Events
July 24 - July 26, 2026
City of La Porte, Indiana
Pine, Stone and Clear Lakes
Jesse McCartney
Date:
Saturday, July 26
Location:
Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Schedule
6:30 PM – Zachariah Kirkham
7:15 PM – Y2K
8:40 PM – Fireworks over Clear Lake
9 PM – Jesse McCartney
The LakeFest Committee has made a limited number of Premium Front Stage Passes available for $45 (not including ticketing fees). These are STANDING-ROOM ONLY passes directly in front of the stage (no chairs will be allowed to be brought into this section).
Premium Front Stage Passes include exclusive access to the Stage Bar (food and drink not included in pass price). No outside food or drink allowed in the Front Stage area.
Premium Front Stage Pass Bundles can be purchased for $65, which include one (1) Premium Front Stage Pass, one (1) LakeFest souvenir cup and two (2) drink tickets.
Premium Parking Passes are also available for Saturday, July 26, for $25. The Premium Parking lot, off McClung Road, opens at 5:30 PM
Visit www.laportelakefest.com or call the City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department at 219-326-9600.
Friday Night Live @ LakeFest
Date:
- Friday, July 24 @ 6-10:30 PM
Location:
Fox Park
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Kick off an amazing weekend with America’s #1 cover band, The Jukebox Heroes, and a spectacular fireworks show! Enjoy hit songs from past decades through today – including a mix of classic rock, country and Top 40 – played by some of the top musicians from the region.
And, while dancing the night away, step back for a fireworks show over Clear Lake at dusk. All eyes will be on the sky as we light up the summer night, with Downtown La Porte as the backdrop.
Enjoy a variety of delicious options from food trucks, as well as a beer garden. Other activities include the Raymond & Spence Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby, games and inflatables, community organizations and much more.
Schedule
6 p.m. – Food trucks, beer garden and bounce houses open.
6 p.m. – Raymond & Spence Insurance Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby (ages 8 and under through age 18) registration begins at Ron Reed Field. Derby runs from 6:30 until all kids are done hitting.
7-8:30 p.m. – Jukebox Heroes, America’s #1 cover band, takes the stage playing hit songs from past decades through today – including a mix of classic rock, country and Top 40.
8:40 p.m. – Fireworks over Clear Lake.
9-10 p.m. – Another set of live music from Jukebox Heroes.
Steam Through History on Pine Lake
Presented by Hesston Steam Museum/The Museum at Lassen's Resort
Dates:
- Friday, July 24-Sunday, July 26 @ 11 AM – 6:30 PM
Location:
Unity Park
La Porte, Indiana 46350
Details:
Adventure awaits your family! Steam across beautiful Pine Lake in an authentic early 20th century steamboat (seats up to 20 passengers) with excursions departing Unity Park. Purchase a seat for a 35-minute ride for $25/adult or $15/child (under age 13).
The Alabama No. 4 steam launch is a converted lifeboat from the SS Alabama, a steamship that cruised the Great Lakes from 1910-1946. In 1961, when the SS Alabama was being converted for use as a barge, the Alabama No. 4 lifeboat was salvaged. It features a 1910 Engberg 3.5 hp steam engine installed in 1998 with a Lattner 5 hp boiler fired by kerosene delivered through an enclosed burner system. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has jurisdiction over inland bodies of water and is the licensing authority for passenger-for-hire vessels. The Alabama No. 4 is the only passenger-for-hire steamboat licensed to operate in the state of Indiana.
Thanks to a generous donation from the La Porte Park Foundation, we are able to offer FREE youth rides (available to the first 100 youth to register). To take advantage of this special promotion, please call 219-390-9423 to book your excursion. All children must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Tickets must be purchased by Thursday, July 23.
Online reservations open June 26!
