BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

The Venue at the Horseshoe

777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, Ind., 219.473.6060, horseshoehammond.com

The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond is Northwest Indiana's premier live entertainment theater, seating more than 3,300. The lobby, which is three levels, has LED-pixeled walls, and a 3,500-square foot VIP area hosts six suites, three rows of seats, and a salon with plush couches and plasma televisions. Guests can enjoy the show in a luxurious yet comfortable setting.

Some summer highlights at the Venue include Gabriel Iglesias, LL Kool J, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Patti LaBelle and others. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, and the Venue box office is open on Sunday and Monday.

SECOND PLACE

Center for Visual & Performing Arts

1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind., 219.836.1930, cvpa.org

THIRD PLACE

Lake County Fairgrounds

889 South Court St., Crown Point, Ind., 219.663.3617, crownpoint.net/fairgrounds.htm