Daddy Daughter Dance

Registration Opens January 1, 2026! Dads are invited to bring their princesses for a magical evening on February 6th to create memories that include dancing, a lovely buffet dinner and soda bar, charming cupcakes, and one 5x7 memoir photo per registered family. The......More

Registration Opens January 1, 2026! Dads are invited to bring their princesses for a magical evening on February 6th to create memories that include dancing, a lovely buffet dinner and soda bar, charming cupcakes, and one 5x7 memoir photo per registered family. The night will begin at 6:00 pm in Sycamore Hall for check-in and your Daddy Daughter picture. You will have two options to choose for a backdrop. Then you will head downstairs to Oakwood Hall for a night of dining and dancing until 8:30 pm. Last year's dance was just so magical! $35-Residents $45-Nonresidents PER PERSON February 6, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Woodland Park 2100 Willowcreek Road Portage, IN 46368 Ages 3 and up

Woodland Park 2100 Willowcreek Road Portage, IN 46368

Community Compass: Issue 8

Community Compass Magazine provides an in-depth look at the originality, inspiration and professionalism of the members of the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce. Advertising in this publication is an advantage to Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce Members. Published ......More

Community Compass Magazine provides an in-depth look at the originality, inspiration and professionalism of the members of the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce. Advertising in this publication is an advantage to Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce Members. Published since 2024 by the Chamber, more than 23,000 copies are direct-mailed to households and businesses in the Greater Portage Area (Portage, South Haven, and Ogden Dunes). Additional publications are distributed to area hotels, restaurants, doctor's offices and more! This is a 32-page, full-color magazine published quarterly. Please complete the AD AGREEMENT form and email to nsimpson@portageinchamber.com, mail to Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce, 6340 E. Main St., Portage, IN 46368 or drop off at our office, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Questions? Give us a call at (219) 762-3300

Mailbox delivery to all homes and storefronts in the 46368 and 46385 zip codes. Over 23,000 copies are ordered with the extras being hand delivered to waiting rooms throughout the community as well as being disbursed at Chamber events.

Ambassador Committee Meeting

The mission of the Ambassador Committee is to promote member commitment and retention by: Raising awareness of Chamber activities and benefits Informing and involving new Chamber members to promote strong continuing membership Encouraging meaningful and benefi......More

The mission of the Ambassador Committee is to promote member commitment and retention by: Raising awareness of Chamber activities and benefits Informing and involving new Chamber members to promote strong continuing membership Encouraging meaningful and beneficial participation in Chamber programs Serving as a liaison between the Chamber staff and membership If you are interested in participating in the Ambassador Committee please contact [email protected]

Schoop's Portage

Perk-up Portage

FREE to Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce Members and their Employees. Feel free to bring a friend to see what its all about. Perk-up Portage is for the Social Early Risers. Caffeinate the start of your day and share what your business or organization has going on ove......More

FREE to Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce Members and their Employees. Feel free to bring a friend to see what its all about. Perk-up Portage is for the Social Early Risers. Caffeinate the start of your day and share what your business or organization has going on over the next month. Taking place on the 2nd Thursday of every month, 7:30 AM start time. Coffee & light snacks provided. Registration Required. Interested in Sponsoring a future event? Cappo's supplies the location, coffee, and snacks, YOU cover the cost of coffee & snacks. Sponsor will have the floor for 10 minutes if they choose. Email [email protected]

Hosted by Cappo's Casual Dining Sponsored by Franklin Pest Solutions

Winter Morning Hike @ Meadowbrook

Start your day with fresh air and quiet beauty on a morning hike through our scenic trails at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve! As the day begins, we’ll explore the sights, sounds, and seasonal changes that make winter one of the most peaceful times in nature. Guided by Bell......More

Start your day with fresh air and quiet beauty on a morning hike through our scenic trails at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve! As the day begins, we’ll explore the sights, sounds, and seasonal changes that make winter one of the most peaceful times in nature. Guided by Bella, a Certified Interpretive Guide & Indiana Master Naturalist, the hike will highlight winter wildlife signs, hardy plant life, and the unique adaptations that help species survive the cold. Whether it’s animal tracks in the snow, birds gathering at winter food sources, or the sparkle of ice along the trail, each step offers something new to discover. This gentle-paced hike is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the crisp air, learn a bit about the winter ecosystem, and experience nature before the day fully begins. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The trail at Meadowbrook varies from gravel paths to moderate trails with stairs and bare roots. We will meet at the Meadowbrook Pavilion. What to Bring: Warm layers, sturdy footwear, water, and curiosity. Recommended for: Adults and families. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

Meadowbrook Nature Preserve 109 W. 700 North Valparaiso, IN 46385

Great Backyard Bird Count @ Lydick Bog

Join Shirley Heinze Land Trust on February 14th for this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count! This is a global event that will span from February 13th to 16th. We will identify, count, and log our data to help scientists better understand and protect birds worldwide. Lydic......More