Chessie Trail Scavenger Hunt
Presented by La Porte County Public Library
Dates:
- Friday, July 24-Sunday, July 26 @ Sunrise-Sunset
Location:
Chessie Trail
La Porte, Indiana 46350
Details:
Take a walk along the Chessie Trail and discover clues hidden along the path, each sharing fun facts and stories about the lakes and the City of La Porte. These facts are from the digital archives of La Porte County Public Library.
Bolt for the Heart/Play for Jake 5k Run/Walk
Presented by Play for Jake Foundation
Date:
- Saturday, July 25 @ 8AM
Location:
Fox Park
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Kick off a great Saturday of LakeFest events by participating in the annual Bolt for the Heart/Play for Jake 5K Run/Walk! Over 400 participants enjoyed this event last year. The focus of Bolt for the Heart is to save as many lives as possible, by placing automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in our law enforcement heroes’ patrol cars. Pre-register at the link below. The run/walk begins and ends at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park.
Fitness Zone
Date:
- Saturday, July 25 @8-11AM
Location:
Unity Park
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Bring some energy to the Fitness Zone – your go-to spot for fun, family-friendly exercise right along the water of Pine Lake! We will have a little something for everybody including a free pilates class, free Zumba class, free paddleboard/kayak rentals and free kite rentals. Fitness Zone is a fantastic way to kick off a jam-packed Saturday of LakeFest events.
Mountain Bike Ride
Presented by Northern Indiana Mountain Bike Association
Dates:
- Saturday, July 25 @ 9 AM
Location:
Soldiers Memorial Park
La Porte, Indiana 46350
Details:
Join local mountain bike riders and volunteers for a morning on the trail. The course offers a bit of everything: thick woods, lots of turns, a few tech features – berms, bridges and a drop-off. You can pretty much open it up the whole way! Lunch and beverages provided for participants following the ride. No preregistration necessary.
Clear Lake Crafters Market
Date:
- Saturday, July 25 @ 9 AM-3PM
Location:
Fox Park
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Shop artisan vendors in beautiful Fox Park while enjoying the view and breeze along Clear Lake! FREE admission. Live music all day, food trucks and much more. Interested vendors apply at the link below.
Chain of Lakes Kayak Paddle
Presented by Northwest Indiana Paddling Association
Date:
- Saturday, July 25 @ 10 AM
Location:
Stone Lake
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Join fellow kayak or canoe enthusiasts for a paddle along the lakes! Follow the guided tour or venture out on your own. Takes off from Stone Lake Beach, with an accessible small watercraft launch available.
Stone Lake Family Beach Bash
Date:
- Saturday, July 25 @ Noon-4 PM
Location:
Stone Lake Beach
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Get ready for a day of sun-soaked fun at Stone Lake Beach! Families can enjoy a wide variety of beach activities perfect for all ages. Build your own sandcastle masterpiece and show off your moves in a hula hoop or limbo contest.
Kids can get creative with crafts, chalk art and giant tic-tac-toe, or strike a pose at our beach-themed photo station. Be sure to check out the library’s special StoryWalk®, where families can read and explore a story together as they make their way along the beach.
Don’t miss a special presentation from Humane Indiana, where their educators will bring live ambassador animals and share an interactive program focused on wildlife, animal care, and compassion for our environment.
With plenty of interactive stations, playful competitions and open-ended fun, this free event is the perfect way to celebrate summer with the whole family. Come ready to play, create and make lasting memories at one of La Porte’s favorite lakes!
Uncle Kracker Concert with Jim Post and Two Story Road
Date:
- Saturday, July 25 @ 6:30 PM
Location:
Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
World-famous recording artist Uncle Kracker headlines this summer’s LakeFest, as the “Follow Me” and “Smile” performer takes the stage for a free live show. Opening for Uncle Kracker are local favorite Jim Post and Nashville duo Two Story Road.
Uncle Kracker’s career has included four albums in the Billboard Top 200, with his most notable single “Follow Me” clinching the #1 spot in four countries. His double-platinum duet with international country artist Kenny Chesney soared to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart. With a breezy sound that blends country, pop and rock spiked with a splash of hip-hop, Uncle Kracker makes the perfect fit for this lakeside show.
