What’s Happening at the Riverfront
The Month Ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Riverfront Fort Wayne presents the following events and programs at Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street and Headwaters Park, 333 South Clinton Street in August:
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.)
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.
Muddy River Concert Series
Wednesday, August 7, and 21, 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy live local music on the Riverfront from Rachel Brooke on August 7, and Left Lane Cruiser on August 21, along with food and drink to purchase from Teds snack + bar at the Promenade Park Café.
Sweet Breeze Specialty: River Ecology Trivia Tour
Saturday, August 10, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (90-minute tour)
Learn all about the ecology of rivers and test your knowledge in a fun game of trivia, run by Betsy Yankowiak of the Anthony Wayne Scout Reserve.
Fort Wayne Area Community Band
Tuesday, August 13, 7:00 p.m.
Auer Lawn
Don’t miss this special outdoor concert at beautiful Promenade Park in downtown Fort Wayne! Be sure to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to sit on the lawn and enjoy the music!
Sweet Breeze Tours
Monday, Aug. 5, 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. (45-minute tour) Limited time $15
Tuesdays, Aug. 6 and 13, 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. (45-minute tour) and 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Thursdays, Aug. 1, 15, 22 and 29 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. Saturday and Sunday history tours vary in times and tour lengths in August. Visit the website or app to see all of the options.
Sweet Breeze Specialty: Sunset Chill Acoustic Tour
Friday, August 16, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. (90-minute tour)
Relax on a sunset river cruise with an on-board cash bar while you're surrounded by the chill country-punk vibes of a live performance by Ohio singer-songwriter, Sam Dell.
Sweet Breeze Specialty: Wine & Cheese Tour
Friday, August 23, 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Book your tickets for date night or group activity. This tour includes a flight of four wine tastings, each paired with a different type of cheese. Try them all and vote for your favorite pairing!
Kickboxing with 9Round
Sunday, August 11, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion
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, August 11, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion
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.
Sunday Heritage Concert Series
Sunday, August 11, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion
The High Freqs will bring their mix of psychedelic folk rock and early 90’s college rock to Riverfront Fort Wayne. The concert is free and open to all ages. Seating inside will be on a first come first served basis.
