And, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some don’t-miss events — affordable or free — going on now through the end of September.
Late Summer in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Explore Promenade Park
202 W. Superior St.
Start with Promenade Park along Fort Wayne's Riverfront! A perfect place to kick back, enjoy the scenery, let the kids explore the new playground, listen to live music, grab a bite to eat, or take to the rivers in a boat, canoe, paddleboard, or kayak. If you don’t have the equipment, rent your watercraft at nearby Fort Wayne Outfitters — located on the north riverbank at Promenade Park.
Take your choice of several boat tour options. Enjoy a 45-, 60-, or 90-minute tour aboard Sweet Breeze, the 1840s replica canal boat. Kick back and relax during a tour and learn about Fort Wayne's history along the rivers. Rum Runner party barges are a great BYOB rental option for groups up to 16 people.
Bike, walk, or rollerblade the 26-mile Rivergreenway Trail that will take you from Fort Wayne to New Haven. Bike rentals are available at the park.
Fort Wayne Dragon Boat Races
August 1 & 2 — Free for spectators
Promenade Park
Originating in China, Dragon Boat races involve teams of 21 paddlers racing down the river while a drummer beats out the frenzied pace.
There will be free children’s activities, a floating fire pit, and festivities on Friday evening. The event is held rain or shine.
Fiesta Fort Wayne
August 23
$9 admission before 5 p.m.; $10 after.
Headwaters Park, Downtown Fort Wayne
Join hundreds of others at the Fiesta Fort Wayne, a festival to celebrate the best of Latino and Hispanic culture and tradition.
The festival features authentic Latino cuisine and beverages, live music, craft vendors and piñatas, activities for children, and traditional folkloric dancers from Chicago, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne. There will also be Mariachi bands, games, and more! Don't miss this celebration and showcase of the rich heritage, diversity, and spirit of the Latino community in Fort Wayne.
Summer Nights at the Embassy
125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Downtown Fort Wayne
$5 Cover
There’s still time to experience Summer Nights at the Embassy! Held every Wednesday through the end of August, the event features live music by local artists. Admission is $5, and guests may purchase food that is catered by local restaurants, as well as a cash bar. Enjoy the music in the ballroom and be sure to take a walk to the rooftop patio to see the nighttime city skyline.
Purchase tickets at the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy, ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 260-424-6287.
Taste of the Arts Festival
August 23 — Free
Arts Campus Fort Wayne
Taste of the Arts is a free, family-friendly event that features arts experiences for all ages! Enjoy hands-on activities, arts demonstrations, and performances in music, dance, and theater.
Sample and taste your way through food and beverage vendors and trucks while letting the kids join in on the activities.
And, don’t forget to take your camera to capture those just-too-cute young performers.
TinCaps Baseball
Parkview Field, Downtown Fort Wayne
Tickets start at $7
There's still time to catch a TinCaps baseball game at the beautiful Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne.
Special theme nights and post-game fireworks make for all-inclusive fun for the entire family. Check out the calendar to find Paws & Claws Night with your dog, Family Feast Night, Seinfeld Night, Harry Potter Night, Sesame Street Night, Thirsty Thursday, and more. A complete listing of promotional nights and a postgame fireworks schedule is listed on the TinCaps website.
Guided Hikes
Eagle Marsh — Free
6801 Engle Road
Want to get outside before the weather keeps you in? The Little River Wetlands Project has just the thing — or things — for you.
The Monarch Festival celebrates the Monarch butterflies' trip back to Mexico. Take in the breathtaking views of the marsh during this event on Saturday, September 13 from Noon – 5 p.m.
If you would like to take your small children along on some nature hikes, check the schedule for Short Hikes for Short Legs!
The Little River Ramblers group meets and hikes in a different location every Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. Participants should dress for the weather and boots are recommended. Binoculars are optional, but a good idea.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown
September 7, 12-5 p.m. — Free
Fort Wayne Attractions
Mark your calendars for Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown and tour more than 20 Fort Wayne museums and attractions for FREE during this annual event, including the Allen County Courthouse, Botanical Conservatory, Science Central, Allen County Public Library, Artlink, Cathedral Museum, Electric Works, Embassy Theatre (behind-the-stage tours!), The History Center, The Old Fort, Riverfront Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Visitors Center, and more!
Pick up your FREE Be a Tourist Passport book starting mid-August at any area Kroger or Old National Bank location.
Johnny Appleseed Festival
September 20 & 21 — Free
Johnny Appleseed Park, 1500 East Coliseum Blvd.
The Johnny Appleseed Festival is an annual event that attracts thousands of festival-goers and history buffs. Named after John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, the festival features dress and crafts from the 1800s. Enjoy a variety of food, along with antiques, roving entertainment, a children's area, military reenactment, farmers market, pioneer encampments, and demonstrations from trapper traders, tinsmiths, blacksmiths, apple pressers, and more.
This blog was originally published in 2019 and has been updated. Last Updated: April 2025
