July 16, 2021
Contact: Rob Hines
P: 260-427-6028
C: 260-241-1932
Public Information Officer
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Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of July 19:
Muddy River Concert Series: Light Steps and El Camino Hot Tub (Funk)
Wednesday, July 21, 5:00-8:30 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.
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.
Young Naturalist Series: Buzzing Bees
Thursday, July 22, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.
What's all the buzz over these prime pollinators? We are excited to partner with Southwest Honey Company to look at a real hive, taste sweet honey, and learn what makes bees so important. Meet inside Park Foundation Pavilion. 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..
Riverfront Sunday Heritage Concert Series: Heartland Sings
Sunday, July 25, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.
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
Sunday, July 25, 12:00-6:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.
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.
Iris Sale
Sunday, July 25, 12-3 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Local Iris hobbyists will be returning for this special opportunity that allows visitors to purchase rhizomes of their favorite varieties. Bring home various colors and types such as Siberian, bearded, crested and more. Regular Conservatory admission rates apply. Presented by the Northeast Indiana Iris Society.
Trek the Trails: Swinney Park West Trailhead
Tuesday, July 20, 6:10 p.m.
Swinney Park West, 2200 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Join local trail users for weekly bike rides this summer to experience Fort Wayne on two wheels. Participants are asked to wear helmets and bring water along for the ride. All participants ride at their own risk. Tuesday rides will continue through the fall. Rides begin promptly at 6:10 p.m. For more information, call the City of Fort Wayne Greenways & Trails Office at 427-6228 or Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. at 969-0079.
Sweet Breeze Boat Tours
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. Tickets are on sale now with several dates and times available for purchase. Visit RideSweetBreeze.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
“Visions of the Old West” Garden Exhibit
Through November 14, Public hours
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Stroll down the main street of a not-quite-Ghost Town, listen to ragtime tunes from the honky-tonk saloon and appreciate the wild and rugged beauty of cacti, succulents and wildflowers in the surrounding hillsides. Pump water from the community well, play a game of cracker-barrel checkers in the shade and look over the “WANTED” posters for local outlaws. Summer annuals will make way for autumn chrysanthemums in warm russets, tawny golds and blazing orange. Sponsored by the M.E. Raker Foundation and Wilson Foundation.
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.
Northside and McMillen Pools open daily
Northside Pool is open daily for open swim 12:30 – 5 p.m. and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7 - 9 p.m. McMillen Pool is open daily 1:30 – 7 p.m. Pools will have some restrictions based on current CDC guidelines. For more information about special swim programs and lessons, visit FortWayneParks.org.
Free Summer Program
Register at FortWayneParks.org
Cooper Youth Center, Jennings Youth Center, McMillen Park Youth Center, Weisser Park Youth Center
Children will enjoy fun and engaging activities with friendly staff. Morning and afternoon snacks are included along with free lunch provided by Fort Wayne Community Schools. Face coverings are required and social distancing protocols will be followed. Morning session participants will pick up a lunch “to go” at the end of the session. Afternoon session participants will pick up a lunch upon arrival for that session.
Lifetime Sports Academy at McMillen Park
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (ends July 23)
Register at FortWayneParks.org
The Lifetime Sports Academy is open to boys and girls ages 7-18 and offers free group lessons in the lifetime sports of golf, tennis and swimming. The program operates Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Group lessons in golf, tennis and swimming will focus on skill development, training, and participation and will be taught by certified coaches and highly trained professionals and volunteers. Participants may come as often as they wish and stay as long as they like. The Fort Wayne Community Schools summer lunch program will also be available at McMillen Park for Academy participants. The Lifetime Sports Academy is funded by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department and Lifetime Sports Academy Committee and is offered FREE to area youth.
2021 Salomon Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays, 4:00-7:00 p.m. through September 1
Salomon Farm Park, 817 W. Dupont Rd.
Our vendors produce their goods within a 75-mile radius of and are required to grow their own fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. We strive to find vendors who embrace sustainable and organic growing practices. The market also may include baked goods, honey, handmade crafts, food, entertainment and children’s activities.
Instructor-Supervised AARP Fitness Park Intro Sessions
Wednesdays through July 21
Community Center, 233 W. Main Street
The outdoor fitness park at the Community Center features various pieces of equipment that use one’s own body weight as resistance making them appropriate for any age, gender or ability. The park is open to all ages for use any time, however, a certified instructor will be available at times to demonstrate the proper use of equipment. There is no pre-registration required for these sessions. All FitLot fitness programs are FREE!
Jobs Available at Parks and Recreation!
Now Hiring in Several Areas
Summer jobs are currently available in a variety of both outdoor and indoor facilities. Most of the jobs require applicants to be 18 years or older, but some positions are available for younger people 16 and up. Those interested in reviewing currently available positions can visit the City of Fort Wayne jobs site at cityoffortwayne.org/jobs-with-the-city.
Golf Courses Open Daily
Foster Park, Shoaff Park, and McMillen Park
Foster, Shoaff and McMillen Park Golf Courses are open daily, depending on weather and course conditions. Golfers are asked to call ahead to confirm course availability and to reserve tee times:
- McMillen Park Golf Course - 260-427-6710
- Shoaff Park Golf Course - 260-427-6745
- Foster Park Golf Course - 260-427-6735
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