Join Shirley Heinze Land Trust on February 14th for this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count! This is a global event that will span from February 13th to 16th. We will identify, count, and log our data to help scientists better understand and protect birds worldwide. Lydick Bog Nature Preserve offers fantastic birding due to its diverse and unique habitats. Whether you’re new to birding or an avid avian fan, this is a great way to get outside while contributing to valuable data for bird sightings. This event will be led by Volunteer Naturalist Jim Spier, who will share his background in birding as well as provide insights into the history and habitats of the bog. Difficulty: Easy to moderate; suitable for most ages. The trail at Lydick Bog varies from gravel paths to moderate trails with stairs and bare roots. We will meet at the Lydick Bog Pavilion. What to Bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, water, and curiosity. Please note that our restrooms are closed for the season. This event will take place at 10 am Eastern Time.

Lydick Bog Nature Preserve 25898 US-20 South Bend, IN 46628

Lunch with a Lawmaker 2026

Join us for one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year—Lunch with a Lawmaker! The Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce is excited to host a special luncheon featuring U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan, who will deliver exclusive congressional u......More

Join us for one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year—Lunch with a Lawmaker! The Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce is excited to host a special luncheon featuring U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan, who will deliver exclusive congressional updates and insights that matter to our business community and region. Attendees will enjoy a delicious catered meal from Meraki Greek Street Food, known for its bold flavors and fresh, modern Mediterranean dishes. Come early to make valuable connections during open networking with local leaders, professionals, and community members. This event is open to both Chamber members and the public, but space is limited—and with only 300 seats available, it’s expected to fill quickly. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and be part of an engaging conversation shaping Northwest Indiana’s future. Reserve your spot today! **Bring Cash for 50/50 Raffle & Business Cards for RailCats Ticket Drawing**

Woodland Park | Oakwood Hall

MidWeek Mingle

Join the Portage Chamber for our monthly MidWeek Mingle! MidWeek Mingles are casual social gatherings held on the 4th Wednesday of the month. These events can only be hosted by Portage Chamber members. All MidWeek Mingles are FREE to Portage Chamber Members. Re......More

Join the Portage Chamber for our monthly MidWeek Mingle! MidWeek Mingles are casual social gatherings held on the 4th Wednesday of the month. These events can only be hosted by Portage Chamber members. All MidWeek Mingles are FREE to Portage Chamber Members. Registration Required for attendees. Only 10 hosting opportunities a year. First Come, First Serve. See Chamber Events Calendar for upcoming dates and register as a Host.  

Ambassador Committee Meeting

The mission of the Ambassador Committee is to promote member commitment and retention by: Raising awareness of Chamber activities and benefits Informing and involving new Chamber members to promote strong continuing membership Encouraging meaningful and benefi......More

The mission of the Ambassador Committee is to promote member commitment and retention by: Raising awareness of Chamber activities and benefits Informing and involving new Chamber members to promote strong continuing membership Encouraging meaningful and beneficial participation in Chamber programs Serving as a liaison between the Chamber staff and membership If you are interested in participating in the Ambassador Committee please contact [email protected]

Schoop's Portage

Perk-up Portage

FREE to Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce Members and their Employees. Feel free to bring a friend to see what its all about. Perk-up Portage is for the Social Early Risers. Caffeinate the start of your day and share what your business or organization has going on ove......More

FREE to Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce Members and their Employees. Feel free to bring a friend to see what its all about. Perk-up Portage is for the Social Early Risers. Caffeinate the start of your day and share what your business or organization has going on over the next month. Taking place on the 2nd Thursday of every month, 7:30 AM start time. Coffee & light snacks provided. Registration Required. Interested in Sponsoring a future event? Cappo's supplies the location, coffee, and snacks, YOU cover the cost of coffee & snacks. Sponsor will have the floor for 10 minutes if they choose. Email [email protected]

Hosted by Cappo's Casual Dining Sponsored by

Saint Matthew Passion

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago to perform St Matthew Passion Six soloists, two choirs, and one orchestra come together for J.S. Bach’s Saint Matthew Passion. Elmhurst, IL and Chicago, IL - The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Ch......More

