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 Parks and Recreation Offices closed for Labor Day
Offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, in recognition of Labor Day. Park offices will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, September 3.
Featuring:
$15 Summer Special Sweet Breeze Tour
Tuesday, September 3, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. (45 minute tour) and 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
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.
Sheep Meet & Greet
Saturday, September 7, 30-minute sessions between 9:00 a.m.-1:40 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
Be among the first to interact with London and Lucky, Salomon Farm’s recent additions to the herd. Each private session will include 30 minutes of exclusive interaction with the two lambs for up to four people. Pet, feed and take pictures of your visit with your cell phone. Following your session, each person in your party will receive a delicious custom Blacknose Sheep cupcake from Sassie Cakes. Reservations may be made online at www.FortWayneParks.org, through the Fort Wayne Parks App or by calling 260-427-6000.
Kickboxing with 9Round
Sunday, September 8, 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, September 8, 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, September 8, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion
The Summit City Singers will bring their harmonies to Riverfront Fort Wayne. The concert is free and open to all ages. Seating inside will be on a first come first served basis.
Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown
Sunday, September 8, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Stop by Promenade Park (202 West Superior Street), the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory (1100 South Calhoun Street) and the Old Fort (1201 Spy Run Avenue) for free fun activities during Visit Fort Wayne’s annual day to explore your hometown. Find a listing of all activities at https://www.visitfortwayne.com/events/be-a-tourist/
Also Happening:
Sweet Breeze Tours
Saturday, September 7, 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour), 3:45 – 5:15 p.m. (90-minute tour)
Sunday, Sept. 8, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 2:45 p.m. – 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, 60 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.
Final Salomon Farmers’ Market for the season
Wednesday, September 4, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park 817 West Dupont Road
Find fresh produce, baked goods, honey and artisan crafts at this mid-week market. Live music from Remember When Duets will provide a celebratory atmosphere. Stop by and say hello to the herd members—Mickie and Frankie the Highland Coos, London and Lucky the Valais Blacknose Sheep as well as the goats and miniature horse.
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!
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 dalia and $1 per other stem. Follow the signs and look for the “red barn” trailer for supplies and checkout.
Trek the Trails
Tuesday, September 3, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Rockhill Park, 1500 Catalpa Street
The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet for an 8.7 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, September 5, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Rockhill Park, 1500 Catalpa Street
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
