What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
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 www.FortWayneParks.org.
Botanical ROOTS Music Fest
Friday, August 2, 5:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 3, 5:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
The immersive weekend of vibrant music and natural beauty that is the Botanical ROOTS Music Fest returns to the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory on August 2 and 3, from 5:00 – 11:00 p.m. Presented by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, Mad Anthony Brewing Company, Fort Wayne Metals, 96.3 XKE and Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation, this eagerly anticipated event promises to be a celebration of diverse musical talents against the backdrop of the Conservatory's stunning botanical displays.
Kicking off the festival on Friday, August 2, Grammy award winner Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band will take the stage, bringing their infectious blend of zydeco and Cajun rhythms to captivate audiences. Joining them is regional Reggae sensation Zion Lion, promising to transport listeners to the sunny shores of the Caribbean with their irresistible grooves. Supporting acts for the evening include the dynamic local talents Unlikely Alibi and Sankofa with DJ MSG.
On Saturday, August 3, the festivities continue with a stellar lineup headlined by three-time Grammy Nominee John Primer & the Real Deal Blues Band, renowned for their electrifying performances that pay homage to the rich traditions of blues music. Also gracing the stage is Aliah Sheffield, whose viral hit "Earth is Ghetto" has captured the hearts of millions with its powerful message and soulful delivery. Local acts Phil Schurger's Sungate and Swell Time will round out the lineup, showcasing the diverse musical talent thriving in the Fort Wayne community.
Tickets for the Botanical ROOTS Music Fest are priced at $15 for single-day admission or $25 for two-day passes, offering attendees the opportunity to experience both days of musical excellence at a discounted rate. Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/rootsfest.
Rocking the 80’s: Great White, Slaughter, Vixen
Friday, August 2, 7:30 p.m.
Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd.
Honeywell Arts & Entertainment presents Rockin’ the 80’s featuring your favorite multi-platinum selling acts Great White, Slaughter and Vixen. The bands deliver non-stop hits and high-energy performances for the ultimate rock experience! Get ready to rock with Great White’s “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” to Slaughter’s “Up All Night” and Vixen’s “Edge of a Broken Heart. Experience three bands performing all their hits. Don’t miss this nostalgic journey through the best of the 80’s hard rock! For ticketing information, visit www.FoellingerTheatre.org.
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.
Featuring:
Muddy River Concert Series
Wednesday, August 7, and 21, 6:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Enjoy live local music on the Riverfront from Rachel Brooke, along with food and drink to purchase from Teds snack + bar at the Promenade Park Café.
Country Music Award Recipient Lee Brice Live in Concert
Thursday, August 8, 7:30 p.m.
Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd.
When Curb Records recording artist, Lee Brice, isn't selling out arenas, writing and recording songs, or building new brands like American Born whiskey, you'll find the family man with his wife Sara, two young boys, and daughter. He has reached the #1 spot at Country Radio with Platinum-selling “Memory I Don’t Mess With,” which consecutively follows three prior #1 songs: ASCAP’s 2021 Country Song of the Year and three time Platinum track “One of Them Girls,” “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Carly Pearce, and the four time Platinum hit “Rumor,” which was nominated in the category Single of The Year at the 55th Annual ACM Awards. One of the most-played country artists of all time on Pandora, he was the second country artist behind Keith Urban to receive the Pandora Billionaire plaque. For ticketing information, visit www.FoellingerTheatre.org.
Sweet Breeze Specialty: River Ecology Trivia Tour
Saturday, August 10, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (90-minute tour)
South Dock Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Learn all about the ecology of rivers, then test your knowledge in a fun game of trivia, hosted by Betsy Yankowiak of the Anthony Wayne Scout Reserve.
Kickboxing with 9Round
Sunday, August 11, 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.
Yoga on the Riverfront
Sunday, August 11, 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.
Sunday Heritage Concert Series
Sunday, August 11, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
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.
Also Happening:
Sweet Breeze Tours
Friday, Aug. 9, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (60-minute tour), 7:15 – 8:15p.m. (60-minute tour)
Saturday, Aug. 10, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Sunday, Aug. 11, 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.
$15 Summer Special Sweet Breeze Tour
Tuesday, August 5, 6, 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.
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, August 6, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Moser Park, 601 West Main Street, New Haven
The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet for a 7.5 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, August 8, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Moser Park, 601 West Main Street, New Haven
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
