As the second-largest city in Indiana, Fort Wayne is a hidden gem for families looking to take a city break and explore the Midwest.
Fort Wayne's summer festivals are always a favorite for locals and visitors alike. From cultural celebrations to food festivals and family-friendly fun, Fort Wayne has a festival for you! Mark your calendars for these festivals that will help you save on your next getaway.
FREE Summer Festivals in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Pearl District Summer Arts Series
When: June 5 - September 11
Where: Pearl Arts District
FREE: Experience live music from local musicians free to the public, presented by Whatzup! Once monthly Pearl Street will be closed for pedestrian use only, so that families and neighbors can gather to enjoy live music and nearby patio dining.
Arab Fest Fort Wayne
When: June 6 - 7
Where: Headwaters Park Pavilions
FREE: Enjoy music, camel rides, the market and vendors, characters, dancing, food, and more at the Arab Fest! Saturday hours are 12pm-7pm and Sunday hours are 12pm-5pm.
Germanfest
When: June 11 - 14
Where: Festival Tent, Headwaters Park at 333 S. Clinton St.
FREE: Enjoy FREE admission for children with a guardian and FREE admission for all military personnel with an ID at Germanfest. Watch performances, listen to music, and enjoy a classic Bratwurst (purchase required.) Plus, the festival features FREE events including Familienfest on Saturday, June 13th. Familienfest includes wienerdog races, games, mascots, music, performances, dancing, and more.
The 29th Annual BBQ RibFest
When: June 18 - 21
Where: Headwater Park Pavilions
FREE: Thursday-Saturday admission is FREE until 5:30pm at the BBQ RibFest. Dads can also get in for FREE on Sunday for Father's Day. Come hungry for brisket, ribs, pulled pork, rib sandwiches, BBQ chicken, and more! There will be FREE shuttling transportation services available during designated times from Lot 20 on 4th St. & Clinton.
GreekFest
When: June 25 - 28
Where: Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St.
FREE: Enjoy FREE admission to Greek Fest Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and 11-4pm on Sunday! Celebrate with daily performances by traditional Greek dancers, and live entertainment. Of course, you can't enjoy Greek Fest without trying some of the food vendors (purchase required.)
Chalk Walk 2026
When: July 11 - 12
Where: Fort Wayne Museum of Art
FREE: Walk among the vibrant chalk art covering Main Street in front of the Museum of Art— a tradition this festival has enjoyed since 2000.
When: July 11 - 12
Where: Freimann Square
FREE: Alongside the Chalk Walk, browse the art vendors that will fill Freimann Square.
St. Joe Pickle Festival
When: July 16 - 18
Where: St. Joe, IN
FREE: Enjoy the pickle derby, pickle ice cream, FREE activities for kids, live entertainment, and more during the St. Joe Pickle Festival!
Pride Fest
When: July 24 - 25
Where: Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St.
FREE: Fort Wayne's Pride Fest offers free admission to Kids 12 and under on both days. Plus, KidSpace is a FREE event featuring games, prizes, crafts, inflatable moonwalk, character appearances, and drag story time for children under 12 on Saturday from Noon to 6:00 PM.
Harlan Days
When: July 30 - August 1
Where: Harlan Community Park
FREE: You're invited to the Harlan Days Festival! The festival is not completely free as some extra activities including horse racing, drag racing, derby soccer, food, and more are all for purchase!
Dragon Boat Races
When: July 31 - August 1
Where: Promenade Park, Corner of Superior and Harrison Streets in Downtown Fort Wayne
FREE: Come watch the morning races, floating yoga and paddle parade, and a floating fire pit finale at the Dragon Boat Races! The Dragon Races are a family-friendly spectacle that offers FREE events open to the public. The race is a beautiful display of decorated boats manned by 20 paddlers, which celebrates a traditional Chinese war exercise. Grab your seat in Promenade Park for this epic race down the St. Marys river.
Fiesta Fort Wayne
When: August 8
Where: Headwaters Park Pavilion
FREE: Welcome to the Hispanic Heritage Celebration! This FREE celebration is open to the public from 11:00am-11:30pm and will include live latino music performances and traditional folkloric dancing.
Open Streets
When: August 16
Where: Downtown Fort Wayne
FREE: Bike, walk, and play along more than 20+ blocks on Calhoun Street that will be closed to cars for this annual event. Enjoy the games, music, food, and much more that is planned.
Taste of the Arts
When: August 29
Where: Arts Campus Fort Wayne, The Landing, Rousseau Plaza, and Promenade Park
FREE: Admission to Taste of the Arts is FREE! Celebrate the arts and culture of Fort Wayne with a variety of FREE performances, and hands-on activities for kids. The festival also features a taste of Fort Wayne's great restaurants at a number of the restaurant vendor tents, purchases are necessary. Make the Myaamia Cultural Fest a destination, happening during Taste of the Arts at the corner of Berry and Barr for traditional Myaamia (Miami) games, Tribe history, handmade Myaamia artwork, and live demonstrations from Myaamia artists.
Grabill Country Fair
When: September 10 - 12
Where: Grabill, IN
FREE: Enjoy Grabill's country-style fair that highlights the area's Amish heritage with a parade, entertainment, kids events, and more. Some activities, entertainment, and food require purchases.
Korea Festival Fort Wayne
When: September 12
Where: Purdue Fort Wayne Music Center
FREE: Experience a taste of Korean culture! Look forward to fun activities, delicious food, cultural goods, and dance performances sharing the culture of Korea with the Fort Wayne community.
