Every once in a while, ladies need a Girl’s Night Out. We get it! Here are a few great Fort Wayne Girls Night (or Day) Out ideas for you to try.

Outdoor Adventure!

Wanting to ditch the typical spa and shopping day for something a little healthier?  Hit the Fort Wayne Trails and take in the scenery while catching up on the latest girlfriend gossip.  As the weather gets warmer, rent a canoe and enjoy the rivers Fort Wayne is famous for.  Finish up the day with a bite to eat and a cool beverage on the Deck at Don Hall’s Gashouse on the river.

50 Shades of Theatre?

Were you one of the 70 million readers who read 50 Shades of Grey?  If so, you’ll want to check out Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody on June 11 at The Embassy Theatre in downtown Fort Wayne. (You can even win tickets!) The producers promise a “naughty and hilarious” night out and they guarantee you’ll be laughing out loud.  Stop by the Oyster Bar on Calhoun Street for dinner and martinis at Club Soda on Superior after the show.

Spa time!

There’s nothing like relaxing and enjoying a little pampering with your BFFs.  Set appointments at Woodhouse Day Spa to experience a day of pampering.  Enjoy hot stone massages, facials, pedicures, and much more.  Call their Spa Concierge to schedule your visit today.

Wine!

“The Chop’s Pour” in what locals know to be one of the best glasses of wine you’ll find in Fort Wayne. Known for its large glass of wine and their exceptional selection, Chops Wine Bar will give you that big city feel without having to leave town.  Enjoy their smaller portion menu in the bar or make reservations for dinner at Chop’s Restaurant next door.  You’re assured to have a good time.

Shopping!

With two large malls and lots of independent local stores in Fort Wayne, you’re sure to enjoy a great day of shopping with your girlfriends.  Whether you’re enjoying the outdoor shopping experience at Jefferson Pointe Mall or the comfortable indoors of the stores at Glenbrook Mall you’re sure come across those must have items.  Want  to shop local?  Spend a day exploring local stores including Creative Women of the World on Wayne St, Hyde Brothers Bookstore on Wells, or Jophiel, and the Olive Twist both located in Covington Plaza on Jefferson Blvd.

Desserts!

We love our sweets in Fort Wayne.  Why not plan a girls night out sampling some of the best sweets in town? After all, nothing goes with girl talk like a little chocolate.  Consider indulging in DeBrand’s chocolate at one of their beautiful stores.  Locals love the sundaes in chocolate cups made right there at DeBrands.  Stop by Richards Bakery or Yummee’s for some delicious cupcakes too.   Looking for something a little less sinful?  Check out the gluten free baked goodies at Pembroke Bakery.

Have a great time – and let us know of any other treats that you and your girlfriends enjoy!

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This post is part of a series highlighting the Your Story. Made Here. videos recently produced by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. These videos share the stories of Northeast Indiana, and our many strengths. Click here to view the rest of the series.

The crack of a bat, the cheering crowd, the taste of a ballpark hotdog and an ice-cold beer, it’s all waiting for you!

Locals love Parkview Field because it’s about so much more than baseball. The addition of Parkview Field to the downtown landscape generated a sense of community. Cheering on the TinCaps to their numerous victories has brought a sense of pride and togetherness to the community. The success of the community collaboration that brought Parkview Field to downtown Fort Wayne has continued through such events as Taste of the Arts and Buskerfest.

Opportunities to meet up with friends, network, or simply relax on the lawn are endless.  Whether you’re a young fan or a seasoned armchair pitcher there’s plenty to enjoy at Parkview Field. Young professionals are drawn to Thirsty Thursdays to network with peers, meet up with friends, and enjoy dollar beer night. Fireworks nights are great for a casual yet romantic date night or for families who enjoy looking up at the stars. Suites are available for those looking to entertain large groups or host business colleagues. The Homerun Porch and the Picnic Pavilion make great places to bring your employees for a fun activity away from the office.

3 Rivers Federal Credit Union Employees enjoying a night off with Johnny TinCap at Parkview Field

Be on the lookout for “theme nights” at the ballpark as well. Love getting dressed up for Halloween? Why not celebrate on May 10 with “Halfway to Halloween” night at Parkview Field. Several “Decade Celebrations” are planned for the 2013 season with nights honoring every decade from the 50’s-90’s. There’s even “Star Wars Night” for you to sport your Darth Vader costume and a “Social Media Night” to give you an excuse to be on your smart phone throughout the game.

