What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
Sweet Breeze Tours begin
Saturday, May 24, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. (90-minute), 5:45 – 6:30 p.m. (45-minute)
Sunday, May 25, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (90-minute), 3:45 – 4:30 p.m. (45-minute)
South Dock, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street.
Travel Fort Wayne’s rivers on Sweet Breeze, an authentic 1840 canal boat replica. This fully accessible tour provides an opportunity to learn something new about Fort Wayne through its riverfront. Choose 90 or 45-minute cruise options. Tickets are $30 per person for a 90-minute cruise and $20 per person for 45-minute cruise. Reservations can be made online (until midnight on day prior to tour) at www.RideSweetBreeze.org or via the Fort Wayne Parks App; in person at the Parks and Recreation Offices (705 East State Blvd.) or by phone 260-427-6000 during normal business hours. Walk-ups are welcome at the dock as space is available by cash or credit card. Specialty tours are scheduled throughout the season. Visit the website or app to see all the options.
Iris Flower Show
Sunday, May 25, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Revel in the beauty of showy spring blooms. Members of the Northeast Indiana Iris Society display a sublime array of prized blooms in various varieties. Be sure to vote for your favorite! Members are also happy to offer helpful growing advice. Show entry is included with general admission.
Wild Walkers
Friday, May 23, 8:45 – 10:30 a.m.
Lloyd Bender Memorial Woods, 1891 N. River Road W., Albion, IN
This adult hiking group meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month for a walk on the wild side. Each hike features a different natural area in the region (parks, wetlands, nature preserve, etc.) and carpooling is available when necessary. Find the full 2025 schedule at this link https://www.fortwayneparks.org/images/PDF/Salomon/2025_Wild_Walkers_Schedule.pdf
Splash Pads and Promenade Water Rill Open for the Summer
Saturday, May 24, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Nine locations around the city of Fort Wayne
Buckner Park (6114 Bass Road), Franklin School Park (1903 Saint Marys Avenue), Kreager Park/Taylor’s Dream (7225 North River Road), McCormick Park (2300 Raymond Avenue), Memorial Park (2301 Maumee Avenue), Promenade Park (202 W. Superior Street), Robert E. Meyers Park (Inside North Gate of Parkview Field on Jefferson Blvd.), Shoaff Park ( 6401 St. Joe Road) and Waynedale Park (2900 Koons Street).
Featuring:
String Jams Spring Jam
Thursday, May 29, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S, Calhoun Street
Believe in A Dream presents the String Jammers performing in the Botanical Conservatory ‘s Terrace Garden. Representing students from across the city, string musicians of this youth orchestra share their youthful taste while playing contemporary music on classical instruments. Enjoy this Spring Jam concert included as part of a $1 Night at the Conservatory. No reservations are required. Outdoor seating will be provided. Guests are also welcome to bring lawn chairs.
City Pools to Open for the Season
Saturday, May 31, 12:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Bob Arnold Northside Park Pool, East State Blvd. and Parnell Avenue
McMillen Park Pool, Oxford Street, East of Anthony Blvd.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will open Northside and McMillen Pools for the season on Saturday, May 31. Public swim hours will be 12:30-5:00 p.m. A free swim for youth with disabilities will be held weekly on Sundays, from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. at Northside Pool. For information about special swim programs, lessons, punch cards, season passes and pool/pavilion rentals, visit www.FortWayneParks.org.
Trek the Trails
Tuesday, May 27, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Tread the Trails
Thursday, May 29, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Rockhill Park, Catalpa Street and West Jefferson Blvd.
Meet on Tuesday for an 8.74-mile bike ride or on Thursday for a one mile or 5K run/walk. There is no cost to participate. All experience levels are welcome, and participation is at your own risk. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets and to also bring a front white light and rear red light/reflector. Trek the Trails is presented by the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Trails and proudly sponsored by Northeastern REMC, UAW Local #2209, VS Engineering and Old Fort Bicycle. Tread the Trails is presented by the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Trails Inc. and The Fort Wayne Running Club. Follow the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Trails, Fort Wayne Running Club and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation on social media for weather-related updates. For a complete list of locations and dates, visit: https://www.fortwayneparks.org/trails/news-events.html.
Also Happening:
Color in Motion: Live Butterfly Exhibit!
Until June 22, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Live butterflies have landed at the Botanical Conservatory bringing with them an array of natural beauty and wonder. Watch in awe, their wings in flight, as they flash with color pigments and refracted light. Observe exotic butterflies emerging from their chrysalides right before your eyes! An epic display of multicolored flowers and foliage elevates this annual spring exhibit. Sponsored by: the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, “In memory of Jo Ann and William Wyatt,” 21Alive and 97.3 WMEE.
Registration continues for Farmin’ Fun Day Camp & PODS
Set a course for exploration about plants, animals and life on the farm at the hands-on Farmin’ Fun Day Camp at Salomon Farm. Select weeks are available for ages 4-5 and 6-11.
PODS, or Positive Days of Summer offer half-day options for kids ages 5-13 at the Community Center and feature numerous themes.
Download the brochure for more details. Registration may be made online at FortWayneParks.org, in-person, by mail or drop box at 705 East State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Sessions for Franke Park Day Camp and ACTIVenture are filled.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department offers program scholarships for qualified children as funds are available. Scholarship policy details are listed here.
Grace Yencer: Gentle Turning
Until June 22
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Grace Yencer has been creating art for as long as she can remember, inspired by a childhood dream of becoming an artist or art teacher. Yencer’s love for snail mail sparked an early career in greeting cards, but she soon shifted focus to art as self-expression. With roots in the Midwest, her style reflects both a sense of nostalgia and a playful exploration of the world around her, making her pieces as heartfelt as they are visually engaging. Her work invites you to pause, look closer and maybe catch a hint of sorrow in the details. “To create one’s world takes courage,” Georgia O’Keeffe.
