The Ultimate Checklist to NCAA Basketball
Make the most of the Madness by making a weekend of exploring Fort Wayne!
From exhibits, entertainment centers, performances, minor league sports, and more there is something for everyone in Fort Wayne.
Pictured: Botanical Speedway at the Botanical Conservatory
Exhibits
As you plan your family itinerary, add exhibits at our attractions including the Botanical Conservatory’s showcase garden exhibit. This March, enjoy the "Floor is Lava" exhibit and experience the daring feats of your favorite childhood game! Plus, the Botanical Conservatory offers 2 additional indoor gardens full of lush tropicals, and a Sonoran Desert garden.
Don't miss Science Central with more than 200 hands-on, permanent exhibits or head to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and browse the permanent glass wing or the Art Deco Glass display.
Pictured: JK O'Donnell's Irish Pub
Grab a Bite to Eat
Of course you'll want to explore unique local spots to grab a bite to eat and hang out with friends and family. Step into the world of County Mayo on the Emerald Isle conveniently located downtown Fort Wayne! No matter if you prefer our bar or family friendly Belleek Hall, at JK O'Donnell's Irish Ale House you can enjoy traditional Irish pub fare or savor chef-inspired house made entrees featuring local foods.
Entertainment Centers
Get in on the action yourself at one of the many entertainment complexes or head outdoors and discover more than 140 miles of trails.
Plus, events like the Midwest Motorcycle & Powersports Expo March 21 - 23 (also at the Memorial Coliseum!) help round out an action-packed weekend of fun!
Live Music
If you’re looking to catch some great live music, Fort Wayne has you covered.
Grab a bite to eat and hear some tunes at the Club Room at the Clyde! They have live music Monday-Saturday evenings, including Friday Night Vibes each Friday.
Or take a seat at the bar, sip on a signature cocktail, and enjoy live jazz at Club Soda every weekend.
The Extras
Round out your trip with some of Fort Wayne’s signature activities including a chocolate tour at DeBrand Fine Chocolates, shopping at one of our many boutiques, taking a tour of our colorful murals dotting the city, and browsing the tables at our indoor farmers markets every Saturday.
Pictured: Three of the dining spots on The Landing
Dining
Fort Wayne is a city for foodies. Taste Fort Wayne’s best eats, and you’ll discover historic diners and hotdog stands, fresh-from-the-farm finds, James Beard-nominated chefs, and sweet treats galore. It’s no wonder we’ve been named “The City of Restaurants”
Some of our favorites for basketball lovers include:
- Cindy’s Diner
- Coney Island
- JK O’Donnell’s
- Mad Anthony Brewing Company
- Casa Ristorante Italiano
- Copper Spoon
- Plus, any of our Best Of restaurants
Be sure to stop by The Landing, a true dining destination in downtown Fort Wayne! You'll find more than a dozen restaurants on or within one block of The Landing. Browse our Guide to Dining on The Landing!
Pictured: Union Street Market at Electric Works
And another great example of the old becoming new again: explore Electric Works! This former GE Campus sat abandoned for decades and is now becoming a new, exciting destination in our city. Now open at Electric Works, pay a visit to the Union Street Market, with dozens of amazing food vendors serving up big flavor.
Pictured: Interior of The Bradley Hotel in downtown Fort Wayne
Stay
Finally, you’ll need a place to rest your head after a weekend of fun. Whether you’re interested in staying near all of the NCAA action, exploring downtown Fort Wayne, or finding family-fun hotels with pools, we have the right hotel at the right price for you.
Start planning your visit now to experience all the basketball action in Fort Wayne this March!
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated. Last updated: March 2025
