What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
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 (including some food options), opportunities to learn and foster conversation.
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.
$15 Summer Special Sweet Breeze Tour
Tuesday, July 30, 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:
Salomon Farm Park U-pick Flowers
Wednesday and Friday, 4:00–7:00 p.m. and Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
U-Pick flower fields are now available on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays while flowers are blooming. Prices vary per type; $2 per sunflower and $1 per other stem. Follow the signs and look for the “red barn” trailer for supplies and checkout.
Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races
Friday, August 2, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 3, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Awards Ceremony at 3:30 p.m.)
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Save a spot on your calendar to experience the culture and competition of the Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races on August 2 and 3. This two-day event begins on Friday with family-friendly activities and live performances by the Chinese Friends & Family Assoc., plus a concert by Austin Bridges at 7:00 p.m. Try your hand at a little calligraphy, pose in the photo booth, get temporarily inked with a tattoo, play a little ping pong and try Kung Fu Tea. The opening ceremony will kick off at 8:30 p.m. featuring performances by the Fort Wayne Chinese Friends and Family Assoc. followed by the Floating Fire Pits and Fire Dancers at 9:30 p.m. Teds snack + bar and a selection of food trucks will offer refreshment in purchase.
Come back on Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. to watch the Dotting of the Eyes Ceremony with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel then cheer on your favorite team as they race on the St. Marys River. Additional activities for children are planned from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. including crafting dragon masks and learning origami. Take a break from the sun in the pavilion and plaza and appreciate cultural activities like calligraphy, temporary tattoos, coloring and peruse art for sale. Kulture City Sensory Bags will be available while supplies last. Final heats will begin at 3:00 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m.
Due to the Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races, the Sweet Breeze Canal Boat weekend tours will shift from afternoon to evening tours on Saturday, August 3, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Afternoon tours will resume on Sunday, August 6, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Available options can be found online at RideSweetBreeze.org.
Also Happening:
Sweet Breeze Tours
Thursday, Aug. 1, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (60 minute tour), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60 minute tour)
Saturday, Aug. 3, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. (60-minute tour), 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. (60-minute tour)
Sunday, Aug. 4, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (60-minute tour), 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. (60-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 31, 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.
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 30, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Deer Ridge Elementary School, 1515 S. Scott Road
The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet for a 8.2 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
