What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Featuring:
Creative Construction: Lego Building Challenge
Friday, July 12, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 West Main Street
Watch as youth compete in Creative Construction with Legos. In the team challenge, kids ages 5-12 with an adult will construct a free-style build. In the solo challenge, youth ages 9-14 will build an entry with a ‘transportation’ theme. Each team will work with 200 Legos® and have 90 minutes to complete their construction. All projects will be displayed at the Community Center and the public is invited to cast votes for their favorite. Voting is open 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., July 15-18. Votes will be tallied and prizes awarded to the top three teams and individuals, compliments of Hamilton Hunter Builders, Inc. and Martin Riley Architects & Engineers. Thanks to Schmidt-N-Bricks for providing the Legos®.
Fort Wayne Area Community Band
Tuesday, July 9, 7:30 p.m.
Foellinger Theater 3411 Sherman Blvd.
Enjoy the sounds of the Fort Wayne Area Community Band as they present “Salute to America.” Admission is free.
Children’s Gently-used Book Swap & Sale
Tuesday to Thursday, July 9-11, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 West Main Street
Summer is a great time to read…just for the fun of it! This annual book swap & sale is an opportunity to trade in books that have already been read for something new. Toddlers to teens may swap up to five books per day. Purchasing is unlimited and open to kids and adults. Prices start at 25¢ up to $1 and DVDs for $1. Other items such as magazines, cards, CDs and puzzles are also available. Donations of these items are accepted year round.
Muddy River Concert Series
Wednesday, July 10, 6:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Enjoy live local music on the Riverfront from School of Rock on July 10, and We Are Checkmark on July 24, along with food and drink to purchase from Teds snack + bar at the Promenade Park Café.
McKinnie Commons Connections
Thursday, July 11, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 28, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
McKinnie Commons, McKinnie Avenue and South Anthony Blvd.
Join Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation on the second Thursday and final Sunday in June and July. The McKinnie Commons Connections events welcome the community to gather for entertainment, food and learning opportunities to foster conversation.
Sweet Breeze Irish Folk Music Cruise
Friday, July 12, 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
South Dock, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
There's just something fitting about listening to a fiddle as you float down a river on a wooden boat! Come listen to live Irish folk music by Carrie White and Matt Katinsky as you enjoy appetizers from Fort Wayne's downtown Irish pub, J K O'Donnell's! The fee is $60 per person. Reservations can be made online (until midnight on day prior to tour) at www.RideSweetBreeze.org, in person at the Parks and Recreation Offices (705 East State Blvd.) or by phone 260-427-6000 during normal business hours.
Bioswale Tour
Friday, July 12, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Auer Lawn, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Learn what a bioswale is and how the Promenade Bioswale benefits the park, including how it infiltrates and filters storm water before it goes into our rivers and other benefits to our area. Superintendent of Landscape and Horticulture Eric Ummel with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will lead this tour for anyone who wants to learn more about how Promenade Park helps protect our rivers and wildlife.
Daylily Show
Saturday, July 13, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Celebrate during the Three Rivers Festival with a visit to the Botanical Conservatory. On the first Saturday, members of the Fort Wayne Daylily Society display a wide range of cheerful Daylilies–one of summer’s most iconic flowers. These experienced gardeners are eager to share tips on growing this durable, delightful plant. Plants are even available for purchase! Regular admission rates apply. Presented by the Fort Wayne Daylily Society.
Kickboxing with 9Round
Sunday, July 14, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 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. No pre-registration is needed.
Yoga on the Riverfront
Sunday, July 14, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 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. No pre-registration is needed.
Sunday Heritage Concert Series
Sunday, July 14, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Saxophonist Quincy Sanders brings the sounds of blues and jazz with touches of a variety of other genres to Riverfront Fort Wayne. The presentation is free and open to all ages. Seating will be on a first come first served basis.
Also Happening:
Sweet Breeze Tours
Thursday, July 11, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (60 minute tour), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60 minute tour)
Saturday, July 13, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Sunday, July 14, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90 minute tour), 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
South Dock Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Travel Fort Wayne’s rivers on Sweet Breeze, an authentic 1840 canal boat replica. This fully accessible tour provides an opportunity to learn something new about Fort Wayne through its riverfront. Choose 90 minute or 45 minute cruise options. Tickets are $30 per person for a 90-minute cruise, $23 for a 60 minute tour and $20 per person for 45-minute cruise. Reservations can be made online (until midnight on day prior to tour) at www.RideSweetBreeze.org, in person at the Parks and Recreation Offices (705 East State Blvd.) or by phone 260-427-6000 during normal business hours. Walk-ups are welcome at the dock as space is available by cash or credit card. Specialty tours are scheduled throughout the season. Visit the website to see all of the options.
20th Season of the Salomon Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, July 10, 4:00-7:00 p.m. and continuing each Wednesday until Sept. 4
Salomon Farm Park 817 West Dupont Road
Find fresh produce, baked goods, honey and artisan crafts at this mid-week market. Stop by and say hello to the herd members—Mickie and Frankie the Highland Coos, as well as the goats, miniature horse and sheep.
Raise a Glass! Exhibit
Until November 17, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
The Botanical Conservatory is celebrating 40 years! Since 1983, this unique botanical venue has served as a cultural anchor in Fort Wayne, having welcomed nearly three million visitors from near and far! During its 40th anniversary, the Botanical Conservatory is capturing vivid streams of light and reflecting into glimmers of a vibrant future. Raise your glass to the continued health, happiness and success of this community treasure. Sponsored by: Fort Wayne Park Foundation, English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Majic 95.1, WANE 15 and Sycamore Tree Care.
From Concept to Celebration
Until November 16, public hours
Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
This visual timeline displays the history of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory from an original idea to our current-day fortieth anniversary! Images, news articles and short stories provide historical context during the celebratory Raise a Glass! Garden Exhibit. Enjoy this unique display as a collaboration of archives from both the Foellinger Foundation and the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory.
Trek the Trails
Tuesday, July 9, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Engle Road Towpath Trail, 7171 Engle Road
The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet for a 7.7 mile bike ride. There is no cost to participate. All experience levels are welcome and participation is at your own risk. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets. Trek the Trails is sponsored by UAW Local #2209, Three Rivers Velo Sport and Bike Fort Wayne and is presented by the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Trails. Follow the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Trails, Fort Wayne Running Club, and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation on social media for weather-related updates. For a complete list of locations and dates, visit: https://www.fortwayneparks.org/trails/news-events.html
Tread the Trails
Thursday, July 11, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Engle Road Towpath Trail, 1717 Engle Road
Fort Wayne Running Club and the City of New Haven have joined the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Trails, Inc. to provide guided 1 mile/5k walks/runs beginning at different locations throughout the area! These 5k walks/runs are offered every other Thursday. All mobility aids are welcome at Tread the Trails, and participants are encouraged to lengthen/shorten the route as preferred. For a complete list of locations and dates, visit https://www.fortwayneparks.org/trails/news-events.html.
