2022

December 15, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

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

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of December 19-25:

Featuring:

Winter Solstice Walk/Ride and Bonfire

Wednesday, December 21, 4:30 p.m.

Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road

Let’s light the night on the shortest day of the year! This free walk or ride event celebrates the Winter Solstice on the Pufferbelly Trail. After gathering at the Wolf Learning Center on the farm, bicyclists will depart at 4:45 p.m. for a 6.5-mile ride and walkers will follow at 5:00 p.m. for a 1.65-mile trek. All participates are invited back to Salomon Farm at 5:45 p.m. for refreshments provided by Trek Bikes Fort Wayne, a bonfire and stories about the history of Salomon Farm. Bicycles are required to have a white light at the front and a red light or reflector at the rear of their bikes. Helmets are strongly recommended. Walkers should bring a flashlight or lantern to light up the night. To make the event more festive, attendees are encouraged to decorate themselves and their bikes in festive attire – prizes are on the line for the most festive cyclist and walker! Attendees staying for the bonfire are encouraged to bring a chair. This event is sponsored by the City of Fort Wayne Greenways and Trails, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation and Fort Wayne Trails.

Christmas Movie in the Park

Thursday, December 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 2020 West Superior Street

Reward your Santa’s Helpers with a screening of the Sony Pictures Animation/Aardman movie “Arthur Christmas” (2011) directed by Sarah Smith and Barry Cook. All ages are welcome, however please be aware that the film is rated PG. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at www.fortwayneparks.org or by calling 427-6000. Seating is limited. For more details email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Happy Smallidays Holiday Exhibit

Now until January 8, 2023, public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Little Mouse sneaks into the Conservatory looking to cozy up for the smallidays. However, there is so much commotion that he keeps getting nudged to the side by the hurry and scurry of holiday decorating. He wants nothing more than for everyone to slow down and find joy in the little things. Follow Little Mouse in this endearing holiday story and be inspired by the heartfelt lesson he has to share. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Waterfield Foundation, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.

$1 Night Light Display

Thursdays and Fridays, Until December 23, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Conservatory gardens in light are best seen at night! Brighten your holiday plans with a visit to the Conservatory where lush gardens are embellished in the spirit of the season. Find yourself surrounded by charming displays with stunning poinsettias, illuminated photo ops and more. Cross gift buying off your list when stopping into the Conservatory Shop and delighting in the selection of trendy and thoughtful gifts. Until Christmas, be sure to take advantage of $1 admission on Thursday and Friday nights after five. Members are invited to bring a guest or two for free admission on Thursday and Friday Nights (5:00-8:00 p.m.) by showing their member card to the admission desk.

December 2, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

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

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Riverfront Fort Wayne presents the following events and programs in December:

Traffic Note: Harrison Street next to Promenade Park is closed to through-traffic currently to complete construction on the Riverfront at Promenade.

For Real, For Real Comedy Stories

December 8, 8:00-9:30 p.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Riverfront Fort Wayne and the Maumee Mary and Joseph Comedy Festival have partnered to bring some of the best local and regional comedians to Fort Wayne to tell hilariously true stories that are certain to keep the winter evenings warm and full of laughs. On December 8, join the amusement with comedian, D J Dangler. Dangler, the youngest of six kids, is originally from the Midwest. After college, he moved to New York City and began telling jokes which might or might not involve his small Midwestern roots, and people liked it. He blends New York cynicism with genuine Midwestern agreeability to present a different take on both the trivial and substantial aspects of life. He is a firm believer that people are pretty much the same everywhere, and that if you can make people laugh, you don’t have to have a real job. This event is designed for ages 18 and above. Tickets are $10 in advance at www.fortwayneparks.org or $15 at the door. The maximum capacity is 150 people. If you’d like to share a hilarious story, email your name and a summary to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

December 1, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

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

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of December 5-11:

Featuring:

For Real, For Real Comedy Stories

December 8, 8:00-9:30 p.m.

Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Riverfront Fort Wayne and the Maumee Mary and Joseph Comedy Festival have partnered to bring some of the best local and regional comedians to Fort Wayne to tell hilariously true stories that are certain to keep the winter evenings warm and full of laughs. On December 8, join the amusement with comedian, D J Dangler. Dangler, the youngest of six kids, is originally from the Midwest. After college, he moved to New York City and began telling jokes which might or might not involve his small Midwestern roots, and people liked it. He blends New York cynicism with genuine Midwestern agreeability to present a different take on both the trivial and substantial aspects of life. He is a firm believer that people are pretty much the same everywhere, and that if you can make people laugh, you don’t have to have a real job. This event is designed for ages 18 and above. Tickets are $10 in advance at www.fortwayneparks.org or $15 at the door. The maximum capacity is 150 people. If you’d like to share a hilarious story, email your name and a summary to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Happy Smallidays Holiday Exhibit

Now until January 8, 2023, public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Little Mouse sneaks into the Conservatory looking to cozy up for the smallidays. However, there is so much commotion that he keeps getting nudged to the side by the hurry and scurry of holiday decorating. He wants nothing more than for everyone to slow down and find joy in the little things. Follow Little Mouse in this endearing holiday story and be inspired by the heartfelt lesson he has to share. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Waterfield Foundation, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.