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago to perform St Matthew Passion Six soloists, two choirs, and one orchestra come together for J.S. Bach’s Saint Matthew Passion. Elmhurst, IL and Chicago, IL - The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago present two back-to-back performances of Saint Matthew Passion conducted by Music Director Stephen Alltop. Performances will feature the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago with Spirito Singers. “To experience Bach’s St Matthew Passion is to be immersed in one of the greatest artistic and spiritual achievements by a human mind. It’s something every music lover should hear in concert at least once in their lives,” says Music Director Stephen Alltop. Performances will take place in Elmhurst on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 4:00PM at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church and in Chicago on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 3:00PM at the Church of the Holy Family (Chicago).  Program Highlights: JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH Saint Matthew Passion Who’s Performing: Elmhurst Symphony, Orchestra The Apollo Chorus of Chicago, Chorus Stephen Alltop, Music Director and Conductor Spirito Singers, Chorus Steven Soph, Tenor (Evangelist) Evan Bravos, Baritone (Jesus) Josefien Stoppelenburg, Soprano Sarah Ponder, Mezzo Soprano Brian Skoog, Tenor Andrew Garratt, Baritone What’s Interesting: Bach Saint Matthew Passion is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of Baroque sacred music. Featuring a double orchestra and double choir, it presents the Gospel of Matthew chapters 26 and 27 narrating the Easter story. In addition to the two choirs, six Chicago-based soloists join the orchestra each performing the role of named characters important to the story of Easter. The choirs play the voice of crowds (such as disciples) and act as commentators on the narrative. Full of musical drama, spiritual depth, and rich lyricism, Saint Matthew Passion is a Mount Everest of musical mountaintops and was programmed to celebrate Stephen Alltop’s 30th Anniversary as Music Director of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. Ticket Information: For tickets, first-time visitor guides, FAQs, and further concert details, please visit bachsmp.com or call the Elmhurst Symphony office at 630-941-0202, M-F 10 AM - 3 PM. About Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra is a community-based and professional ensemble dedicated to providing world-class performances to the greater Elmhurst area. Under the baton of nationally renowned Dr. Stephen Alltop, the orchestra continues to be a vital part of the local cultural landscape. Learn more at ElmhurstSymphony.Org About the Apollo Chorus of Chicago Apollo Chorus of Chicago is Illinois’s oldest musical organization. Its over 120 auditioned members are a diverse group of singers brought together by their abiding love of music since 1872. The Chorus has performed at the Ravinia Festival, Peninsula Music Festival, Ear Taxi Festival, and with popular artists including Josh Groban and Louis the Child, among others. Learn more at ApolloChorus.Org

Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W Brush Hill Rd, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Saint Matthew Passion

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago to perform St Matthew Passion Six soloists, two choirs, and one orchestra come together for J.S. Bach’s Saint Matthew Passion. Elmhurst, IL and Chicago, IL - The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Ch......More

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago to perform St Matthew Passion Six soloists, two choirs, and one orchestra come together for J.S. Bach’s Saint Matthew Passion. Elmhurst, IL and Chicago, IL - The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago present two back-to-back performances of Saint Matthew Passion conducted by Music Director Stephen Alltop. Performances will feature the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Apollo Chorus of Chicago with Spirito Singers. “To experience Bach’s St Matthew Passion is to be immersed in one of the greatest artistic and spiritual achievements by a human mind. It’s something every music lover should hear in concert at least once in their lives,” says Music Director Stephen Alltop. Performances will take place in Elmhurst on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 4:00PM at the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church and in Chicago on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 3:00PM at the Church of the Holy Family (Chicago).  Program Highlights: JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH Saint Matthew Passion Who’s Performing: Elmhurst Symphony, Orchestra The Apollo Chorus of Chicago, Chorus Stephen Alltop, Music Director and Conductor Spirito Singers, Chorus Steven Soph, Tenor (Evangelist) Evan Bravos, Baritone (Jesus) Josefien Stoppelenburg, Soprano Sarah Ponder, Mezzo Soprano Brian Skoog, Tenor Andrew Garratt, Baritone What’s Interesting: Bach Saint Matthew Passion is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of Baroque sacred music. Featuring a double orchestra and double choir, it presents the Gospel of Matthew chapters 26 and 27 narrating the Easter story. In addition to the two choirs, six Chicago-based soloists join the orchestra each performing the role of named characters important to the story of Easter. The choirs play the voice of crowds (such as disciples) and act as commentators on the narrative. Full of musical drama, spiritual depth, and rich lyricism, Saint Matthew Passion is a Mount Everest of musical mountaintops and was programmed to celebrate Stephen Alltop’s 30th Anniversary as Music Director of the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. Ticket Information: For tickets, first-time visitor guides, FAQs, and further concert details, please visit bachsmp.com or call the Elmhurst Symphony office at 630-941-0202, M-F 10 AM - 3 PM. About Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra is a community-based and professional ensemble dedicated to providing world-class performances to the greater Elmhurst area. Under the baton of nationally renowned Dr. Stephen Alltop, the orchestra continues to be a vital part of the local cultural landscape. Learn more at ElmhurstSymphony.Org About the Apollo Chorus of Chicago Apollo Chorus of Chicago is Illinois’s oldest musical organization. Its over 120 auditioned members are a diverse group of singers brought together by their abiding love of music since 1872. The Chorus has performed at the Ravinia Festival, Peninsula Music Festival, Ear Taxi Festival, and with popular artists including Josh Groban and Louis the Child, among others. Learn more at ApolloChorus.Org

Church of the Holy Family, 1080 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608