What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
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).
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.
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.
Free Family Fishing Day
Saturday, September 28, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Promenade Park South Dock, 202 West Superior Street
Take advantage of Indiana DNR’s Free Fishing Days at Promenade Park! Fishing poles and lessons on fishing for the whole family will be provided on the South Dock. Drop a line and stay awhile. No experience is needed. All fishing equipment provided on a first come, first served basis.
Featuring:
Botanical Brew
Friday, October 4, 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Join your friends downtown to celebrate all things brewed! During Botanical Brew, partake from a variety of local and regional brews….coffee, tea, beer, wine cider and mead. Stay awhile, relax, enjoy performers, local food, regional artisans and the Raise a Glass! showcase exhibit. Both drinks by the glass and packaged beverage are available to purchase. Admission is /$10 per person. Sponsored by WANE 15 and WBOI.
Dinner in the Flower Garden
Saturday, October 5, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Salomon Farm, 817 West Dupont Road
Treat yourself to a beautiful experience in the flower fields at Salomon Farm Park. Dine amongst the blooms while enjoying a farm focused dinner. In partnership with Mad Anthony, you will enjoy a four-course meal, adult beverage, soft music, flowers and interesting conversation. After dinner, pick a bouquet of flowers to take home (Mason jars will be provided.) This event is designed for ages 21+. Reservation deadline: September 28. No refunds for cancellations.
Sweet Breeze Specialty: Architecture Tour
Saturday, October 5, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (90-minute tour)
Promenade Park South Dock, 202 West Superior Street
Discover the architecture of Fort Wayne, from historical buildings to modern development and meet one of the architects behind the Riverfront project from David Rubin Land Collective. Tickets are $35 per person. 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.
Pumpkin Path Display
October 1-27, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
A local favorite, this scenic outdoor display returns to the Botanical Conservatory. Enjoy the spirit of the season while taking part in an autumn activity and posing for festive photo ops adorned with fall foliage and naturally harvested decor. Share @BConservatoryFW a new favorite memory as part of your visit! Included with regular Conservatory admission. Sponsored by Majic 95.1 WAJI.
Bonus Sunday Heritage Concert Series: American Legion Band
Sunday, October 6, 2:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
The American Legion Band will bring an “Octoberfest” concert to Riverfront Fort Wayne. The performance is free and open to all ages. Seating inside will be on a first come first served basis.
Reduced Daily Fees at Fort Wayne Parks Golf Course
Beginning Monday, September 30
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department provides a family-friendly golf atmospheres at three public golf courses and two driving ranges: Foster Park Golf Course located at Rudisill Blvd. and Old Mill Road, Shoaff Park Golf Course, 6401 St. Joe Road and McMillen Park Golf Complex located at Oxford Street at Hessen Cassel. Save from $1 to $6 on daily fees for nine or 18 holes, depending on course and day of the week. Contact the golf course clubhouse to reserve tee times, make league reservations or arrange tournaments or outings. For more information visit https://www.fortwayneparks.org/golf-courses/golf-course-links.html.
Also Happening:
Sweet Breeze Weekend Tours
Saturday, October 5, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Sunday, October 6, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 245 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Promenade Park South Dock, 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 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.
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.
