We don’t often associate Indiana winters with festival season, but Winterval changed all of that 6 years ago. Sponsored by the Downtown Improvement District, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, and MAJIC 95.1, Winterval is a day full of fun winter activities, including live ice sculpting, ice skating, snow rugby and more. If you are visiting Fort Wayne on Saturday, January 28, be sure to check out some of the Winterval activities.
Outdoor Winterval Activities
The event will be held at various locations in Downtown Fort Wayne. Live ice sculpting will take place throughout the afternoon at the Botanical Conservatory (1110 S. Calhoun St.), The Allen County Public Library (900 Library Plaza) and the Community Center (233 W. Main St.).
Pre-sculpted ice carvings will be on display at the University of Saint Francis Performing Arts Center (431 W. Berry St.) and Freimann Square.
Other outdoor activities include Snow Bowl Rugby at 1p.m. at Lawton Park (1900 N. Clinton St.), featuring area rugby players freezing their fannies off in the snow; ice skating at Headwaters Park (333. South Clinton St.) from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m; and Freeze Frame Picture Car & Truck Show at First Presbyterian Church (300 W. Wayne St.) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Even The Old Fort is getting in on the action and will host re-enactors who will spend the weekend living in The Fort and recreating actual events that happened in and around Fort Wayne in 1757.
Indoor Winterval Activities
If indoor activities are more your style, be sure to check out Winter Carnival at The Community Center from 1 to 4 p.m, featuring snow crafts and activities, ice carving demonstrations, and yummy treats. The best part is that it’s all free and open to all ages.
The Fort Wayne Youtheatre is hosting “Dr. Suess on the Loose,” there, as well, at 2 p.m. This play celebrates one of the world’s most famous authors and illustrators and features The Lorax, Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham and more.
Inside the cozy Botanical Conservatory, many fun family activities will be available, including an opportunity to make a winter bird feeder and learn about different winter survival strategies. The Conservatory is a great place to beat the winter blues and soak up some much-needed sunshine and warmth. The Public Library and Science Central will also host indoor activities for the entire family.
The event begins with an adult-only Winter Cozy at the Historic Wells Street Bridge at 8 p.m., featuring a heated tent, bonfires, live music and beverages designed to warm you up. Tickets are $10.
Get out and brave the chilly temps to enjoy great activities indoors and out with Winterval! There is plenty to appreciate and enjoy about Fort Wayne, even in January.
