What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
Justin Moore and Joe Nichols with special guest Austin Michael
Thursday, June 5, 7:30 p.m., gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd.
Multi-platinum-selling country artists Justin Moore and Joe Nichols will feature a 90-minute set of Moore’s biggest hits, as well as new music, including “Small Town USA,” “Bait A Hook,” and his latest “Time’s Ticking.” Moore recently notched his 13th No. 1 single with "This is My Dirt" and he released his 12-track ‘This is My Dirt’ album featuring Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton and Randy Houser in October.
Nichols will join the tour as direct support, performing his collection of chart-topping hits including “Sunny and 75,” “Brokenheartsville,” “Gimmie That Girl,” “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” and more along with his latest single, “Better Than You,” a duet with rising star Annie Bosko. Nichols is currently on tour supporting the release of his 11th studio album, Honky Tonks and Country Songs. Bleacher seats are just $35. Ticketing is available in person at the Parks and Recreation Department (705 East State Blvd) and via the website: www.foellingertheatre.org.
Electric Riverfront
Friday, June 6, 5:30 – 11:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
It’s an electrifying night of music, dance and high-energy vibes in Promenade Park! The evening kicks off with Los Electro, a dynamic Latin rock band, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. Throughout the evening DJs from O’Sullivan’s “Tronic Thursday” will keep the energy flowing across two stages. But the beats don’t stop there! Experience an epic dance battle, where the best local talent will compete and show their skills. For a more immersive experience, head to the Wells Street Bridge for Silent Disco, where you can jam out and control the soundtrack. For the latest lineup and details, follow the Riverfront Fort Wayne Facebook event page. This event is free to the public and all ages are welcome. Thank you to event partners Fort Underground Coalition, Artisan Productions & Entertainment, and O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub.
Kids’ Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 7, 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. (Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.)
Hurshtown Reservoir, 16000 Rothman Road, Grabill
Foster patience, coordination and an appreciation for nature in kids up to age 16 at the annual Kids’ Fishing Derby. Bring your own tackle, bait and bucket to join this free catch and release derby. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish caught in five age categories as well as an overall biggest catch. Each participant may enter one fish. No fishing license is required for this special event. An adult must accompany all contestants. Awards will be handed out at 11:30 a.m. (must be present to win) There is no charge for the Derby, admission to Hurshtown Reservoir is $5 per car.
Park & Play Mobile Recreation Returns
Monday, June 6 – August 1
Park & Play staff will bring free fun and games for youth ages 5 and up to a variety of Parks with two mobile recreation units. Two morning and two afternoon sessions Monday to Thursday and one session on Fridays will include a selection of sports, games, arts and crafts, fitness, nature and outdoor educational activities.
The schedule includes the following times and locations:
- Mondays & Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Hanna Homestead, Gay & Lewis Streets
- Lakeside Park, 1401 Lake Avenue
- Mondays & Tuesdays, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
- UPDATE: field behind Fairfield Elementary School, 2825 Fairfield Avenue
- Waynedale Park, Koons & Elzey Streets
- Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:00-12:30 p.m.
- Psi Ote Park, Wenonah Lane
- Tillman Park, 600 E. Tillman Road
- Wednesdays & Thursdays, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
- Lions Park, 3299 Carew Street
- Hamilton Park, Spring & Cherokee Streets
- Monday to Friday, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
- Cooper Center, Reservoir Park, 2300 South Clinton
- Funtastic Fridays, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
- Various locations; visit Park & Play link.
Kickboxing with 9Round
Sunday, June 8, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park
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, June 8, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park
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.
Featuring:
Muddy River Concert Series
Wednesday, June 11 and 25, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Enjoy live local music at the Riverfront this summer along with food and beverages from Teds Snack + Bar. Experience a local American Blues Rock Band with Left Lane Cruiser on June 11 and return for high energy party band Night to Remember on June 25.
Foellinger Theatre Community Concert: Fort Wayne Area Community Band
Tuesday, June 10, 7:30 p.m.
Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd.
The much-loved free Community Concerts return to the Foellinger Theatre in June and July. All are welcome to take a seat in the covered outdoor theatre to experience live music on the hillside. On Tuesday, June 10, the Fort Wayne Area Community Band will present “Strike Up the Band” beginning at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available at reasonable rates at the concession stands. The free Community Concerts are sponsored by PBS Fort Wayne. For more information about concerts and events at the Foellinger Theatre, please visit FoellingerTheatre.org.
Trek the Trails
Tuesday, June 10, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Tread the Trails
Thursday, June 12, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Moser Park, 601 West Main Street, New Haven, IN
The 2025 season of Trek the Trails and Tread the Trails continues. Meet on Tuesday for a 7.43-mile bike ride or on Thursday for a one mile or 5K run/walk. 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 presented by the City of Fort Wayne and Fort Wayne Trails and proudly sponsored by Northeastern REMC, UAW Local #2209, VS Engineering and Old Fort Bicycle. Tread the Trails is presented by the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Trails Inc. and The Fort Wayne Running Club. 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.
