The Ultimate Checklist to NCAA Basketball
Make the most of the Madness by making a weekend of exploring Fort Wayne!
From exhibits, entertainment centers, performances, minor league sports, and more there is something for everyone in Fort Wayne.
Pictured: California Dreamin' exhibit at the Botanical Conservatory
Exhibits
As you plan your family itinerary, add exhibits at our attractions including the Botanical Conservatory’s “California Dreamin'” garden exhibit, featuring a vintage VW van and all the warm, chill, west coast vibes. Plus, the Botanical Conservatory offers 2 additional indoor gardens full of lush tropicals, and a Sonoran Desert garden.
Don't miss Science Central with more than 200 hands-on, permanent exhibits or head to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and browse the permanent glass wing or the Art Deco Glass display.
Pictured: JK O'Donnell's Irish Pub
St. Patrick's Day Festivities
This year, the NCAA DIII Championship weekend falls over St. Patrick's Day, which means there's an extra festive spirit in the air! Enjoy all the celebrations happening around Fort Wayne, including Get Green Fest — where we turn the St. Marys River green! — and tons of fun at area pubs. This year, you can even enjoy some great Irish pub music from local pub bands at quite a few locations! Read our St. Patrick's Day blog to make your plans.
Entertainment Centers
Get in on the action yourself at one of the many entertainment complexes or head outdoors and discover more than 120 miles of trails.
Plus, events like Full Throttle Monster Trucks on March 18 (also at the Memorial Coliseum!) help round an action-packed weekend of fun!
Live Music
If you’re looking to catch some great live music (aside from the Irish festivities for St. Patrick's Day), Fort Wayne has you covered.
Enjoy a full show at the historic Embassy Theatre in downtown Fort Wayne, where you can catch Raheem DeVaughn: The Love King Tour on March 17.
Grab a bite to eat and hear some tunes at the Club Room at the Clyde! They have live music Monday-Saturday evenings, including Friday Night Vibes each Friday.
Or take a seat at the bar, sip on a signature cocktail, and enjoy live jazz at Club Soda every weekend.
The Extras
Round out your trip with some of Fort Wayne’s signature activities including a chocolate tour at DeBrand Fine Chocolates, shopping at one of our many boutiques, taking a tour of our colorful murals dotting the city, and browsing the tables at our indoor farmers markets every Saturday: the YLNI Farmers Market and the Ft. Wayne's Farmers Market!
Pictured: Three of the dining spots on The Landing
Dining
Fort Wayne is a city for foodies. Taste Fort Wayne’s best eats, and you’ll discover historic diners and hotdog stands, fresh-from-the-farm finds, James Beard-nominated chefs, and sweet treats galore. It’s no wonder we’ve been named “The City of Restaurants”
Some of our favorites for basketball lovers include:
- Cindy’s Diner
- Coney Island
- JK O’Donnell’s (NOTE: normal dining may not be available here, due to the St. Patrick's Day celebrations!)
- Mad Anthony Brewing Company
- Casa Ristorante Italiano
- Copper Spoon
- Junk Ditch Brewing Company
- Plus, any of our Best Of restaurants.
Be sure to stop by The Landing, a true dining destination in downtown Fort Wayne! You'll find more than a dozen restaurants on or within one block of The Landing. Browse our Guide to Dining on The Landing!
Pictured: Union Street Market at Electric Works
And another great example of the old becoming new again: explore Electric Works! This former GE Campus sat abandoned for decades and is now becoming a new, exciting destination in our city. Now open at Electric Works, pay a visit to the Union Street Market, with dozens of amazing food vendors serving up big flavor.
Pictured: Interior of The Bradley Hotel in downtown Fort Wayne
Stay
Finally, you’ll need a place to rest your head after a weekend of fun. Whether you’re interested in staying near all of the NCAA action, exploring downtown Fort Wayne, or finding family-fun hotels with pools, we have the right hotel at the right price for you.
Search our hotels by “category,” by “proximity” to the action, or save with some of the best deals from our hotel packages.
A comfortable and convenient hotel is just the start of a great Fort Wayne getaway.
Start planning your visit now to experience all the basketball action in Fort Wayne this March!
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated. Last updated: March 2023
