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 Philharmonic: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Saturday, September 21, 7:30 p.m.
Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd.
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic will present Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™Live in Concert featuring John Williams’ GRAMMY® Award-winning score performed live to the film. Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. ®All rights reserved. Ticketing is available at FoellingerTheatre.org through Ticketmaster or without the added fees at local box offices; Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, 705 East State Blvd. during regular weekday business hours, or the Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd. starting one hour prior to a show on concert days.
Sweet Breeze Fest
Saturday, September 21, seven 45-minute tours (until sold out)
Sunday, September 22, seven 45-minute tours (until sold out)
Headwaters West Dock, accessed via the Calhoun Street Circle Drive
Once a year Friends of the Rivers and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation offers 45-minute Sweet Breeze tours for just $5 per person. This year there will be seven tours on both September 21 and September 22. 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.
Fall Bonsai Show
Saturday, September 21, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of miniature trees patiently cultivated. The Botanical Conservatory hosts this stunning display of bonsai when members of the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club are available to answer questions about the ancient art form. A selection of beginning bonsai specimen and pots are available for cash-only purchase. Welcome fall while embracing a new art! Show entry included with general admission.
Featuring:
TESLA in concert
Wednesday, September 25, 7:30 p.m.
Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd.
TESLA's bluesy, soulful sound is strongly embedded in the roots of organic and authentic 1970s rock and roll. Their 1986 platinum debut album Mechanical Resonance, included Top 40 hits "Modern Day Cowboy" and "Little Suzi." The band continues to record and release material, including nine new albums since 2000, and recently debuted their new single, "Time To Rock!" Fans will be able to sing along to the group's early 90's classic hits like "Love Song," "Signs," and "What You Give." TESLA is a celebration of the greatest spirits of rock and roll. Most seats are $29, $49 and $59, with limited seating available for $69 and $119. Ticketing is available at FoellingerTheatre.org through Ticketmaster or without the added fees at local box offices; Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, 705 East State Blvd. during regular weekday business hours, or the Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd. starting one hour prior to a show on concert days.
Fall Harvest Festival
Friday, September 27, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 28, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park, 817 West Dupont Road
This is a two-day celebration of the history and culture of the American farm—right in our own backyard. It's fun for all ages and there is no per person admission, however a $5 per vehicle parking fee will be charged at the gate. You can bring the whole family and spend the day at the farm! Try some hands-on activities, visit with farm animals (Valais Blacknose Sheep, Highland Cows (a.k.a. Coos), goats, etc.), take a horse-drawn wagon ride around the park, watch oat and wheat threshing and corn husking using antique farm equipment, check out the historic Salomon Family Homestead and enjoy on-site concessions. Activities for children include barrel train rides, maze and unique games. Saturday-only events include: Antique Tractor Parade at noon, pony rides (for fee), cloggers, Frisbee Dog Show and farmers’ market. Find the full listing at www.FortWayneParks.org.
Confluence Kitchen
Friday, September 27, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, 202 West Superior Street
The focus for this iteration of Confluence Kitchen is the diverse and rich culture, music, and food of Latin America like Venezuela, El Salvador, Columbia and Mexico. The entire family will enjoy Latin Flavors from local food trucks and sugar cane beverages. KelsiCote Banda will perform live music during the event. In addition, guests will be invited to join some interactive percussion sessions. Kids activities and a photo booth will also be available. Learn more at https://riverfrontfw.org/confluence-kitchen-latin-america/. Tickets are $5 per person. Registration deadline: September 26. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available (credit card only).
Active Aging Week
September 28 to October 4
Community Center, 233 West Main Street (unless otherwise noted)
It’s healthy, friendly, competitive fun designed for older adults (age 50 and above). Participants choose up to 16 completely free events such as cornhole, golf, billiards, disc golf, table tennis, Bocce, Wii tournament and more. To sign up, just call 260-427-6460 or stop by the Community Center. Please register at least two days prior to the scheduled event. A full listing of the Tournaments and all activities is in the Fall edition of the Fun Times. You can also find the listing online on page 48 at https://www.fortwayneparks.org/images/stories/funtimes/Fall_2024_web.pdf. Prizes are awarded to top finishers and the first 100 registered participants receive a t-shirt. Active Aging Week is sponsored by Evergreen Village at Fort Wayne, PBS Fort Wayne and Silver Birch.
Sweet Breeze Weekend Tours
Saturday, September 28, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 245 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Sunday, September 29, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 245 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Headwaters West Dock, accessed via the Calhoun Street Circle Drive
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 or 45-minute cruise options. Tickets are $30 per person for a 90-minute cruise 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.
Wild Walkers
Friday, September 27, 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Greenhurst Commons, 1740 North Main Street, Auburn
This adult hiking group meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month for a walk on the wild side. Each hike features a different natural area in the region (parks, wetlands, nature preserve, etc.) and carpooling is available when necessary. Find the full 2024 schedule and carpooling details at this link. https://www.fortwayneparks.org/images/PDF/Lindenwood/2024_Wild_Walkers_Schedule.pdf
Also Happening:
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 24, Meet at 7:00 p.m.
Foster Park, 3902 Old Mill Road (meet near the tennis courts)
The Trek the Trails season wraps up for 2024 with a special 7:00 p.m. start time. Meet for an 7.8 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 and to also bring a front white light and rear red light/reflector. 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