Great minor league sports aren’t limited to downtown Fort Wayne. Experience the Mad Ants Basketball, Komets Hockey, and the Derby Girls at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.  There’s something for every sports fan throughout the year.

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Here in Fort Wayne, we love to host a party! Many of those parties take place in the form of festivals. where we celebrate our heritage, our love of certain foods, our traditions, and our community all summer long.  Here’s a list of the great festivals you won’t want to miss this year.

June

Germanfest                            June 2-9                                 Headwaters Park

www.germanfest.org

Locals know that Germanfest kicks off “festival season” in Fort Wayne.  Everyone looks forward to the food, the entertainment, and beverages, and the fun.  It’s what German’s call “Essen, Trinken, und Gemutlichkeit,” or what we here in America call “Eating, Drinking, and having a really good time”.  Not German?  They don’t mind.  Just come on in and join the party.  Admission is $2 from 2-5 p.m. and $5 after 5 p.m. Military personnel with I.D. admitted free of charge.

Ribfest                                    June 13-16                            Headwaters Park

www.bbqribfest.com

Don’t think of Fort Wayne when you think of barbecue   Join us for Ribfest in June and we’ll change your mind.  Bring a hardy appetite and comfortable shoes (you could be in line a while for the good stuff) and see what it’s all about.  Ribfest wraps up on Father’s Day so why not take Dad, which makes it the perfect family day out.  In addition to the ribs they’ll have live rockin’ blues, a little bit of jazz, and a little bit of country music a the main stage.  They call it “the biggest piggin’ out in the park party” for a reason.  Admission is free daily until 5:30 p.m.  After 5:30 admission for adults is $8, $6 for seniors, and $4 for students, military members, fire, and police with proper I.D.

Riverfest                                 June 22                                  IPFW Campus

www.ipfwriverfest.org

At Riverfest we celebrate one of Fort Wayne’s most prominent resources, our Rivers.  A day for families and fun is on tap for anyone who wants to join the party.  If you love sports, art, live music, food, and nature you’ll love this festival that takes place on the IPFW Campus.  Go for a boat ride on the river, participate in the volleyball tournament, or participate in the Riverfest Mud Run 5K.  At the end of the day sit under the stars and enjoy one of the city’s best fireworks displays.  Admission is free.  The festivities start at 9 a.m. and last until midnight.

Buskerfest                              June 29                                  Downtown Fort Wayne

www.downtownfortwayne.com

The art and celebration of the street performer comes alive in downtown Fort Wayne each year at Buskerfest.  Join us for this unique festival in the streets of downtown Fort Wayne.  Whether you’re interested in live music, fire breathers, sword swallowers, snake charmers, poets, magicians, or caricature artists you’ll find something that appeals to you.  Buskerfest promises to give you and your family a festival experience like no other in the area.  Admission to this event is free.

July

Three Rivers Festival            July 12-20                              Headwaters Park

www.threerviersfestival.org

Welcome to Fort Wayne’s biggest summer party! The Three Rivers Festival is a Fort Wayne classic event.  Don’t miss the parade, bed races, concerts, crafters market, river games, or waiter-waitress contest.  This 8 day festival wraps up with the city’s largest fireworks display on Saturday night.  Join in the fun throughout the week.  Admission varies based on the events of the day/evening so be sure to check their website for up to date information.

Pridefest                                July 26-27                              Headwaters Park

www.fwpride.org

Pridefest is not only a celebration of our community but also a celebration of LGBT members of our community.  Celebrate with us in Headwaters Park for two full days of fun and entertainment.  The party starts off with a parade at 11:30 on Saturday celebrating diversity in our great city.  You’ll find family fun in KidSpace, a Cornhole Tournament that includes cash prizes, LGBT friendly businesses, retailers and food concessions.  Various workshops will take place on Saturday also.  Check their website for a complete list of topics and times.  Friday night admission is $3 and Saturday admission is $5.  Kids 12 and under are free both days.

