Concerts in Fort Wayne, Indiana this Summer

When things heat up outdoors, it means one thing for a musician like me: summer concerts! Fort Wayne, Indiana is awash with stellar concerts all year, but when the weather is nice, those concerts move outside.

From Fort Wayne's festivals featuring music to free summer concert series, and national touring concerts, music lovers will find that Fort Wayne is playing your tune!

These are some of the best summer concert series and national touring concerts taking the stage in Fort Wayne--I hope to see you there!

Fort Wayne Summer Concert Series

Foellinger Theatre Concert Series

The Foellinger Theatre, one of Fort Wayne’s main outdoor venues, always has an impressive summer lineup. Sit under the covered pavilion and enjoy how the sound filters around for a perfect evening filled with dancing, friends, and, of course, music. 

Mark your Calendars for Summer 2024:

• Rick Springfield, May 23 at 7:30 p.m.
• Rockin' The 80's, August 2 at 7:30 p.m.
• Lee Brice, August 8 at 7:30 p.m.
• Blue Monsters Tour, August 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Back to School Concert at Jefferson Pointe

For a night of dining, shopping, and music, head to Jefferson Pointe on August 8 to see Goodnight Gracie perform live! Bring a lawn chair and dance the night away under the stars.

Since this upscale outdoor mall is home to a movie theatre, restaurants, and plenty of stores, in addition to my personal favorite--DeBrand Fine Chocolates--you’ll have plenty of options!

Headwaters Park Concert Series

Headwaters Park specializes more in festival hosting than individual concerts, but it hosts so many events that it bears mentioning here. Among the many festivals, each featuring appropriate music, this year are Arab Fest, German Fest, Rib Fest, and Pridefest. And let’s not forget the main event--the Three Rivers Music Festival, for which Headwaters Pavilion serves as the main stage.

Rock the Plaza at the Allen County Public Library

Outside the Allen County Public Library’s main branch on Saturday nights at 6 p.m. from June 15 to July 29, you’ll find Rock the Plaza - a family-friendly (and free!) concert series. Hear local artists, enjoy refreshments from Pint & Slice, and practice your dance moves.

Summer Nights at the Embassy

For a classy Wednesday evening concert, check out Summer Nights at the Embassy. This series runs from July through August, with an array of local artists presenting jazz, R&B, and more on the Embassy’s elegant second floor. Attendees get rooftop access, where you can catch a gorgeous view of Fort Wayne at sunset. I’ve performed at this event, and I can attest to not only the beauty of the venue but to the deliciousness of the wine slushy available for purchase at the bar.

Sweetwater Pavilion

Sweetwater is the largest music retail store in the nation, and they are one of the nation’s leading musical instrument and sound retailers located here in Fort Wayne. Although music gear is solidified in Sweetwater’s, that also means they're the perfect destination for concerts under their Sweetwater Performance Pavilion. In the summer, the Sweetwater Performance Pavilion comes alive with concerts by a wide variety of artists.

Plus, on any given day, you can pop over to the Sweetwater campus and hear a musician playing to a crowd of lunch goers, or you can walk into a fantastic concert in their theatre.

Mark your Calendars for Summer Concerts:

• Shakey Graves, May 9 at 7 p.m.
• Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, May 18 at 7 p.m.
• Fort Wayne Philharmonic: Blood, Sweat, Tears, Earth, Wind, Fire...And A Little Chicago, May 19 at 7:30 p.m.
• Leftover Salmon, June 1 at 7 p.m.
• John Waite, June 7 at 7 p.m.
• Thompson Square, August 16 at 7 p.m.
• 1964 The Tribute, September 15 at 7 p.m.

National Concerts in Fort Wayne, Indiana

In addition to summer concert series, Fort Wayne is home to music venues hosting national touring concerts this year, and each offering a unique music experience.

Clyde Theatre

Stand amongst your friends at the new Clyde Theatre bringing in national recording artists and performers. Plus, grab a bite to eat before the concert at The Club Room, which offers shareables, salads, sandwiches, and pizza.

Mark your Calendars for upcoming Clyde Theatre Shows:

• The Struts: The Pretty Vicious Tour 2024 with Special Guest Lo Spirit, May 1 at 8 p.m.
• Eaglemania - The World's Greatest Eagles Tribute Band, May 4 at 8 p.m.
• Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, May 30 at 8 p.m.
• Abducted By The 80's with Wang Chung, Men Without Hats, and Naked Eyes, June 9 at 7 p.m.
• Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson, June 29 at 8 p.m.
• Thunderstruck: America's AC/DC Tribute, July 13 at 8 p.m.
• Wayne Haynes Band 'Now Is The Time' Tour, July 24 at 8 p.m.

Embassy Theatre

Take a seat at the historic Embassy Theatre for comedy shows, national performers, and much more. The Embassy Theatre is a beautiful location for the grandeur of classical music

Mark your Calendars for 2024:

• Buddy Nolan Memorial Concert with Organist Mark Herman, May 4 at 7:30 p.m.
• Project Ballet Presents Snow White at the Embassy, May 7-8 at 6 p.m.
• Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, May 10 at 6 p.m.
• Amy Grant, May 13 at 7:30 p.m.
• Mark Normand: Ya Don't Say Tour, May 18 at 7 p.m.
• Mamma Mia!, May 28-29 at 7:30 p.m.
• Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, June 13 at 6 p.m.
• Middle Waves Music Festival, June 15 at 3 p.m.
• Sherlock Jr. with Organist Dennis Scott, June 14 at 3 p.m.
• Thief of Baghdad with Organist Dennis James, July 28 at 3 p.m.
• Greed with Organist Dennis Scott, August 11 at 3 p.m.
• Girl Shy with Organist Clark Wilson, August 25 at 3 p.m.