For a timeless and effortlessly romantic event, book the historic Wells St. Bridge. Built in 1884, this bridge’s intricate design gives a vintage feel among the modern taste of Promenade Park. The bridge sits above the meandering St. Marys River with views of serene nature, tranquil sunsets, and a charming downtown skyline. Add your wedding ceremony, cocktail party, public event, and more to the decades of history on the Wells St. Bridge.

Click here to learn more about the history of the Wells St. Bridge.

Check out the General Parks Map to see the bridges location. 

Amenities:

• Capacity: 300 seated; 400 standing
• Sq. Ft. 4,160
• Power outlets along the beams
• Lighting along the bridge with color options
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Views of the St. Marys River, Promenade Park, and Downtown Fort Wayne
• Can be outfitted with a weighted tent, tables and chairs, and other décor

Ready to Book? 

Rental Opportunities in Promenade Park 

General Guidelines:

In order to rent any space in Promenade Park, you must schedule an in-person meeting with a Rental Coordinator: E-mail: (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

At the time of the meeting, you will sign your contract and put down your 50% deposit. No date is held without a signed contract and deposit. No contracts are approved without the minimum following information supplied at time of contract signing:

• Rental date(s)
• Space(s) requested
• Reasonable expected attendance
• Times for: set up (including for outside vendors), guest arrival, and tear down 

Click here to view the entire brochure!

Forms Now Available FOR REVIEW AND DOWNLOAD. 

Please review these forms carefully to see if your event would fit within these guidelines:

2024 Promenade Park Rental Guide  (includes FAQ's)
2024 Promenade Park Rental Inquiry Form 
2024 Promenade Park Rental Contract  
2024 Promenade Park Fees

Special Event Planning Guide


The following items and events are not permitted within Promenade Park:

• Drop in classes or programs
• Lantern or balloon releases
• Fireworks
• Motorized vehicles of any type 

Rentable Spaces:

Generally, the spaces available for rent in Promenade Park are the Park Foundation Pavilion (inside and outside), Auer Lawn and Sweetwater Band Shell East, Old National Bank Plaza and Sweetwater Band Shell west, and the historic Wells Street Bridge. The only space that is entirely covered, and therefore weather-proof, is the indoor portion of the Park Foundation Pavilion.

Capacities:

The indoor capacity of the Park Foundation Pavilion is around 150 people seated at tables and chairs. Capacity also decreases with the addition of amenities, such as music, buffet tables, podiums, décor, dance floors, etc. All event layouts must be approved.  

Food and Alcohol:

All alcohol is provided by an approved vendor. All food, except celebratory cakes, must be provided by a vendor on the approved catering list. The approved catering list is available in the Rental Guide. All events with alcohol require security that is scheduled by Parks and Recreation staff.

Amenities and stipulations which may be required for your event include but are not limited to:

• Security Officers
• Portajons
• Trash pick up
• Crowd managers
• Permits which may apply to your event: Department of Natural Resources, Excise, Homeland Security, Fort Wayne Fire Department, Fort Wayne Street Department, Fort Wayne Public Works, Allen County Building Department, and the Allen County Health Department
• Approvals are required for: tenting, décor, tables, chairs, staging, audio visual equipment, and dock usage
  
  

Share your rental experience by emailing your Rental Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Questions?

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow Us

Old National Plaza & Sweetwater Band Shell West

If you want the feeling of really being immersed in the heart of Promenade Park, the Old National Bank Plaza is the perfect location. Centrally located on the south side of the river, the plaza is a bustling hub of activity. Bordered to the West by the Doermer Kids Canal and Rotary Fountain, the sound of running water provides a wonderful ambiance for the space. Rental of this area includes the West side of the Sweetwater Band Shell, fit with an array of high-power electrical outlets and a large concrete stage for your use. To the North of the plaza is the Ambassador Enterprise Amphitheater, which has steps down to the river, providing scenic views of the river and North side of the park. This space is ideal for public events, such as fundraisers, performances, and festivals.

Amenities:

• Capacity: 89 seated; 100 standing
• West Side of the Sweetwater Band Shell, equipped with power outlets and a stage
• Metal café tables and chairs
• Excellent views of the River
• Ambassador Enterprise Amphitheater steps away

Ready to Book? 

Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races

Riverfront Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation are now planning the 5th Annual Dragon Boat Races (August 2 & 3, 2024).  See below to learn more about how you can be involved!

Check out Parking Options at Visit Fort Wayne.

Interested in taking part in this year’s Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races but not sure where to start? Attend this informational session where we will be covering all things Dragon Boats – what it is, how to create a team, event schedule, and more!

Thursday, May 23, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.

Learn MORE about the upcoming Dragon Boat Races!

Check out the Team Registration brochure or the Sponsorship & Registration brochure....and join the FUN!

 Dragon Boat History

Dragon Boat Racing is a rapidly growing sport that combines rich Chinese traditions, competition, team building exercises, and fun. Often, dragon boats are emblazoned with bright colors, dragon scales, which includes a dragon head and tail. Typical dragon boats are 46’ long and feature 20 paddlers, 1 drummer, and 1 steersman. During the course of the race, the job of the drummer is to keep an effective beat in order to synchronize the paddlers. Races are usually between 200-2000 meters and can last up to 10 minutes. 

Many of the traditional Chinese elements are still practiced today, such as beating of the drums and throwing rice into the river. A common practice for many Dragon Boat Race opening ceremonies includes a practice known as “Awakening the Dragon”. Before each race, the dragon eyes are dotted. It is believed that once the eyes are dotted, the dragon will come to life. We are fortunate to have the opening ceremonies performed by the Fort Wayne Chinese Friends and Family Association.

2023 Dragon Boat Team winners are featured below: 

2023 Race Results

The 2023 Race Results are now available.   


2023 Event Photos

Enjoy some photos below from the 2023 Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races! event.  Be sure to follow us on social media to see additional photos and information.

Photos will be added this week!  Check back often.

2022 Event Photos

Enjoy some photos below from the 2022 River, Set, Go! event.  .