What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
Lakeside Rose Gardens Tour
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Lakeside Park, 1401 Lake Avenue
Tour the Rose Gardens at Lakeside Park with the Head Gardener and learn how each rose variety grows uniquely. Discover how staff care for the roses, identify common pests and diseases, and explore tips on fertilizing, pruning and winter protection. Ask questions, see the new roses and signage, and enjoy a walk through all the Rose Gardens. No registration is required.
Featuring:
Something Blue
June 28 – November 16, public hours
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Something old, something new, something borrowed… and Something Blue! Bask in the romance of summer and autumn at the Botanical Conservatory where dramatic plantings, a grand fountain and enchanting scenes await nearlyweds bustling for ‘something blue.’ You cannot help but notice the fairytale of blue beauty in full bloom. This formal landscape is a lovely backdrop for your heartfelt memories, old or new, this year. Sponsored by the Fort Wayne Park Foundation, English Bonter Mitchell Foundation and Majic 95.1.
Summer Artisan Market
Sunday, June 29, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Celebrate all things summer at the Botanical Conservatory’s Summer Artisan Market. On the last Sunday in June, discover your new favorite artisan where local artists, crafters and unique vendors will be featured in the outdoor Terrace Garden. Also find great gifts available for purchase, no special occasion required! Bring your outing to the next level when taking time to visit the gardens including the … Something Blue! showcase exhibit as a picturesque landscape in full summer blu-oom. All this and more included with regular admission. Presented by the Conservatory Shop.
Foellinger Theatre: Tommy James & the Shondells
Saturday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m.
Foellinger Theatre, 3411 Sherman Blvd.
Join Tommy James and The Shondells on a thrilling ride through Tommy’s career, featuring timeless classics like "Mony Mony," "I Think We're Alone Now," "Crimson and Clover," "Crystal Blue Persuasion," "Hanky Panky," and more. Having sold over 100 million record-breaking singles and platinum albums in his career, Tommy's music has shaped the sound of an era. Groove to the group's iconic tunes as Tommy continues to captivate audiences with his new album, ALIVE. Don't miss Tommy and the band perform live and celebrate over 50 years of incredible music! Tickets start at $25 and will be available online via www.FoellingerTheatre.org or in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, 705 East State Blvd.
Concert in the Woods: The Ragtag Bunch
Saturday, June 28, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Lindenwood Nature Preserve, 600 Lindenwood Avenue
Enjoy free snacks, drinks and live acoustic music in the woods! The band will perform in the campfire circle under the shade of tall oak and hickory trees. Picnic table seating is limited, so bring your lawn chair or blanket. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
Trek the Trails
Tuesday, June 24, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Tread the Trails
Thursday, June 26, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Turnstone, 3320 North Clinton Street, in front of Plassman Athletic Center
The 2025 season of Trek the Trails and Tread the Trails continues. Meet on Tuesday for a bike ride between 7 – 9 miles in length 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.
Free Bicycle Safety Training
As our community continues to develop a bicycling culture, the City of Fort Wayne invites elementary-aged students to attend one of four FREE bicycle safety workshops that will teach young bicyclists the essentials for a safe, enjoyable biking experience. The Fort Wayne Police Department Bike Patrol will discuss bike safety basics. Trek Fort Wayne will show students how to properly fit their equipment, including their bike and helmet, and will demonstrate general maintenance techniques like pumping up a tire, adjusting brakes, and more.
Students are asked to bring their bikes and their helmets. For those who don’t have a bike, there will be a limited number of bikes to practice on, compliments of Pedals of Hope. While supplies last, the Indiana Department of Transportation will provide free bike helmets. After the workshop, there will be a 1-mile guided ride for students to practice what they’ve learned. Please call 260-427-6002 for additional information.
The following sessions below will provide the same safety training and are open to all elementary-aged students:
- June 25, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.: McMillen Park Community Center – Meet in the east parking lot behind the Community Center
- July 21, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Franke Park – Meet in the north parking lot by the BMX and mountain biking trails
- July 23, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Shoaff Park – Meet at the Conklin Pavilion parking lot
Sweet Breeze Specialty Tour: Princess Party
Saturday, June 28, 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Choose one of two tour times and ride Sweet Breeze with the Island Princess then spend the other hour making a fun craft on the dock! Dressing up is encouraged! The 45-minute tours depart at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.). Admission is $22 per person. Age two and under are admitted free.
Also Happening:
Sweet Breeze Tours
Saturday, June 21, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (90-minute), 6:45 – 7:30 p.m. (45-minute)
Sunday, June 22, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (90-minute), 3:45 – 4:30 p.m. (45-minute)
*Monday, June 23, 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. (45-minute), 3:00-3:45 p.m. (45-minute)
Thursday, June 26, 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. *Monday, June 23, 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.
Color the Park
Fridays, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and continuing each Friday until July 25
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 music and grab your favorite snack and beverage from Teds Snack and Bar! This event is free and open to all ages.
Final full week for the Fort Wayne Senior Games
FWPR Community Center, 233 West Main Street and other locations
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.
Park & Play Mobile Recreation Returns
Monday to Thursday until 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.
