Add these once-a-year events or some ongoing fun to your itinerary for a Labor Day filled with outdoor fun and more!
Labor Day Weekend in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival
Classic car enthusiasts travel from around the world for this annual festival, just a quick drive north of Fort Wayne. You can buy a car, attend a swap meet, or just hang out with other car enthusiasts. The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival doesn’t just happen at the ACD Museum – it includes the whole town of Auburn. Events include the ACD the cruise-ins, the Parade of Classics, concerts, amazing dining, and, of course, all things cars! Check the website for a complete list of event times and prices. The ACD Festival is open August 29-31 and the Pre-Festival events start on August 24.
Celebrate the Weekend Outdoors!
Take in the beautiful late-summer weather during the long weekend. Rent a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard from Fort Wayne Outfitters and paddle Fort Wayne's three rivers. Or, explore on land with a hike or bike through any of our scenic parks and more than 120 miles of trails. Plan your Labor Day Weekend adventure with the free Fort Wayne Outdoor Pass, featuring more than 20 hike, bike, and paddle routes around the area!
P.S. — Don't forget to check-in on the Outdoor Pass when you visit any of the trail locations to earn great outdoor prizes!
Photo Credit: Ruth Yaro / The Bradley Hotel
Stay at The Bradley
Book your stay at the new signature hotel in downtown Fort Wayne — The Bradley. Located on Main Street, just a block away from The Landing and Promenade Park, The Bradley features a rooftop bar, ground-level and outdoor dining, and 124 beautiful rooms — including 9 designer suites with balconies. You'll love the Midwestern charm and modern design throughout the hotel, a collaboration between Barbara Bradley Baekgaard (co-founder of the iconic lifestyle brand, Vera Bradley) and Provenance Hotels.
Find Your New Favorite Mural or Sculpture
Did you know Fort Wayne has more than 150 pieces of public art dotted throughout the city? Check out the Fort Wayne Public Art Trail, a free, digital guide to all of the amazing murals and sculptures! Be sure to check-in with the pass and earn prizes like stickers, keychains, and limited-edition prints from local artists.
Don't forget to take some amazing photos while you're exploring! Share your pictures on social media with #PublicArtFW.
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
There is so much to see at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art this Labor Day Weekend. Check out one of their new exhibits, Rowland Ricketts: Invisible Forces that runs from May 18 to September 1.
Also, check out the inspiring glass exhibits!
Enjoy The Landing and Promenade Park
This Labor Day weekend, spend some time in two of Fort Wayne's coolest downtown areas. The Landing, one of the oldest corners of downtown and our city's first hub of activity back in the 1800s, is celebrating a full revitalization! The pedestrian street is lined with amazing outdoor dining, coffee, brews, and so much more.
Just steps away from The Landing is the award-winning Promenade Park! The riverfront park opened in August 2019, and lines the north and south banks of the St. Marys River in downtown Fort Wayne. You can walk the Tree Canopy Trail and enjoy the best skyline views, splash in the child-approved Kids' Canal, play on the fully-accessible playground, enjoy one of the giant swings that can fit 4-5 people, or grab a snack and a drink from teds Snack + Bar The options at Promenade Park are endless!
Sweet Breeze Boat Tours
Did you know that there are islands in the middle of Fort Wayne’s three rivers? Grab your tickets for a 45-minute or 90-minute tour aboard Fort Wayne's 1840s replica canal boat!
Savor the last of summer during your Labor Day weekend with some of Fort Wayne's favorite events! Find even more events happening on our calendar of events.
This blog was originally published in August 2019 and has been updated. Last updated: August 2023
