Experience Fort Wayne's Arts Community

As Indiana’s second largest city, Fort Wayne offers countless opportunities to explore and enjoy the arts. From our professional ballet, philharmonic, and theatre companies, to our numerous galleries, exhibits and concerts, we want to add color and vibrancy to your visit.

To discover the special events, performances and exhibits taking place during your visit, be sure to visit our Calendar of Events.

Art

Art enthusiasts will want to start their trip at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. FWMoA is located in the heart of our arts district, and features American and related art from the 19th century to today.

While in town, check out our many other art galleries and smaller museums, and be sure to enjoy a self-guided tour of our rich (and growing!) public art and mural collection.

Visual art enthusiasts will also enjoy learning more about Fort Wayne’s rich architecture.

Main Street Arts Campus

Fort Wayne's Arts Campus offers you a chance to participate in, and enjoy all the facets of the arts in one location. Within one block, you can enjoy theatre, dance, fine art, music, festivals and more. A stroll down Main Street is a chance to savor and celebrate the arts! View map.

The Arts United Center is only one of the cornerstones to our vibrant arts community. Our classic and modern architecture and public art are available to everyone as self guided tours. Fort Wayne is also home to over three dozen art galleries and boutiques, full of unique treasures!

Things To Do

While you are visiting Fort Wayne, be sure to explore some of the many arts offerings that are available to visitors year-round:

Art Lovers Itinerary

Take a weekend to experience great art, entertainment, and food in Fort Wayne.

Friday

On Friday night, check out the Southwest part of Fort Wayne. Listen to a free Friday Nites Live Concert from June through early September beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Jefferson Pointe or catch a movie at nearby Carmike Cinema. Grab some chocolate at local favorite DeBrand's and squeeze in some shopping at Fort Wayne's own Vera Bradley store. For dinner, try Eddie Merlot's at Jefferson Pointe. 

Down the street at Covington Plaza, locals love Indian at Taj Mahal. And located downtown, try Paula's on MainShigs in Pit, or JK O'Donnell's.

Saturday

Saturday begins by exploring the downtown Farmers Market. Over 60 vendors at the market will have great produce and baked goods, with many organically grown, gluten-free, sugar-free, vegetarian, and vegan items. 

Next it's time for the main event-the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. The museum has a great collection of art and special exhibitions. If you are a member of another museum, be sure to check to see if you have reciprocal membership in Fort Wayne. When it's time for a break, many great lunch locations are nearby. Downtown favorites include the traditional Cindy's Diner, Coney Island, and Don Hall's Old Gas House alongside hipper spots Dash-In, or 816 Pint & Slice.

After lunch, check out more local art, head over to Orchard Gallery and Artlink. If you're ready for something different, stop by the Fort Wayne Botanical Conservatory to see beautiful plants and flowers.

On Saturday night, you can hear a free concert at Rock the Plaza at the Allen County Public Library through the end of August. Watch a TinCaps game at Parkview Field or see an independent, foreign, documentary, classic, or specialty film at Cinema Center.

Depending on the weekend, you might be able to take part in a great area festival! And for dinner, sample cool jazz and commodious cocktails at Club Soda, or sample a great beer selection at Mad Anthony Brewing Company. Farm-to-Fork enthusiasts will enjoy our newest offerings at Tolon and Proximo.

Sunday

After a good night's sleep, get up early Sunday morning to walk around on nearby trails. If you can't bring your bike, Fort Wayne Outfitters offers bike, kayak, and canoe rentals.

Be sure to check our hotel package for great hotel deals.

Architecture

History Center Exterior

To experience all of this great design history in Fort Wayne, you can visit the Main Street Arts Campus. While there, tour the renowned Louis Kahn theatre, and take in the Louis Kahn exhibit featuring blueprints and more at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art next door. Or, visit the beautiful architecture of the beaux art style Allen County Courthouse, the Concordia Seminary (a Saarinen-designed campus) and much more!

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