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!

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 2025:
  • Pink Droyd, July 18 at 8:00 p.m.
  • 1964 The Tribute, August 1 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Trace Adkins, August 22 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Warrant with Lita Ford and FireHouse, September 26 at 7:30 p.m.
  • We Will Rock You, September 13 at 7:30 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, June 10 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Fort Wayne Area Community Band, July 8 at 7:30 p.m.
  • New Millennium Jazz Orchestra, July 9 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Fort Wayne Children's Choir, July 25 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Fort Wayne Area Community Band, August 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday Nites Live - Crowd on Grass

Back to School Concert at Jefferson Pointe

For a night of dining, shopping, and music, head to Jefferson Pointe on August 2 to see Goodnight Gracie perform live! Bring a lawn chair and dance the night away under the stars.

Since this upscale outdoor mall is home to a movie theatre, restaurants, and plenty of stores, in addition to my personal favorite--DeBrand Fine Chocolates--you’ll have plenty of options!

 

Three Rivers Festival Concert - Fort Wayne, IN

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

Outside the Allen County Public Library’s main branch on Saturday nights at 6 p.m. from June 14 to July 26, you’ll find Rock the Plaza - a family-friendly (and free!) concert series. Hear local artists, enjoy refreshments from Pint & Slice, and practice your dance moves.

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:
  • Tenth Avenue North, August 3 at 7:00 p.m.
  • moe. with special guest Eggy, August 14 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band with special guest Bobby Rush, August 21 at 7:00 p.m. 
  • The Wallflowers, September 5 at 8:00 p.m. 
  • Blackberry Smoke, September 6 at 7:00 p.m. 
  • Gabby Barrett, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. 

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:
  • Michael Franti & Spearhead with Allen Stone: Welcome to the Family Tour, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute, July 26 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Josh Johnson: The Flowers Tour, August 10 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Liverpool Legends "The Complete Beatles Experience," August 16 at 8:00 p.m.
  • PARMALEE, August 22 at 8:00 p.m.
  • The Four Horsemen: The Ultimate Metallica Tribute, August 23 at 8:00 p.m.
  • Redferrin: The Some City, Somewhere Tour, August 28 at 8:00 p.m.
  • Dorothy with Special Guest Eddie & The Getaway, August 31 at 7:00 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:
  • Intrepid Cat, July 23 at 5:30 p.m
  • Earth, Wind & Fire, July 26 at 8:00 p.m.
  • The Wizard of Oz (1925) with organist Dennis Scott, July 27 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Alicia Pyle & the Locals, July 30 at 5:30
  • Chris Worth, August 6 at 5:30
  • The Gold Rush & The Immigrant (short) with organist Cletus Goens, August 10 at 3:00 p.m
  • Ty Causey, August 13 at 5:30
  • Indigo Girls & Melissa Etheridge: Yes We Are Tour, August 16 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Todd Harrold, August 20 at 5:30
  • The Lost World with organist Cletus Goens, August 24 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Hubie Ashcraft, August 27 at 5:30 

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