Summit City Music Theatre presents: A Christmas Carol

December 1-11

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, 2:00 p.m.

*Two performances added: Dec. 10 at 2:00p.m. and Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol captivates, entertains and changes hearts. In December, Gavin Thomas Drew and Chapman Shields bring a new adaptation of this classic tale to the Old Barn at Salomon Farm Park along with a cast of talented local artists and musicians. This show is rated G and is family-friendly. Tickets are $25 per person and seating is general admission. The historic venue is not heated, so guests are encouraged to bring blankets to stay cozy and warm. Purchase tickets online at www.fortwayneparks.org or by phone at 260-427-6000.  

$1 Night Light Display

Thursdays and Fridays, Until December 23, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Conservatory gardens in light are best seen at night! Brighten your holiday plans with a visit to the Conservatory where lush gardens are embellished in the spirit of the season. Find yourself surrounded by charming displays with stunning poinsettias, illuminated photo ops and more. Cross gift buying off your list when stopping into the Conservatory Shop and delighting in the selection of trendy and thoughtful gifts. Until Christmas, be sure to take advantage of $1 admission on Thursday and Friday nights after five. Members are invited to bring a guest or two for free admission on Thursday and Friday Nights (5:00-8:00 p.m.) by showing their member card to the admission desk.

Santa and Reindeer Saturdays

Saturdays, December 10 and 17, public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Meet Santa himself and a friendly and majestic reindeer on the first three Saturdays in December. While indoors, enjoy jolly scenery accompanied by the “Happy Smallidays” holiday exhibit. Be sure to visit with a reindeer in the outdoor garden. Note: Santa will take a break from 2:00-2:30 p.m. Regular Conservatory admission applies. Sponsored by PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.

November 23, 2022

Contact:   April McCampbell

                 P: 260-427-6024

                 C: 260-241-1932

                 Manager of Communications

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

What’s Happening in the Parks

The week ahead

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week of November 28-December 4:

Featuring:

Summit City Music Theatre presents: A Christmas Carol

December 1-11

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, 2:00 p.m.

Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol captivates, entertains and changes hearts. In December, Gavin Thomas Drew and Chapman Shields bring a new adaptation of this classic tale to the Old Barn at Salomon Farm Park along with a cast of talented local artists and musicians. This show is rated G and is family-friendly. Tickets are $25 per person and seating is general admission. The historic venue is not heated, so guests are encouraged to bring blankets to stay cozy and warm. Purchase tickets online at www.fortwayneparks.org or by phone at 260-427-6000.  

Christmas on the Farm

Saturday, December 3,

Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road

Tis the season for Christmas cheer, handmade gifts and goodies. Christmas on the Farm offers horse drawn wagon rides provided by DeKalb Co. Horsemen, photos with Santa Claus, a crafting activity for kids, letter-writing to Santa, vendors in the Wolf Learning Center for holiday shopping, live holiday music by Mike Conley in the Old Barn, food available for purchase in the Old barn provided by the Lions Club and Christmas tree sales (while supplies last). Admission is $5 per car.

Wassail Celebration

Sunday, December 4, 3:00-6:30 p.m.

Jennings Youth Center, 1330 McCulloch Street

Wassailing is an ancient custom that involves toasting to good health. Kick off the holiday season with performances reminiscent of Wassail’s past and refreshments such as cookies and a traditional nonalcoholic Wassail punch. The celebration is free and open to the public.  

Holiday Window Displays at Promenade Park

Now until January 3

Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street

Make the most of winter light at Promenade Park with a showcase of handmade paper cut light boxes. These delightful creations are believed to have originated from China after paper was first invented. Many countries picked up the skill, but Switzerland remains the enduring leader referring to the art form as Scherenschnitt. Riverfront’s light boxes were designed and hand-cut by staff using ideas of common winter scenes at Promenade Park such as the swings, the Historic Wells St. Bridge, and the Convergence Sculpture. The light boxes have multiple layers of paper with lighting from behind to show more detail in perspective, texture, and dimension. The display can be seen in the windows of the Park Foundation Pavilion at Promenade Park now until January 3, and can be best viewed at dusk.

Happy Smallidays Holiday Exhibit

Now until January 8, 2023, public hours

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street

Little Mouse sneaks into the Conservatory looking to cozy up for the smallidays. However, there is so much commotion that he keeps getting nudged to the side by the hurry and scurry of holiday decorating. He wants nothing more than for everyone to slow down and find joy in the little things. Follow Little Mouse in this endearing holiday story and be inspired by the heartfelt lesson he has to share. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Waterfield Foundation, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.