What’s Happening in the Parks
The week ahead
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The following events and programs are happening the week ahead:
Reminder:
McKinnie Commons Connections
Thursday, July 11, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 28, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
McKinnie Commons, McKinnie Avenue and South Anthony Blvd.
Join Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation on the second Thursday and final Sunday in June and July. The McKinnie Commons Connections events welcome the community to gather for entertainment, food and learning opportunities to foster conversation.
Raise a Glass! $1 Nights
Thursdays, July 4 - 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!
Creative Construction: Lego Building Challenge
Friday, July 12, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Community Center, 233 West Main Street
Watch as 30-plus youth compete in Creative Construction with Legos. In the team challenge, kids ages 5-12 will construct a free-style build with an adult. In the solo challenge, youth ages 9-14 will build an entry with a ‘transportation’ theme. Each team will work with 200 Legos® and have 90 minutes to complete their construction. All projects will be displayed at the Community Center and the public is invited to cast votes for their favorite. Voting is open 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., July 15-18. Votes will be tallied and prizes awarded to the top three teams and individuals, compliments of Hamilton Hunter Builders, Inc. and Martin Riley Architects & Engineers.Thanks to Schmidt-N-Bricks for providing the Legos®.
Bioswale Tour
Friday, July 12, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Auer Lawn, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Learn what a bioswale is and how the Promenade Bioswale benefits the park, including how it infiltrates and filters storm water before it goes into our rivers and other benefits to our area. Superintendent of Landscape and Horticulture Eric Ummel with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will lead this tour for anyone who wants to learn more about how Promenade Park helps protect our rivers and wildlife.
Daylily Show
Saturday, July 13, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Celebrate during the Three Rivers Festival with a visit to the Botanical Conservatory. On the first Saturday, members of the Fort Wayne Daylily Society display a wide range of cheerful Daylilies–one of summer’s most iconic flowers. These experienced gardeners are eager to share tips on growing this durable, delightful plant. Plants are even available for purchase! Regular admission rates apply. Presented by the Fort Wayne Daylily Society.
Kickboxing with 9Round
Sunday, July 14, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
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. No pre-registration is needed.
Yoga on the Riverfront
Sunday, July 14, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
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. No pre-registration is needed.
Sunday Heritage Concert Series
Sunday, July 14, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Saxophonist Quincy Sanders brings the sounds of blues and jazz with touches of a variety of other genres to Riverfront Fort Wayne. The presentation is free and open to all ages. Seating will be on a first come first served basis.
Featuring:
$15 Summer Special Sweet Breeze Tour
Tuesday, July 16, 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. (45 minute tour) and 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. and continuing each Tuesday until August 13
South Dock Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Experience an iconic Sweet Breeze tour for just $15! This limited time opportunity will provide a guided history cruise on the Fort Wayne Rivers. 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.
(Break) Dance Promenade: Street Style
Tuesday, July 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Park Foundation Pavilion, Promenade Park, 202 West Superior Street
Kids, teens and adults are welcome to participate in free breakdancing classes. ICNH is a professional dance crew that focuses on spreading an awareness and love of street dance and its many styles. Crew member Sockie Phommachanh will lead participants in a variety of forms like Krump, Breaking, Popping, Vogue, Hip Hop and many more. Please register by the Tuesday prior to classes online at www.FortWayneParks.org. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available.
Heartland Sings Opera
Wednesday, July 17 and Friday, July 19, 7:00 p.m.
Promenade Park
Heartland Sings is a nonprofit, vocal music production company based in Fort Wayne, IN. Join them at Promenade Park for one or two free shows in July.
JazzWorks!
Saturday, July 20, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Bring lawn chairs to the Conservatory and enjoy one of the best views in town for the Three Rivers Festival fireworks finale. Before dark, groove to the jazz styling of local musicians The West Central Quartet, Phil Schurger and Ty Causey as they perform outdoors on the Conservatory Terrace! Food and beverage will be available for purchase from Mad Anthony Brewing Company; no outside food or beverage is permitted. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Admission: $10 for all ages. Sponsored by: Mad Anthony Brewing Company, 89.1 WBOI and WANE 15.
Iris Show
Sunday, July 21, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Local iris hobbyists return to the Botanical Conservatory for this special occasion where you can purchase rhizomes of favorite varieties. Bring home various colors and types such as Siberian, bearded, crested and more. You will surely enjoy them for years to come in spring and early summer! Regular admission rates apply. Presented by the Northeast Indiana Iris Society.
Also Happening:
Sweet Breeze Tours
Thursday, July 18, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (60 minute tour), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60 minute tour)
Friday, July 19, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.(60 minute tour), 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. (60 minute tour) NEW FRIDAY OPTION
Saturday, July 20, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90-minute tour), 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
Sunday, July 21, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (90 minute tour), 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. (45-minute tour)
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 minute 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. 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.
20th Season of the Salomon Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, July 17, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and continuing each Wednesday until Sept. 4
Salomon Farm Park 817 West Dupont Road
Find fresh produce, baked goods, honey and artisan crafts at this mid-week market as you take in the harmonious sounds of Remember When Duets. Stop by and say hello to the herd members—Mickie and Frankie the Highland Coos, as well as the goats, miniature horse and sheep.
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.
Trek the Trails
Tuesday, July 16, Meet at 6:00 p.m.
Purdue Fort Wayne,2101 East Coliseum Blvd. (park in lot 10, east of the Venderly Family Bridge)
The 2024 Trek the Trails season continues on Tuesday evenings. Meet for a 6.5 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. 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
