Summer has arrived and the countdown for the main event has started. Fort Wayne has everything you could want to enjoy the 4th of July including the Holy Trinity “F” words: food, family, and fireworks which equals fun for everyone. 

Every year the City of Fort Wayne celebrates with an annual fireworks show off the top of the Indiana Michigan Power Center that will light up the sky and bring joy to spectators of all ages!

4th of July in Fort Wayne, Indiana

On July 4th, the fireworks show will begin at 10 pm and the show is free to the public. The downtown area has options for food stops that your family or friends will enjoy as you watch the show in the night sky.

Aerial view of downtown Fort Wayne at night during fireworks

Before the perfect ending of a great weekend, you have to plan a few great activities during the day and throughout the weekend. There are quite a few events that you can enjoy.

Fort Wayne TinCaps

This year the TinCaps are up against the West Michigan WhiteCaps on Tuesday, July 4 at 6:05 pm. Tickets start at $7, so they're affordable for the family! Take in the game and cheer on the home team at Parkview Field in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. When the game ends, stay in your seat for a spectacular view of the City of Fort Wayne fireworks show at 10 pm! Buy your TinCaps tickets here.

Fort Wayne Philharmonic's Patriotic Pops

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic invites you, friends, and family to a free concert celebrating American spirit through music. Patriotic Pops is at Parkview Field on July 1 at 8:30 PM. And, the finale will feature fireworks!

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

Check out the 40 acres of incredible exhibits at the top-ranked Fort Wayne Children's Zoo! Bring the whole family and explore the four areas of the Zoo, from Africa to Indonesia, where you can interact with the animals and enjoy four different rides.

Sweet Breeze canal boat on the St. Marys River in fort wayne

Sweet Breeze Canal Boat Tours

Climb aboard the authentic replica canal boat and learn about Fort Wayne through our rivers! Reserve your tickets for a 45- or 90-minute river tour, offered Saturday, July 1, and Sunday, July 2! Sweet Breeze departs from Promenade Park in downtown Fort Wayne. Click here to learn more.

Fort Wayne Outdoor Pass

If you're looking for a true outdoor adventure, you'll find 20 great options in our Fort Wayne Outdoor Pass! Sign up for this FREE pass to access it on your phone. Then, choose any of the hike, bike, or paddle routes in the pass — all designed to guide you on a tour of Fort Wayne's beautiful natural scenery. CHECK-IN on the pass when you arrive at the trail location to start redeeming prizes! How to sign up.

Kids cooling off in a splash pad at Buckner Parl

Splash Pads and Parks

The great city has 9 splash pads that you can take your kids to cool off. Shoaff, Kreager, and Waynedale are just a few of them that you can go to. Fort Wayne has a total of 87 parks that you can choose to go to for the day. Some have soccer and baseball fields, play areas for kids, and open fields to enjoy the scene with a sandwich or two.

Outdoor Farmers Markets

Stop by the summer farmers markets and stock up on everything you need for the perfect 4th of July barbeque! On Saturday morning, shop several great markets: Ft. Wayne's Farmers Market at Electric Works, the YLNI Farmers Market at the corner of Wayne and Barr Street, and the Historic South Side Farmers Market at 3300 Warsaw St.

The Old Fort

Delve into history with a tour of the Old Fort in Fort Wayne! Meet re-enactors and learn more about life in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Old Fort will be open Tues-Sat from 10am-6pm and Sundays from noon-6pm during summer. Admission is free so bring your family and walk right in!

Live Performances

In the mood for music, live theatre, or comedy? Fort Wayne has many great performances happening all the time! Catch an Eagles-tribute band at Foellinger Theatre, stand-up comic Jessica Kirson at Summit City Comedy Club, and a live performance (with dinner included) of Tick, Tick...BOOM! at Arena Dinner Theatre all on July 1st. For free live music, head to the Allen County Public Library Saturday at 6pm for Rock the Plaza, or stick around on July 5th to experience the Muddy River Concert Series at 7pm at Promenade Park.

Art Galleries and Public Art

Check out paintings, sculptures, and more from artists all over the world. Head to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art for William S. Dutterer's deep "see" exhibition or an art-deco glass showing from David Huchthausen. Take a trip to the Three Rivers Luxury Apartments for a free viewing of art presented by the Fort Wayne Artists Guild. If you're not in the mood for a gallery or museum, stroll around Fort Wayne to see our public art. Access our free Public Art Trail pass to find all the best locations.

Beyond Van Gogh

For an immersive art experience, travel to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum for a 3D experience of Van Gogh's iconic artwork. Experience over 300 masterpieces for the starting price for adults of $33.99 and $19.99 for children. Learn more about Beyond Van Gogh here.

An Herban Garden

Discover beautiful plants while you learn about the impact of urban gardening at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in downtown Fort Wayne for the low prices of $7 (adults) and $5 (children ages 3-17). 

Calendar of Events

For more information on what's going on, check out our Events Calendar.