What’s Happening in the Parks
Family Fun Day
Tuesday, July 17, 10 am – 3 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street
Have fun at the Conservatory during theThreeRiver’s Festival! Make crafts, get a balloon animal, and win prizes at games of skill and chance. Enjoy lunch or a snack at ourFood Court, where hot dogs and other items will be available for 50¢. Your fun time will include a bubble dance party, giant slide, moonwalk, and inflatable paddle pond (some height and/or age restrictions may apply). No reservations required; regular admission applies. A responsible adult must accompany children. Regular Conservatory admission applies. Wear your TRF button to receive an admission discount. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 FM.
Happy Feet Two-Free Movie
Wednesday, July 18, 8:30 pm, Free
Foellinger Theatre, Franke Park
The world’s most famous tap-dancing penguin, Mumble, and the love of his life, Gloria, have a son of their own, Erik. Erik is trying to find his own particular talents in the Emperor Penguin world. PG. 105 min. Sponsored by 97.3 WMEE.
Knights on the Town and Alley Kats
Thursday, July 19, 8 pm, Free
Foellinger Theatre, Franke Park
The Knights on the Town will play a variety of selections for Big Band listeners. The Alley Kats add their tap-dancing talents to this concert. Sponsored byLincolnFinancial Foundation andIndianaArts Commission.
Midnight Special Concert
Saturday, July 21, 8 pm, $10
Foellinger Theatre, Franke Park
A magical journey to the 70’s and 80’s featuring the music of Queen, Boston, Journey, Styx, Led Zeppelin, Foreigner and a collection of epic one-hit wonders! Sponsored by Fun 101.7 WLDE, MedPartners,LincolnFinancial Foundation andIndianaArts Commission.
Foster Park’s 100th Year Celebration
Friday & Saturday, July 27 & 28
Foster Park, 3900 Old Mill Road
Friday, July 27—KaBOOM! Play Day
5 pm - Family Fun Walk Kicks Off: The whole family is invited to join a fun, fitness walk around Foster Park’s two-mile loop. The first 1,000 walkers will receive free wristbands, and paid participants will be entered into door prize drawings. Pre-register online at www.fortwayneparks.org or you may register the day of the event at4 pm in Pavilion #2. All participants should check in at Pavilion #2 at4:30 pm. Fee: $5 per individual or $10 per household to benefit improvements at the Foster Park Flower Gardens.
6 pm – FREE Community Picnic: The Southwood Park Neighborhood Association is hosting a picnic at Pavilion #1 (the largest pavilion near the volleyball courts). Free-will offering will be accepted to benefit Foster Park Flower Gardens.
6pm – 9:30 pm FREE Sports Activities: Open recreational volleyball for all ages on the volleyball courts (6pm –9:30 pm); children’s tennis activities (6pm –7:30pm); Introduction to Pickleball on the tennis courts (7:30pm –9 pm).
6pm – 8:30 pm FREE Carnival: Kids, come out and play carnival games like the ring toss, basketball toss, fish pond, lollipop tree and much more. And learn about 8 Healthy Habits families can undertake to get fit and healthy with Parkview Health’s LiVe program. Free carnival games and LiVe will be located near the playground
Special Golf Promotion All Day: Foursomes can play 18 holes with a cart at Foster Park Golf Course for $100. Call 427-6735 to reserve your tee time, or reserve on-line at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Saturday, July 28
“Rediscover Your Parks” Tour: Have you driven past one of our Legacy Parks and always vowed to stop and explore when you had more time, or are you curious about the history of our older parks? If so, this bus tour is perfect for you! Ride along with a knowledgeable guide and explore Swinney, Foster, Lakeside, McMillen and Memorial Parks, as well as Rudisill Blvd. The stops are all part of the historical George Kessler Park and Boulevard System—the first city plan—which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Tour bus will depart from Swinney Park at 1 pm. The 1 pm tour will stop by the Ice Cream Social at Foster Park for a short time and return to Swinney at approximately 3:30 pm. Fee: $10 per adult / $5 per student / Children 14 and under free / $25 maximum per family. Register online at www.fortwayneparks.org by July 25.
1 – 3 pm Free Ice Cream Social: Join neighbors and Friends of the Parks of Allen County for some Edy’s ice cream. This event is sponsored by Mr. John Oldenkamp. RSVP to Robin Holley at 260-417-3804 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by July 25. Donations are appreciated and will go directly toFosterPark projects.
Botanical Roots Concert Series
Friday Nights, July 27 – August 31, Doors Open 7:30 pm; Opening Act 8:30 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street
The Botanical Roots concerts are held on the outdoor terrace on the west side of the Conservatory. Food and beverages, including beer, wine, and limited bar service, will be available for sale throughout the event. Admission is $6 per person; children age 12 and under will be admitted free with a parent or guardian. The concerts are open to all ages. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the event.
· Friday July 27th Kenny Neal, Blues, With the Todd Harrold Band
· Friday, August 3rd Unknown Hinson, Rockabilly (Satire, not recommended for young audiences), With the Kenny Taylor Trio
· Friday, August 10th The Aggrolites, Reggae/Ska, With Black Cat Mambo
· Friday, August 17th The Honeybees, Rockabilly, With Scratch ‘n Sniff
· Friday, August 24th Gizzae, Reggae, With Dan Dickerson
· Friday, August 31st The Lost Bayou Ramblers, Cajun, With Old and Dirty
Botanical Roots is sponsored by The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, Rock 104, The Home of Rock and Roll, Whatzup, PBS39, Fort Wayne Metals Research, the Downtown Improvement District, and Mad Anthony Brewing Company. For more information contact Mitch Sheppard 260/427-6441.
For more information about any of these events, please visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
