Summer in Fort Wayne is full of great music, and it is exciting to see this year’s concert line-up for various venues and events! The abundance of concert series this summer gives everyone a chance to get out and enjoy amazing music and delicious food!

Fort Wayne Summer Concert Series

Here are the top Fort Wayne summer concert series you won’t want to miss as the temperature rises and the days grow longer.

Downtown Live!

To bring back the festive summer spirit, Downtown Live! is bringing a series of free performances every Friday evening in June, July, and August, and one date on September 1st! Fridays will feature local favorites such as Jackson Vibe and Aleena York at the Porch. Stay up to date with the Downtown Live! schedule to make sure these concerts are not missed!

  • When: Every Friday from 6-8 pm June, July, August, and September 1. 
  • Where: The Tricore Porch Off Calhoun
  • Cost: Free!
  • Learn more about Downtown Live!

 

Drone view of Embassy Theatre rooftop during Summer Night at the Embassy
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Summer Nights at the Embassy

Starting July 12 and wrapping up on August 30th, The Embassy will host a variety of musicians, performers, and food vendors from 5:30 to 9 p.m. (music starts at 6) each Wednesday evening. You can enjoy drinks, food, and a featured act, such as The Dead Pickers Society, Sunset Musica, Basketcase, and more!

  • When: Every Wednesday, 5:30-9 p.m. (Music starts at 6 p.m.), July 12 to August 30
  • Where: The Embassy Theatre
  • Cost: $5 per single ticket, $30 per eight-ticket flex pass
  • Find more information.

 

Sweetwater Band Shell at Promenade Park

Muddy River Concert Series at Promenade Park

Hosted by Riverfront Fort Wayne, the Muddy River Concert Series is centered around the themes of heritage, culture, and connection. The concerts will take place at Promenade Park every other Wednesday with two 1-hour sets beginning at 7 p.m. While the music is free, you can also purchase food  from some of the delicious vendors!

  • When: June 7, 21, July 5, 19, August 9, and 23 starting at 7 p.m.
  • Where: Promenade Park, 202 W. Superior St.
  • Cost: Free!
  • Learn more about the Muddy River Concert Series!

 

Riverfront Sunday Heritage Concert Series

The Riverfront Sunday Heritage Concert Series celebrates the history of band ensembles and musicians in Fort Wayne. This concert series will be held throughout the summer, performing 2 pm on June 11, July 9, and August 13. Head down to Promenade Park to witness a piece of the heritage that each of the performing ensembles bring!

 

A father, two daughters, and one son sit in red chairs to watch Finding Dory at the Foellinger Theatre

Foellinger Outdoor Community Concert Series

With a variety of performers like the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir and the Fort Wayne Area Community Band, the Foellinger Outdoor Community Concert Series provides free live entertainment in a beautiful outdoor space! With seven concerts throughout the summer, this concert series is not one to miss! 

 

Rock the Plaza 2016

Rock the Plaza

Returning for the months of June and July, Rock the Plaza will take place at the Main Library Plaza almost every Saturday! Each Saturday will feature four different bands, so bring your own chairs and blankets, and enjoy food and beverages from Fort Wayne's own Pint & Slice while you listen to exciting local music!

  • When: 6 p.m. on Saturdays. June 17 through July 29
  • Where: Main Library Plaza: 900 Library Plaza
  • Cost: Free!
  • Read more about Rock the Plaza here!

 

Rock and Roar

If you're 21 or older, and like strolling through the magnificent Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, why not add some live music to the mix? Grab a drink from Hop River Brewing Co., walk through the new Red Panda Ridge, and listen to Fort Wayne's local musicians.

  • When: June 29, July 13, July 27, and August 10 from 6-9 p.m.
  • Where: Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd
  • Cost: $20 per person
  • Get tickets and learn more about Rock and Roar here!

 

Music on the Plaza

Munch on some food from one of Fort Wayne's delicious food trucks, while relaxing or rocking out to the Old Crown Brass Band, Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, and Whoa, Man!

  • When: June 14, July 12, and August 2 from 11:30am-1:30pm
  • Where: Main Library Plaza, 900 Library Plaza
  • Cost: Free!
  • Learn more here!

