What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
Christmas on the Farm
Saturday, December 2, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
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. Admission is $5 per car.
Santa & Reindeer Saturdays
Saturday, December 2, 9,16 & 23, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
This December, Santa himself returns to the Botanical Conservatory on all four Saturdays leading up to Christmas! Strike a pose with the man in red while enjoying indoor scenery accompanied by the “Timeless Tradition” holiday exhibit. Please note: Santa takes a break from 2:00-2:30 p.m. While visiting, you also won’t want to miss out on an outdoor appearance with a friendly and majestic reindeer. Regular admission fees apply. Sponsored by: Air-Xray, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
Summit City Music Theatre presents: A Christmas Carol
Until December 10
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 2:00 p.m. (12/9 only), 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol captivates, entertains and changes hearts. This holiday season, Gavin Thomas Drew and Chapman Shields return their immersive 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 a temperature-controlled building. There will be a heater blowing warm air into the Old Barn but it cannot maintain a warm temperature during the cold winter months, so guests are encouraged to bring blankets to stay cozy and warm. Heated restrooms will be available right next to the Old Barn and restroom facilities on the north side of the Wolf Family Learning Center will be available for use. Purchase tickets online at www.fortwayneparks.org or by phone at 260-427-6000.
Wassail Reunion at Jennings Center
Sunday, December 3, 4:00-6:30 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. This year the Jennings Recreation Center is celebrating 75 years of serving the community. The celebration is free and open to the public.
Featuring:
McKinnie Commons Inaugural Unity Lighting
Thursday, December 7, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
McKinnie Commons, 1815 McKinnie Avenue, at the northeast corner of McKinnie and S. Anthony Blvd.
Celebrate an inaugural holiday tradition in Southeast Fort Wayne’s newest park. Watch as the Unity display is lighted, sample refreshments while supplies last, listen to live music and be inspired by this collaborative effort of the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, City of Fort Wayne Community Development, the Pan-Hellenic Council and Councilwoman Sharon Tucker. Sponsored by: Premier Bank.
$1 Night Light Display
Thursdays & Fridays, through December 22, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
The gardens in light are best seen at night! Find yourself surrounded by festive greenery, stunning poinsettias and enchanted scenery as part of illuminated photo ops at the Botanical Conservatory. Stroll through gardens glistening and glowing every Thursday and Friday evening leading up to Christmas. Special musical groups will be featured on two Thursdays.
- December 7: Hark to a variety of holiday classics as Believe in a Dream presents the String Jammers from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Made up of alternative string players from across the city, students of this youth orchestra share their youthful taste when playing contemporary music on classical instruments. This concert is included with $1 admission as a part of the $1 Night Light Display.
- December 15: Let timeless holiday carols remind you of memories past as you create new moments to cherish. A quartet of carolers from the Purdue University Fort Wayne School of Music will sing festive melodies from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This concert is included with $1 admission as a part of the $1 Night Light Display. Standing room only.
Civic Center Garage parking is validated for free.
Kickboxing with 9Round
December 10, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, 202 West Superior Street
Kick and punch your way through a great workout at this free monthly exercise class. Instructors will lead participants in a calorie burning journey like no other.
Yoga on the Riverfront
Sunday, December 10, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, 202 West Superior Street
This free, relaxing one-hour flow yoga class is designed for all skill levels and led by owner of Discover Yoga, Chelsea Vona. Bring your own yoga mat to Promenade Park or borrow one for the class.
Suzuki Strings Performance
Sunday, December 10, 2:00-2:45 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
As you enter the “Timeless Tradition” garden exhibit, listen for the children of Fort Wayne Suzuki playing holiday favorites on the violin and cello. These accomplished students are familiar with the Suzuki Method of instruction that is the “mother tongue method” based on the premise that music is learned like a language. Hear for yourself as local Suzuki students perform music with holiday ear appeal. Included with regular admission. No reservations required.
Sunday Heritage Concert Series: Holiday Program
Sunday, December 10, 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, 202 West Superior Street
The American Legion Band of Fort Wayne presents a musical holiday program. The concert is free and open to all ages. Seating will be on a first come first served basis.
Also happening:
Holiday Showcase Exhibit: Timeless Tradition, 40 Years
Until January 7, 2024, public hours
Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Holidays at the Botanical Conservatory have delighted the community as a family favorite over the last 40 years. Its gardens in light and scenes of merriment contribute to a warm holiday spirit in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Fresh cut evergreens, a lush poinsettia tree and deep ruby undertones are the backdrop to this year’s memories. Join us in celebrating an oasis of growth and tradition. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Waterfield Foundation, Wilson Foundation, M.E. Raker Foundation, Air Xray, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
Headwaters Park Ice Rink
Tuesday-Thursday, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Fridays in December, 12:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Headwaters Park, 333 South Clinton Street
Enjoy skating outside in downtown Fort Wayne. Admission is $6 for age 3 and above and free for age 2 and under. Skate rental is $3. Ice conditions are subject to weather. Fridays in December, the rink will open at noon. Stay up to date on special holiday hours and parking on the @HeadwatersParkFW Facebook page and FortWayneParks.org.
Art Display features Julia Meek: Fort Wayne Traditions
November 28–January 5
Artist Reception: December 10, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Fort Wayne native Julia is a radio host, graphic artist and legendary community volunteer who has contributed to Northeast Indiana Public Radio both on- and off-air for forty years. Besides being WBOI's arts & culture reporter, she currently co-produces and hosts “Folktales” and “Meet the Music.” She also hosts live concerts and festival stages in northeast Indiana and coordinates special programs with Gregg Coyle, Director of Clyde Theatre. Known for her accessible arts and cultural offerings, Julia's list of achievements includes Easter Seals ARC's 26-year Portraits of Pride series and two decades of Cityscapes and Schooldays renderings, countless private commissions, multiple Mastodons on Parade, Canal Society of Indiana co-founder, Three Rivers Festival Millennial Artist and Fort Wayne's 1st Female Muralist designation as well as various works of public art including a recent mural in the Landing neighborhood.
