What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Featuring:
Holiday Showcase Exhibit: Gnome for the Holidays
November 23 – January 5, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
There’s no place like Gnome for the holidays. This year, the Botanical Conservatory’s seasonal exhibit celebrates the festive culture of holiday homecoming with a whimsical twist. Imaginative displays will warm the hearts of visitors and offer themed opportunities to capture treasured family photos. Cozy accents will tie together a heartfelt display featuring a mythical poinsettia tree along with large fresh cut evergreens and playful touches. Gnome is where the garden is this holiday season. Sponsored by: Air Xray, PNC Charitable Trusts, English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Wilson Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, PBS Fort Wayne and Majic 95.1.
Headwaters Ice Rink
Opens on November 23, 12:00 p.m., weather permitting
Headwaters Park, 333 South Clinton Street
Riverfront Fort Wayne announces plans to open Headwaters Ice Rink for the season at noon on Saturday, November 23. The Saturday before Thanksgiving is the traditional opening day since the rink opened in 2003, however opening and operating is dependent on the weather conditions. Following opening day, the rink will be open Monday to Sunday through *January 6. The regular hours of operation will be 4:00-9:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 12:00-9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission will be $6 for skaters age three and above, free for age two and below. Skate rental will be $3. An array of special programming is planned at Headwaters Ice Rink for the 2024-2025 season starting in December with themes like 80’s Night, Skate it Off (Taylor’s version) and Holiday Cheer followed by fresh themes in January and February, skating demonstrations and a meet and greet with a very special guest character. Thanks to a donation by Marcia Crawford and Grant Crawford, reduced admission skating and skate rental opportunities will be available in January and February to celebrate the memory and community service of Dr. John Crawford, a physician and radiation oncologist and 20-year member of the Fort Wayne City Council. Discover all of the details in the Winter edition of the Fun Times Activity Guide. For the latest parking map, please go to www.fortwayneparks.org and search Headwaters Park. Ten-punch skating passes will be available to purchase at the rink, located at 333 South Clinton Street in downtown Fort Wayne, during normal operation hours.
*After January 6, the rink will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The rink will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Additional or extended hours will be announced throughout the season. Stay up to date on Facebook pages for @HeadwatersParkFW and @FortWayneParks. Headwaters Ice Rink sponsored by: WANE 15, Loud 103.3 and Hot 107.9.
Unity Lighting
Monday, November 25, 5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
McKinnie Commons, 1815 McKinnie Avenue
Kick off the holiday season with friends & neighbors. Presented in partnership with the Greater Fort Wayne National Pan Hellenic Council, the Unity Lighting also includes live music, giveaways (while supplies last) and community speakers at one of Fort Wayne’s newest parks. 2024 marks the second year to showcase the Unity light display featuring themes of Love, Harmony, Peace and Love. Music begins at 5:30 p.m.
Santa’s Workshop
Wednesday, November 27, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 West Main Street
Start your downtown celebration at the Community Center with free holiday activities for kids, such as crafts, milk and cookies and holiday shopping. Kids can meet Buddy, one of Santa’s oversized helpers and shop for inexpensive holiday gifts for $7 or less at the North Pole Stop-n-Shop. Donate a new or gently-used stuffed bear to enter a drawing to win a giant bear. The outdoor lighting ceremony will be held at 6:10 p.m. Admission is free.
$1 Night Light Display
Wednesday, November 27, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day
Thursdays & Fridays, November 29-December 20, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
The gardens in light are best seen at night! Find yourself surrounded by festive greenery, stunning poinsettias and enchanted scenery as part of illuminated photo ops at the Botanical Conservatory. Cross gift buying off your list after stopping into the Conservatory Shop where there is a unique selection of thoughtful gifts. Kick-off your holidays with a stroll through gardens glistening and glowing on the $1 Night before Thanksgiving. Then come again to the $1 Night Light Display every Thursday and Friday evening from Black Friday leading up to Christmas. Civic Center Garage parking is validated for free.
$1 Night Light Displays In November:
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Wednesday, Nov. 27 |
5:00-8:00 p.m. |
In conjunction with Downtown Fort Wayne Night of Lights, Conjure Coffee will be open. |
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Friday, Nov. 29 |
5:00-8:00 p.m. |
In the spirit of the season, the Botanical Conservatory welcomes Tom Didier and Todd Frymier who are in the holiday mood and singin’ with style! Find Those 2 Guys in Suits & Ties inside the “Gnome for the Holidays” exhibit from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Standing room only. |
Wassail Celebration
Sunday, December 1, 4:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Jennings Recreation Center, 1330 McCulloch Street
Wassailing is an ancient custom that involves toasting to good health. Stop by for this unique community program filled with performances reminiscent of Wassail’s past and refreshments such as cookies and a traditional nonalcoholic Wassail punch. 2024 will be the 71st year for the Wassail event. The celebration is free and open to the public.
Also Happening:
Holly Shopping at the Conservatory
Saturday, November 30, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
On this Day of Holly Shopping, locally owned and operated shops celebrate small businesses throughout downtown Fort Wayne, the West Main Shops and Wells Street Corridor. This includes the Conservatory Shop in partnership with Downtown Fort Wayne! Meet your holiday shopping needs in the Botanical Conservatory’s own “Artisan Village” consisting of local artisans, crafters and unique vendors. In addition, Cozmé Jewelry is hosting a pop-up shopping experience. Conservatory admission is not required to shop.
Ben Klinger: Down on Main Street
November 23 – January 5, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
As a Fort Wayne native, Ben Klinger has always been drawn to bold fonts, neon signs and historic architecture. Ben is a visual artist whose preferred mediums include ink and acrylic paints. He enjoys paying homage to his hometown and the Hoosier state with bright colors and bold lines. “I can remember, as a child begin fascinated by painted ghost signs, old neon and the old buildings from my neighborhood. I grew up a few blocks from the Rialto and the sign out front just called my name. I love creating art with the hope of sparking the same nostalgia for others.”