 

Lunch on the Square

If you want some midday music, Lunch on the Square offers delicious food from a new vendor each week, and live music from local musicians. Even better, a portion of the money raised through food sales will be given back to a local nonprofit.

  • When: June 1-August 31, Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
  • Where: Freimann Square, 201 E Main St.
  • Cost: Free, minus food
  • Check out specific dates and musicians for Lunch on the Square.

 

Sunday Funday!

Whether you're in the mood for yoga lessons, a meal at a nearby restaurant, or live music from various performances, Sunday Funday is the perfect way to start off the week. Sunday Funday takes place at the ever-bustling Landing of Downtown Fort Wayne, so be sure to check out the nearby businesses while you're there.

  • When: Last Sunday of the month, May-September, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Where: The Landing, 100 Columbia Street
  • Cost: Free, sign up for paid yoga class in advance
  • Learn more about Sunday Funday!

 

Music Venues

Live music at the Club Room at the Clyde Theatre

Club Room at The Clyde

Looking for more live entertainment? Club Room offers live entertainment as you eat your meal! Featuring a different music genre every night, this music and dinner deal offers something for everyone! Check out Club Room’s event schedule for more information on the performers and dinner deals.

  • When: Times and dates vary
  • Where: Club Room at The Clyde, 1806 Bluffton Road
  • Cost: Varies per dinner deal
  • See more details about Club Room's concert schedule and meal deals!

 

Sweetwater Performance Pavilion

An outdoor venue, a sound-system designed by Sweetwater, and food and drinks are all combined with national touring bands with multiple different genres in this concert series.

  • When: June 17, 18, July 30, August 13, 27, September 1, 30 at 7PM
  • Where: Sweetwater Performance Pavilion, 5501 US Highway 30 West
  • Cost: Varies by performance
  • Get tickets at SweetwaterPavilion.com

 

Piere's Entertainment Center

All genres of music are welcome here, with varied shows for different age demographics. Right next door is Bobby Mcgees, offering tacos, burgers, and more for your pre or post-show needs!

  • When: Times and dates vary
  • Where: 5629 St. Joe Rd
  • Cost: Varies by event
  • Get tickets here.

 

Live Music in Nearby Allen County Communities

Monroeville: Cruisin’ into Summer

Kicking off with a car show in June in Monroeville, IN, this concert series spans from June to August, and features artists such as Mis Matched, the OK Boomer Band, Jesse Kellie Adams, and more!
 

  • When: June 1, 8, 22, 29, July 3, 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3, 4, 5, 6-9 p.m.
  • Where: Monroeville Community Park
  • Cost: Free!
  • Click here to learn more!

 

Huntertown: Huntertown Family Park Summer Concert Series

If you’re near Huntertown, IN, you won’t want to miss this concert series taking place the second Friday of each month from June to September. Bring the family and listen to exciting music by Live Wire, OK Boomer, Whoa Man! and Sunglasses at Night.

  • When: June-September, Second Friday of the month, 7-9 p.m.
  • Where: Huntertown Family Park
  • Cost: Free!
  • Learn more about this concert series

 

New Haven: M3: Music, Market, & Munchies

New Haven, IN isn’t going to miss out on all the fun this summer! This concert series features a maker’s market, food trucks, and live music. Browse at the artisan shops, grab a bite to eat, and bring a lawn chair to enjoy the music.

  • When: July 12, 19, 26, 5-8 p.m.
  • Where: Schnelker Park
  • Cost: Free!
  • Head to New Haven’s website for more info!

 

Aboite: Concerts on the Green

Just a short drive from Fort Wayne, Aboite, IN will be hosting their annual concert series at Indian Trails Park. Grab a hot dog and a drink from the Township Fire Department’s table and tune in to performers like The Dee Bee’s, Biff and the Cruisers, Classic Distress, and more!

  • When: Every Wednesday in July and August, 7-9 p.m.
  • Where: Indian Trails Park
  • Cost: Free!
  • See more about this series here!

 

Looking for More?

Want even more music and fun this summer? To learn more about all the events taking place at any time in Fort Wayne, visit our Calendar of Events to ensure you do not miss out on all the activities and events that Fort Wayne has to offer!

*This blog was originally published in 2018 and has been updated. Last revised June 2023.

 

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