Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer fun along the South Shore, but it's also a time to honor the men and women who have died while serving our country. Below are some Memorial Day ceremonies happening throughout Northwest Indiana, as well as businesses offering discounts for active military personnel and veterans of the armed services to say, ‘thank you!’
Memorial Day Events 2026
Community Veterans Memorial
Memorial Day Ceremony at 11:30 a.m.
9710 Calumet Ave., Munster, IN
Community Veterans Memorial is a beautiful and thought-provoking site featuring statues and monuments depicting the major conflicts of the 20th century. On Memorial Day from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Munster VFW Post 2697 and American Legion Post 16 will conduct a ceremony where the community can gather in remembrance of our nation’s armed forces lost to us in combat.
Read our blog about Community Veterans Memorial
City of Crown Point
Memorial Day Parade at 10:30 a.m.
Joliet Street to Main Street, south to Wells Street, ending at Historic Maplewood Cemetery, Crown Point
The Memorial Day Parade features city officials and members of the American Legion Post 20, the Crown Point High School Choir and local Boy and Girl Scout troops. The parade ends at the Maplewood Cemetery.
Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m.
Maplewood Cemetery, 347 Maple Lane, Crown Point
Please join the American Legion Post 20, Mayor Peter Land, and Crown Point City Council Members as we honor all who have sacrificed for our freedom.
Lake County Parks
Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Stoney Run County Park at 2:30 p.m.
9230 E. 142nd Ave. Hebron
Lake County Parks would like to invite all region residents to join us in honoring the men and women who have given so much in service to their country. A service will be held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Stoney Run County Park and people of all ages are encouraged to attend.
Memorial Day Concert
Memorial Opera House at 3:00 p.m.
104 Indiana Street, Valparaiso
The Valparaiso Community Concert Band invites you to honor Memorial Day with an inspiring afternoon of music and history at their annual Valparaiso Memorial Day Concert. Tickets are FREE, but please reserve your spot here.
Town of Highland
Memorial Day Ceremony at 10:00 a.m.
3001 Ridge Road, Highland
Main Square Park will host this solemn program honoring the men and women of the Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The ceremony will include remarks from local officials and veterans, a presentation of colors, and a moment of silence in remembrance.
Gary SouthShore RailCats
Memorial Day Weekend Games
One Stadium Plaza, Gary
May 22 at 6:45 pm (fireworks night)
May 23 at 4:00 pm
May 24 at 6:00 pm (fireworks night) - Memorial Day Celebration
Enjoy the evening at the US Steel Yard, and watch the SouthShore RailCats take on the Cleburne Railroaders.
Military Discounts and Specials
If you have an active military member or veteran in your family and you're looking for things to do this weekend, a number of businesses in Northwest Indiana offer discounts or free admission. Check out our blog on Discounts for Veterans and Active Military.
