the bandshell. Schererville also has summer concert series in their community parks. Most are free and family-friendly.
The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra performs throughout the year at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. The LaPorte Little Theatre Club has been putting on productions since 1924. The annual Salon Show at South Shore Arts is a highlight of the visual arts calendar. First Fridays in downtown Crown Point often feature gallery openings and live music at local venues.
The 219 arts scene is growing — and so is the community around it. Ready to call it home?