What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
$15 Summer Special Sweet Breeze Tour
Tuesday, July 23, 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. (45 minute tour) and 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. and continuing each Tuesday until August 13
South Dock Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Experience an iconic Sweet Breeze tour for just $15! This limited time opportunity will provide a guided history cruise on the Fort Wayne Rivers. Reservations can be made online at www.RideSweetBreeze.org or via the Fort Wayne Parks App (until midnight on day prior to tour); 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.
Featuring:
McKinnie Commons Connections
Sunday, July 28, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
McKinnie Commons, McKinnie Avenue and South Anthony Blvd.
Join Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation for the final McKinnie Commons Connections event of the summer. The community is welcome to gather for entertainment from the G-Money Band, refreshment from the Ice Hut Snow Cone Truck, opportunities to learn and foster conversation.
Muddy River Concert Series
Wednesday, July 24, 6:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Enjoy live local music on the Riverfront from We Are Checkmark on July 24, along with food and drink to purchase from Teds snack + bar at the Promenade Park Café. Sponsored by 96.3 XKE and WANE 15.
Fort Wayne Children’s Choir
Friday, July 26, 7:00 p.m.
Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd.
Come hear the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir ensembles sing their first concert of the 2024-2025 season: "A Musical Safari." Admission is free. Sponsored by PBS Fort Wayne.
Also Happening:
Sweet Breeze Tours
Thursday, July 25, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (60 minute tour), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60 minute tour)
Friday, July 26, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.(60 minute tour), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60 minute tour) NEW FRIDAY OPTION
Saturday, July 27, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Sunday, July 28, 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 or via the Fort Wayne Parks App; 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 or app to see all of the options.
20th Season of the Salomon Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, July 24, 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 as you take in the harmonious sounds of Remember When Duets. 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.
Raise a Glass! $1 Nights
Thursdays, until November 14, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Here’s a toast celebrating not only 40 years as a unique botanical venue for public education and enjoyment, but 200 years since Allen County was officially born. During the Raise a Glass! Garden Exhibit, take advantage of $1 admission every Thursday evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Cheers to the Botanical Conservatory as a community treasure serving over 3,000,000 tourists and residents since opening its doors in 1983…and here’s to Allen County steadfast since 1824 with 400,000+ residents thriving and residing today. Together, the Botanical Conservatory and Bicentennial Executive Board wish to celebrate the past, present and future with you!
Trek the Trails
Tuesday, July 23, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Turnstone, 3220 North Clinton Street (meet in Lot C)
The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet for a 8.4 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 25, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Turnstone, 3220 North Clinton Street (meet in Lot C)
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
