July 1, 2021
Contact: Rob Hines
P: 260-427-6028
C: 260-241-1932
Public Information Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation is offering the following events and programs on the Riverfront in July:
Ride aboard Sweet Breeze, Fort Wayne’s authentic canal boat replica.
Promenade Park, South Boat Dock, 202 West Superior Street
$27/person for a 90 Minute Tour and $17/person for a 45-minute tour
(children 2 and under can sit on an adult’s lap for no charge)
Relax and enjoy a guided cruise on the Fort Wayne Rivers. Sweet Breeze, Fort Wayne’s authentic canal boat replica is offering 45- and 90-minute tour lengths. This fully accessible tour will be a fun experience for everyone! Each tour provides an opportunity to learn something new about Fort Wayne through its riverfront. Tours will begin on Saturday, June 26 and tickets are on sale now with several dates and times available for purchase. Visit RideSweetBreeze.org for more information and links to purchase tickets.
Muddy River Concert Series
Wednesdays, 5:00-8:30 p.m.
Riverfront Fort Wayne is hosting a unique community concert series centered around the themes of heritage, culture, and connection. Encompassing the entire south side of the park with an urban cook-out feel, we will be joined by local vendors and organizations, including YLNI, that will focus on activities and information about the history of our rivers and city. Come out and join the fun, purchase food and beverages and enjoy a variety of local music with a focus on the genres of Soul and R & B, Funk, Americana, and Alternative. Music starts at 5:30 p.m. and is free for all to enjoy. Food will be ready by 5:00 p.m. and is available for purchase while supplies last.
July 7 - JIANT and the Daily Driver Band (Soul and R & B)
July 21 - Light Steps and El Camino Hot Tub (Funk)
August 4 - The Wildwoods and Rosalind & The Way (Americana)
Calm Water Sensory Tent
Riverfront Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation are proud to offer the first-of-its-kind therapeutic mobile sensory room: Calm Water Sensory Tent. Designed to mimic stationary sensory rooms used for individuals with autism, dementia, sensory processing disorders, and more, this mobile tent will be piloted at large Riverfront events in Promenade Park. The individual’s experience in the tent is entirely customized and targets sensory seeking or avoidant needs. Adult supervision is required. Stays in the tent last 15 minutes. Anyone desiring this extra help to enjoy large public events is encouraged to sign up for a time slot ahead of time by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Empty time slots are otherwise awarded on a first come, first served basis during the event. This pilot program is proudly sponsored by AWS Foundation.
Summer 2021 Promenade Park Events featuring the Calm Water Sensory Tent:
- • Muddy River Concert Series
- • River, Set, Go
- • Taste of the Arts
Young Naturalist Series: River Otters
Thursday, July 1, 5 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Kids “otter” take this class if they love otters! Not only will participants learn about the life of a river otter, they will also create their own otter puppet friend, search for signs of otters, and play otter-themed games. Young Naturalists (ages 6-12) are invited to an hour of outdoor learning with crafts, games, and fascinating nature. This program is FREE, however, space is limited to 20 children plus their grownups, so pre-registration is required. To sign up, please contact Alli Dickey at 260-427-6012 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Storytime on the Riverfront
Mondays through August 30, 10:00-11:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Auer Lawn, Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.
Join the Allen County Public Library and Riverfront Fort Wayne on Mondays in a story time session at 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. for fresh air, sunshine and children’s literature! Come to either session — no pre-registration is required.
Mini Sensory Expo
Tuesday, July 13, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion
Isn’t it frustrating to buy sensory products for yourself or a loved one only to find out that you don’t like the product and can’t return it now because it is open? At the Mini Sensory Expo, all ages are welcome to freely explore popular sensory products, connect with local organizations that offer sensory and adaptive services, and hopefully resolve a sensory issue you may be experiencing. Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Three Rivers Federal Credit Union Pedal, Paddle, Play
Saturday, July 17, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
(Virtual Option - June 1 – July 15, 2021)
Northeast Indiana Water Trails invites you to the 6th annual Three Rivers Federal Credit Union: Pedal, Paddle, Play! This year’s event offers participants two ways to explore our land and water trails: virtual or in-person, both options offer chances to win amazing prizes. After pedaling or paddling the trails on a scavenger hunt join the party and meet area environmental and recreation groups, get a drink from Trubble Riverside and listen to live music by Pink Droyd. For more information or to register, visit neiwatertrails.com. Thank you to our sponsors: Three Rivers Federal Credit Union; Chuck and Lisa Surack and Sweetwater; Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission; Downtown Improvement District; Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Riverfront Fort Wayne; and Fort Wayne Outfitters and Bike Depot.
Urban Birdwatching
Thursdays, July 15 and August 19, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.
Watch a Red-Tailed Hawk soar above, a Cliff Swallow build a nest, or a Great Blue Heron dive for fish during Urban Birdwatching. Help Cornell University’s Bird Lab track how urban birds use green space. We’ll teach you about identification, ornithology, and how to use your binoculars. We have several pairs of binoculars you may borrow, but you are encouraged to bring you own, if possible. Participants of all ages are welcome. Meet at the Convergence Sculpture at 10:00 a.m.
Yoga on the Riverfront
Sundays, July 18 and August 15 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.
Bring your yoga mat to the Ambassador Enterprises Amphitheatre for these FREE yoga sessions along the St. Marys River. This relaxing, 1-hour flow is for all skill levels and led by Chelsea Vona, owner of Discover Yoga coming soon to downtown Fort Wayne.
Riverfront Sunday Heritage Concert Series
Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.
The American Legion Band of Fort Wayne
July 18, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
This 101 year old band was started by Veterans of WWI and continues to provide music for local patriotic events including the return of the Honor Flights at the Fort Wayne International Airport and the Annual Veterans’ Day Breakfast at The Community Center. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us for a selection of big band classics at the Sweetwater Bandshell East.
Heartland Sings
July 25, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Heartland Sings quartet of Principal Vocal Artists with Maestro Robert Nance on piano perform “A Country Summertime Party!” Their mobile performing arts vehicle will roll up and provide Promenade Park with a free, safely distanced, and toe-tapping concert for all ages, featuring country hits and patriotic classics to celebrate America. HeartlandSings.org | (260) 436-8080. Sponsored by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard Family Foundation & Patricia Mae Adist Foundation.
Community Chess In Promenade Park
Sundays, 7/25, 8/29, 9/26, 10/31, 12:00-6:00 p.m.
Join local chess clubs Fort Chess and Take a Stan Chess Club for free community opportunities to learn and play chess this summer in Promenade Park. Events are free and open to all-ages and all skill levels. Chess instructors will be on-site to teach anyone interested in learning this ancient game of kings played by world leaders for over fifteen centuries. Players may bring their own board or use a board provided. Contact Brian Walker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 260-443-1147 or Eli at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
33rd Annual Weigand Construction Duck Race to Benefit SCAN
Saturday, July 31
SCAN will host its 33rd Annual Weigand Construction Duck Race to Benefit SCAN at Promenade Park this year! On Saturday, July 31, join us at Fort Wayne’s newest park to see more than 18,000 plastic ducks race to win $5,000 for a lucky purchaser. Each duck represents another chance to protect a child from abuse and neglect in our community. Tickets will be on sale at www.scanduckrace.org or throughout the city of Fort Wayne beginning May 1. For more information, contact SCAN at 260-421- 5000.
For more information about Riverfront programs and events, visit RiverfrontFW.org.
###
