Park and Rec Events

 

La Porte Invitational 2026

Nationally televised

high school basketball at

La Porte Civic each January.

 

January 9-11, 2026

 

 

The La Porte Invitational returns for the fifth year in a row at the historic La Porte Civic Auditorium. This three-day, nationally televised basketball showcase features the best high school programs in the nation, with multiple of ESPN’s top-ranked recruits. With its old-school charm and classic “Hoosiers” feel, there’s no better stage than the Civic to watch the college and pro talent of tomorrow.

 

 

The event features three days of thrilling matchups headlined by local powerhouse La Lumiere. The Lakers closed out the 2024–25 season ranked No. 5 in Indiana and No. 4 nationally among prep programs. A perennial blue blood in high school basketball, La Lumiere is known for its relentless, championship-caliber defense and explosive offensive attack. Leading the charge this year is standout point guard and senior Jon Sanderson, ranked No. 55 in ESPN’s Top 100 Recruits. Sanderson is committed to Notre Dame, where he’ll reunite with fellow La Lumiere star and top 2025 recruit Jalen Haralson.

 

Thank you to all 2025 sponsors, staff, volunteers, teams and fans who made this event the success that it was!

For additional information visit the La Porte Civic Auditorium or call 219-362-2325.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Downtown La Porte Ice Rink

The Downtown La Porte Ice Rink is currently: CLOSED

Returns November 28, 2025

 

The Downtown La Porte Ice Rink returns this winter to the corner of State and Monroe Streets (near La Stitch). With over 300 pairs of ice skates available for rent, the rink provides plenty of sponsorship opportunities, group skate outings, skating lessons and more! 

Thank you to 2024-2025 Event Sponsors:

❄ Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union

❄ Sons of the American Legion Squadron 83

❄ Health Foundation of La Porte

❄ Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care

❄ Peeples Farms

❄ Cummings Farms

❄ Satoski Bros

❄ HealthLinc

❄ La Porte Park Foundation

❄ Visit Michigan City La Porte

❄ Sightes Appraisal

❄ La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP)

❄ Beechwood Golf Course 

 

 

 

 Foodie Tuesdays   

May 27-August 26, 2025

Unity Park, La Porte, Indiana

Join us each summer to enjoy a delicious lunch break lakeside at Unity Park (1010 Pine Lake Avenue) 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 

If interested in becoming a Foodie Tuesday mobile vendor, please contact Tabitha Aguilar at taguilar@cityoflaportein.gov or complete the Foodie Tuesday Mobile Vendor Application.  

Foodie Tuesday Vendor Schedule for 2025

Foodie Tuesday Mobile Vendor Application

 

 

 

LakeFest  | July 25, 26, 27, 2025
  • Click here for full schedule and special announcements regarding the City of La Porte LakeFest or to become a LakeFest Sponsor.
  • Mobile food vendors apply here.

La Porte LakeFest in La Porte, Indiana boasts three days of music, art, food, and fun for the whole family on La Porte’s Pine, Stone and Clear lakes. This event is the perfect opportunity to showcase the city’s lakes and natural resources, as well as show neighboring communities what it means to be ‘Livin’ the Lake Life’ in the City of La Porte.

*photo courtesy of Greatnews.Life

 

 

 

Letters From Santa 

 

We are assisting Santa and his elves at the North Pole with the delivery of his letters. If there is someone you know that would enjoy receiving a letter from Santa, simply fill out the registration form and return it to the City of La Porte Park and Recreation Office (250 Pine Lake Avenue) by the deadline, or email your completed form to the Park Office at taguilar@cityoflaportein.gov

Registration forms are available at the Park Office starting in November and by clicking here.

 

 

 

Movies in the Park

Lights, Camera, Action! 

 

Join us for the eagerly anticipated return of the Movies in the Park series, brought to you by the City of La Porte Park and Recreation in partnership with local businesses! Beginning in 2024, sponsors have a unique opportunity to showcase their support with pre-movie commercial trailers. 

All screenings are free and open to the public, starting around 8:15 p.m. or dusk. Movies will be shown at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park.

In addition to the movies, food trucks and surprises await to enhance your experience! Interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor? Check out our sponsorship guide  and the vendor food truck application, then fill out our sponsor online contact form so we can invoice you. Contact Emily Archambault at earchambault@cityoflaportein.gov for more information.

2025 Schedule

 

 

 

Night Bike Rides  

The La Porte Night Bicycle Rides will take you on a leisurely 13-mile starlit bike ride of La Porte. Check-in time is at 8 p.m. with the ride beginning promptly at 9 p.m. (first three rides only, see below for September ride times) Please note these are NOT races. All participants must wear a helmet and have a headlight and taillight on their bikes. Participants under the age of 10 years old must be accompanied and ride with an adult, either pull behind or tandem, and require their own registration. The cost for each riding event is $20 per person ($30 night of ride) and includes post-race snacks and a t-shirt if registered a week prior to the event or until supply is gone. Online registration open.  

June 13 - La Porte Park and Recreation Department Office

July 11 - Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Memorial Park

August 15 - Beechwood Golf Course

 

 

 

Walking Wednesdays

 

Weekly updates on Facebook. 

 

 

 

WinterFest  |  January 23, 24, 25, 2026

The annual WinterFest, organized by the La Porte Park and Recreation Department, returns every January.