Art Shows, Garden Walks, and Free Food: Events Coming to Northwest Indiana

The Valparaiso Creative Council has rescheduled its Art + Innovation reception to July 15. The event celebrates an art exhibit called 'Portrait + Free Flow Colorations,' which is on display at two downtown Valparaiso locations through July 15. You can see the exhibit at Roots Cafe and at Lower Lincoln, both on East Lincolnway.

The reception begins at 5 p.m. at Roots Cafe with artist introductions. At 5:45 p.m., the event moves to Lower Lincoln, where artists will share stories about their creative journeys. The Valpo Salsa Dancing Group will perform live, and Indiana Dunes Tourism will announce the VCC's official Mural Walk Trail.

Calumet Township is starting a Mobile Food Distribution Program to help people who struggle to find enough food. The first event is Thursday at Beacon Light Community Church in Gary, with registration at 10 a.m. and food handouts starting at 11 a.m. Residents of Gary and unincorporated Calumet Township can participate by showing a valid ID.

Indiana Dunes Tourism is launching an Arts + Culture Trail through its free smartphone app. The trail covers 14 organizations across Porter County and lets visitors collect a digital postcard at each stop. It officially launches at the Valparaiso Sand + Steel Art Fest on Saturday.

The Lake County Master Gardeners Annual Garden Walk takes place Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The theme is 'Pollinating Pathways,' and the self-guided tour visits seven private gardens in St. John, Schererville, and Munster. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at local businesses or online.

Franciscan Health's Fresh Start Markets are hosting 'Grill, Chill & Stay Safe' events in July at locations in Michigan City, Crown Point, and Munster. Families can pick up free food and learn about summer safety topics like water safety, fireworks, and vaping. The markets are free to shop for those in need, supported by the Franciscan Health Foundation and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.