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!

Discover Everything New in Fort Wayne, Indiana

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!

Foellinger Theatre

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 2026:
  • Kansas + 38 Special, July 10 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Three Dog Night, July 17 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Debutants Present The Hoot, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Ninja Kids, September 4 at 6:30 p.m.
  • UB40, October 4 at 6:00 p.m.

Foellinger Theatre Community Concert Series

The Foellinger Theatre also offers free community concerts from June - August! Come enjoy music from local musical groups while sipping on a nice summer refreshment.

  • Fort Wayne Area Community Band, July 14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Fort Wayne Area Community Band, August 18 at 7:30 p.m.
  • New Millennium Jazz Orchestra, June 30 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Fort Wayne Children's Choir, July 31 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Fort Wayne Area Community Band, August 14 at 7:30 p.m.

 

Summer Concert Middle Waves

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. 

 

Rock the Plaza 2016

Rock the Plaza at the Allen County Public Library

Head to the plaza outside the Allen County Public Library’s Main Branch on Saturday, July 18, at 4 p.m. for Rock the Plaza’s final farewell concert! Enjoy a free, family-friendly evening of live music from local artists, dancing, and community fun.

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.

 

Gearfest 2017 in Fort Wayne, Indiana

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:
  • Switchfoot, September 17
  • Fort Wayne Philharmonic Presents Yacht Rock Classics, September 20
  • Scotty McCreery, September 25

Crowd at a Concert at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

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:
  • Candlebox – Can’t Quit You Tour, Summer 2026 with Special Guest Coldville, July 3 at 8:00 p.m.
  • Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band, July 10 at 8:00 p.m.
  • Marshall Charloff & Purple Xperience, July 11 at 8:00 p.m.
  • Greensky Bluegrass – Summer Tour 2026, July 16 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Cinderella’s Tom Keifer Band with L.A. Guns, July 24 at 8:00 p.m.
  • Smells Like Nirvana – Tribute to Nirvana, August 8 at 8:00 p.m.
  • Todd Rundgren: DAMNED IF I DO TOUR, August 23 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Braxton Keith – Real Damn Deal Tour with Cole Goodwin, August 29 at 8:00 p.m.

Down the Line concert at the Embassy Theatre

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 2025:
  • Mason Dixon Line Band, July 8 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Yacht Party, July 15 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Buddy Nolan Memorial Concert: Organist Richard Hills, July 19 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Connor Christian, July 22 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Ty Causey, July 29 at 6:00 p.m.
  • West Central Quartet, August 5 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Chris Worth, August 12 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Wade’s World, August 19 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Hubie Ashcraft Trio, August 26 at 6:00 p.m.

 

This post was originally published in 2024 and has been updated. Last Updated: July 2025.