While there isn’t a bad seat in the park, a limited number of Premium Front Stage Passes are available for sale for those individuals looking to get a little closer to the action.
Activities are made possible in part by South Shore Arts, and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana.
Schedule:
5:30 PM – Premium Front Stage Pass section opens
6:30 PM – Jim Post
7:35 PM – Two Story Road
9 PM – Uncle Kracker
Car Show
Presented by Rusted Knuckles Car/Truck Club
Date:
- Sunday, July 27 @ 8 AM-Noon
Location:
Fox Park
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Rusted Knuckles presents the 4th annual LakeFest Cruise In. Stop by and enjoy a morning with other car people, talk cars, shop builds, etc. Anything on wheels … so let the talk begin. Cruise in style; first 100 cars will receive dash plaque. Let’s make this the best turnout yet!
Beach Volleyball Tournament
Dates:
- Sunday, July 26 @ 10 AM
Location:
Stone Lake Beach
La Porte, Indiana 46350
Details:
Slam those spikes for volleyball supremacy on the sand at Stone Lake Beach in Soldiers Memorial Park! Grab three friends and register for this double-elimination tourney. Cash prizes for the top two teams, and $10 off for ALL participants at the Beach & Brews Brewfest! Don’t wait to sign up – this event is limited to 10 teams.
Sorry, registration is full! We look forward to seeing your team next year!
Cornhole Tournament
Presented by La Porte Young Professionals
Date:
- Sunday, July 26 @ 11 AM
Location:
Stone Lake Beach
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Show off your cornhole skills while enjoying “Sunday Fun Day” on the shore of Stone Lake Beach! Registration begins at 10AM and is $30/2-Person Team. If you have any further questions, please email lindsayj@laportepartnership.com.
Beach & Brews
Presented by La Porte Events
Date:
- Sunday, July 26 @ Noon- 4 PM
Location:
Stone Lake Beach
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Join us for Beach & Brews, the perfect way to close out your weekend with sand between your toes, craft beer in hand, and live music in the air. Featuring breweries, ciders, wineries, and all the summer fun you can handle—right on the shoreline of Stone Lake. Listen to live music performed by Rich Hardesty on the beach from noon to 4PM while you sip on your beverage of choice.
Here’s the rundown:
VIP Admission – $65
Includes early entry at 12PM, exclusive LakeFest swag, and first dibs on all the good pours
General Admission – $40
Entry starts at 1PM
Designated Driver – $15
Be the MVP. Hydration over libation.
Must be 21+ to attend this event.
Kids Nerf Gun Battle
Presented by La Porte County Family YMCA
Date:
- Sunday, July 26 @ 1 PM
Location:
Fox Park
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Bring your kids down to Fox Park on Sunday for a FREE (Nerf ammo provided) and action-packed Nerf Gun Battle! With plenty of obstacles to hide behind and strategic locations to take cover, kids can unleash their inner warriors and engage in a thrilling battle with their friends. The battle will be carefully monitored and supervised by adults, ensuring the safety of all participants. It’s the perfect opportunity for kids to burn off some energy and have a blast during LakeFest!
Fiesta del Lago Concert
Presented by Mayor Tom Dermody/The City of La Porte
Date:
- Sunday, July 26 @ Noon- 6 PM
Location:
Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater
La Porte, IN 46350
Details:
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant Latin culture at LakeFest! The Fiesta del Lago Concert will feature a lively celebration of Latin music and dancing that will have you moving all afternoon long. But that’s not all – we’ll also have a variety of food trucks serving up delicious cuisine and a beer garden where you can grab a cold drink and socialize with friends.
Entertainment includes La Union de Chicago (3-6 PM) as well as Clown TIKI TIKI, folkloric dancers and DJ. For the kids, activities include face painting, balloon figures, pinatas and bouncy houses.