September

Country Fest                          September 21                                   Parkview Field

www.k105fm.com

If you’re a fan of country music, make plans to join us at Country Fest 2013.  It’s a full day of music, food, and fun.  2012 performers included Montgomery Gentry, Lee Brice, and Colt Ford.  While this year’s line up hasn’t been announced yet, we are sure they’re booking acts you won’t want to miss.  Be sure to check their website for tickets as last year’s event sold out.

Johnny Appleseed Festival   September 21-22                 Johnny Appleseed Park

www.johnnyappleseedfest.com

In the pioneer spirit of John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, Fort Wayne celebrates his colorful life spent right here.  He’s known to have plated orchards in Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas in the latter part of his life.  In fact, his gravesite memorial is located in Fort Wayne’s Archer Park not far from the site of the Johnny Appleseed Festival.  You’ll enjoy the best of the pioneer life at this festival complete with the foods that remind you fall is on the way.  Admission is free!

For additional festival and special event information, visit our complete Calendar of Events!

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The newest addition to the Fort Wayne arts scene is the Wunderkammer Company’s downtown gallery.

Wunderkammer Company is a nonprofit organization led by Dan Swartz, a Fort Wayne native and independent curator. Dan has been described by some as an “art instigator,” and that may be true, but at his core he is a driven and dynamic force of nature. You cannot be in Dan’s presence and not be inspired to do or create something. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that the mission for his project is grand and important: to revitalize communities through contemporary art. So far, he is succeeding. The gallery opened in January 2013 and has hosted a number of shows, including Fort Wayne Fringe featuring dance and other performance art.

Wunderkammer Company’s next trifecta of exhibitions includes, “Three Ladies”, “Texted Riot”, and “Not Tara Donovan.”

“Three Ladies” is a historic and educational exhibition honoring the lives and accomplishments of Margaret Ann Keegan, Helene Foellinger, and Madolon “Madge” Rothschild. These three women made crucial and lasting positive contributions the Fort Wayne community during their lives and through their continued charitable spirit once passed.

“Texted Riot” is a group exhibition featuring five artists focusing on text, or written language, in art and “Not Tara Donovan” is as described in the gallery’s release “an installation produced by W< questioning the validity of an art piece when the audience is immediately queued into the processes which took place to create it.” The public is encouraged to contribute to the installation, and is “let in” on the “inside jokes within the contemporary art world.”

Wunderkammer Company is an extraordinary member of the Fort Wayne art community; it will challenge, entertain, and educate all who are open to it. Check out these shows or visit Wunderkammer Company’s Facebook page and learn more.

These three exhibitions opened on Saturday, April 20th, and will continue through May 19th (Texted Riot until May 26th). Wunderkammer is located at 3402 Fairfield Avenue in Fort Wayne. Suggested donation is $2.00.

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Cinco de Mayo is a great time to celebrate the arrival of spring, and get in a festive mood.  Think El Azteca for your Cinco de Mayo destination.

El Azteca will welcome guests for two days of Cinco de Mayo fun, May 4-5th.

El Azteca, located in the East State neighborhood, has been a staple of Fort Wayne dining since 1973, and it’s easy to see why! Maybe it’s the quality food – this certainly isn’t your average Mexican joint. They serve up quality and consistent dishes, fresh from their kitchen. All of their sauces are home-made, which sets them a part from a lot of restaurants. Not sure what to order? They have a few popular menu items.  You can’t go wrong with an order of their nachos, Benji Burritos, Black Bean soup, and Fideo soup. I love their dinner combinations, which allow you to pick from your favorite Mexican staples, like enchiladas and burritos. Many loyal customers  swear by their Mariscos, which is a seafood option for most of the items offered on the menu. Their friendly and fast service is worth mentioning, too.

Their tequila selection is another point of difference. They offer more than 100 types of tequilas. That’s right…you read that right–100 varities!! Their tequilas are 100 percent  Blue Agave and are available as a Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo.

As far as Cinco de Mayo celebration, join them 7-10 pm May 4th, with live music from local band Island Vibe in their outside tent.  Also, on May 5th guests can enjoy face painting, corn hole, live music from Island Vibe from 4-7 p.m. and D.J. Ric Ramos from 7-11 p.m. Drink specials and give-a-ways are also a part of the fun.

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