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 or Earth Adventures Unlimited.
Take your choice of 3 unique boat tours, including the 1840s (replica) canal boat, Sweet Breeze; Rum Runner party barges, airboats or Kraken Cycle Boats. Several of the boat tours will continue into September and even October, weather permitting.
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
Friday and Saturday, Aug. 4th and 5th — Free
Promenade Park
Originating in China, Dragon Boat races involve teams of 21 paddlers racing 300 meters down the river while a drummer beats out the frenzied pace.
There will be free children’s activities and the event is held, rain or shine.
Fiesta Fort Wayne
Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
$7 admittance before 5 p.m.; $10 after. Children 10 and under are free.
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 Latin American cuisine and beverages, live music, craft vendors and piñatas, moonwalks, and activities for children and folkloric dancers from Chicago, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne. There will also be Mariachi bands, games, and lots of information including a Zumba Fiesta at 10 am. The Spanish-streaming radio station, radiolatinotv.com, will be broadcasting live from the scene.
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 August 30, 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 Parkview Health Rooftop Patio to see the nighttime city skyline.
Featured musicians include: Aug. 2, Alicia Pyle & The Locals; Aug. 9, Todd Harrold Band; Aug. 16, Sunset Musica; Aug. 23, Chris Worth; and Aug. 30, Hubie Ashcraft Trio. Purchase tickets at the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy, ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.
Taste of the Arts Festival
Aug. 26 — Free
Arts Campus Fort Wayne, The Landing, Rousseau Plaza, and Promenade Park
Taste of the Arts is a free family-friendly event that features children and adult activities and creations along with demonstrations and performances in music, literature, theater, and art.
Sample and taste your way through food and beverage vendors and trucks while letting the kids join in lots of hands-on 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 $6
There's still time to take to catch a TinCaps baseball game throughout August and the first three days of September at the beautiful Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne.
Special theme nights and after-the-game fireworks make for all-inclusive fun for the entire family. For instance, the special event at the Aug. 1 game is Family Feast Night with a Princess Night theme. Others include Aug. 2, Paws & Claws Night with your dog; Aug. 18, Star Wars Night, Aug.31, Grateful Dead Night, and; Sep 2, 'Caps Against Cancer. 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.
A Rise and Shine quiet morning, guided hike is planned for Saturday, Aug. 26, from 6:45-8:30a.m. at Eagle Marsh. Boots are recommended.
The Monarch Festival celebrates the Monarch butterflies' trip back to Mexico. Take in the breathtaking views of the marsh during this event on Sunday, September 10th from 12:00-5:00pm.
If you would like to take your small children along on some nature hikes, Short Hikes for Short Legs is held from 10-11 a.m. on Aug. 16 and Sept. 20. Meet at the Eagle Marsh barn.
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
Sept. 10, 12-5 p.m. — Free
Downtown Fort Wayne
Mark your calendars for Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown and tour 21 Fort Wayne museums and attractions for free during this annual event, including the Allen County Courthouse, Allen County Public Library, Artlink, Cathedral Museum, Electric Works, Embassy Theatre, Botanical Conservatory, The History Center, The Old Fort, Riverfront Fort Wayne, Science Central, Sweet Breeze, the Fort Wayne Visitors Center, and more!
Pick up your FREE Be a Tourist Passport book starting August 14 at any area Kroger or Old National Bank location. You can also download a printable version.
Johnny Appleseed Festival
Sept. 16-17 — 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 1800 period styles. 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 has been updated in 2023.