McKinnie Commons Concert Series
Friday, June 13, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
McKinnie Avenue and South Anthony Blvd.
Kick off the summer at McKinnie Commons with the high-energy hits and feel-good vibes in the heart of the city. Grab your family, your dancing shoes and your lawn chairs for a fun-filled evening of live music and community. Don’t miss this free summer celebration!
Color the Park
Friday, June 13, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Calling all artists! Join us on the riverfront for this interactive chalk art event, where the community is invited to grab some chalk and bring the park to life with color. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just want to doodle for fun, everyone is welcome to take part in transforming the walkways into a masterpiece. As you create, enjoy live music
and grab your favorite snack and beverage from Teds Snack and Bar! This event is free and open to all ages.
Sweet Breeze Specialty: Bird Watching Tour
Saturday, June 14, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Promenade Park South Dock
Join members of Three Rivers Birding for a two-hour birding excursion on the three rivers! Light refreshments will be provided. Don’t forget your binoculars and cameras. This Sweet Breeze specialty tour is $34 per person. Reservations can be made online (until midnight on day prior to tour) at https://www.fortwayneparks.org/parks/riverfront/sweetbreeze.html 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 the options.
Father’s Day in the Garden
Saturday, June 14, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 15, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Treat Dad, Granddad and Father Figures to a special outing at the Botanical Conservatory where they get in free on Father’s Day weekend. Make it a family outing with live butterflies and beautiful garden displays. The first 300 Fathers to visit receive a free plant! For an extra special treat on Sunday from 12:00-3:00 p.m., enjoy live music from the G-Money Band and lawn games, too. Also enjoy tasty brews and delectables for purchase from Hop River Brewing Company & The Spicy Bird. Sponsored by 96.3 XKE.
Also Happening:
City Pools are Open for the Season
Daily, 12:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Bob Arnold Northside Park Pool, East State Blvd. and Parnell Avenue
McMillen Park Pool, Oxford Street, East of Anthony Blvd.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will open Northside and McMillen Pools for the season on Saturday, May 31. Public swim hours will be 12:30-5:00 p.m. A free swim for youth with disabilities will be held weekly on Sundays, from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. at Northside Pool. For information about special swim programs, lessons, punch cards, season passes and pool/pavilion rentals, visit www.FortWayneParks.org.
Color in Motion: Live Butterfly Exhibit!
Until June 22, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Live butterflies have landed at the Botanical Conservatory bringing with them an array of natural beauty and wonder. Watch in awe, their wings in flight, as they flash with color pigments and refracted light. Observe exotic butterflies emerging from their chrysalides right before your eyes! An epic display of multicolored flowers and foliage elevates this annual spring exhibit. Sponsored by: the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, “In memory of Jo Ann and William Wyatt,” 21Alive and 97.3 WMEE.
Sweet Breeze Tours
Saturday, June 7, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. (90-minute), 5:45 – 6:30 p.m. (45-minute)
Sunday, June 8, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (90-minute), 3:45 – 4:30 p.m. (45-minute)
*Tuesday, June 10, 6:00 – 6:45 p.m. (45-minute), 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. (45-minute)
Thursday, June 12, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (60-minute), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60-minute)
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 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. *Tuesday, June 10, features a special $15 per person rate for a 45-minute tour. 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 the options.
Registration for the Fort Wayne Senior Games continues
Register by Friday, May 30, for best rates, otherwise can register two days in advance of event
FWPR Community Center, 233 West Main Street
Since 1979, the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center has hosted the annual Senior Games. The popular event has expanded over the past 46 years. It offers over 40 fun and challenging sports and game events for men and women age 50 and above. The games promote the benefits of remaining active and physically fit and encourage all older adults to adopt a healthy, enjoyable lifestyle. Events are planned June 2 until July 2. Registrations after May 30 are $2 per event. Fort Wayne Senior Games event registrations are also accepted up to two business days prior to the event. Download the entry form on www.FortWayneParks.org, or stop by the Community Center to pick it up. Follow the instructions and join the fun.
Salomon Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays, 4:00-7:00 p.m. and continuing each Wednesday until September 3
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 newest members of the herd—Lucky and London the Valais Blacknose Sheep or Mickie and Frankie the Highland Coos as well as the goats, a miniature horse and more.
Grace Yencer: Gentle Turning
Until June 22
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Grace Yencer has been creating art for as long as she can remember, inspired by a childhood dream of becoming an artist or art teacher. Yencer’s love for snail mail sparked an early career in greeting cards, but she soon shifted focus to art as self-expression. With roots in the Midwest, her style reflects both a sense of nostalgia and a playful exploration of the world around her, making her pieces as heartfelt as they are visually engaging. Her work invites you to pause, look closer and maybe catch a hint of sorrow in the details. “To create one’s world takes courage,” Georgia O’Keeffe.
