The annual WinterFest, organized by the La Porte Park and Recreation Department, returns January 26-28, 2024!

Schedule Of Events:

Free Ice Skating All Weekend (January 26-28)

Glide into winter enjoyment! Bundle up and come ice skate at the Downtown La Porte Ice Rink, located at Monroe and State streets. Skate time is FREE by entering the discount code WINTERFEST during checkout. Skate rental available for $3. A signed waiver is required.

Ice Skating at the Downtown La Porte Ice Rink Flyer

Friday - January 26

9am-11am - Winter Craft For Older Adults - Free

Location: ACOA (910 Lincolnway)

Join staff from La Porte County Library and our Activity Center for Older Adults for a blustery, winter craft! Participants will create an upcycled-paper snowflake using book pages.

ACOA Craft Flyer

Friday afternoon  - Ice Sculpturing Demonstrations - Free

Location: Plaza 618 - Downtown La Porte

Ice, ice, baby! Our downtown will transform into a frozen art gallery at Plaza 618. Enjoy the creative designs as you peruse the offerings at local shops,  enjoy a hearty meal at one of the local restaurants and enjoy some time on this year's ice skating rink!

WinterFest - Ice Sculpturing Demonstration Flyer

Saturday - January 27

6am-2pm - Pine Ice Derby - De Camp Band of Brothers

Location: Pine Lake

Haul in that big fish or just recall the one that got away! Put on your thermal underwear, cast those lines, compete for prizes and share your stories at The Blue Heron Inn, after the derby. Sundays Sons Band starts at 3 pm ice or no ice. Fee is $60.

9am - Snowball Softball Coed Tourney

Location: Lions Field

Dashing through the snow, turning double plays! Get your team together for our version of the "hot stove" league. Double-elimination tournament; limited to the first eight teams to register. Pre-registration required. Team enty fee $185. Deadline to enter is Friday, January 19.

Snowball Softball Coed Tournament - Rules

Snowball Softball Coed Tournament - Roster Form (printable)

Snowball Softball Coed Tournament Event Flyer

9am-12:00pm - Basic Sewing Class

Location: Steady Stitchers Studio (1640 First Street)

Stay warm with this fun activity! Learn to make your own scarf, hat, or hooded scarf. All sewing levels welcome. Cost of the project is only $5. Pre-registration is preferred at the Park Office by calling 219-326-9600 or visiting 250 Pine Lake Avenue. Instruction provided by the Steady Stitchers.

WinterFest Sewing Class Flyer

11 am-12:00pm - Introducing Jiu Jitsu For Kids - Free

Location: Civic Auditorium - Lower Level

Is your child looking to try something new? Come and join certified instructor Vermilyer as he introduces Jiu Jitsu. This one-time class is a great way to introduce your child to the martial art. Jiu Jitsu is a great form of exercise and considered to be the best arts for self-defense. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wavier required.

WinterFest Introduction to Jiu Jitsu Flyer

1-3 pm - Frosty's Frozen Bike Ride - Free

Location: Cummings Lodge

Feeling the winter blahs? Riding a bike in the winter will help beat back those wintertime blues. The event starts at noon with registration while the pedaling takes off at 1 pm Participants will take a leisurely one-hour ride and return to Cummings Lodge for some snacks and hot chocolate. Check your tires, bundle up (layers are recommended), grab your helmet and let's cruise together!

WinterFest - Frosty's Frozen Bike Ride Flyer

Frosty's Frozen Bike Ride Waiver (Required)

9 am-5 pm - Exploring The Exchange - Free

Location: LPCPL Exchange (807 Indiana Avenue)

Check out all this incredible facility has to offer, with projects using the multiple crafting avenues available, such as creating on the 3-D printer or using the Cricut. The LPCPL staff will be on hand to instruct.

Family Fun At Red Mill County Park - Free

Provided by La Porte County Parks

12:00 pm-2 pm - Cookies and Crafts: Learn about the science of snowflakes

2-3 pm - Game Time: Artic Animal Survival

3-4 pm - Snowshoeing: Snowshoes available to check out for free (led by naturalist)

4-5 pm - Night Hike (flashlights provided)

5-6:30 pm - Campfire: Story telling and s’mores

Sunday - January 28

12:00pm-1 pm - Winter Kids Craft - FREE - Parties on the Gogh

Location: Cummings Lodge

Bring your littles for a fun craft! Spend time with your family as you complete a fun project while enjoying snacks and hot chocolate. Led by Kristi Chadderdon from Parties on the Gogh.

Kids Craft Flyer

1:30-3:30 pm - Horse Drawn Wagon Rides - Free

Location: Cummings Lodge

Jingle, jingle, jingle. Take a brisk ride through the beauty of wintry nature while enjoying the majesty of the equine. After a trot through Soldiers Memorial Park, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace.

WinterFest Horse Drawn Wagon Rides Flyer

2 pm - Snow Globe Painting Class - Parties on the Gogh

Location: Civic Auditorium (Lower Level)

Football on TV again? Want to get away? Join Parties on the Gogh to spend your afternoon painting your own piece of art. This adult class has a $45 fee, with all supplies and instruction included. Pre-registration is required.

Adult Painting Flyer

Date: January 26-28, 2024

Location: Various Venue in La Porte, IN

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