What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
Winterval 2024
Saturday, January 27, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Multiple locations in downtown Fort Wayne
Celebrate the frosty fun and the coziness of the season with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Take a hike, make a craft, play miniature golf with ice sculpture obstacles, shop locally made merchandise, learn how to curl, relive Fort Wayne history, get cozy and watch live ice sculpture carving throughout the day and evening. Many activities are free, some have admission fees and are noted below. See the website www.WintervalFW.com and attached program for all the details. Winterval is sponsored by 21Alive and 97.3 WMEE.
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Winter Hike & Bonfire 9:00-10:30 a.m. Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Avenue Enjoy a quiet morning hike in the woods and warm up by the bonfire afterwards with our friends from LC Nature Center. Take selfies by the pre-sculpted ice carving while the weather allows. This is a free event. |
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Winterval at the Conservatory 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Live Ice Carving at 10:00 a.m. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street Celebrate the coolest season with the Fort Wayne Parks Department and its Winterval partners! Festivities at the Botanical Conservatory include a live ice sculpture carving outdoors and on display near the main entrance. Regular admission fees apply ($5.00-$7.00) to indoor activities including a speedy-fun craft, plant giveaway and exploration of the “Botanical Speedway” winter exhibit. Guests are also welcome to come inside and enjoy the warmth of Conjure Coffee and the Conservatory Shop. |
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Winterval at Science Central 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Science Central, 1950 North Clinton Street Make chromatography snowflakes and CO2 bubbles. Discounted admission applies on Winterval Saturday. |
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Nouvelle Annee 1744 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Historic Fort Wayne, 1201 Spy Run Avenue The Fort will bustle with re-enactors preparing for hard times as rumors of war in Europe spread. This is a free event. |
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Headwaters Park Ice Skating 12:00-9:00 p.m. Headwaters Park, 333 South Clinton Street Make ice skating a part of your Winterval 2024 experience! The Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club will present skating exhibitions at the top of the hour between 1:00- 4:00 p.m. Regular admission and skate rental fees apply. |
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Winterval at the Library 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Live Ice Carving at 12:00 p.m. Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza Watch a live ice carving on the plaza at noon, then head inside the library for a winter craft while supplies last. This carving will use three blocks of ice.This is a free event. |
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Winter Carnival 1:00-4:00 p.m. Live Ice Carving at 2:00 p.m. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 E. Main Street Stop in for a round of ice sculpted miniature golf, snow crafts and games…even a horse-drawn carriage ride! The candy luge is a big hit with kids of all ages. In addition to the live ice carving, additional pre-sculpted carvings will be on display.Take selfies by the ice carvings while the weather allows. This is a free event. |
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Warm Heart Market 1:00-4:00 p.m. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 E. Main Street Find homemade and uniquely h and-crafted items and other merchandise at the Winterval market. This free to attend. |
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The Antique Road Show Appraisals 1:00-4:00 p.m. Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 E. Main Street Bring comic books, coins, pottery, autographs, vintage video games, jewelry and more to find out what they are worth. Free appraisals are courtesy of Scheerer McCulloch. |
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The Sport of Curling 1:00-4:00 p.m. Fort Wayne Curling Club, 3837 North Wells Street Try your hand at this Olympic sport! Liability waivers are required for all participants. This is a free event. |
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Heartland Mushers 1:00-4:00 p.m. Headwaters Park, 333 South Clinton Street Visit with Heartland Mushers sled dogs at Headwaters Park next to the skating rink. Due to a lack of snow, the dogs will not pull a sled but will be available to photograph. This is a free event. |
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Live Ice Carving at 2:00 p.m. The Landing Group 116 West Columbia Street This carving will use five blocks of ice, to create the largest sculpture of Winterval 2024. |
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Winter Cozy Saturday, January 27, 6:00–10:00 p.m. Park Foundation Pavilion Wrap up your Winterval experience at Promenade Park’s Winter Cozy, where the pavilion will be transformed into a retro 80’s après ski party for the evening. Grab your friends and dance in your best 80’s gear (the more neon the better). This event is designed for ages 21+ and costs $10 per person. Reserve your space online at https://riverfrontfw.org or by phone 260-427-6000. Walk-ins will be welcome if space is available, credit card only. |
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Pre-sculpted ice carvings will also be on display at the following locations:
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Featuring:
Sweetheart Orchid Display
January 30-March 3, Public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Be allured by the colorful mystique of Orchids on display in the Botanical Conservatory’s Tropical House. Experience captivating, long-lasting blooms in an intimately devoted space that mirrors the everlasting love shared with those closest to you. Orchids and other remarkable plants are available for purchase in the Conservatory Shop. Included with general admission.
Dancing Through the Decades
Thursday, February 1, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Headwaters Park Ice Rink, 333 South Clinton Street
For one night and one night only—don’t miss the Dancing Through the Decades skate event! Skate, dance and enjoy music from the 1960s through the 1990s. Dress in an outfit inspired by your favorite decade and bring your friends to Headwaters Park Ice Rink. General admission and skate rental fees apply.
Karaoke Jam Night
Friday, February 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Sing, shine and socialize on the first Fridays of the month at Promenade Park’s Karaoke Jam Nights! Admission is free.
Orchid Show
Saturday, February 3, 12:00-5:00 p.m., Potting Demos, 12:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 4, 12:00-4:00 p.m., Potting Demo, 2:30 p.m.
Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Cultivate a passion for Orchids when blooming varieties are beautifully on display by local society members who are ready to answer all your growing questions. Don’t miss one of three live potting demonstrations! Plants and potting materials are available for purchase. Show entry is included with general admission to the Botanical Conservatory. Presented by: the Three Rivers Orchid Society.
Practice Makes Perfect with The Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club
Sunday, February 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Headwaters Park Ice Rink, 333 South Clinton Street
Beginner skaters ages 10 and under, this is your chance to learn from members of the Fort Wayne ice Skating Club and see a demonstration of what can be done with enough practice. Individual attention is not guaranteed as this will be taking place in a group setting. The fee is $5 per child and includes admission to the rink immediately following the presentation. Skate rental is not included. Reserve your space online at www.FortWayneParks.org or by phone 260-427-6000.
Also Happening:
Botanical Speedway
Until April 7, 2024
Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Thursday evening hours 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Racers ready—rev your engines in the Botanical Conservatory’s latest winter exhibit. Kids will pedal along and burn some rubber on a tropical racetrack as part of this exciting family outing that will have you strolling down victory lane. Imagine accelerating toward the finish line on this fast, not furious, superspeedway. Helmets are available. On Your Marks, Get Set, GROW! Sponsored by English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Howard P. Arnold Foundation, Magee-O’Conner Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, WANE 15 and 103.9 Wayne FM.
Headwaters Park Ice Rink
Tuesday-Friday, 4:00 – 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. Ten-punch admission cards for the Headwaters Ice Rink are now available for sale at the rink admission trailer (10 admissions/$50) or at the Main Office (705 E. State Blvd.) Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Credit cards are accepted.
